TRYSMYEH | CH 02

Chapter 2. Ailish Tombritch

Ailish Tombritch was the third name I had acquired.

My first name was Elia Nardbrown. I was the only heir to the Nardbrown family since birth. Why? Because my life began with misfortune. I lost my parents shortly after I was born. It wasn’t until I could walk that I saw their portraits.

Misfortune and fortune are two sides of the same coin. In my life, they balanced each other out, so the total sum was zero. If my parents’ death was misfortune, my fortune was that the Emperor, a loyal ally of the Nardbrown family, never forgot about us. Additionally, since I was the Emperor’s niece, I was well cared for.

The Emperor protected me and made sure I was raised with the right education, appointed officials, and lawyers. Perhaps the Emperor needed the Nardbrown name, as we were one of his strongest allies.

The second name I had was Elia Cloveus. My marriage to Duke Cloveus was a political one. 

The Emperor, feeling sorry for the orphaned daughter of a late loyal subject, arranged the marriage for me.

That was when I realized I had no more attachments. I was just playing my part in the royal family’s politics. I would adapt to my new life with Cloveus, though there was something that made me hesitate.

Then, I heard a voice. A very young voice, perhaps from a teenager. Was someone else here? I looked around. There was only the Emperor and Empress, surrounded by crying maidservants.

I quickly turned my head. “Ailish…?” I heard a scream. It was a ghost, staring at me with wide eyes.

As a result, I had the most luxurious wedding with Duke Cloveus. If my marriage was misfortune, then Julia was the good part of it. And, once again, fortune and misfortune appeared in my life like two sides of the same coin.

Then, I had an accident, and I died. But I came back as Ailish Tombritch.

Now, I was face-to-face with the Emperor and Empress, who had become my parents. After I regained consciousness, I had to make sense of everything that happened. I had been unconscious for so long, and now, I found myself in their presence.

I remained calm, though my head was still a little foggy. I thought it might be difficult to meet Julia in this situation.

Whatever the Emperor and Empress said, I wasn’t really paying attention. I couldn’t ask about the heir of the Cloveus family right away.

I could claim to be Elia here, but no one would believe me.

My heart started racing with anxiety.

“My daughter… are you alright? Do you recognize us?” the Emperor asked, holding my hand, while the Empress sobbed.

What should I say? I couldn’t feel what they were feeling. After all, I was an orphan who lost my parents a long time ago. It was such an unfamiliar feeling.

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. Just then, I heard a loud scream.

“Ailish!! My dear!”

The Empress’s face was the last thing I saw before I lost consciousness.

* * *

I woke up a full day later. The Emperor and Empress were frantic, worrying I might never wake up again. As a result, all the royal physicians had gathered around me.

“Your Highness, are you alright?” one of them asked, urgently.

I blinked and responded, “I’m fine. It was nothing.”

As I tried to sit up, I saw a white ghost peeking down at me. Its long hair stretched down, and its large, white eyes stared at me in fear.

I quickly suppressed the scream that wanted to escape.

Why was the ghost scared? Shouldn’t I be the one scared? Was I really seeing a ghost? Oh no…

“Your Highness, if you feel uncomfortable, please let us know,” the doctor said.

“I’m fine. I just thought I saw something, but it’s nothing,” I replied quickly, shaking my head and trying to sit up.

Then, the ghost spoke again, [Can you see me?]

I stared at the ghost. It seemed to be curious about me, though it was still keeping its distance. I realized—it was Ailish. The real owner of this body.

“Yes, I can see you. Are you Princess Ailish?” I asked.

[Oh, so you’re not completely clueless.]

The ghost, now looking annoyed, sighed dramatically. It was Ailish, the youngest princess, who had been adored by everyone. The Emperor had taken great care of her, which was natural since she had fallen into a coma for years.

I took a moment to observe her. Why was she a ghost? What had happened to her?

The room she was in felt cold and empty. It didn’t seem like a room for a princess. There were no decorations or warm colors, just a heavy and somber atmosphere. It seemed like Ailish was cautious and serious before her fall.

[At least you seem like you can talk. What’s your name?]

Even as a ghost, she carried herself with the dignity of royalty.

“Elia,” I said.

[Elia?] Ailish tilted her head, puzzled.

I explained, “I am Elia Nardbrown.”

[Ah, the ghost of Nardbrown…]

Ailish muttered under her breath, glancing at me. I understood what she meant. People had called me the ghost of Nardbrown. I was seen as the tragic heir who survived, a ghost living in the golden palace.

From a young age, I disliked socializing. I preferred reading books to mingling in high society.

I shook my head. “It’s fine, Your Highness.”

Ailish raised an eyebrow and asked, [So, what’s your story?]

I sighed. “I’m now Elia Cloveus. I married Duke Cloveus.”

[Marriage? With Duke Cloveus?] Ailish asked, clearly surprised.

“Yes, that’s right,” I answered.

[Well, I’ve been lying here for about five years, so I guess it makes sense. How was your marriage? I can’t believe Duke Cloveus would marry.]

Marriage with Duke Cloveus? The thought made me uncomfortable. My marriage had been far from smooth.

There had been many suitors who tried to marry me for Nardbrown’s wealth. But the Emperor had chosen Duke Cloveus. Now, he was my ex-husband.

I couldn’t help but think back on that marriage.

It had been a grave.