6. No One Mess with The Red Witch

The feeling of the warm bath water washes away the dirty skin off me. After the talk with Cornelius, Francis ushered me to my room. It was late, and everyone was asleep. Grandfather wanted to surprise me on his birthday in front of everyone.

The reaction is what I'm anticipating, especially Rebecca.

As I bathed, I closed my eyes and recalled the stories about my grandmother, Seraphina, the Archmage of Whithold.

Grandfather continue to reminisce about their childhood together. Sera wasn't a beauty, as my Grandfather told me. She had a boyish look and always got into fights with other kids.

Grandfather would be her older brother and protect her. As many years went by, their friendship grew, even their appearances changed, and Cornelius fell in love with Sera.

But before Cornelius could confess to Sera, his brother made it difficult and made my grandmother leave the Rozen estate to become the most powerful mage.

Sera's reputation was known 50 years ago till this day. Her sacrifice saved the world. Cornelius said there is a statue of her in the center of the Capital to remember her and honor her death.

Before she vanished from the evil dragon, she told her Grandfather to protect her child, her daughter.

Her daughter, my mother.

In this Alice's memory that I've taken over after I open my eyes after my sudden death in my past life. My mother worked as a maid for the Rozen family and caught the eyes of the young duke before he took over.

After my mother gave birth to me, she passed away of childbirth. I was later raised as the illegitimate daughter of Victor Von Rozen. I was poorly treated by the maids given to me as they saw me as a pest rather than the lady of the house.

I've been serving poorly, and food always has a sour taste, as if someone put too much salt. I got used to the treatment when I reached the age of seven. That is when Cornelius and Victor returned from the barracks eliminating the monsters.

I remembered that day through this Alice's eyes.

Everyone was cheering and welcoming them back.

Lavender, Julian, and Rebecca were all waiting in front as I stayed behind in the shadows with a raggy old dress. As The Archduke and Duke arrived, the first thing Victor did was hugged his wife and children.

I stay silent, waiting for Victor to notice me. After all, my red hair is noticeable even in the shadows. When my father paid no mind, I was fully aware I wasn't necessary for his heart. Not even existed in his life.

At that age, I kept wondering why doesn't father love me as much as he loved his wife and two other children. Then at that moment, I remembered I was only a daughter of a lowly maid, and Victor had just had one of those days.

Standing alone and with no one caring, I decided to return to my room in the tower. But just before I could leave in sadness, a large shadow hovered over me, and in an instant, I was lifted off the ground easily like a doll and saw a face of a man who had been said to be the ruthless leader on the battlefield—a man who has a long scar across his right eye.

The man who people call the Tyrant Black Knight - is Cornelius Von Rozen.

And this man was smiling sp brightly and genuine as if I was the greatest treasure.

There was this bond between Cornelius and this Alice. I can see the memories Alice and Cornelius share were happiness. He was the only one, along with his trusted servants, who were friendly to Alice. Even when he found out about my mistreatment, I can recall that day when he demanded all the servants in front of the house line up. I saw the fear in their eyes as they stood before the main head of the house.

Cornelius fends off a terrifying aura, making everyone, especially my father, stepmother, and siblings, silent and afraid of speaking in front of him.

Before the interrogation, he did something I would have expected he would and had his men wipe the servants until they bled and begged for mercy. This Alice saw the whole thing and was scared to see how much the servants were suffering and wanted to stop. Luckily for them, Cornelius ceased the punishment and warned all never to mistreat the eldest Lady Rozen ever again.

Grandfather released them from their duty. Some were poorly injured, while others died after the tortured. After everyone had witnessed such horrifying, no one ever questioned him ever again. Grandfather hired new servants, but as it turns out, they were secretly recommended by Rebecca.

Because she is the legitimate daughter, she shines more than me.

At least I don't sleep in the tower anymore. After that day, I was given a large room and servants who just did their jobs without being treated poorly. My guess is they didn't want to receive the same punishment.

I dip down, keeping the water level above my lips, and inwardly sigh.

All of this Alice's memories are somewhat similar to my past life. I can not believe I must relive this pathetic life as the loser daughter.

Though, this time is different.

I'm not weak or scared of this new life.

This Alice's body has magic flowing through her veins. She never realized it until I overtook her body and became her.

I lift my hand above the water and summon the magic. Red light swirls in my hand, giving off a warm and tingling feeling as I think of my revenge plan.

"Miss Alice?" Knocks on the door made me hear Zayn on the other side as he piques himself in as I bathe. Red heat appears on his face. "I-I have your nightgown ready."

"Thank you, Zayn," tiling my head back on the rims of the bathtub. "I'm almost finished."

Zayn placed my nightgown on the chair nervously.

Seeing him blushing. This makes me want to tease him.

I sat straight up, having my bare back to him, and played with my wet hair giving him the view and positioning my body in a seductive pose. "Please give me a few minutes."

"As you wish," Zayn lowered his head and left quickly.

I giggle silently, not wanting his canine ears to catch on that I found it cute whenever he blushes.

Zayn may be younger than me, but his body has full-grown into maturity. Beastmen grows faster than an average human. Even if a beastman is fifteen, he can look like he is in their twenties.

Yes, Zayn has grown up to be a mature man but has a mind of a teenager.

His body has become even broader than before. Just the thought of him shirtless makes me blush. I've seen him shirtless sometimes but picturing his naked body makes my heart fluttered and cringy.

I shouldn't be thinking of this. I have no time for romance or having a lover at the moment. All my thoughts are revenge.

I slump and close my eyes before opening them as I realize. Zayn will be turning eighteen next month.

Wow, how time flies.

But before I can celebrate his birthday, I should focus on my pre-revenge reveal for tomorrow's birthday party.

I brush my hair back and pull on a menacing smile as the thought of Cornelius' birthday party is something I'm excited about.

I can't wait to show those people who I am.

I want them all to fear me. To show them that I'm someone who they shouldn't come across with.

I want to tell them not to be on my wrong side.

Finally, I want to see the look on Rebecca's stupid face that I'm alive and mad as hell.

Because no one mess with the Red Witch.