Chapter 1

<p><br/>Coldness enveloped the street, rain cascading in steady sheets, and the dim lights flickered like distant stars. I stood alone in the corner, my wet hair obscuring my vision as I looked down at the pavement.<br/><br/>Around me lay bodies, blood pooling on the ground. I gripped the knife in my hand, slick with crimson, my heart heavy with the weight of what I had done. I glanced up at the night sky, rain mingling with the tears on my face, and slowly closed my eyes.<br/><br/>I was tired. I didn't want to do this anymore.<br/><br/>The raindrops continued to fall, bringing me back to the moment. I opened my eyes and turned away, beginning the long walk home.<br/><br/>My apartment was small and simple, a stark contrast to the life I led as an assassin. I earned a lot of money, but I preferred the quiet solitude of my modest living space.<br/><br/>Once home, I took a quick shower to wash away the night's horrors, changing into comfortable clothes. After a moment of respite, I retreated to my room to indulge in my favorite manga.<br/><br/>Yes, I may be an assassin, but I'm also an otaku! My favorite manga is a romance shoujo titled "Arranged Marriage with the Second Prince."<br/><br/>The story follows the daughter of a marquess who suddenly finds herself engaged to the second prince, despite never having met him. She's beautiful, smart, and talented, but lacks a strong aptitude for magic. Most of the narrative unfolds at the Royal Academy.<br/><br/>What draws me to this manga isn't the main character, but Aria Williams, the protagonist's rival. The main character has many rivals, typical of a reverse harem, but for me, Aria is the standout.<br/><br/>I sighed, closing the book as I glanced at the clock. "Oh... It's already 5 AM?"<br/><br/>Feeling drowsy, I decided to close my eyes and sleep.<br/><br/>Suddenly, I heard a faint voice.<br/><br/>"Hayden! Hayden! Wake up!"<br/><br/>Groaning, I blinked slowly, my vision still blurry. A girl was shaking me, her face coming into focus.<br/><br/>She wore a Victorian maid outfit, her braided brown hair framing her face. With light green eyes, she looked to be around 15 or 16 years old. "H-huh? Who are you? W-where am I?" I stammered, glancing around. I was leaning against a tree, disoriented.<br/><br/>Before me stood a grand house—a mansion, not too far away.<br/><br/>"E-eh?..." The girl stared at me, her expression a mix of confusion and disbelief. I tilted my head, mirroring her confusion.<br/><br/>After a moment, she shook her head and regained her composure. "Are you serious, or are you just pranking me? It's not funny, Hayden."<br/><br/>I frowned, searching her eyes for sincerity. "Does it look like I'm joking?" Her eyes widened slightly, taken aback.<br/><br/>Clearing her throat, she introduced herself. "I'm Emily. You're currently at the estate of the Williams family."<br/><br/>I raised an eyebrow. "Williams...?"<br/><br/>She nodded. "Yes. You're in the estate of Duke Owen Williams. I'm Aria-sama's personal maid, and you are her personal butler."<br/><br/>Shock coursed through me, and I stared at her, speechless. It seemed I had somehow reincarnated into my favorite manga.<br/><br/></p>