Chapter 1: Gold Spoon Experience (1)

The day I pulled two all-nighters to finish my final paper and collapsed into sleep. I’m convinced I didn’t just pass out. I had an out-of-body experience. 

Because now, I’ve clearly ended up in a completely unfamiliar world, inside someone else’s body.

“Young lady, shall I prepare your wash water?”

Not that I’m complaining. Waking up to find myself in a dream come true is pretty much winning the lottery.

I dipped my arm into a gilded washbasin and looked down at my hand with satisfaction. Pale and slender, with no trace of hard labor… ahh, this is it. This is the power of wealth!

“Where would you like to have your breakfast?”

“In the bedroom.”

The door opened, and a tray was brought in. I knew at first glance it was mine. Two fluffy slices of white bread, carrot cream soup, and a perfectly poached egg. An absolutely perfect sight I almost applauded.

“Shall I open the window for you?”

Outside, bright red roses were blooming in profusion. Their petals, glistening in the morning sun, fluttered in the breeze, filling the room with their vibrant scent. Nature’s own perfume.

I took a deep breath and felt fresh morning air fill my lungs. A late spring morning with no fine dust or yellow sand, waking up in a king-sized bed with a rose garden view and an attached sitting room. This level of luxury would be impossible even on an overseas hotel tour.

It was a moment that could’ve moved me to tears, but instead I just spooned the soup faster. It was so delicious that even the tears threatening to fall had to retreat.

“Will you be heading to the library again today?”

Now this… this is the best part.

“Yes.”

This body belonged to a rich and idle noblewoman! From what I’ve pieced together over the past week, she’s physically weak and has some chronic illness, so she rarely goes outside.

What? You think a reclusive life without smartphones or the internet sounds boring?

Nope. If you’ve got money, it’s absolute bliss.

Let’s head to the library first.

The library in this house is more like a private archive. The sheer number of books is overwhelming. Everything is so well organized that it’s easy to find exactly what I want.

And since the library is so large, it’s not just filled with dry classics and academic texts. There are all kinds of publications: magazines, adventure novels, romance novels, you name it! …Actually, there are some racy novels too, and I’ve been reading those a lot lately. Hehehe…

Apparently, I can even place special orders if I run out, though I haven’t tried that yet.

Anyway, I spent the whole day holed up in the library reading all kinds of pulp fiction. At lunchtime, food gets delivered right to me. Sigh… I savored life’s beauty while tearing into a duck leg. I don’t know what they did to season it, but with every bite, the juices and fat exploded like fireworks in my mouth. The meat was so tender, it slid down my throat without a single tough tendon.

I probably could eat the bones too, but I held back. Last time I tried, one of the staff walked in and it got really awkward…

“It’s time for your walk, young lady.”

After lunch and a bit more reading, it’s ‘walk time’. I’d throw on a shawl or something and take a stroll around the rose garden out front, and this place is no joke. It’s so huge that I’m still not sure I’ve seen all of it! Walking among shrubs taller than me and roses in full bloom along the path felt like I’d stepped into a paid-entry European castle.

Oh! Today’s route passes by the fountain with the knight statue. I watched with contentment as water sprayed from the knight’s helmet, which was raised toward the sky in a dramatic pose. The blue sky, the white marble fountain, and the red rose petals floating on the water made for a truly picturesque scene.

By the time the walk is over, my stomach’s settled enough for dinner, and then I get summoned again.

“Did you have a pleasant day?”

“Yes, Mother.”

“Yes!”

Dinner appears to be a family affair. A stunning red-haired beauty who I’m guessing is my mother sits at the head of the table. Her looks are unreal. If she lived in 21st-century Korea, she’d get scouted by talent agencies with every step she took in Seoul.

Across from me sits a girl who seems to be about my age, probably my older sister. She’s also red-haired, though not quite as stunning as our mother. But her freckled white face and gently downturned eyes have a charming, idol-like appeal.

“Well then, let’s enjoy our meal.”

Yes!! As the woman (presumed mother) raised her knife, I hurriedly lifted mine too.

Dinner was a perfectly grilled, thick-cut steak. The meat right next to the long, hefty bone was insanely flavorful, so good, I wanted to gnaw it clean. I ignored the pile of greens on the side and focused entirely on the meat.

The only tragic thing? My presumed sister didn’t even touch her steak. She just nibbled at the greens.

How could she not take a single bite of something this good? Maybe she can’t digest meat well? Or is she a vegetarian? Now that I think about it, I don’t think I’ve seen her eat any meat over the past week. Well, everyone has their own beliefs and preferences, and of course, I respect that. Ahem. I eyed the untouched steak with longing but couldn’t bring myself to ask for it.

“Thank you for the wonderful meal. Let’s meet again with smiles tomorrow.”

“Thank you for the meal.”

“Thank you for the meal…!”

My response came from the bottom of my heart. I tried to suppress the emotion welling up in my face. Even the vanilla ice cream dessert was perfect…!

After dinner, I retreat to a private multi-purpose room connected to my bedroom, where I listen to music, do some embroidery, or browse catalogs for shopping. Clothes and accessories abound, but there are also snacks, dolls, even furniture. I sit there grinning like an idiot, and before I know it, bedtime rolls around again.

“Shall we prepare your bed, young lady?”

Then they bring in a warm, squishy hot water bottle, set up a washbasin, brush my hair, and help me change into my nightwear! Ahh! They even clean up the record player and catalog-strewn table swiftly and silently. This is what true service feels like. It’s been a week, and every day still feels like I’m living in a five-star hotel.

Once the aroma candles are lit and the attendants leave, I drift off to sleep surrounded by the scents of herbs, apples, and roses.

Phew. Another perfect day with no homework, no part-time job, and no student loans. Out-of-body experiences are the best!

* * *

〈Workplace Guidelines for Staff of the Rosevine Manor〉

Receiving this letter signifies that you have met all the conditions we require.

Before beginning your first day of work, there are essential employment regulations you must be fully familiar with. These have been compiled into a set of cards included in this envelope, along with a confirmation form.

Failure to submit the confirmation form within fifteen days will result in the immediate cancellation of your employment offer and retrieval of this letter.

The employer is not liable for any consequences resulting from a violation of these regulations.

Workplace Guidelines

1. All staff must wear the provided uniform during working hours.

2. All food consumption and cooking, including meals, are permitted only in the staff quarters.

* * *

I had a nightmare last night. I dreamt that the report I’d pulled an all-nighter to finish had gotten corrupted by a file error, and the TA called to tell me it wouldn’t open.

But as soon as I saw the breakfast tray, everything felt okay again! I don’t have to write any more reports now anyway! Hahaha!

…Wait, what if I wake up again back in my one-room studio in Gosi Village, still a super senior in college? Please no. Please let this be real…

“Today is the day Lord Moore is scheduled to visit. I’ll guide you to the drawing room.”

Lord… Moore? I stared blankly at the person speaking. They looked back at me like it was only natural I’d recognize the name. Not wanting to give myself away, I just smiled and nodded.