Unfortunately, today’s nightmare was about drowning by the water’s edge, making it uncomfortable to go near the water. However, because of the visibly excited Marquis, Lena couldn’t bring herself to say that she didn’t want to go.

‘It’s just a dream.’

There’s a saying that dreams are the opposite of reality.

It was just a nightmare about falling into the water; there wouldn’t be any deeper meaning.

“I’ve always wanted to go to the lake with you. I wanted to show you how beautiful it is, Lena. But you are more important.”

“Oh no, whenever the Marquis talked about that place, I wanted to go see it too. It seemed like a beautiful place.”

Bellagé nodded in agreement with Lena’s firm attitude.

“But if you feel even a little uncomfortable, please let me know.”

“Yes, I understand.”
The lake at the eastern end of the estate was only about a 30-minute carriage ride from the mansion.

The cool breeze from the lake swept through the hair of the two people who had just gotten off the carriage.

“It’s been a long time.”

“How long has it been since you last came?”

“Well… I think it’s been about 18 years.”

The Marquis replied with a bitter smile.

“Well, shall we go?”

“Yes.”

Bellagé extended his hand, and Lena took it.

Being one of the most beautiful places in the Denamis estate, there were quite a few people passing by on the promenade leading to the lake.

“There used to be no promenade like this. However, as more visitors started coming here, they created the promenade.”

It was said that the Denamis Jax family, now struggling after losing their magic, was living off the tourism income from Lake Pantecis. It was the late Marquis who suggested developing this place into a tourist attraction.

As the two walked towards the lake, listening to the rustling of the wind and the sound of leaves, they reached the lake.

When they reached the lake, Lena’s footsteps slowed down due to a strange sensation.

‘What’s going on?’

It happened at the Denamis Mansion, and now it’s happening at the lake. Lena, who had become irritated by the recurring sensation, furrowed her brow.

“Why is that?”

Bellagé asked suddenly as Lena’s steps slowed down, wondering if something was wrong.

“…No, it’s nothing.”

For some reason, the scenery felt familiar. Even though she was supposedly coming here for the first time. Why…

When Lena was tilting her head at the inexplicable feeling, the clear lake surrounded by vibrant red autumn leaves came into view.

The view was breathtaking enough for everyone on the promenade to admire while strolling along the lake.

However…

‘What is this, exactly…’

Lena’s expression stiffened as she looked at the lake.

It was so identical to the landscape in her dream.

Perhaps the nightmare she had dreamed of at dawn was coming back to life. In the face of the unexplained uneasiness, she took a step back.

“Lena?”

As she took a few steps back, her back touched Bellagé’s chest.

“Why are you acting like this?”

Seeing Lena’s contemplative face, Bellagé met her gaze with a serious expression.

“Is it because I’m not feeling well? If it’s too much for me, we can go back to the mansion right now.”

“No, it’s not that. I just…”

Lena carefully examined each detail to see if there was any difference from the lake in her dream. Except for the addition of a promenade and benches, making it more accessible for tourists, she couldn’t find any significant differences.

“…I just felt a bit dizzy. If I sit on the bench for a moment, it should be fine.”

Supported by the Marquis, whose body was gently trembling, Lena took a seat on a bench near the lake.
The place she sat was an area without a fence, allowing a close view of the lake.

Bellagé looked at Lena with a worried expression.

“Are you really okay? Just sit here for a moment. I’ll go get some water for you.”

“Yes, thank you.”

After that, he immediately turned and walked to another place.

Lena, who silently observed Bellagé’s retreating figure, turned her gaze back to the lake. Trying to calm her confused mind, she breathed slowly and quietly murmured to herself.

“…It’s just a coincidence.”

What difference could it make to the lake’s scenery?

The view with trees by the water’s edge would likely be the same. Thinking it was just a groundless illusion caused by the vivid dream from yesterday, she scolded herself.

As Lena, who had somewhat relaxed, leaned on the bench, waiting for Bellagé, a red balloon passed by her.

‘Balloons…?’

Curious about what was happening, she turned around, and there, a child seemed to have lost a balloon and was crying sadly.

The balloon that was once in the child’s hand was now caught on a branch near the lakeside. Watching it intently, Lena took a step forward.

Approaching the tree where the balloon was entangled, Lena reached up and picked up the balloon with the tips of her fingers. And just as she turned around to hand it over to the child.

‘Huh?’

Her body began to tilt.

Why did she do that?

Normally, she wouldn’t even have thought of retrieving a balloon caught in a tree branch.

Why did she specifically want to retrieve that balloon?

Before her body could react, Lena fell into the lake below, and the loud splashing sound echoed along the lakeside.

‘Somehow…’

As Lena, submerged underwater, heard people’s screams echoing in her ears like a deafening roar.

‘Today’s dream was rather fierce.’

It might be a premonition rather than a nightmare after all.