Aneria woke up early the next morning, sunlight slipping through the curtains and warming her face. She stretched lazily, her small five-year-old body filled with a very adult determination.
Today she was starting the first step of her masterplan—
changing Ian's tragic future.
But to do that, she needed power.
To gain power, she needed influence.
To gain influence…
She needed money.
Even though she had been unemployed in her previous life, she had studied economics AND basic medicine under her grandparents. In this world, that made her the closest thing to a five-year-old business prodigy.
She sat up, nodding to herself.
"Step one: make money. Step two: invest in future geniuses. Step three: protect Ian."
Sasha, her nanny, peeked into the room.
"My lady… why do you look like you're plotting to conquer a kingdom?"
Aneria cleared her throat. "I'm thinking… about bread."
Totally not capitalism.
After getting dressed, Sasha took her to the city market—supposedly for groceries. Aneria had already told her she wanted to "look around," but in truth, she was on a mission: to find people who would become big names in the future novel timeline.
The market was bustling—vendors shouting, meat sizzling, spices filling the air—but Aneria's eyes scanned with laser focus.
Then she saw him.
A man in his early twenties, dark hair tied loosely, sitting in front of a tiny art stall. His paintings were breathtaking—soft colours, gentle lines, emotions woven into every stroke. But no customers were stopping.
Aneria recognized him immediately from the novel.
Aneria marched toward the little art stall like a tiny general. Sasha hurried behind her, whispering prayers.
Rian looked up when her small hands slapped the wooden table with the authority of a five-year-old emperor.
"These are amazing," she declared.
Rian blinked. "Ah… thank you, little miss."
"No, you don't understand." Aneria leaned in seriously.
"These paintings are so good they make my heart feel things."
Rian froze.
Sasha froze.
Aneria continued, completely unbothered.
"It's a crime that nobody is lined up here. If this world had good taste, you'd have crowds."
Rian laughed softly—almost shyly.
"You have a very loyal heart."
"I only support masterpieces," she said proudly.
She picked up a painting of a sunrise—soft gold and pale blue.
"It's warm. Like hope."
Rian's eyes widened ever so slightly.
"…That's exactly what I wanted to capture."
Aneria lifted her chin. "You succeeded."
She placed coins on the table.
"Take it. And keep painting. Don't stop."
Rian shook his head. "This is too much for a child—"
"Not for investment," she said firmly.
He blinked. "In… investment?"
Aneria nodded like a wise sage.
"One day, your name will be spoken with admiration. People will fight to own your work."
She met his eyes.
"So don't doubt yourself. You have something beautiful in you. Something the world needs."
For a moment, Rian didn't breathe.
His hand trembled. His eyes softened, touched down to his bones.
"…My name is Rian Larcen," he said finally, voice low and sincere.
"And I… I hope you'll take care of me in the future, my lady."
Aneria smiled like sunlight.
"I already am."
Rian lowered his head respectfully.
"Then… I will try my very best not to disappoint the little lady who believed in me first."
Sasha wiped a sudden tear. "My lady… you're five… how can you speak like this…"
Aneria ignored her, proudly lifting her painting.
Investment #1: secured. Future genius saved.
After finishing her heroic mission, she and Sasha walked back toward the estate. Aneria skipped through the doorway—
Only to feel someone bump into her.
A small hooded girl.
Same age.
Quick hands—too quick.
A tug.
Aneria's pouch was gone.
The girl sprinted into the street before Sasha could react.
Sasha gasped. "My lady—!"
Aneria didn't move.
She stared at the shadowy figure disappearing around the corner…
A slow smile spread on her face.
Well… this just got interesting.
And just like that—
Her peaceful money-making day turned into the start of a brand-new mystery.
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