Accept My Dominance, My King

THE HALLWAY was buzzing. Talia knew the hallways were always rowdy, but not to this extent. Something must be on with the social gossip. She thought that maybe there was a desirable piece of a man who was transferring; she hoped it was the case.

Social gossip was the portal to know who was in and out. After hard work, Talia ruled her small kingdom named Saint Martin High. She's at the peak of her youth. What more could she ask?

Well, maybe a boyfriend.

She's turning seventeen, but she's still the 'flirt to make out,' not the 'flirt to get laid.'

A blueeyed brunette came trotting into the classroom. Talia and the newly arrived brunette were a couple of minutes early for class. One thing about Talia was she might rule the entire High School, but she also excelled in academics. She was aiming to be her year's valedictorian. And the one that just came in was her notsosinceresocalledBFF, Gemini. Talia knew that she was a twofaced hypocrite, but they benefited each other, so she let it be.

"What's with the fuss?" Talia asked Gemini since the latter was the fastest gossip informant in their school.

Gemini slumped onto her seat. "Netflix just announced to stop the franchise of my fave series." Her gloomy mood was reflected in her crystal blue eyes.

A knot lodged in between her perfectly carved eyebrows. "Which one?"

With her question, Gemini's shrilling voice resonated inside the room as she stood like a mother hen, ready to attack her. "Which one? The series with the gorgeous edible men, Thorny Crown! Jesus, Talia! Do you live in a cave?"

Oh, that one.

"Yeah yeah."

Still, Talia did not care about the story. The final season, the seventh one, was what Gemini was talking about.

Talia placed her chin atop her palm, her elbow resting on her desk. "Why's that?"

"The last book is yet to be released in the market or any publishing house. So when the writer died in the fire accident last week, the book perished along with it."

Talia, who was not familiar with the writing industry, muttered a question under her breath as if she was talking to herself. "Can't any writer create the last book?"

"Of course not! It wouldn't be the same."

Talia inwardly rolled her eyes. The only reason Gemini loved the said series was because of the male leads that were genuinely droolworthy. She changed the topic to lighten up Gemini's mood.

Wriggling her eyebrows, Talia flipped her hair. "Dion invited the entire cheerleading squad this time. Well, she invited the entire football team first. You coming with me?"

Gemini immediately perked up at the mention of the upcoming frat party. The frat party would be the most prominent event right before homecoming, so everyone wanted to be invited. Unfortunately, the wealthy and picky Dion Lockhart chooses only the best of the best. Anyone asked in the said party would have a boost in social standing for sure. And when anyone was talking about the best of the best, that would mean her – Queen Bee Talia of Saint Martin High.

"Hell, yeah. You got a date, Talia? What about Jake?"

Jake was the team captain of the football team. He's also Gemini's apple of the eye.

Checking her hails, Talia gestured to Gemini. "You can date him. I'll go solo and see it from there if I can see some chocolate man. You know what I mean."

"Ooh. I am looking forward to this party."

THE LAST thing that Talia remembered was the headlights dashing towards them along with the screeching sound of wheels, and then it turned into darkness. No, it turned into nothing. She couldn't see anything, neither hear nor feel anything.

"Am I dead or dying?" Talia knew she spoke, but she couldn't hear her own words. She flailed her limbs, but she couldn't feel anything. Everything felt cold and void.

Talia surrendered herself to the darkness. She hoped everything would be a dream, and when she woke up – she would be beside a hot tattooed guy and naked. But no matter how many times she closed and opened her eyes, she was still there.

Damn. So much for a hot tattooed guy and his naked butt, huh.

"Please. Someone. Help me," Talia somberly whispered to the nothingness that whipped her ever since she regained consciousness. She hoped that someone would hear her plea. But no one did.

Without knowing, tears fell. Talia shouldn't have attended that blasted frat party! She's very sure that she was sober when she was driving. That stupid car crossed the fucking lane and caused her death!

No way!

She died without even putting in a fight! She should have at least thrown her stilettos to the other driver's head.

"Child. Are you hurt?" A calm and warm voice stopped her weeping frenzy. Talia took a peek and was almost blinded by the light just by looking at someone's silhouette.

No shit, Sherlock.

Her senses that she thought she lost came back. The oncedark pit became a vast flower field with an amazingly clear blue sky above her. And the figure that approached her just watched her reactions unfold.

"I'm dead." Realization dawned upon Talia, and the only conclusion she could come up with was that the person before her was her angel. Talia continued, "So is this it? The heaven that my mother spoke of?"

The figure smiled knowingly. "No, Talia. This is the bridge to all the Realms. You are here because of the wishes of different people and because someone wants to meet you."

Yep, I'm dead. Talia thought.

"As you can see, my favorite soul died suddenly. But he carried a heavy burden. Also, he could not pass in peace unless we would answer the desperate pleas he heard." The figure paused and sighed before he continued, "Ironically, this person's wish coincides with yours. The moment you drew your last breath, you wished for a second chance to live. That person also wished to be given a second chance, not to live, but to correct his decisions."

Huh? Talia couldn't understand what this angelic person was blabbering about. Was it the roundabout way to tell her she was dead?

The angelic person laughed heartily that it startled the surrounding petals, creating a whirlwind of petals that seemed to sway around Talia. It was as if this person was one with the place.

"You will understand everything in due time, Talia. Before I bid my farewell to you, another soul wanted to tell you something before she passes to the spiritual realm." The angelic person snapped her fingers, and a silhouette of another person appeared before her. It was a smoky appearance, but Talia could still see the soul's features.

An oddly familiar golden hair and ruby eyes of a young woman appeared before Talia. The soul was smiling sadly before her. "Live splendidly. If it is someone like you, I am sure you can do it. Save them. Those people died in vain. And do not lose yourself."

"What?" Talia could not understand the soul before her.

Save who? How can I save someone when I'm dead, anyway?

The soul just smiled as its smoky appearance scattered into the wind – her ruby eyes still gazing at Talia with sadness and gratefulness. Though not knowing the soul before her, Talia felt a wave of heavy emotion in her, an immense feeling of betrayal and frustration. She clutched her chest as a lone tear slipped from her.

What the?

She couldn't hear the last words that the soul whispered. One thing was for sure, the look when the soul closed her eyes, Talia saw the tranquility in it. The soul was at peace.

"Now, Talia. It is time for you to wake up and live your life the second time around. And remember, Gaia, blessed you." With the angelic person's hand wave, Talia felt herself float.

LIKE A person deprived of air for a long time, Talia woke up in that state. She was catching her breath as everything around her was a blur except the familiar flower field drawn on her canopy.

Wait. When did I have that canopy? No shit. I don't have a top in my room, just a ceiling with stardust designs. Where the fuck am I?

"Lady Victoria? Lady Victoria? The doctor is coming." A frantic voice snapped her from reverie, and the next thing she saw, a brunette with chocolate eyes and freckles around her button nose while wearing a maid uniform was hovering over her body.

She opened her mouth to speak, but her throat was scratchy.

How long am I asleep, anyway? Where's my mom? Wait, what? Lady Victoria? Who's that?

"Water," she spoke in a raspy voice. Her voice was a little different. It was velvety, even with a scratchy throat.

Is this the result of my accident?

"Where am I?"

The shock and horror reflected on the woman with a maid's uniform were so clear that Talia wanted to laugh. "You're in your room inside the estate of the Duke of Rozenreff, Lady Victoria."

Rozenreff?Why is it familiar to me as if I have heard it countless times already?

Talia froze when she realized why the name Rozenreff was familiar. She heard it countless times while watching the Thorny Crown! Talia briskly sat up even when her body protested. She had to confirm something.

"Hey, you. What's your name?" Talia nudged her head towards the maid as she tried to stand up to look for a mirror. She needed to confirm something – anything.

"Me? My lady?"

Talia rolled her eyes at the woman's stupid question. "Who else am I talking to?"

"II'm your personal maid Lillian, but you called me–"

"Lily," Talia continued. Like from the Netflix Series that she had watched.

Lily's face beamed when she mentioned her name. Talia knew her too well. She was the only loyal person to Victoria Rozenreff until they executed the latter.

Talia spotted a bodysized mirror near her dresser. Slowly but surely, she walked toward her new reality. When she was right before the mirror, the same image of the soul she spoke to in her dreams stood before her—golden ringlets paired with the coldest ruby eyes. The only difference was the body size. The woman in her dream was older. But the image before Talia was younger.

"Lily, how old am I?"

"Sixteen years old, my lady."

Talia touched her reflection.

So this is what they meant in my dream. I became a villainess in a popular Netflix Series, which will later die when I reach the age of eighteen at the hands of the crown prince, the male lead of this story! Fucking unbelievable!

Wait.

Talia stopped panicking when she realized something off. The official plot of the story started when the female lead met the male lead at a banquet when they were eighteen years old! She still had two years to change her coming death!

Just like in my dream, I am a blessed child of Gaia.

Sabina, the female lead. Ha! That bitch!

"Lily, what happened to me?"

Worry came back on Lily's face, but she answered her. "You fell to the stairs when you tried to push Lady Sabina, my lady."

Her eyebrow shot up immediately.

It looks like Sabina manipulated the scene, making me, Victoria, the culprit again. Because this is before the plot started, I don't know the happenings of this time. But hell will freeze over before I let you win again, Sabina dear.

THORNY CROWN, a Netflix adaptation of the equally famous novel of this series. The author of this novel series died a week before Talia died in that world. And now, she’s inside the popular Netflix series, “Thorny Crown.” Talia couldn’t believe that the actress who acted as Lady Victoria in the Netflix adaptation would fail compared to the real deal, even if how many times she would stare at her new body.

So I should stop referring to myself as Talia, huh? Despite that, the honest Victoria told me not to lose myself. Then, I will use my experiences as Talia to live splendidly as the reborn Lady Victoria, who will also crush Sabina to bits.

“Victoria is oldfashioned. Hmm. Lily!”

Her maid stepped forward from standing on the sidelines. The others who were not called stayed at the corner. She did not miss one particular maid, auburn Ccut hair with stupid yet greedy cobalt eyes, Mia. She was the downfall of the original Victoria since this Miamutt was a spy sent by Sabina, her dearest halfsister. She particularly hated this one since Victoria truly trusted this mutt until they executed her. The original Victoria saw how this mutt laughed secretly together with Sabina.

“Yes, Lady Victoria?”

“I implore you to call me Tori from now on and not Victoria. It should be Lady Tori. Do not make me repeat this, so pass it along with the other handmaidens.”

Though Tori could see the bewilderment on Lily’s face, the latter did not dare question her. “Understood, Lady Tori.” Lily politely bowed before passing her order to the rest of her handmaidens. She knew that her new nickname would reach all the servants in this household by evening.

“Now, leave me alone. The doctor told me to rest, so rest I shall do.”

She could sense the icy gaze among the maids that exited the room after showing her common courtesy by bowing their heads. Lily remained to check everything before reminding her she was only one call away.

Talia, now Tori, immediately sat in front of her study table. She looked for some parchment and a quill and started writing the focal points of this Netflix series. While writing, she used coded symbols as she was wary of the Miamutt spilling these goods to Sabina.

Better safe than sorry.

“Victoria!”

“Sister!”

This is one of the insecurities of this maggot which will be revealed when they execute Victoria.

Tori’s handmaidens came in after the two, along with the butler and the handmaidens of Sabina. Sabina’s handmaidens, especially her maid, Shena, threw icy glares at Tori. Unlike before when Victoria would throw a tantrum at her father for bringing Sabina along, Tori calmly faced the two with a warm smile on her face – a perfect display of a noble’s elegance.

“Thank you for visiting me, father, sister. Please have a seat. Lily, prepare me a chamomile tea.”

“Yes, Lady Tori.”

Tori noticeably saw her father, Duke Luwen Rozenreff, arched his brows at how her maid addressed her. Sabina, for a split second, arched her brow too.

They genuinely are a son and daughter pair.

The duke waved his hand dismissively. “There’s no need. I came here to ask why you pushed Sabina, Victoria. It’s been two years since your sister stayed here in the manor. You should mature and welcome the changes. It is good that Sabina understood your complex predicament.”

Sabina gasped like a vulnerable child from their father’s father on cue. “I understand my sister’s flaws–“

The look of disbelief flashed on the intruders’ faces.

Tori continued, “I know you are not yet accustomed to being a noble lady. After all, you’re a commoner all your life. Worry not, my dearest sister. I, Victoria, will help you with everything in me to help you become a true, noble lady.” The sincerity in Tori’s voice moved everyone except Sabina, Shena, and Mia.

Tori gently let go of Sabina’s hands.

“Oh, Lady Victoria saved our Lady Sabina!”

“Lady Victoria sacrificed her health to amend all their misunderstandings.”

“Lady Victoria is so kind. She truly changed for the better.”

“What happened to Lady Victoria? It’s like she’s a new person?”

The whispers from Sabina’s handmaidens made Tori mentally smirk at Sabina, who was busy maintaining her smiling face despite the unexpected turn of events.

“Then, there is nothing more to discuss. I apologize for barging here without analyzing another scenario that might have happened. Get well soon, Victoria.” Her father leaned forward and kissed her hair, which shocked Tori momentarily before she replied with a quick hug to her father.

It was new to her who grew up without a father like Talia. But she could not let her past affect her survival plans, not when she was interacting with the female lead of the Thorny Crown Netflix series.

Sabina, who was busy maintaining her saintly façade, trotted with their father as if his ass was burning – too angry to stick with Victoria. “I’m going with you, father. And II’m sorry for the misunderstanding, Victoria.” Though smiling, Sabina’s eyes were gleaming with malice.

Tori answered her malicious look with equal fervent, hiding behind the pretext of a soft voice and a smiling face. “You can call me Tori. I have a feeling we’ll be much closer to each other.”

Sabina just replied with a forced smile before exiting with her father. Sabina’s handmaidens followed suit. With a soft thud, the doors of her chambers closed.

“Leave the tea, Lily. And leave me alone for a while. I’ll cherish the moment I had with my family. You know how much I love them.” Tori sweetly smiled at Lily, which was also clearly heard by her handmaidens. They silently left her room. And when she knew she was finally alone, she couldn’t help but laugh.

WHAT A SIGHT TO behold. How does it feel, Sabina, to get trapped with your plan? How does it feel to be reminded of your filthy origins? Don’t forget, Sabina. I am the legitimate daughter of this household. I think it is time to put you in your place.

Sabina’s saintly attitude, if that gave you an advantage against Victoria before then, I will use that as your disadvantage this time around.

Tori remembered the real Victoria’s soul and her last lingering emotions displayed in the depths of her ruby eyes. The pain of betrayal from her family and household. The pain of frustration from being unable to do anything, even if she knew she was innocent. And the pain of dying at the hands of someone she dearly loved.

That bastard male crown prince! I will live, and I will change the fate of Lady Victoria Rozenreff.

To accomplish her plans, she needed to remember the critical events of this story, starting from Season 1, in which Sabina joined the high society. The saintly female lead of the series targeted the Marchioness Susana of House Helios as her sponsor for her comingofage ceremony. Sabina used the sympathy that she made up and manipulated Victoria to gain favor from the noble ladies.

That conniving wench!

Two years before the plot started, she had to earn as much power and connections. One thing that she wondered when she was still Talia and while watching the Netflix Series was why Victoria didn’t reach the favor of the elusive Duchess of Castaña Dukedom.

There were only two ducal houses in this empire. In terms of power and wealth, these two ducal houses were directly below the Imperial Family of the Eckrett Empire. Next to them were the Marquis Houses of Zoliel and Florentia, followed by the Houses of Count Helios and Count Lariat, then the Houses of Baron Vida, Baron Harum, and Baron Quadrat.

Sabina earned the sponsorship from the Marquis House of Zoliel through the Marchioness before, and Tori bet that that’s what Sabina was still aiming for this time. Now, Tori needed the support of House Castaña for her sponsorship and to place a firm foundation in the High Society. But it would also be splendid if Tori could earn the favor of the Marchioness. She wanted to see Sabina’s reaction when that time would come.

From a separate parchment, she drafted the other second male leads. These two were the significant factors why they executed Victoria. They firmly pushed the ‘befitting’ punishment for the villainess who tormented their saintly love interest.

Saint my ass. I’ll come back to you guys when the right time comes, especially that certain someone.

Now, she needed to change the tides of favor in the inner circle. And she’ll start within this mansion.

Tori rang the bell, and Lily immediately came in. “Prepare me my simplest outdoor dress, Lilly. We’re going out shopping.”

Lily’s astonishment was apparent, but she never dared ask Tori, which the latter was grateful for. Tori couldn’t tell Lily why she would shop to change her wardrobe. Gone would be the overly lavish indoor and outdoor dresses. She would shop for classy yet simple ones. She would start from the outer appearance when changing her image.

“Here you go, Lady Tori.”

Lily handed Tori a light purple offshoulder dress with golden embroidery along with a few pink pearls. Tori immediately approved of Lily’s choice. An amethyst pin in a shape of a butterfly was her only hair decorative. As Tori faced the mirror, she realized that purple was indeed the nobility’s color. It emphasized her eyes and cascading ringlets.

“Splendid, Lily!” Tori beamed at Lily through the mirror’s reflection.

“You are naturally a beauty, Lady Tori.” Lily lovingly gazed at her, to which she replied with a grateful smile.

Victoria, both the past and the present were glad you’re here, Lillian.

When Tori went downstairs, she saw her father, Sabina, and their butler talking near the garden, so she stopped by. As expected, her fresh look astounded everyone. She elegantly greeted her father by performing a perfect curtsy.

“What brought you here, Victoria? And you changed your style, I see.” He looked pleased with what he saw. She smiled sweetly at them.

“I just stopped by to greet my father and my dear sister. It is a fine day, so I am going out to shop. I plan to live humbly and live as an example for my dear sister. I am serious with what I said the last time, father, sister. So I donated all my previous dresses aside from the ones I received as a gift.” Tori’s voice laced with pure sincerity and goodwill made the duke and the butler smile, clearly happy with Lady Victoria’s changes.

“Why are you going to donate them, Victoria? I know how you loved your dresses.” Her father asked in astonishment.

What a view to behold, dearest sister. Entertain me more. Show them how far you are from being a saint, but you wouldn’t, would you? Come on and smile at me.

And smile she did. Sabina smiled at Tori as her goodwill moved her.

What an actress we are, Sabina.

THE UNCOMFORTABLE ride of their family’s carriage along with an eerie silence accompanied Tori and Lillian. Aside from the coachman, they only brought one knight. But Lillian worried why Tori asked her to get a hefty amount of gold coins, even if they could tell the tailor shop to put the tab in the Rozenreff Duchy. Tori also tasked Lillian to bring three coats, commonly used to hide one’s identity. She had a bad feeling about this one.

Tori enjoyed the scenery silently. She’s busy secretly comparing her surroundings from the Netflix adaptation of the novel. But Tori could feel the intense gaze laced with worry from her maid. And she knew her requests were rather odd for poor Lily.

Worry not, Lily. Unlike before, this is not something irrational. This is a preemptive measure for my future safeguard.

The Rozenreff Duchy indeed possessed knights on par with the Royal Knights, but these knights were loyal to the Rozenreff Family, not to her, Lady Victoria Rozenreff. She needed someone devoted to his master, which was both a future genius knight and someone with power. And no one would fit like a glove other than the future royal guard captain, Rowan Cristoff Castaña.

Rowan Cristoff Castaña was one of the two secondmale leads of this series. At seventeen, the Duke of Castaña Duchy recognized him as his illegitimate son. He could become the youngest captain of the Royal Guard with noble blood. But before the plot started, he was just a poor boy from the slumps of Pivet Alley. If her calculation were correct, by next year at spring, the Duke of Castaña Duchy would take this young talent. It would be a waste to let this raw gem go.

Before you form any ties, I will make you indebted to me. That way, you will keep wondering about my benevolent heart and will choose to serve me as a knight for your entire life. Once the blood oath has been made and when the Duke of Castaña would claim him. The power of the Castaña Duchy will be at my disposal.

“We arrived, Lady Tori,” Lily announced. The knight opened the carriage, and he escorted her down gently. They’re in front of the most soughtafter tailor shop in the capital, Millesence.

The owner was the one who escorted her the entire time.

“Lady Victoria, it’s been a while since you came here yourself. Your presence humbles me.” The middleaged woman bowed slightly to show her respect.

She replied with a perfect noble lady’s courtesy in front of the other noble customers. This was a simple piece for this body since the original Victoria grew up as a noble lady. There was a perfect balance while bending the left knee right behind the right knee, a straightup posture, and only three fingers holding each side of the dress. “Your flattery indulges me, thank you.”

“Is that the eldest daughter of the Rozenreff Dukedom?”

“She’s the late duchess’ daughter, oh my. What a sight to behold.”

“Is she the heir apparent of the Rozenreff Dukedom? If she is, then she deserves it!”

“I heard she is a spoiled rotten lady?”

“I guess they are just baseless rumors.”

The positive feedback rained as she intended. “What style would you prefer, Lady Victoria?”

“Give me everything that’s something modest yet elegant.”

The owner looked taken aback by her request, but he immediately composed himself. At least he knew not to meddle with trivial matters. That’s why Tori loved merchants. They always exercise a benefit for a benefit.

The tailors measured her swiftly. “Deliver this to the Rozenreff estate and put my tab under the duchy. Thank you.” She smiled sweetly at the tailors and the owner, who was for everyone to see.

As they went back inside their carriage, her sweet innocent smile vanished. “Lily, prepare the coats. And tell the coachman to head to Pivet Alley. Give the other coat to the knight and wear the last one.”

Tori knew this since Rowan Cristof told this personal information to Sabina in Season 3 of the series. Tori would use this information for herself.

Hiding her identity behind the dark baggy coat with two servants after her, the beggars and smalltime criminals wisely avoided them as they concluded that they were a guild’s customers.

“Do not make any eye contact,” she whispered to Lily, who was trembling. Tori could not blame her. Lily had lived all her life as a maid in the Rozenreff Duchy since the time that Victoria’s mother, the late duchess, took her from the orphanage. Lily was surely not used to the smelly and dirty alleys as beggars loitered around.

“Yes, my lady.”

Tori asked Lily and the knight, Dean, to address her as ‘my lady’ when they stepped out from the carriage.

I need to find Rowan!

And now, I have the chance to clip your horns before it sprouts, dearest sister of mine.

“Are we lost, my lady?” Lily piped in.

“If I may, my lady. I can guide you to the guild’s store.” The knight hinted.

They thought she got lost. Partially, they’re correct. But rather than lost, she was wandering while looking for a barely fifteen boy with sandy hair and a pair of cobalt eyes. Hence, she’s walking toward the area where he lives. The chances of meeting him there would be high.

Tori stopped in her tracks when a bony boy with sandy hair and cobalt eyes lay on the dirty ground of the alley. His harsh glare was directed at those young criminals surrounding him, and his stance seemed like he was protecting something underneath him. The surrounding criminals kicked his skinny body, but his harsh glare never faltered for a second.

Ah, there he is.

Tori undoubtedly displayed a triumphant smirk on her face. She couldn’t contain her delight.

He is indeed the rawest of the gems. I can’t wait to polish him.

Tori walked towards them, and when she was a meter away from the sprawled boy, he looked up at her.

“Dean, take care of them. I want the one sprawled on the ground.”

“Yes, my lady.”

Tori’s knight quickly picked up the three gangly criminals away from Rowan. The protests of the three echoed in the narrow alley, but no one dared to help them. The latter kept his head down as he clutched something underneath him, something essential for him.

Is it food or medicine?

“My lady!” Lily protested when she crouched towards the boy. No one would believe her if she told them that this boy in front of her was already fifteen, much less than if she told them that this would be the future captain of the royal guards.

Tori offered her right hand. “Come with me, boy. I will provide you shelter above your head and a bountiful meal every day if you do. All I ask of you is to come with and get out of this hellhole.”

Rowan’s penetrating gaze pierced her, but she never let go of her gaze on him. She wanted to convey that she was serious and that he could trust her.

“Wwhat do you want from me?” His voice, though gruff, was indeed trembling, from hunger or for fear, she never knew.

“I’ll tell you after you take my hand.”

“I won’t go with you! You’re just going to sell me like what happened to my friends! Nobles are animals!”

“Why, you insolent brat!” Dean drew his sword.

“My lady, be careful!”

“Put the sword back. You’re scaring him.” Tori coldly brushed her knight. Dean couldn’t do anything but place his sword back. Lily covered her mouth from the shock of the earlier outburst. But Tori remained calm. Now, Rowan was cowering while covering his head for any coming impact.

“You poor boy. Come with me, and I’ll protect you. And when you’re powerful enough, protect me too. How about that?”

Once again, Tori offered her right hand to him. Rowan snuck a peek and was awed by the rubyeyed woman before him. His gaze alternately changed from her hand to her face and vice versa.

Now, future duke, take my hand.

“Promise?”

Tori grinned, “I promise. And to honor that promise, I’ll give you this.” She took her necklace and placed it around his neck. “This is a symbol of my promise. Now, will you come with me, boy?”

Even with wariness in his heart, he held her hand. A bright smile graced Tori’s lips.

ROWAN WAS inside their carriage. Tori let him wear her used coat to cover his body from the cold. He was now sleeping after staring at her like some odd creature. Tori couldn’t help but smile as she watched her necklace dangling from his neck.

“What will the duke say about this, Lady Tori?”

“Worry not, Lily. I already came up with an idea. After all, I am my mother’s daughter.”

Victoria’s mother was famous for her kind and giving heart back when she was still alive. She could pretend that she inherited that specific trait of her mother.

“Do you know him, Lady Tori?”

She stared at the boy for a long time before she answered Lily. “Yes. I know him from a long time ago.”

Lily felt more bothered. She was positive that Lady Victoria disliked going out of the manor.

Every time you see that necklace, you will remember this goodwill. You will remember it is I who saved you from that horrible place in the future. Not your father, not the king, and not Sabina, but Lady Victoria Rozenreff.

"ARE ALL of my dresses packed, Lily?"

"Yes, Lady Victoria. And I have also gathered the maids from this household excluding Lady Sabina's handmaidens."

Tori couldn't help but suppress her sadistic expression from Lily. She needed Lily to believe that Lady Victoria was changing for the better, that her Lady Victoria could rival Saintess Sabina.

Rival my ass.

"Good. Then let's go to the assembly hall where everyone was waiting."

Tori was in a good mood. To fully use the workforce of this house, she needed to place the seed of deception.

The servants of the household were waiting for her. They greeted Tori politely upon her arrival, to which she replied with an equally polite smile. The kitchen servants, who were more skeptical about the rumors about the change of Lady Victoria's behavior, admitted that there was genuinely a change with the eldest lady of the Rozenreff Household.

Tori signaled Lily to open the large boxes that contained her previous dresses. The packages here were only just half of the total boxes. The other half was for her different plan.

Murmurs erupted when the sight of her overly lavish and expensive dresses. It seems like the rumors of her goodwill were already circulating before she came down here.

Good. Then I don't have to exert myself in explaining.

"You may question my intention for doing this, but I'll only say this once. This is an act of filial piety for the people I have caused so much trouble with. I apologize," Tori slightly bowed her head, which the servants, even the butler, and the head maid, did not expect. To bow to a commoner from a noble's perspective was the most sincere action anyone could show. The young lady's humble efforts touched the servants' hearts.

"And to make amends as a show of my new beginning, I am giving each servant one dress. You can keep it, give it, or even sell it. Though for my handmaidens, I am giving you two dresses each."

"Thank you so much, Lady Victoria!"

"How can I accept this, Lady Tori!"

"I am at your disposal, Lady Tori!"

"I am so thankful, Lady Victoria!"

The gratitude they showed for receiving such an expensive gift was blatant. But the envy their eyes showed when her handmaidens received more was clearer.

Right. Look how I treated my subjects, everyone. Do you want more of it? Then be on my good side. Abandon that wretched Sabina and surrender yourself to me. This way, I will have the entire Household of Rozenreff under my grasp.

After getting their part, Tori's handmaidens were now helping her distribute the dresses. She gave even male servants a dress. Only one could imagine the value of her dresses, which were adorned with jewels and pearls.

"What's this commotion all about?" The stern voice of Shena stopped everyone's excited chatter. The head maid, Teresa, immediately received Lady Sabina, who had just arrived. Judging by the pissedoff attitude of Shena, it meant that Sabina was not happy about being the last one informed.

"My dearest sister!" Tori greeted her halfsister with enthusiasm in front of anyone. She even hugged her for a split moment, which earned Tori a glare from Shena.

"Greetings, Sister Tori. What's the commotion all about?"

It was clear to Tori that Sabina disliked the thought of her earning the favor of the servants. After all, this wench worked hard to destroy Victoria's reputation inside this manor.

"Remember what I told you about donating my previous dresses? I am giving all the servants half of them to compensate for my complex behavior for the past years. After all, I am the benevolent daughter of Duchess Camila. This is nothing from what the servants endured." Tori slyly hinted to Sabina the difference in their standing because of their mothers. While Tori's mother was the Duchess, Sabina's mother was a common whore lucky to carry the Duke of Rozenreff's child.

Blinded by rage that Sabina was holding in from being insulted, she blurted the words that Tori was waiting for. Finally, she took the bait. "Isn't this a bit too much, sister? As the heir apparent of the Rozenreff Duchy, aren't you overspending? I am telling you this because I am your greatest support, Sister Victoria."

Before Tori's rehearsed tears fell, only Sabina saw the sly smile of Tori.

"II am sorry, dearest sister! If only I knew you would be upset that I would give my dresses to the servants, I would have held it all in. I am so sorry. Please forgive me! I want you to see that I changed." Tori dramatically fainted as she shed tears for Sabina. And everyone heard and saw how their saintly Lady Sabina tried to deny them the dress given by Lady Victoria, who showed them benevolence. Everyone witnessed that Lady Victoria's act of goodwill got shoved back by Lady Sabina.

And for the first time since Sabina arrived in the household, the servants' view of Sabina darkened a bit, for there was nothing more offensive for a servant than being deprived of reward.

"Lady Tori!"

Tori heard Lily's frantic voice, but Tori didn't open her eyes. She's savoring the murmurs of the servants.

"Lady Sabina is not happy that we received gifts from Lady Tori."

"Maybe because we are commoners like Lady Sabina."

"She's maybe feeling threatened."

"Then she's hiding her true colors then."

Aah, that's the words. Keep going. Destroy the saintess more. Pluck her feathers before she can fly.

A QUIET dinner together with Tori's sister and father was what she enjoyed the most, especially after the commotion that morning. Tori knew her father would interrogate her for two things. Rowan's arrival and the unrest caused her to faint. After all, her mother fainted from time to time since the late Duchess was sickly.

If she would take advantage of the fact that the Duke loved her mother, then the fainting earlier was necessary to control her father.

"Victoria, I heard from Butler Johannes that you fainted while distributing your dresses to the servants." The Duke's tone was indifferent, but she could detect the edge. He was blaming the servants for her fainting. It meant that the one who supplied him with the unnecessary information was his dearest Sabina.

Tori glanced at the wench who was eating peacefully before her. So this is your retaliation, huh? You will make it seem like I created a stir and fainted with my doing.

"Yes, Father. I fainted from shock."

"I thought you changed for the better, Victoria? What's all this about, huh?" His voice boomed. Tori did not falter nor flinched.

I don't need to defend myself anymore because they will do it for me.

Together with the chef, all the kitchen servants kneeled in front of them, which shocked the Duke and Sabina. Though Victoria had to act surprised as well, she expected this. This was the reason she bowed her head earlier, after all.

"Punish us instead, Your Grace! Please!"

"Lady Victoria showed us benevolence like no other!"

"Lady Victoria is like the late Duchess Camila who showed us goodwill!"

"Please, Your Grace!"

The entire time, Tori was happily watching the wretched Sabina, who was biting her lips from her controlled anger. She was also gripping her utensils rather firmly.

Careful, Sabina. You're showing your horns much earlier than expected. You can't, though, because you will entertain me more from now on.

"Johannes?" The Duke asked for his trusted butler's opinion. He looked torn by the mere mention of the late Duchess.

"Yes, Your Grace?" He stepped forward near the Duke, who was now sitting at the head table beside Tori and Sabina.

"What happened?"

"Lady Victoria asked for forgiveness for behaving oddly for the past two years. She gave each manor servant a dress to show how serious she was. Lady Victoria showed nothing but pure goodwill that touched every servant of this manor, including me and the head maid Teresa, Your Grace."

How's that, Sabina? Tori's expression, which was only visible to Sabina, was smug.

As long as Johannes and Teresa view me positively, my father will always believe me in the future.

"Then why did she faint, Johannes?" The edge was long gone, but it replaced the pure worry instead.

That's the question that you should ask first, father. Now, how will you react, Saintly Sabina?

Sabina considerably paled; hence Tori wanted to snicker.

Johannes uncomfortably shifted his gaze toward Sabina, who was now looking sour and grim.

"Speak, Johannes."

"Father, please don't pressure Johannes. Earlier, I was just a little flustered since I was... rejected. I knew I was a little emotional. I mean, I couldn't blame my dear sister Sabina for not believing my actions after I did to her. But I'm okay now, father, I promise."

For the first time since this wench entered this manor, our father raised his voice toward Sabina. It was a sight to behold. Tori wanted to snicker. If only she weren't trying to look sad. In contrast, the wench was bowing her head to hide her anger towards me.

"Your commoner's blood is much stronger than I thought. A noble lady should know when to accept apologies, but you are prideful. Now it resulted in Victoria's fainting. I will inform you now again since you forgot. Victoria is like my Camila, she's fragile, and you have to protect her."

"Understood, father. I am sorry, Sister Victoria." Sabina's voice was weak, but the hidden poison behind her greedy eyes was clear to Tori.

It is the start of my many victories, Sabina dear.

"All is solved now. You don't need to be sad anymore, sister. My joy is only to be closer to you." Tori stood up to reach out for Sabina's hand.

"From now on, Victoria, you must be careful. You have an uncanny resemblance to your mother, I tell you." His voice expressed how he worried about Tori and missed the late Duchess. The kneeling servants were back to their posts as the first concern of Tori's father was done addressing.

"Yes, father. Uhm, Father, won't you ask me about the boy I brought home the other day?" Tori opened the topic in front of everyone for her later purpose.

By setting a deception for everyone, Tori's cutting off a means for Sabina to use Rowan to Tori's disadvantage. That's why she needed to put things here with everyone.

"Yes. I wanted to hear your reason why you sheltered a boy from your shopping stroll."

Tori knew the knight didn't inform her father of the bag of gold coins she bribed him with. Her father learned that she helped the boy from being chased down by human traffickers.

With a voice and face of utter sadness and worry, Tori faced her father. Her father sees her as a weak girl. "Pardon my impudence for bringing someone from the streets, father. But I didn't know why I couldn't turn a blind eye to him. I saw how he bravely fought those criminals, and I saw the passion of a knight. I knew I wanted him to be my bodyguard from that moment on. But of course, he needs to be knighted by you to be one."

Her father's serious face stared at her, which she equally returned. She wanted him to know that she was as serious as him. Her father didn't reply, so Tori continued to speak the words that would make her father agree to her wishes.

"Mother once told me, father. That a wise leader doesn't need to excel in everything but to have a keen eye to judge character and talent."

With the mention of her mother, her father's resolve would soften. And her words were spoken by the king to the Duke of Rozenreff when they were young. These words left a positive mark on the Duke. They revealed this information during Season 3, a few days before Victoria's execution. The Duke coldly spoke these words to her daughter, whom he saw as far from a leader.

But not now. Father, I will be the only heir of this Duchy. Once you agree to this, it is like deciding that I am the perfect heir to the Duchy. But you aren't thinking of Sabina's feelings anymore, right? Since I spoke of the words that made you vow to the king to be a loyal subject to him. Are you seeing the king in me, father? I am not the king.

I will be better than him, father.

"Spoken like a genuine leader. I am proud of the changes in you, Victoria. You matured. I am glad and at ease. Well, then. Johannes will handle that boy for the time being until he's healthy enough to move to the knights' cabin to begin his training."

"Thank you, father!"

Everyone was glad for Tori except those in Sabina's faction.

"I am happy for you, Sister Victoria."

I am happy to put you in place too, dearest sister of mine.

Tori smiled gently at Sabina.

A PAIR OF cobalt eyes was eerily staring at Tori as she sat on his bed. Tori heard Johannes order Rowan to stay on the bed until his wounds healed. Despite being a fifteenyearold boy, Rowan was overly malnourished, and he needed strength to become a knightintraining.

After five days since she brought him with her, this would be the first time that she visited him, though she asked Lily to check on him from time to time. Her father assigned Johannes to aid him, so Tori didn't see the need to interfere yet.

She would let him settle down first and let all his wariness wash away. And now she's here in front of him to clear one thing for him.

"Why did you bring me here?" His voice was sharp. He still didn't trust her, even when the evidence of their promise was dangling from his neck.

She smiled genuinely at him. "Remember when I told you I need you to protect me? I now have full consent from my father, the Duke of Rozenreff, that you will be my knight. I think that would be better than being in the street for your entire life." Tori was lying though because, by next spring, the Duke of Castaña Duchy would acknowledge him as his son.

Though I loathe you, Rowan, for your wretched devotion towards Sabina before, I can't turn a blind eye to your talent and peculiar loyalty. I will make you mine and let that wench experience what Victoria experienced from the second male leads.

"Me? A knight?" A mixture of delight, excitement, and nervousness reflected in his eyes. Tori reached out for his hand and squeezed it.

Tori could feel the heated gaze of Lily. The latter one was so overprotective of her that she wanted to wince. However, Rowan disregarded the heated gaze from Lily and was particularly astonished by her hand on his.

See that, Rowan? I am fucking reaching out for you, so stop being a pussy and man up, dude!

Slowly, he nodded his head. Tori didn't know what that meant, but she took it as good feedback. She smiled at him genuinely, but behind that socalled genuine smile of hers were sharp rubyred eyes.

A RED outdoor dress with golden embroidery of an Iris flower while Tori's golden ringlets were braided meticulously with red pearls inserted along with her hair and a small cut ruby as her accessories. Tori was a sight to behold. There were no unnecessary frills and laces but an elegant swish of embroidery and jewels. She wanted to look good with her return to high society.

Tori heard from her handmaidens that today was the day that Sabina was first invited to a tea party. They were both invited, but the original Victoria decided not to go because of Sabina's presence, but it was different now. Lily was astonished when she heard from Tori that she was attending, but she made Lily keep the information a secret.

That wench must be excited for her first time in high society. And since Mia, her sent spy, told her previous decision of Victoria towards the tea invitation, then Sabina must think she could dominate the attention.

As if I'll let you do that.

"Lily, did you prepare what I told you to do?" Tori asked her while she was descending the stairs. By now, Sabrina must descend too.

"Yes, Lady Tori."

Good.

Just when they were in the middle of the staircase, a surprised Sabina descended the stairs too, just like she predicted. The all too familiar frown of Shena greeted them, to which Tori replied with a wicked grin.

"You look beautiful, dear sister!" Tori's excited voice towards her halfsister warmth the hearts of the surrounding servants.

Ugh! What are you, a daycare student? What's with the excessive frills and ribbons? What an eyesore!

"You looked fabulous too, Sister Tori!"

I know, right.

"Aw, thank you! It warms me to hear it from you!" Tori linked her right arm with Sabina's left arm, startling the latter.

I knew you're itching to pry my arms away, but you can't, can you? After the uproar you pulled the last day, you can't afford to be on the Duke's nasty side again. Poor saintly Sabina. It's tough to pretend that you're so kind when you're so rotten on the inside.

"Now come along sister dear. We have a tea party to attend. I'm dying to meet the other ladies. It is quite boring with just the two of us, no?"

Her awkward smile was only apparent to Tori. Even Lily got fooled that they were on good terms with her halfsister. Their linked arm was briskly severed by Sabina when they reached the carriage where the knights and Lily witnessed.

Tori could make many interpretations from that, but the good thing was, poor Victoria would be the victim again. This would also show how Saintess Sabina was behaving rather badly. They would trace her behavior to be caused by her filthy origins. After all, a whore's daughter would never have a place in high society, not when the heir apparent was still alive. Hence, the first subject of her schemes would be Tori.

But your hands are tied now, correct? Not after everyone saw how you rejected the late duchess' daughter, who's by the way loved by the household and the Duke. I just cut your power to manipulate me as the 'stupid and ungrateful' sister of the Saintess Sabina. How does it feel, wench? How does it feel to be defeated by your own game? Ooh, I'm looking forward to your alternative plan.

But I will trample your plans. I will always remind you that you are a whore's spawn repeatedly. I will make you feel what the original Victoria felt before her dying moments.

And when I'm done with you, I will destroy the crown prince. He laughed maniacally when Victoria's head fell from the guillotine after all.

Oh, I can't wait to destroy you all.

The entire ride toward Marquess Zoliel's manor was silent. It was awkward for their maids. Sabina was glaring at Tori from time to time. But Tori was calmly looking outside the window with a massive grin on her face.

Half an hour later, the carriage stopped right in front of a lilacpainted mansion. The butler of the House of Zoliel was already waiting for them. When Sabina tried to step out first, Tori stopped her by first getting down from the carriage. She offered her hand to the butler.

I'm the heir apparent, so it is only proper etiquette to let me down first.

"The ladies are waiting in the greenhouse, Lady Victoria, Lady Sabina."

"Thank you."

As the butler was now holding her palm, she was now walking in front of Sabina as they entered the extravagant greenhouse of Marchioness Susana of House Zoliel.

Everyone's attention was now on her. Tori didn't shy away like the previous Victoria. She was using the fact that she's the queen bee of her past life's High School. She's so used to attention already.

She did a perfect curtsy to the ladies, leaving everyone in awe. After all, she was yet to debut in high society, but she acted with a grace that only a fully ripen noblewoman could show. They didn't know that this body had memories of its previous life.

Marchioness Susana stood up to welcome them. Sabina took this opportunity to introduce herself.

"It was a pleasure to be invited, Marchioness Susana. I'm Duke Rozenreff's second daughter, Sabina. I am so thankful that I was invited, even if I'm from humble origins." Her voice oozed with uncertainty as Sabina looked ashamed and frightful.

I'll give her an A for her acting skills. Well, let's butt in.

Tori linked her arm again with Sabina, "Worry not, dear sister. I am always here for you. And I already told you that Marchioness Susana looked past a lady's origins. She's so benevolent. That's why they're good friends with my mother, Duchess Camila." Tori's voice showed compassion for her 'troubled' sister that touched the ladies' hearts.

Tori did not know if the Marchioness was indeed friends with the late Duchess, but she saw an embroidered handkerchief of her mother with Lady Susana's name on it. She only made a gamble from that discovery.

The kind Marchioness tapped Sabina's shoulder, "Lady Victoria is correct, Lady Sabina. I sent you an invitation, which means I meant to have you here with us. Please take a seat and be comfortable."

After Sabina reluctantly sat with Lady Elise of Castaña Dukedom, Lady Susana brought Tori to sit next to her. She glanced at the wench who was now glaring at her discreetly.

"Those rumors about you are so cruel, Lady Victoria. I can see my good friend, Camila, in you."

Camila's actual daughter died already, and you weren't even there to console her or help her because you were so afraid to tarnish your reputation. How would everyone react if they knew that the illusion of your kindness and loyalty was only a mask to hide your secret relationship with your butler?

"To be compared to my mother is such an honor, Lady Susana."

"Come to think of it. You looked like your mother except for the eyes of your father."

"They say that the ruby eyes of the Rozenreff Duchy were the trademark of your family."

Everyone was flocking around Tori while Sabina got utterly forgotten. This scene was so familiar because the original Victoria felt the shame of becoming a 'wallflower' in any social event a long time ago.

Your plan to use your origins as a source of pity is gone, Sabina. Not when I am recognized as the late Duchess Camila's daughter. Everyone will think how kind I am to accept you wholeheartedly, even if you result from the Duke's mistake. Never forget Sabina; your origin is the start of your downfall.

"Oh, right. I prepared some gifts for you. My late mother used to teach me this, but I believe my skills are still lacking. But hopefully, you can see the sincerity of my heart." Tori nodded at Lily. A few seconds later, the two knights they brought together with the House Zoliel's servants came in baring opened boxes. They gave one small box to each lady, including Sabina.

As expected, the ladies were in awe of the embroidered handkerchiefs. "I embroidered your house sigil to your handkerchief. I know it is not good, but I made it with the thoughts of gratitude for inviting my sister and me."

Sabina smiled forcefully at her, "Thank you, sister Tori."

"Tori?" Lady Elisa interjected. She was relatively quiet today.

"It was my nickname. My dear sister and I are close."

"That's so sweet of you, Lady Victoria."

Yeah, hurry and tell your mom that I am an exciting person!

Positive feedback rained for them, but mostly it was for her. Tori knew Sabina was seething behind that shy demeanor.

Lady Elisa was the only young lady in the Castaña Duchy. She was pretty close to her mother. She also became good friends with Sabina, who was only using her, but Sabina dropped her like a hot potato after Rowan became her loyal dog.

I can't wait to use you, Elisa, but worry not, I am very caring for my toys.

TORI WAS alone and contemplating inside her room. She’s seriously staring at the invitation letter that Lily reminded her about. The previous Victoria still decided to not attend this banquet, even after knowing where it came from. It was common knowledge that refusing a royal invitation meant disobedience to the royal family. Luckily, Tori attended the banquet with her father and that wench.

Two days after the tea party, Sabina was still in her room. The meals were being delivered there. She barely even showed herself, and according to Lily, that wench looked quite haggard. Tori couldn’t blame her, since her grand plan to earn the Marchioness’ good side was all in naught after she interfered. Instead, Tori became the star of the party.

After getting involved just to show some action in front of the high society ladies, Tori knew words would spread about her benevolence that’s comparable to the kindhearted Duchess Camila. Tori didn’t need to do much for some time. She could focus on her priority without concerning about her terrible reputation anymore. And her priority was money. She needed to accumulate vast wealth under her name alone. To do that, she needed to make use of the knowledge she had from her past life.

Being the person who knew what would happen in the future, Tori knew what business would become successful or who would become the future talents of the Empire. She also knew that there would be a great plague that would kill a lot of nobles and aristocrats.

With this information, it would be so easy to manipulate the Empire even from Tori’s room. All she had to do was move the pieces at the right time.

Victoria Rozenreff and the second prince. In some ways, they were alike. Their role in the story was to simply exist and die for the protagonists of the story.

What a load of bullshit! Don’t worry, my dear second prince. I will help you become king so in return, permit me to crush your older brother to pieces.

Even if it was only a distant memory for this body, as the new inhabitant of this said body, Tori could still feel the icy touch of the sharp blades of the guillotine on her neck. Subconsciously, she touched that certain part of her neck.

My head is still here, bitch. Watch out for your head, Sabina. In this game, the winner keeps her head, huh?

THE BANQUET was in full swing. Her father was with the noble faction and the king. Sabina was dancing with a count’s son and was practically glowing up. Her charms were in full battery tonight, Tori guessed. Tori after being introduced by her father together with Sabina was sitting and eating comfortably.

There were a lot who tried to start a conversation with her, but she was not in the mood to invest in a meaningless chat. If she would engage herself in a conversation, she would only choose one person and that would be the birthday boy, but he was busy entertaining the imposing aristocratic faction. Although his backside looked uncomfortable, Tori couldn’t be so sure since he was yet to be greeted by her. And she had no plans to greet him either.

Perhaps after she accumulated a sturdy amount of connection and wealth, then she could think of talking to the second prince. They would probably talk about how to dispose of the loyalists of the noble faction, but now an exchange of greetings would be enough if they crossed paths.

Feeling quite full already, instead of dancing, Tori headed towards the farthest terrace available at the banquet hall of the palace.

The moon was so big that Tori felt she could reach it, so she leaned towards the banister. Her silver evening dress glinted under the moonlight along with her golden hair, which was let loose.

A firefly passed by Tori. “Oh, wow.” It landed on her nose.

So something is still pure in this world, huh?

“Don’t go!” Tori exclaimed when the firefly flew away, bringing along with it the warmth she thought she felt. She accidentally leaned more towards the banister that her sandals slipped on the floor.

“Holy !”

A warm pair of firm arms encircled her waist. Her back was to that someone so she couldn’t see who saved her, but she successfully pried that person’s arms away from her. When finally she faced the person who saved her, Tori’s body went rigid.

Sapphire eyes and raven hair. There’s no other seventeen years old boy in this Empire who looked like that except the first prince of the Eckrett Empire.

Like a film from a movie, the memories of this body blacked out Tori’s mind. She knew she looked like a dumb fish in front of him. She kept opening and closing her mouth like a fish starved of air.

Please self, snap out of it!

“Red eyes and golden hair. You’re Lady Victoria Rozenreff.”

He’s friendly with me now because he’s yet to meet Sabina. And those eyes... they glinted like the ocean when he sliced my neck off. I can’t believe that I’m standing facetoface with my killer right now.

“Blessings to the Empire’s star, the first prince.” Tori did a perfect curtsy to the prince who was silently observing him.

“Why are you here? You should dance like everyone else.”

“I got tired of dancing, your highness. So I seek the comfort of the moonlight.” Tori’s awkward stance was clear enough for the prince, but he enjoyed making her squirm.

“That’s funny because I haven’t seen you dance since you entered the banquet hall.”

So you’re monitoring me, huh? So since the beginning, you have a particular interest in Victoria. An interest fueled by that wench caused Victoria’s head to roll on the plaza’s ground.

Tori refrained from answering the first prince. He was toying with her. She couldn’t blame her body since his presence flustered her.

Just when Tori was about to answer him, she saw a certain someone from the window and that someone was going to pass the terrace she was staying with the first prince.

“Pardon my discourtesy your highness but I have to greet the celebrant.” Tori dashed to the person who was walking alone. She clung to him rather impolitely, but she grabbed him away from the eyes of that sapphireeyed boy.

“Llady Rozenreff? Wait! Where are we going?”

She couldn’t look up at him while dashing out towards God knows where, but the serene and calm voice almost stopped Tori in her tracks.

She didn’t answer him either even when a royal knight tried to stop her, though the knight stopped with some signal from the second prince.

Wait, what’s the second prince’s name again? Ugh, I don’t care anymore.

They only stopped when they reached the garden. Tori could tell that a royal knight followed them discreetly, but she didn’t care anymore. She just wanted to get out of there.

The warm light from the lamps of the greenhouse and the fireflies that scattered everywhere when they abruptly disrupted the night were the things that Tori blamed for why her cheeks flushed as he carefully stared at the celebrant before him.

Again, the actor of the second prince from the Thorny Crown Series did not do justice to the real deal. Even the novel’s description didn’t do justice either.

A wavy brunette hair that looked so soft to the touch paired with unique golden eyes.

Gosh, is he an angel? He will be the death of my vagina.

Realizing that she’s been staring at him for quite a while now, Tori finally did a curtsy. “Blessings to the Empire’s star, the second prince.”

He smiled at her that almost caused a major heart attack for Tori.

Jesus!

“I’m sorry for dragging you here, your highness. But I, uh, I have to go away from there.”

What the fuck is wrong with my voice? Why do I sound like a dying lamb or something?

“Hmm. This is the first time that someone wants to walk away from my brother.”

Yeah. I’ll even run faster than the horse just to be away from my past killer. I mean, this body’s past killer.

“But I’d rather chase you, you know.” Tori blurted out of nowhere. When she realized what she spoke, it was already too late.

The unnamed second prince chuckled, “Wow. This is the first time I genuinely laugh since the banquet. You’re funny, Lady Rozenreff.”

What? No way!

Too shy to say a comeback, Tori for the second time today ran away from a prince.

“You’re running away again!” The teasing remark of the prince echoed inside the greenhouse. And Tori and his knights heard him.

Marquess Zoliel rose to power when the sponsored lady of Marchioness Susana became the Crown Princess candidate.

If I can stop Marquess Zoliel’s greed to monopolize the merchants in the Empire, the aristocratic faction can rise to power, a power that will be enough to protect and support the second prince. And I will be the person behind the new king.

“Now, what will make you fall?” Tori was staring out of her window. It’s been a month since that embarrassing banquet. She’s been attending tea parties with the same ladies she first met with Sabina.

Nothing remarkably changed except that Lady Elisa Castaña became good friends with that wench. It was irritating enough to see that a few things happened like it was following the original plot.

Curse that plot!

For the past month, Tori had already recognized the sensual gaze of the Marchioness towards the butler. Tori knew where the evidence she needed was perfectly safe. She needed not worry about it.

And now, all she needed to do was plant the seeds of doubt in the Zoliel manor to destroy the Marquess House from within.

How to make the Marquess of House Zoliel fall? Easy. Destroy the reputation of the Marquess and Marchioness. After all, they’re a couple known to love each other. Among nobles, the concept of love and marriage was not a necessity. But the high society sighed in awe when the famous couple got married, even if the Marchioness was originally a countryside noble with no estate and wealth but honor.

How pathetic. A makebelieve fairytale that gave the House Zoliel an advantage will destroy their core.

“Lady Tori, I’m done with the preparations you asked me to do.”

Tori smiled at Lily, “Let’s go then.”

“Uhm, my lady. The young man Rowan insisted on coming with us.” Uncertainty laced in Lily’s voice. It momentarily stopped Tori, but she had already decided to show him her other side. He would find out that she’s no saint in one way or another. If she intended to own his loyalty, then there must be trust.

Though the original Victoria would surely laugh at the thought of befriending the same person who antagonized her, things would change in every action of Tori.

“Let him come.”

Rowan changed in two months since staying in the Rozenreff Duchy. Tori could see that he had gained weight and a few muscles. Also, he grew a foot from before. Woah. What’s with the sudden sprout? He’s that malnourished?

He was the knight assigned to them for today. Technically, Rowan was still a knightintraining, but they thought they were only shopping for some silk for Tori’s embroidery, but in reality, it was far from an innocent stroll in the capital.

“Good to see you faring well, Rowan.” Tori offered her hand to him, which he hastily accepted. He gently guided her inside the carriage like she was some kind of crystal.

You’re such a gentleman, Rowan. No wonder the wench easily lured you to her honey trap.

“Everything is thanks to you, Lady Tori. I’ll be your knight. No, I have been your knight since the moment you reached out to me.”

Tori squeezed his hand with a broad smile, a typical action for the protagonists. Tori decided she would dictate her destiny.

That’s right, Rowan. Never forget who bestowed this benevolence on you. It is I who you should worship. You should kiss the same path I walked.

Before entering the capital, a plainlooking carriage stopped right when their carriage also halted. Rowan was about to check on the coachman when Tori stopped him. He also wondered why Lady Tori and her maid Lillian were so calm.

“Worry not, Rowan. I arranged for this,” Tori went down first, and Rowan followed her hastily. Lillian secured their coats before moving towards the plainlooking carriage.

Tori knew Rowan wanted to ask her why they were heading to the back alley of the capital. Since Rowan grew up in the slums, he knew this area like the back of his palm. This place was full of vile people who would take advantage of anything to survive. Rowan didn’t know the rotten stench inside every noble’s heart. For Tori, she believed nobles were most comfortable in the back alley of the capital. After all, nobles, aristocrats, and royals were wolves hiding in sheep’s clothes.

When the carriage stopped, Lillian handed Rowan an all too familiar coat. He had to wear this to blend in all of them.

“Rowan, do you know of a shop called Turvy?”

What a nonsensical name in a shop to hide the Information Guild.

“Yes. I’ll lead the way. But I haven’t heard about the Turvy selling any silk.”

So even someone from the slumps didn’t know what the Turvy sells. The shop Turvy was only a coverup for the Information Guild of the Empire. The Turvy either sells information or buys information. What I love about the Turvy is they don’t discriminate.

Rowan led the group of three. Tori memorized their passage since she was sure she would be back in the Turvy again. A few turns and stairs down, a small dingy shop with barely audible signage came into their view.

“This is it.” Tori stepped forward to enter the door first. She knew there would be no danger if she knew the coded words.

The inside of the shop was a lot cleaner than they had imagined. It had a few tables with customers that were eating and schmoozing. A middleaged woman guarded the counter.

So she’s Lady M, the head of the information guild.

“My lady!” Lily’s whispered pleas fell on deaf ears.

Tori purposely strode towards the counter, and in a hushed voice, Tori whispered the coded words. “I would like to order a rum and spinach.”

The busy bartender stopped. Her hawklike eyes penetrated Tori as if Lady M was scrutinizing her soul. Under the hood, rubyred eyes stared back fervently.

“Rum or spinach?”

Lady M was asking Tori if she would buy information or sell information.

“I’m a greedy person. I want both.”

Lady M smirked. “A lady after her own heart, I like that. Follow me.”

Lady M guided the three of them towards a secret passage that led to a comfysized room that looked like Lady M’s office. The latter sat comfortably, and Tori followed suit. Lily and Rowan stood at the back of Tori, completely on guard.

“Leave us for a moment,” Tori ordered the two, which they reluctantly followed.

When Tori was left alone with Lady M, the latter finally spoke, “So tell me, what is a noble lady doing here?”

Tori took off her hood and sat comfortably. “Now, that isn’t the information we must be talking about. How about we start our conversation with the location of the Elysian Crown?”

Lady M abruptly stood up from her seat due to shock from what she heard. Tori couldn’t blame her. After all, the Elysian Crown was why the original novel got the title ‘Thorny Crown.’

Thorny Crown was the title of the novel series, which later became a popular Netflix Series. The story was about the first prince and the second prince, both heirs to the throne. Originally, to decide the rightful heir to the throne, like all the previous kings, went through, the heir apparent had to use all their resources to locate the Elysian Crown.

Whoever finds it first will become the Crown Prince.

But the wench Sabina, the female lead of the series, and the noble faction didn’t want to risk since the second prince displayed quite the intelligence, so they destroyed the Elysian Crown and sabotaged his death.

Though the sabotaging part wasn’t confirmed by the author, the second prince allegedly died during the great plague in the Season 2 of the series. Come to think of it, it did not highlight the death of the second prince in the Netflix Series. That was so shady.

In the original story, the Elysian Crown was never seen again. The story got the title ‘Thorny Crown’ as it represented the female lead and male lead’s thorny path before reaching happily ever after. Although Tori didn’t know what’s the ending since they got burned together with the author.

Suppose I can secure the Elysian Crown before it falls to the Rozenreff Dukedom and Castaña Dukedom, both loyalists to the noble faction. In that case, the second prince can take part without worrying about dying.

‘The hunt to the Elysian Crown’ was an official occasion wherein there was only one rule. If either heir apparent died during the duration of the hunting, the other one should give up the claim to the throne. Thus this rule eliminated the possibility of assassination for the second prince. After all, the noble faction could not afford to be destroyed. If any princes died, the two Dukedoms would claim the right to join the hunt for the Elysian Crown.

Either way, any result is not a loss for me. But I prefer the ambereyed prince to be the future king.

“Do you know how heavy that claim is, my lady? And even if you know the location of the crown, how will it benefit me?”

It was Tori’s turned to smirk, “Whoever has the crown’s location got the right to decide who will become king. Isn’t it Lady M’s wish to support the aristocratic faction? And let me correct you. This information won’t benefit you but the entire people you wished to protect.”

Yes. Lady M, short for Lady Merilla of House Larat, was a loyalist to the aristocratic faction.

Lady M’s face turned serious. Only a handful knew who she was. And she couldn’t believe that she heard these words from a young lady of the House Rozenreff, who was known to be a loyalist of the noble faction who openly supported the first prince.

“Is this the noble faction’s scheme to trap us?” a flustered Lady M asked. She was having a hard time believing.

“I don’t need to prove anything. I’ll just show you.” Tori stood up, but before she left the room, she dropped a small piece of paper onto the floor.

“I’ll be back by next week to discuss my terms and the information I want. Goodbye for now, Lady M.”

Hurry and become my vassal. It would be nice to gain full access to the Information Guild.

THE RIDE back to the estate was quiet and uncomfortable. Lily was still adjusting to her newest hobby, which involved coats and back alleys. On the other hand, Rowan was skeptical of why she had to change carriage just to visit the Turvy. He didn’t entirely doubt her, but he was more on the worried side that this thing may endanger Tori.

Tori was grateful that the two weren’t asking anything. These two were her trusted aides, so they needed to know this. They also needed to see where the Turvy was located and who was in charge of that place in case Tori wanted to send a confidential message.

When they safely arrived at the estate, Tori saw the familiar crest of the Castaña Dukedom on a carriage.

No way! It is too early for the Duke to arrive!

She unknowingly snapped her attention from the window to Rowan. “Lady Tori?”

No! It’s too early! His loyalty to me is not yet that strong to forsake his family for me!

Tori, with no help, descended from the carriage and went straight inside the manor. Lily and Rowan were both hot in their heels and wondering what was wrong.

“Is something wrong, Lady Tori?” Lily asked her, but she didn’t reply until Teresa confirmed the facts.

Tori dashed towards the head maid, Teresa. “Is the Duke of Castaña Duchy here, Teresa?”

“Lady Victoria, you’ve arrived. And no, Duke Castaña is not here but Lady Elisa.”

So that wench is targeting the Duchess instead of the Marchioness, huh. What a smart move.

“Are they in the drawing room having some tea, Teresa?”

“Yes, Lady Victoria.”

Tori smiled sweetly at Teresa, though her eyes hid the wickedness she felt. “I must greet Lady Elisa then.”

Tori turned to Rowan and charmingly smiled at him. “You can rest now, Rowan. And thank you for guarding me.”

“Lily, bring the ribbons to my room. I’ll have to visit my dear sister I missed so much and greet our guest.”

“Yes, Lady Tori.”

This should be fun. You’ve been building this friendship for a month as a contingency plan since I wrecked your plan with the Marchioness. I’m curious, sister dearest, what will be your next move when I ruin this socalled friendship again?

Tori’s friendly smile greeted the two ladies, chatting while having tea in the playroom. Lady Elisa stood up to greet Tori while Sabina was not happy before she masked her actual feelings with fake enthusiasm.

“A pleasant afternoon, Lady Victoria.”

Tori replied to Elisa’s charming courtesy with an equally perfect one. “Please have a seat, Sister Victoria.”

Instead of replying, Tori hugged the wench. Tori and Sabina were pictureperfect loving siblings, but if anyone would hear their inner thoughts. They would surely crack up.

“Please enjoy your stay here, Lady Elisa.” Tori took her seat adjacent to Elisa and directly in front of Sabina. The kitchen maids served her tea. Tori hated teas, but she had to pretend that she loved them, but if only she could choose, she’d instead have caffeine.

“Yes, I am enjoying my stay, Lady Victoria.”

“How’s the Duke and Duchess, Lady Elisa? It’s been a while since I visited your estate.”

A dim expression passed by Elisa’s face before smiling like nothing. Tori glanced at Sabina, and she didn’t say it, but she couldn’t let her guard down with her ‘saintly’ halfsister.

“They are doing fine like they always do. How about you and Lady Sabina?”

You immediately shifted the topic, huh. This might be when the Duke learned of his illegitimate son’s existence, and he must be searching for him like crazy. After all, your father did not consider you as the heir apparent.

“Oh. My father always gazed at my mother’s portraits. It pained me to see him suffering, but it touched me that he loves my mother so much.”

Tori wanted to emphasize the words “so much” in front of Sabina, but they had guests, so she only made herself content by glancing at the wench to convey her message.

Sabina’s uncomfortable form was like an aphrodisiac to Tori. It brought her joy to continuously humiliate her.

“Lady Elisa, I heard they invited you to the queen’s tea party. That is so nice!” Sabina changed the topic before Elisa could reply.

So that’s how you play your game, huh. Bring it on, sister.

Elisa smiled shyly at them. It must be with the fact that Duke Rozenreff’s daughters got no invitation at all. Oh, do not fret about it, dear Elisa. I don’t have the slightest inkling to enjoy tea in the same place where my killer lives.

“My mother brought the invitation with her after discussing my future comingofage ceremony with the queen.”

“You will meet the prince. That’s so lovely!”

Careful, dearest sister. You’re showing your horns.

“Which prince? Do you mean Prince Cory? I don’t know, but I think I won’t.”

Elisa was trying to be polite in consideration of Sabina’s upbringing. They gifted royalty their castle to reside in. The first prince’s castle was next to the late queen’s castle, while the second prince’s palace was in the northernmost part since he loved to isolate himself.

But I thought I was supposed to be the stupid one in the original plot? Why is there a talking baboon in front of me, anyway?

“Oh.”

Oh, I remember. In the original plot, Lady Elisa silently loved the male lead. She was so in love with him that she became hostile to any Crown Princess candidate. But Sabina tricked her by making her believe she would give the Crown Prince to Elisa when she became queen. Sabina even promised to help her be a concubine in the future. What a load of bullshit.

“Wait. Does my dearest sister like a certain someone? Which one of the princes?”

Sabina was immediately flustered and was unbelievably blushing. Elisa was smiling, though it was a bit forced. She must be feeling threatened. After all, Sabina still had the Rozenreff blood.

It will be boring if I won’t create a crack in your friendship. Let’s see how you handle this, dearest sister.

“Oh my. I’m so excited about this kind of topic.”

“It’s the second prince, right? That’s why you want to attend too,” Elisa was holding on to that one piece of hope. What a delightful friend.

Before Sabina could reply, Tori interjected. “Oh, it wasn’t the second prince. I saw how my sister smiled with the first prince during the banquet. Oh my, my sister is growing up already. It makes me feel so lonely.”

As expected, with someone who has loved the first prince since she was young, Lady Elisa dropped her teacup. Though her dress got drenched with a partially hot chamomile tea, she barely reacted.

“Lady Elisa, what happened?” Sabina, with her maid, Shena, immediately assisted Elisa while Tori took her sweet time observing the scene unfolding in front of her.

Tori saw how Elisa flinched with Sabina’s touch.

“I I am fine, Lady Sabina. I think I have to cut short my visit. I am so sorry.” Elisa’s maid guided her to stand up.

“I am so sorry, Lady Elisa. Did I say something wrong?” Tori also stood up wary, as if she was at fault. Shena openly glared at her while Sabina sent her a distant gaze for a second.

Elisa chuckled awkwardly, “No, Lady Victoria. Never. It was just my clumsiness.”

Let’s see if you can still glare at me, Shena, after I say this.

“I apologize again, Lady Elisa. Should I have known that Lady Elisa also shared the same feelings with my dearest sister towards the first prince, I could have changed the topic.”

The glaring Shena and the cold Sabina turned pale upon hearing what Tori said, especially when Elisa smiled timidly at them and abruptly left the drawing room.

Oops. I think I heard a rope breaking when their friendship snapped.

“Don’t worry, dear sister. Lady Elisa will return since you are best friends.” Tori assured Sabina, who was busy glaring at her as Tori left the drawing room.

Ciao!

THE DINNER after the afternoon incident was quite enjoyable for Tori. It didn't seem like what she usually felt which was suffocating for her.

Maybe because I could watch a good comedy show earlier. Well, whatever, as long as the Duke dearest wouldn't open his mouth.

Tori didn't like the Duke, nor did she hate him. She just disliked the fact that they easily manipulated the duke.

Ah, disappointment is the right term when describing what I feel for him.

"Victoria. Your birthday is coming. Do you have any requests?" He nonchalantly asked Tori which stopped Sabina too.

And there he goes, opening his mouth and ruining my tranquility. So much for hoping he'll shut up, huh? And what? He's asking me for my birthday? Is he sniffing Cannabis?

Since Sabina came to the Rozenreff Household, the duke always forgot Victoria's birthday, but never Sabina's. Hence, every year the siblings always compete secretly if who's the best party.

What a dumb thing to do, honestly.

It surprised Tori since he remembered the same way Sabina got surprised too.

Hmm. Come to think of it, the original Victoria always loses to Sabina. Ooh, my inner cheerleader is coming out from the word 'competition'.

"Thank you for your concern, father." Finally. "But I have thought little about it. I'll just go to your office when I decided something."

There's no way that I'm going to tell you now. Not when a wench is observing.

"The same goes with you, Sabina."

"I'll just come to you like Sister Victoria will do, father. You know how much I looked up to her."

You sly bitch!

"Don't you ever worry, dearest sister. I will always help you with careful consideration about your humble origins since two years aren't enough to memorize what every noble lady knows." Tori and Sabina were smiling, but deep down they were practically clawing each other.

For the nth time today, Tori felt Shena and Mia's heated stare. Tori wanted to gauge their eyeballs out but these two still had roles to play.

Once the plot begins, you two will be the first one I'll eliminate. Your sick loyalty to that wench will be your greatest regret. I will let you two witness the Sabina that will discard you at any given moment. I will show you that you sided with the wrong Rozenreff and I will make you regret your decisions as you take your last breath.

Aah, I have lots to do in these two years before the plot starts, so much work, and hypocrisy. And I have yet to steel myself when coming face to face with my killer, the first prince. I have to get used to him if I wanted everything to run smoothly.

I have to make sure that before the time when I'm supposed to die, I must control the entire Empire from the shadows.

Oh, how I want to grab this hooligan's hood and expose the actual character behind it. Is it someone from the aristocratic faction? Or someone from the Assassination Guild? This person couldn't be a magician, right?

Magicians were the term used for 'inventors'. They invented things and founded theories. The sudden sprout of magicians in the Empire was bad news for the church, which has neutral power in the sovereign.

"You found it, did you not?" Tori was drinking the Oolong tea calmly. Tori did not cast her hood down since she disliked the appearance of someone she didn't ask to come.

"We confirmed it was there, but we're an Information Guild, my lady. We don't do 'fetch and get' for customers."

You're a stubborn one, huh? Good. You're proving your worth to me.

Tori put the teacup down, "So what do you wish for me to say? Or rather, what information do you intend to get from me?"

Lady M amusingly grinned at her, "I particularly like your wits, my lady. So tell me, why do you want to help the aristocratic faction when your family is a loyalist of the noble faction?"

I knew you'd ask that. Well, there's no point in hiding.

"I wish to decide who gets to become king. This time, I want the second prince to sit on the throne."

Becoming the puppet master will be good, especially when that time comes for me. I won't die again.

"Hearing that from you is strange, but would you risk everything that your family has just for that wish?"

Tori couldn't help but laughed a little, which startled the two in front of her, "You can be quite funny, Lady M. And who says I'm going down with the Rozenreff Duchy? Knowing the Elysian Crown's location is not the only trump card I have. Even if you turned me down, I have a lot of ways to ensure my goal, but you are my best route. Won't you agree to benefit each other? After all, we are pointing our spears at a common enemy."

Deep down, Lady M knew that accepting the hand of this young lady with serpents' eyes would be like accepting a deal from the devil. But she couldn't resist a very tempting offer.

"Should I accept your offer there would still be a problem?"

Oh right, the major reason why aristocratic faction loyalists can't move freely.

"Do you mean about the second prince's cowardice to fight for the throne?" Tori frankly answered Lady M, which caused the latter one to gape openly at her.

Lady M's stance became awkward all of a sudden. Tori wondered for a while before she realized something.

Ooh, so that's how it is. Then let me try something.

"To speak like that about the second prince could be considered treason!"

Tori openly smirked at Lady M and the vice leader, "You're losing your cool, Lady M. regarding your concern, as a loyalist to the aristocratic faction, you can tell his highness this."

"If he wished to protect those around him, he should consider his course of action, especially if it involves the Empress Aurina, the current queen, and the second prince's mother."

Lady M's face contorted to confusion, "Your allegations are—"

Tori cut her, "Are quite true and they do have a basis. Should the first prince become king, do you honestly believe that he won't decapitate those who supported the second prince? In our history, the losing prince always dies along with his loyalists. Do you have a way to stop that?"

"But why concern yourself when you're from the noble faction?" The hooded vice leader finally spoke after being a wallflower throughout their conversation.

So you finally decided to step on the stage.

Second Prince Corean Shuia Eckrett.

He took off his hood. And a pair of amber eyes confronted Tori. It shocked lady M that the prince partook in the negotiation. "Prince Cory!"

Tori decided to take off her hood and paid respect to the prince, "Blessings to Empire's star, the second prince."

Prince Corean, widely known as Prince Cory, stared at her seriously.

Oops! Is he angry that I called him a coward? But I only baited him, well, whatever.

"Care to share with me what pushed you to involve my mother, Lady Rozenreff?" His voice was stern and straight to the point with no nonsense.

So the prince has this kind of side, huh? Very well.

Tori couldn't blame the second prince. The viewers of Thorny Crown widely knew that the kind queen, Empress Aurina, was loved by the second prince. It was also the queen who pushed the second prince to hide his talents to avoid danger, which only caused the prince's death in Season 2.

Tori turned to Lady M after it left the second prince silent. "Now, I believed I came here for the negotiations. So Lady M, will you take the Elysian Crown and strike a bargain with me?"

The two were in awe. They couldn't believe that they were hearing these words from a young lady who has yet to celebrate her comingofage ceremony. Her information about the Elysian Crown was correct. Her words were wise. And her confidence showed as she experienced so much already in life. Lady M glanced at the second prince, to which the latter replied with a reluctant nod.

Lady M reached out for Tori, which the latter gladly accepted. "What compensation do you wish to get from giving us the Elysian Crown's location? Gold? Estate?"

Aah, the words I longed to hear.

"I want three things that only the two of you can give me. First, I want some gold under the identity of Benefactor T. Second, I wished to be an unofficial member of the aristocratic faction in which I wanted to gain access to the faction's connection in the future. And third, I want Prince Corean to never forget my deed after I make him king, hence he'll have to grant me a wish and I promise it won't harm him or the Empire."

The two realized Tori planned all of these. The second prince even suspected that Tori knew his identity all along. But they didn't know that Tori only took a gamble for the sake of her best course of action.

Lady M and the second prince agreed and signed an oath contract. An oath contract was a sacred contract and only a few choose to use this. After signing and reading all the terms and conditions, the three burned the contract together. It was a sign that it was a promise that only the three of them knew. As nobles, Lady M and the second prince respected the oath contract, leaving Tori to feel secure.

INSTEAD OF going back to the estate, Tori lingered in the Pivet Alley located at the back alley of the capital. After accomplishing her second task, Tori decided not to waste time and used this opportunity to make her third task set into motion. She also knew that someone from the Information Guild was following them, but she instructed Rowan and Lily to pretend that they didn't know.

"Rowan, do you know someone who sells things that is something peculiar? A magician of some sort."

Rowan stopped to ponder for a while, "I knew nothing of any magician in this alley, but I knew someone who sells something peculiar. I heard he created it too, though it didn't sell."

Of course, it won't sell. The shop is in the Pivet Alley, where prideful nobles never linger for shopping. And the neighborhood won't buy these things since they're too busy to find something to eat. This dirty alley is hiding a gold mine, and that will be exclusively mine to bargain and use.

"Lead the way, kind sir." Tori joked at him, which made him smile.

"Be careful, my lady." Lily reminded her when she clung to Rowan. She was glad that Rowan was now comfortable with her. The loyalty she wished wouldn't feel so far anymore.

Rowan led Tori and Lily to a shop that was smaller than the Turvy. It has no signboard or any sign of a customer. When they entered the shop, there was no one to greet them but peculiar things varying from the smallest odd things to tablesized ones. What piqued her attention was the covered thing in the corner.

"What are you doing here?" A gruff voice suddenly said. And there a plump old man with a pair of glasses came trotting in.

What a friendly reception. I'm giving you a negative score for customer service, old man.

"I came here to strike a deal," Tori discreetly showed him her necklace that was bearing the Rozenreff insignia.

"Yyou're!" It startled the old shop owner upon seeing her family crest. "Close the windows and lock the door, young man." The old man instructed Rowan, which the latter immediately followed.

The person sent by the Information Guild was just outside the shop. And the spy would probably go back and report to Lady M and Prince Corean. The two would surely wonder what she's doing in a small and dingy odd shop in the middle of Pivet Alley. If they would investigate this shop, they would only find out that there or nothing special here if they didn't mind the peculiar things the shop sells.

You two will disregard this information after not finding anything, only to be reminded of this information two years from now when the KONON camera became popular in high society. Well, maybe two years too long.

Inside the shop, the owner let them enter his workroom. It was dirty but full of odd creations, and at the center of it was a box.

It looks like the prototype of the camera has been made.

Rowan and Lily remained outside the workshop while the two sat in a wooden chair.

"I came here upon hearing from my knight that you're a talented magician. Such talent wasn't recognized just because you're born a commoner. It was unfair, and it was such a waste of talent."

Magicians were the titles given to nobles or aristocrats who invented things that made life easier for the citizens of the Empire. It was a special and honorable title that was only given to nobles and aristocrats.

"Why does a noble come here?" He was wary but delighted by her presence. Tori's presence meant opportunity or danger.

"I came here to strike a deal. As you see, I am the eldest daughter of Duke Rozenreff. With my support, you can open the largest store in the center square of the capital. You can sell your things and invent to your heart's content."

His eyes shone with delight at the words Tori said. "In return, you will only need to do three things for me."

"Wwhat is it?" Wariness was clear in his voice, and Tori couldn't blame him.

"First, they will grant me 30% of your profit. Second, you will not accept any investors. You should be content with me. I am a jealous woman, so let's avoid that. Third, you should tell no one that I am your benefactor. Do you agree?" Tori offered her right hand to him.

For the owner, the terms and conditions were pretty good. The young lady was telling him that his loyalty should be hers alone and he would gladly do that until the day he dies.

"Deal."

Tori beamed from the immediate response, "I will send my maid, Lily, to be my representative as you adjust to your new life. For now, as a token of partnership, this is for you." Tori handed him a purse full of gold coins.

"Never trust unless it was me or the other two with me. Lily was the young woman with me."

"Yes, of course. And thank you for giving me this opportunity. My name is Oswald."

No, thank you for falling into my growing team.

"And I'm Benefactor T."

TORI TOGETHER with Lily was now walking towards the Duke's office. She just freshly got up from bed when Butler Johanes came to her room and announced that the Duke called for her. At first, she was nervous that he might find out about her little expeditions. There were only three people who knew it in the estate; the coachman which she gave an ample amount of gold coins, and her two trusted aides, Rowan and Lily. So she immediately dismissed the idea of being found out.

Tori dressed in a peachcolored elegant indoor dress to keep up her facade about her 'changed ways'. The butler knocked on the door before entering, leaving Tori and Lily standing outside.

The door opened and Tori went inside. Butler Johanes excused himself that left the two alone. The Duke stood up from his table and sat in front of her. Duke Luwen Rozenreff was sitting comfortably.

"Good morning, father!" Tori greeted him sweetly. This new habit of Tori was a refreshing change from the Duke's perspective.

"Have a seat, Victoria."

This man didn't fight for the original Victoria when she got the death sentence. He didn't even shed a tear when he visited her in her cell the day before her execution.

This body's heart ached every time I looked at you. This is only a fraction of what your daughter felt when you turned your back on her.

"I called you here to discuss a letter I just received. They addressed it to you, but Johanes gave it to me when he saw the sender."

He handed Tori a letter with a familiar stamp. She immediately looked for the sender and was astonished when she realized who's the sender.

Headmaster Eyzana Valtera of Trifecta Academy

It looks like the original Victoria sent an application of acceptance to the academy. I thought Victoria was supposed to be the stupid one who easily got mad. Wait. This is the time before the plot starts turning. Maybe something made the original Victoria like that. Is it that wench and her schemes?

"Wwhat did it say?" Tori was still nervous for a different reason. She didn't know what the original Victoria was thinking by applying to the most prestigious school in the Empire.

"I didn't dare to open it. They still addressed it to you."

Ha, you just wanted me to open it in front of you. Well, then. I'm quite curious about it myself.

Trifecta Academy focuses on three things: Literature and Arts, Archaic and Holy Language, and Economics. The first headmaster of the academy was the smartest philosopher in the Empire and when he died, his son became the new headmaster of the academy. Nobles and aristocrats in the Empire and from other countries came to this school to learn these three things.

But why the hell did the original Victoria apply here? This information is not even in the Netflix Series! They described Victoria Rozenreff as a petty and stupid character who got easily undermined and manipulated by the female lead and the male lead!

"I got an invitation to take the entrance exam," Tori uttered in great shock. She was dumbly staring at the parchment that confirmed the supposed positive news.