Morning sunlight filtered through the academy's tall windows, casting golden lines across the marble halls. Students bustled about in uniformed silence—polite smiles, hushed greetings, the occasional bow.
But everywhere Evelyne walked… eyes followed her.
Some curious.
Some cautious.
A few… afraid.
The Glass Garden incident had spread like wildfire. Though no one spoke directly, the nobles who were present had clearly underestimated her.
And now?
Now, she was no longer the weak, discarded villainess.
She was someone to watch.
---
"They're staring again," Elisse whispered as they walked to class, clutching Evelyne's sleeve.
"Ignore them," Evelyne murmured, eyes forward. "It'll pass."
But even she could feel it—the pressure of new attention.
The professors addressed her more formally.
Students stepped out of her way in the corridors.
And most notably—the male leads had begun circling.
---
Zane Elcross, the golden-haired knight-in-training, lingered after class more than usual.
"Lady Evelyne," he said one afternoon, smiling too politely. "I've heard rumors… that you were at the Glass Garden last night."
"Were you eavesdropping?" Evelyne replied coolly.
Zane laughed. "Just concerned. Dangerous things happen in secret places."
His eyes searched hers. But Evelyne, as always, gave him nothing.
---
Later that evening, she caught sight of a figure watching her from across the courtyard.
Tall.
Black coat.
Plain mask.
The boy from the Midnight Tea.
He vanished before she could move.
---
Back in their dorm, Elisse sat cross-legged on the bed, brushing her hair.
"Evelyne," she said softly, "are you… different from before?"
The question struck harder than she expected.
After a pause, Evelyne replied, "No. Just more honest."
Elisse smiled. "Good. I like this version of you."
Evelyne turned her gaze to the window, where the moonlight spilled in.
But in her mind, a question lingered.
Who was the masked boy… and why did he call her 'Empress'?
---
To be continued…