The palace academy gates stood tall, its white stone walls engraved with ancient runes. Noble children, heirs of dukes and ministers, all passed through these gates with pride—or arrogance.
But one girl stood out from the rest.
Simple clothes. Slightly patched skirt. Wide brown eyes that sparkled with wonder.
Her name was Elisse Vernal—a commoner admitted on scholarship, the daughter of a florist and a carpenter.
And the heroine of the otome game that once decided Evelyne's downfall.
Now… she was Evelyne's chance to rewrite everything.
---
Evelyne watched from the balcony above as Elisse bowed politely to the gatekeeper. A group of noble girls nearby scoffed and whispered.
The same scene.
The same cycle.
Evelyne stepped down.
Her entrance silenced the whispers instantly.
Everyone stared as the once-condemned villainess approached the common girl.
Elisse blinked. "L-Lady Evelyne?"
A soft smile touched Evelyne's lips—genuine, if a little bittersweet. "You dropped this."
She handed her a small charm that had fallen from Elisse's bag. A paper star, folded with care.
"Be careful," Evelyne said, voice quiet but firm. "This school can be cruel."
Elisse looked stunned. "Y-Yes, my lady. Thank you."
Whispers returned—confused, speculative.
But Evelyne ignored them all as she walked away.
For the first time in two lifetimes… she had protected the heroine.
And that alone changed everything.
---
To be continued...