Rumors had always followed Evelyne like a second shadow.
"She bribed the professors."
"She used dark magic in her duel."
"They say even the Crown Prince is under her spell."
Evelyne ignored them all.
Instead, she sat beneath the academy's rose arbor, reading a worn book on imperial law. Elisse sat beside her, scribbling notes. The garden was unusually quiet today—almost peaceful.
Until someone shattered it.
"She's here."
A boy stepped forward. Blond hair. Sharp eyes. Wrapped in a noble's cloak of icy blue.
Dorian Vellmont.
The son of the Duke of Vellmont—cold, ambitious, and terrifyingly intelligent.
And the only student who ever ranked above Evelyne in academics.
He stood a few paces from her.
"You were impressive in that duel," he said, coolly.
She didn't look up. "And?"
"I don't like being second place."
"Then try harder," Evelyne said, calmly flipping a page.
Dorian's eye twitched.
Elisse looked between them, frozen.
"I propose a challenge," he said.
Evelyne finally looked up.
"A duel?"
"A debate," he replied. "In front of the faculty. You and I. On the ethics of imperial succession. One week from today."
She arched a brow. "You're serious."
He nodded once. "You surprise me. I want to know if it's just luck… or something more."
Evelyne stared at him, then slowly smiled. "Then prepare yourself, Duke's son. I won't lose."
As he turned and walked away, Elisse leaned in, whispering, "Why do I feel like he doesn't just want to win?"
Evelyne sighed. "Because he doesn't."
And for the first time since her return to this world, her heart skipped—not from fear… but from the thrill of the game.
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