Breakfast was as perfect as ever.Polished silver, crystal glasses, warm pastries, and a delicate scent of rose jam.
I sat quietly at the long table while the Duchess—my mother—read through letters and took dainty sips of tea.
"Eat quickly, Elira," she said without looking up. "The carriage is waiting. Elena has been up for hours. She even made you a blessing wreath for your first day. Did you see it?"
"Yes. It was... lovely."
I remembered that wreath.Last life, I thought it was a gesture of sisterly affection.Now, I know better. It was a performance.
"Don't embarrass us at the Academy," my mother added. "Remember your name."
I set my spoon down. My voice was calm and clear.
"Mother, I would like to postpone my engagement to Prince Caelum."
That got her attention.
She paused, but did not look at me. Slowly, she placed her teacup back onto the saucer.
The silence that followed was cold and calculating.
"This is a royal arrangement," she said at last. "Are you sure you understand what you're saying?"
I smiled gently.
"Of course. Which is why rushing it would be foolish. We wouldn't want others thinking our family is too eager to cling to royal favor. Three years at the Academy will shape me into a proper bride—if that path is still appropriate then."
She finally looked at me.
There was no warmth in her eyes. No anger either. Just appraisal—like evaluating a piece of jewelry she hadn't worn in a while.
"...You've learned fast."
She returned to her letters without another word.
That was how she expressed approval.
Not through praise. Not through affection.But by not objecting.
I returned to my breakfast. Calm. Silent.
Step one, complete.
I hadn't asked for permission. I had bought time.
Because in this new game, I am no longer the naive daughter.
I am the one who decides when it ends—and who burns with it.