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 fifteen-year-old boy, Rowan was overly malnourished, and he needed strength to become a knight-in-training.

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 so-called genuine smile of hers were sharp ruby-red 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 half-sister 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 half-sister. 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 lilac-painted 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.

And the banquet they would attend was the second prince’s fifteenth birthday. Eckrett Empire’s royal princes got divided into two. The first prince and the future crown prince were the male leaders of this Netflix series. And the second prince was just a side character who later on died in Season 2 from the great plague. But there were many rumors among the avid fans of the Thorny Crown Series that the noble faction was behind the second prince’s death. From what Tori saw from the Netflix Series, the second prince had very few appearances. It was like they made him a character to emphasize the first prince. Even his death emphasized the male lead. It was like how the original Victoria had to die just to let the half-blood Sabina be the heir apparent of Rozenreff Duchy.

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 face-to-face 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 sapphire-eyed boy.

“L-lady 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.

THREE YEARS from now, in the original plot, a small shop became the Empire’s most successful business would ever see. The shop owner invented the very first camera named KONON, and many nobles and aristocrats loved the newly developed device. The emperor gave the shop owner the title of Baron, and he became a leading role for the aristocratic faction. However, the Baron died together with all the aristocratic faction’s loyalists when the second prince died in Season 2. Even with the newly gained status and wealth, the Baron fell into Marquess Zoliel’s trap and was beheaded for treason.

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 make-believe 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 knight-in-training, 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 plain-looking 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 plain-looking 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 cover-up 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 middle-aged 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 hawk-like eyes penetrated Tori as if Lady M was scrutinizing her soul. Under the hood, ruby-red 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.”