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.”

Lady M smirked. “A lady after her own heart, I like that. Follow me.”

Lady M guided the three of them towards a secret passage that led to a comfy-sized room that looked like Lady M’s office. The latter sat comfortably, and Tori followed suit. Lily and Rowan stood at the back of Tori, completely on guard.

“Leave us for a moment,” Tori ordered the two, which they reluctantly followed.

When Tori was left alone with Lady M, the latter finally spoke, “So tell me, what is a noble lady doing here?”

Tori took off her hood and sat comfortably. “Now, that isn’t the information we must be talking about. How about we start our conversation with the location of the Elysian Crown?”

Lady M abruptly stood up from her seat due to shock from what she heard. Tori couldn’t blame her. After all, the Elysian Crown was why the original novel got the title ‘Thorny Crown.’

Thorny Crown was the title of the novel series, which later became a popular Netflix Series. The story was about the first prince and the second prince, both heirs to the throne. Originally, to decide the rightful heir to the throne, like all the previous kings, went through, the heir apparent had to use all their resources to locate the Elysian Crown.

Whoever finds it first will become the Crown Prince.

But the wench Sabina, the female lead of the series, and the noble faction didn’t want to risk since the second prince displayed quite the intelligence, so they destroyed the Elysian Crown and sabotaged his death.

Though the sabotaging part wasn’t confirmed by the author, the second prince allegedly died during the great plague in the Season 2 of the series. Come to think of it, it did not highlight the death of the second prince in the Netflix Series. That was so shady.

In the original story, the Elysian Crown was never seen again. The story got the title ‘Thorny Crown’ as it represented the female lead and male lead’s thorny path before reaching happily ever after. Although Tori didn’t know what’s the ending since they got burned together with the author.

Suppose I can secure the Elysian Crown before it falls to the Rozenreff Dukedom and Castaña Dukedom, both loyalists to the noble faction. In that case, the second prince can take part without worrying about dying.

‘The hunt to the Elysian Crown’ was an official occasion wherein there was only one rule. If either heir apparent died during the duration of the hunting, the other one should give up the claim to the throne. Thus this rule eliminated the possibility of assassination for the second prince. After all, the noble faction could not afford to be destroyed. If any princes died, the two Dukedoms would claim the right to join the hunt for the Elysian Crown.

Either way, any result is not a loss for me. But I prefer the amber-eyed prince to be the future king.

“Do you know how heavy that claim is, my lady? And even if you know the location of the crown, how will it benefit me?”

It was Tori’s turned to smirk, “Whoever has the crown’s location got the right to decide who will become king. Isn’t it Lady M’s wish to support the aristocratic faction? And let me correct you. This information won’t benefit you but the entire people you wished to protect.”

Yes. Lady M, short for Lady Merilla of House Larat, was a loyalist to the aristocratic faction.

Lady M’s face turned serious. Only a handful knew who she was. And she couldn’t believe that she heard these words from a young lady of the House Rozenreff, who was known to be a loyalist of the noble faction who openly supported the first prince.

“Is this the noble faction’s scheme to trap us?” a flustered Lady M asked. She was having a hard time believing.

“I don’t need to prove anything. I’ll just show you.” Tori stood up, but before she left the room, she dropped a small piece of paper onto the floor.

“I’ll be back by next week to discuss my terms and the information I want. Goodbye for now, Lady M.”

Hurry and become my vassal. It would be nice to gain full access to the Information Guild.

THE RIDE back to the estate was quiet and uncomfortable. Lily was still adjusting to her newest hobby, which involved coats and back alleys. On the other hand, Rowan was skeptical of why she had to change carriage just to visit the Turvy. He didn’t entirely doubt her, but he was more on the worried side that this thing may endanger Tori.

Tori was grateful that the two weren’t asking anything. These two were her trusted aides, so they needed to know this. They also needed to see where the Turvy was located and who was in charge of that place in case Tori wanted to send a confidential message.

When they safely arrived at the estate, Tori saw the familiar crest of the Castaña Dukedom on a carriage.

No way! It is too early for the Duke to arrive!

She unknowingly snapped her attention from the window to Rowan. “Lady Tori?”

No! It’s too early! His loyalty to me is not yet that strong to forsake his family for me!

Tori, with no help, descended from the carriage and went straight inside the manor. Lily and Rowan were both hot in their heels and wondering what was wrong.

“Is something wrong, Lady Tori?” Lily asked her, but she didn’t reply until Teresa confirmed the facts.

Tori dashed towards the head maid, Teresa. “Is the Duke of Castaña Duchy here, Teresa?”

“Lady Victoria, you’ve arrived. And no, Duke Castaña is not here but Lady Elisa.”

So that wench is targeting the Duchess instead of the Marchioness, huh. What a smart move.

“Are they in the drawing room having some tea, Teresa?”

“Yes, Lady Victoria.”

Tori smiled sweetly at Teresa, though her eyes hid the wickedness she felt. “I must greet Lady Elisa then.”

Tori turned to Rowan and charmingly smiled at him. “You can rest now, Rowan. And thank you for guarding me.”

“Lily, bring the ribbons to my room. I’ll have to visit my dear sister I missed so much and greet our guest.”

“Yes, Lady Tori.”

This should be fun. You’ve been building this friendship for a month as a contingency plan since I wrecked your plan with the Marchioness. I’m curious, sister dearest, what will be your next move when I ruin this so-called friendship again?

Tori’s friendly smile greeted the two ladies, chatting while having tea in the playroom. Lady Elisa stood up to greet Tori while Sabina was not happy before she masked her actual feelings with fake enthusiasm.

“A pleasant afternoon, Lady Victoria.”

Tori replied to Elisa’s charming courtesy with an equally perfect one. “Please have a seat, Sister Victoria.”

Instead of replying, Tori hugged the wench. Tori and Sabina were picture-perfect loving siblings, but if anyone would hear their inner thoughts. They would surely crack up.

“Please enjoy your stay here, Lady Elisa.” Tori took her seat adjacent to Elisa and directly in front of Sabina. The kitchen maids served her tea. Tori hated teas, but she had to pretend that she loved them, but if only she could choose, she’d instead have caffeine.

“Yes, I am enjoying my stay, Lady Victoria.”

“How’s the Duke and Duchess, Lady Elisa? It’s been a while since I visited your estate.”

A dim expression passed by Elisa’s face before smiling like nothing. Tori glanced at Sabina, and she didn’t say it, but she couldn’t let her guard down with her ‘saintly’ half-sister.

“They are doing fine like they always do. How about you and Lady Sabina?”

You immediately shifted the topic, huh. This might be when the Duke learned of his illegitimate son’s existence, and he must be searching for him like crazy. After all, your father did not consider you as the heir apparent.

“Oh. My father always gazed at my mother’s portraits. It pained me to see him suffering, but it touched me that he loves my mother so much.”

Tori wanted to emphasize the words “so much” in front of Sabina, but they had guests, so she only made herself content by glancing at the wench to convey her message.

Sabina’s uncomfortable form was like an aphrodisiac to Tori. It brought her joy to continuously humiliate her.

“Lady Elisa, I heard they invited you to the queen’s tea party. That is so nice!” Sabina changed the topic before Elisa could reply.

So that’s how you play your game, huh. Bring it on, sister.

Elisa smiled shyly at them. It must be with the fact that Duke Rozenreff’s daughters got no invitation at all. Oh, do not fret about it, dear Elisa. I don’t have the slightest inkling to enjoy tea in the same place where my killer lives.

“My mother brought the invitation with her after discussing my future coming-of-age ceremony with the queen.”

“You will meet the prince. That’s so lovely!”

Careful, dearest sister. You’re showing your horns.

“Which prince? Do you mean Prince Cory? I don’t know, but I think I won’t.”

Elisa was trying to be polite in consideration of Sabina’s upbringing. They gifted royalty their castle to reside in. The first prince’s castle was next to the late queen’s castle, while the second prince’s palace was in the northernmost part since he loved to isolate himself.

But I thought I was supposed to be the stupid one in the original plot? Why is there a talking baboon in front of me, anyway?

“Oh.”

Oh, I remember. In the original plot, Lady Elisa silently loved the male lead. She was so in love with him that she became hostile to any Crown Princess candidate. But Sabina tricked her by making her believe she would give the Crown Prince to Elisa when she became queen. Sabina even promised to help her be a concubine in the future. What a load of bullshit.

“Wait. Does my dearest sister like a certain someone? Which one of the princes?”

Sabina was immediately flustered and was unbelievably blushing. Elisa was smiling, though it was a bit forced. She must be feeling threatened. After all, Sabina still had the Rozenreff blood.

It will be boring if I won’t create a crack in your friendship. Let’s see how you handle this, dearest sister.

“Oh my. I’m so excited about this kind of topic.”

“It’s the second prince, right? That’s why you want to attend too,” Elisa was holding on to that one piece of hope. What a delightful friend.

Before Sabina could reply, Tori interjected. “Oh, it wasn’t the second prince. I saw how my sister smiled with the first prince during the banquet. Oh my, my sister is growing up already. It makes me feel so lonely.”

As expected, with someone who has loved the first prince since she was young, Lady Elisa dropped her teacup. Though her dress got drenched with a partially hot chamomile tea, she barely reacted.

“Lady Elisa, what happened?” Sabina, with her maid, Shena, immediately assisted Elisa while Tori took her sweet time observing the scene unfolding in front of her.

Tori saw how Elisa flinched with Sabina’s touch.

“I- I am fine, Lady Sabina. I think I have to cut short my visit. I am so sorry.” Elisa’s maid guided her to stand up.

“I am so sorry, Lady Elisa. Did I say something wrong?” Tori also stood up wary, as if she was at fault. Shena openly glared at her while Sabina sent her a distant gaze for a second.

Elisa chuckled awkwardly, “No, Lady Victoria. Never. It was just my clumsiness.”

Let’s see if you can still glare at me, Shena, after I say this.

“I apologize again, Lady Elisa. Should I have known that Lady Elisa also shared the same feelings with my dearest sister towards the first prince, I could have changed the topic.”

The glaring Shena and the cold Sabina turned pale upon hearing what Tori said, especially when Elisa smiled timidly at them and abruptly left the drawing room.

Oops. I think I heard a rope breaking when their friendship snapped.

“Don’t worry, dear sister. Lady Elisa will return since you are best friends.” Tori assured Sabina, who was busy glaring at her as Tori left the drawing room.

Ciao!