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!

THE DINNER after the afternoon incident was quite enjoyable for Tori. It didn't seem like what she usually felt which was suffocating for her.

Maybe because I could watch a good comedy show earlier. Well, whatever, as long as the Duke dearest wouldn't open his mouth.

Tori didn't like the Duke, nor did she hate him. She just disliked the fact that they easily manipulated the duke.

Ah, disappointment is the right term when describing what I feel for him.

"Victoria. Your birthday is coming. Do you have any requests?" He nonchalantly asked Tori which stopped Sabina too.

And there he goes, opening his mouth and ruining my tranquility. So much for hoping he'll shut up, huh? And what? He's asking me for my birthday? Is he sniffing Cannabis?

Since Sabina came to the Rozenreff Household, the duke always forgot Victoria's birthday, but never Sabina's. Hence, every year the siblings always compete secretly if who's the best party.

What a dumb thing to do, honestly.

It surprised Tori since he remembered the same way Sabina got surprised too.

Hmm. Come to think of it, the original Victoria always loses to Sabina. Ooh, my inner cheerleader is coming out from the word 'competition'.

"Thank you for your concern, father." Finally. "But I have thought little about it. I'll just go to your office when I decided something."

There's no way that I'm going to tell you now. Not when a wench is observing.

"The same goes with you, Sabina."

"I'll just come to you like Sister Victoria will do, father. You know how much I looked up to her."

You sly bitch!

"Don't you ever worry, dearest sister. I will always help you with careful consideration about your humble origins since two years aren't enough to memorize what every noble lady knows." Tori and Sabina were smiling, but deep down they were practically clawing each other.

For the nth time today, Tori felt Shena and Mia's heated stare. Tori wanted to gauge their eyeballs out but these two still had roles to play.

Once the plot begins, you two will be the first one I'll eliminate. Your sick loyalty to that wench will be your greatest regret. I will let you two witness the Sabina that will discard you at any given moment. I will show you that you sided with the wrong Rozenreff and I will make you regret your decisions as you take your last breath.

Aah, I have lots to do in these two years before the plot starts, so much work, and hypocrisy. And I have yet to steel myself when coming face to face with my killer, the first prince. I have to get used to him if I wanted everything to run smoothly.

I have to make sure that before the time when I'm supposed to die, I must control the entire Empire from the shadows.

ONE WEEK passed by quickly and the next thing Tori knew, she was now sitting faced-to-face with Lady M again. Rowan and Lily were outside the door like before. But what was new this time was the fact that the vice leader of the Information Guild was present. The vice leader was like in the Netflix Series, an identity that was covered by mysteries. This person was sitting silently next to Lady M who was covered by a big and baggy coat. The only prominent giveaway was this person's height and slim stature.

Oh, how I want to grab this hooligan's hood and expose the actual character behind it. Is it someone from the aristocratic faction? Or someone from the Assassination Guild? This person couldn't be a magician, right?

Magicians were the term used for 'inventors'. They invented things and founded theories. The sudden sprout of magicians in the Empire was bad news for the church, which has neutral power in the sovereign.

"You found it, did you not?" Tori was drinking the Oolong tea calmly. Tori did not cast her hood down since she disliked the appearance of someone she didn't ask to come.

"We confirmed it was there, but we're an Information Guild, my lady. We don't do 'fetch and get' for customers."

You're a stubborn one, huh? Good. You're proving your worth to me.

Tori put the teacup down, "So what do you wish for me to say? Or rather, what information do you intend to get from me?"

Lady M amusingly grinned at her, "I particularly like your wits, my lady. So tell me, why do you want to help the aristocratic faction when your family is a loyalist of the noble faction?"

I knew you'd ask that. Well, there's no point in hiding.

"I wish to decide who gets to become king. This time, I want the second prince to sit on the throne."

Becoming the puppet master will be good, especially when that time comes for me. I won't die again.

"Hearing that from you is strange, but would you risk everything that your family has just for that wish?"

Tori couldn't help but laughed a little, which startled the two in front of her, "You can be quite funny, Lady M. And who says I'm going down with the Rozenreff Duchy? Knowing the Elysian Crown's location is not the only trump card I have. Even if you turned me down, I have a lot of ways to ensure my goal, but you are my best route. Won't you agree to benefit each other? After all, we are pointing our spears at a common enemy."

Deep down, Lady M knew that accepting the hand of this young lady with serpents' eyes would be like accepting a deal from the devil. But she couldn't resist a very tempting offer.

"Should I accept your offer there would still be a problem?"

Oh right, the major reason why aristocratic faction loyalists can't move freely.

"Do you mean about the second prince's cowardice to fight for the throne?" Tori frankly answered Lady M, which caused the latter one to gape openly at her.

Lady M's stance became awkward all of a sudden. Tori wondered for a while before she realized something.

Ooh, so that's how it is. Then let me try something.

"To speak like that about the second prince could be considered treason!"

Tori openly smirked at Lady M and the vice leader, "You're losing your cool, Lady M. regarding your concern, as a loyalist to the aristocratic faction, you can tell his highness this."

"If he wished to protect those around him, he should consider his course of action, especially if it involves the Empress Aurina, the current queen, and the second prince's mother."

Lady M's face contorted to confusion, "Your allegations are—"

Tori cut her, "Are quite true and they do have a basis. Should the first prince become king, do you honestly believe that he won't decapitate those who supported the second prince? In our history, the losing prince always dies along with his loyalists. Do you have a way to stop that?"

"But why concern yourself when you're from the noble faction?" The hooded vice leader finally spoke after being a wallflower throughout their conversation.

So you finally decided to step on the stage.

Second Prince Corean Shuia Eckrett.

He took off his hood. And a pair of amber eyes confronted Tori. It shocked lady M that the prince partook in the negotiation. "Prince Cory!"

Tori decided to take off her hood and paid respect to the prince, "Blessings to Empire's star, the second prince."

Prince Corean, widely known as Prince Cory, stared at her seriously.

Oops! Is he angry that I called him a coward? But I only baited him, well, whatever.

"Care to share with me what pushed you to involve my mother, Lady Rozenreff?" His voice was stern and straight to the point with no nonsense.

So the prince has this kind of side, huh? Very well.

Tori couldn't blame the second prince. The viewers of Thorny Crown widely knew that the kind queen, Empress Aurina, was loved by the second prince. It was also the queen who pushed the second prince to hide his talents to avoid danger, which only caused the prince's death in Season 2.

"It seems that I was only revealing things to you with nothing in return. My generosity can only stretch so much, your highness. I wished to keep the information on my own. Although you can rest assured that I am no threat to all of you. After all, I only have two set courses. First, I will be the head of Rozenref Duchy who will vow loyalty to King Corean Shuia Eckrett. Or, I will destroy the Rozenref Duchy from within. Either way, it won't harm you. So how about you keep those words as a friendly reminder, your highness? Think of it as a gift from your loyalist."

Tori turned to Lady M after it left the second prince silent. "Now, I believed I came here for the negotiations. So Lady M, will you take the Elysian Crown and strike a bargain with me?"

The two were in awe. They couldn't believe that they were hearing these words from a young lady who has yet to celebrate her coming-of-age ceremony. Her information about the Elysian Crown was correct. Her words were wise. And her confidence showed as she experienced so much already in life. Lady M glanced at the second prince, to which the latter replied with a reluctant nod.

Lady M reached out for Tori, which the latter gladly accepted. "What compensation do you wish to get from giving us the Elysian Crown's location? Gold? Estate?"

Aah, the words I longed to hear.