Summer days in the Empire of Laydel were glorious. The heat was not too intense, and the breezes were gentle - like drifting fairies would rush past and bless one's body with a wave of relief. Lush green fields and meadows were a sight to behold amid the untarnished lands, whilst the capital city sparkled like a galaxy in the heart of the Empire.

The palace gardens were in full bloom. And more especially so, for this beautiful yard belonging to Duke Einfred. The estate was large and luxurious, a true symbol of the wealth and eye for quality this duchy was renowned for. It gleamed in a way that made even Irene, Princess of House Cherliann, marvel at the sights around her.

Her slim fingers gingerly lifted an exquisite teacup to her rosy lips, which parted slightly as she took a light sip of the refreshing drink prepared for guests. Salons weren't something Irene especially enjoyed much of — but she was aware making connections with other noblewomen would prove beneficial to her future. That and, since Isabella was the one hosting, there was no way Irene could miss it.

Several other girls were gathered at the garden pavilion, and over the past year, Irene became quite well-acquainted with them. Isabella sat by her side at the table, listening in on the conversation the young ladies were having.

"Did you read Ivory Locke's latest novel? Lady Rosamunde was simply marvellous!"

"I agree! I loved how romantic the ending was between her and Count Clyde... She helped save him in so many ways!"

Ah... It's this sort of conversation again. Irene nonchalantly closed her eyes, sipping tea with utmost composure despite her inner excitement beginning to brew. The girls were talking about one of the works of a popular author, who had become a huge hit lately. Not only did the name Ivory Locke bring excitement to all groups, but they even managed to bring fiction into every day life.

No one knew who the writer was, or whether they were a man or woman. Ivory Locke was an author who kept their identity concealed, but they were dubbed a legend in Laydel. It had been two years now since they first emerged in the world, and in that time — they managed to write three books. All separate genres directed towards different audiences, earning acknowledgment from a sundry range of people.

Irene smiled faintly down at her teacup, decorated with gold applied onto fine bone china and painted with the images of white aster flowers.

Who would have thought I would become this famous?

Isabella glanced fleetingly at her as the girls continued to praise Ivory Locke for all of their work. A soft chuckle escaped the brunette's lips, because although the white-haired young lady was good at keeping up appearances, they crumbled in front of her closest friend who knew her for years. She could see right through Irene's composed facade, as the shimmer in her golden eyes glittered with pride.

"Princess Irene, have you read the book?" A young lady with luscious strawberry hair turned to face her with a vivacious smile. "It's amazing!"

I wrote the book!... was what she wanted to say, but nobody would believe a twelve-year-old girl inexperienced in romance, could write such a heart-wrenching tale. Not to mention, Irene was happy simply being able to see her work thrive — in a world where fiction was limited. It was as if she had brought something new but permanent to this world.

"Oh come now, the story is good but there were many flaws which were plain as day."

A voice from among the circle spoke out, quelling the other girls as their smiles faded slightly. Irene blinked, glancing at the ebony-haired young lady whose emerald eyes were already staring clinically at her.

"It was a well-written story, but the protagonist was far too absurd. She was so quick to pick up weapons and fight, don't you think it's too unrealistic?"

Of course, those words belonged to Freya Atlan — and this did not catch her by surprise. Irene wore a look of indifference, but there was a slight coldness in her visage when the edges of Freya's lips curled upwards.

"But... I think that it was admirable how strong she was," one of the girls responded. "It's not unusual for women to take up weapons, especially under the army of Duke Cherliann. Even Princess Irene is good at the sword, right My Lady?"

Irene offered a cordial smile. "My Father has been teaching me for the past four years, but I still have a long way to go."

Freya scoffed, and Irene was beginning to feel slightly irritated by her obviously rancorous attitude. For some reason, the Atlans had become rather hostile towards the Cherlianns over the past year — calling them "barbaric" or even insulting them underhandedly in parties. Irene wasn't sure whether it was because of their support for Mikael, or out of envy that Prince Daniel had run away from them whilst his brother was contentedly living with their rivals.

Not even someone as omniscient about this world as Irene, had any idea what the first prince was thinking. Daniel's sudden disappearance caused her quite a lot of stress since it was an unforeseen action, but oddly enough — her father and brother were very calm towards the situation. In fact, they may have been the only calm ones in the entire country.

Prince Daniel disappeared, but it was a choice he made on his own. The Atlans somehow lost control over him, and although Irene couldn't tell what he was thinking, it wasn't difficult to discern the thoughts of his family — especially his uncle and cousin's.

Freya took every opportunity to attack Irene whenever she could, but it was beginning to look pathetic. Of course, Irene wasn't the type to involve herself with petty drama - especially amongst noblewomen. But because Freya was technically higher in power than Irene in terms of status, even if by a little, it wasn't easy to ignore these remarks of hers.

"Don't you think that fighting is such an inelegant and brutish thing?" Freya asked, scrunching her nose whilst covering her mouth with a folding fan. "All those calluses and terrible wounds you must get from holding a sword... They'll tarnish your beauty, Princess."

Irene's face looked devoid of emotion, but she concealed her animus towards her. When it came to underhanded slights, the adult within her was rather good at remaining composed even whilst receiving derision.

"Oh, you don't have to worry about Irene's beauty, Princess Freya!" Isabella beamed, and Irene glanced at her in total awe as her friend took her hands and held them closely. "I developed a special ointment specifically for her, to help with calluses and scratches. With me by her side, she will remain as radiant as an angel for the rest of her life."

The brunette wore an exuberant smile, but it was dripping with venom when she faced Freya. Irene didn't know when it happened, but Isabella became rather fierce somewhere down the line. A smile played on her lips as she noticed the raven-haired girl falter after hearing those words.

"I appreciate your concern for me, Lady Freya," Irene smiled, her golden eyes glazing over the raven-haired female's face. "But such brutish strength may save my life where my face will not — so I'm more than happy to gain a scratch or two if it means I can live."

The daughter of House Atlan remained silent, after her failed attempt to insult the Cherliann once again. Usually, it would be easy to pull the rug from beneath the feet of people she insulted. But whenever it came to Irene, Freya struggled to really push her over the edge. It was as if she were an iron wall who could handle any impacts and still remain standing.

Suppressing the urge to sigh, Irene continued to quietly listen in on the conversations without saying much. The only person worth talking to here was Isabella, since the other young girls were all rather ignorant and living like jewels kept safely sheltered inside a treasure box. All they wanted to talk about were fairy tales and boys or dresses, or getting married in the future.

It wasn't surprising that the second prince came up a lot in that conversation.

"I heard Prince Mikael has mastered the piano! Lady Irene, is that true?"

"Wow he really is so charming!"

"I hope we get to see him again... Princess, please bring his highness with you next time!"

These girls have no idea what that stubborn guy is really like.

Smiling elegantly, Irene nodded her head. "Of course, I'll try my best to convince him."

That's a lie, but we girls do that here so it's okay.

A little while later, Irene decided it was about time to head back, and so she excused herself from the tea party and bid farewell to her friends. Isabella continued with the tea party she was hosting, giving out a few gifts to her guests.

Even though she was only thirteen, Isabella had grown a lot in the time she spent studying medicinal alchemy. The original heroine, who lived a more carefree life compared to that of the original novel, spent her time creating many products which became a huge hit in the market. Ointments for rashes or smoother skin, pills for certain illnesses and even healing potions which were effective for brutal internal wounds.

Over the last four years, many had been working hard to achieve their goals — whilst others were still discovering what it was they wanted to do. Irene too, had blossomed considerably throughout this time. Learning to wield the sword, introducing fiction to the world, and even handling ducal affairs with Rudien and Rayvis from time to time.

Everything was considerably peaceful. But no matter how much time passed, Irene was well aware of the tensions that were to come. The threat of dark magic still lingered in the world, Prince Daniel ran away, and a bad feeling settled in her stomach whenever she remembered the future events of her original storyline — were no longer the same.

Despite all that, Irene's determination never once faltered. She worked hard to become strong, and had an invincible father, brother and even a spirit guardian at her side. So long as she could protect herself and the people she cared for, the girl knew she would be able to live a satisfactory life.

Irene smiled as she gazed ahead at the elaborate cloister she was passing through. The sound of her heels clicking against marble floors echoed as a gentle breeze sifted between the pillars.

Just then, Irene noticed a figure approaching her from ahead, and her eyes widened a little in recognition.

Tall, slender and masculine with his towering presence and resplendent attire dripping with regality. Silver hair which shone like threads of silk under the sunlight, and glistening ruby eyes as deep as a scarlet rose. A smile graced his lips at the sight of her, and Irene gasped a little at the unexpected sight of her father.

Rudien Alpheus Cherliann — a man both revered and feared by the people of Laydel. His loyalty to the empire went unquestioned, and the man earned the trust of everyone who was protected by his sword.

"Papa? What are you doing here?" She asked once he reached her. Several feet behind him, walked a familiar butler with brown hair and a kind air about him. Eirwen — his right-hand was here too.

"I had a meeting earlier to discuss some important matters with Duke Einfred. Are you going home now?" He asked, gently reaching out a gloved hand and caressing his daughter's cheek whilst surveying her expression.

Irene nodded her head with a gentle smile. "I was just about to head back."

Rudien's expression appeared to be in thought for a moment, before he kneeled down and faced Irene with a smile. "Then let's head home together."

These days, it was difficult for Irene to spend any time with her parents — considering they were busy with handling many ducal affairs. And although Irene wasn't always involved in the matters, she knew Rudien especially had his work cut out for him. A lot of that, might have been her own fault.

Once they were seated on the cushioned seats of the Cherliann carriage, Irene gazed up at her father - who seemed to be spacing out. His handsome visage had the usual, nonchalant expression he always wore. But she could tell that something was on Rudien's mind.

"Is something wrong, Papa?" She asked him, bringing the man out of his train of thought. It was unusual to see him daydreaming like that.

Rudien glanced at his daughter for a moment, but still looked a little bit conflicted. "There is," Irene blinked as he crossed his arms elegantly. "You see, there's going to be chaos ensuing amongst the aristocracy very soon."

Irene blinked. Could he be talking about that...?

Laydel was currently in the midst of an unspoken political strife, involving the next emperor to take the throne. Ever since Prince Daniel left the care of House Atlan, people began to turn to the Cherlianns as a leading figure. Everyone had their eyes on Mikael, who was now the only remaining heir to the throne.

The creation of a Mikael faction wasn't helping. Although the second prince had no desire to take the throne, there were people who were starting to push for him to be emperor.

As for why he had so much support, it was because Irene Cherliann, beloved daughter of the hero of Laydel, was close to him. Famously known for her early prowess in all fields of study, she was famously spoken to be the most fitting candidate for the position of Empress.

Freya Atlan and Isabella Einfred, were also some contenders. But still, they paled in comparison to Irene Cherliann, who was not only the most capable, but also since she already received love for being the daughter of the Empire's protector. Thus, it was a sort of unspoken rule — whichever prince married Irene, would become the future sovereign of Laydel.

In the original novel, Irene was never supported as an Empress candidate, because her personality was unfit to rule the nation. But now that she changed the entire course of not only her life, but the story itself — it wasn't particularly shocking things would turn out this way.

Irene frowned a little. It did bother her that she didn't seem to have a huge say in the matter. Although she was rather confident she could perform well as an Empress, Irene wasn't sure it was a position she wanted to take. Not to mention, it would mean marrying Daniel, and that was something she would need to avoid for her own safety.

He was the one to kill Irene in her original novel, after all.

As of now, things really depended on the first prince and Isabella. So long as they met and fell in love, Irene would be able to peacefully live in their shadows rent-free. Not to mention, she'd be able to witness her favourite leading couple live happily together, what more could she ask for?

But then again... The story has changed a little bit too much. Isabella isn't even the same as the heroine in my original novel... Plus Daniel is missing, who knows when they'll ever meet.

Things are really heading in an unpredictable direction.

I shouldn't get my hopes up.

"Prince Daniel is returning to the palace," Rudien stated, capturing Irene's attention. "I don't know why, but he's decided to host a ball as an unofficial debut to society, and it's taking place in two weeks."

Her eyes widened upon hearing those words. "Wait... What?!"

The first prince of Laydel, who had never even been seen by majority of the empire — was suddenly announcing his presence after years of running from his duties?

And in two weeks?

"Isn't that too soon?" Irene gaped at Rudien, who was already aware of how ridiculous the idea was. In Laydel, any major events would at least allow two months of prior notice, since the aristocracy needed time to prepare new garments or gifts for special occasions such as these.

For Daniel to announce a ball in two weeks — it was definitely going to create an uproar. No one with their dignity on the line, could possibly get ready for such a huge event in that short amount of time. After all, who would want to look bad in front of the first prince?

"It is too soon. But His Highness seemed to decide on that deliberately— I heard." The duke heaved another sigh, as if he were trying to figure out what the prince was thinking.

Sometimes the expression Rudien wore when talking about the first prince made it seem like they knew each other personally. Irene surveyed her father clinically for a moment, but her thoughts soon drifted to another pressing matter.

Daniel's reasons for announcing a ball in such short notice was a mystery to her — he never acted this way in the original novel. Running away from his education, living in hiding by his own will, causing the aristocracy trouble, these were not things he did back when Irene wrote of him as a male lead.

He was supposed to be a character who grew stronger by becoming more independent within the walls of House Atlan, opposing his uncle but not to the point he left the duchy entirely. Not to mention, he was a considerate man who would make a decision carefully by thinking through it first, making sure the people around him wouldn't be troubled by his actions.

But this Daniel is just acting like an impulsive wolf who left his pack, then suddenly decided to return. Irene thought, her brows narrowing in concern. I can't read him at all.

She hadn't met him in the last four years. Not since their chance encounter at the celebratory banquet held for Laydel's victory in war. As of now, Daniel was fourteen, and acting erratically. Irene knew his character was bound to change during his years of puberty, since that was when he grew from being a scared, helpless child into a capable and cunning adult. But it was clear from the present, he was nothing like the original Daniel.

There's also Mikael to think about... How will he react to meeting Daniel again?

Even though he had been living under the same roof and was more or less a brother to Irene by now, she couldn't help but wonder what would happen once he saw his actual sibling again, after five years apart. Mikael never really spoke much about Daniel, and didn't seem interested when he heard news about him. As always, the icy second prince was still difficult to read.

Irene gulped, clutching her dress. But more importantly...

Is the prince going to remember that day...? Surely not... Right?

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