A/N: Eve eight years old

The Winter Festival has been celebrated for thousands of years in the Callisto Dukedom, before it was conquered by the Amaria empire a few centuries ago. The dukedom used to be called the Vetis empire, and was apparently started by demons that left the underworld to coexist with human beings.

I guess that's why dark magic is more prevalent here? Honestly, I don't really care about the history of this place, but I'm forced to learn about things from various tutors.

I spent a ridiculous amount of time studying in my past life in hopes of getting a scholarship to a good college so that I could escape the horrible situation at home, only to die. In this life, I'm definitely not wasting all that time again!

And since I already learned the math and science stuff they're teaching me in my past life, I can just zone out during the lessons, much like I'm doing right now.

My tutor is standing in front of me with an exasperated look on his face. His brow is furrowed, making his pointy nose look even more prominent. He runs his hand through his long blonde hair in frustration.

"My lady!" he exclaims, "What is the answer! Have you been paying attention?"

Ugh, I should answer his question or he'll get more annoying. I do feel a little bad for him since he's just trying to do his job. I look at the chalkboard where a basic trigonometry question is written.

"The angle is 42.7 degrees," I reply, and he goes back to his boring lecture.

Finally, the lesson ends, and I go back to my room. However, just as I'm about to relax, I hear the sound of a bell ringing, and a letter shoots out from under my door.

Since the air in my room is poisonous, no servants can enter, so they have to slip me letters under the door.

I pick it up, and groan as I realize I've been summoned to eat dinner with my "delightful" family.

I go to the dining room, after changing into a red flowy dress. My father is sitting at the head of the long table, my mother to his left, and my brother to his right.

I take a seat at the opposite end of the table, earning a frown from my mother. A servant places a plate of food in front of me. I start cutting it up and eating it, as the family remains silent. I barely register what I'm eating, and only realize that it's some sort of chicken dish when I'm halfway done with it.

"So, how was your day?" asks my father.

"It was good. I learned a lot in class," I lie. In reality, I learned nothing, and zoned out the whole time.

"Yes, and your training is improving," he remarks.

My mother lets out a high-pitched giggle, "I remember how weak she used to be when she was younger. She's certainly grown up a lot."

I narrow my eyes, they're definitely planning something. What's with this casual little conversation like we're a normal family?

"Speaking of growing up, it's time we talked about marriage," he says carefully.

I almost choke on the piece of chicken I'm eating. Isn't chasing after the crown prince what led to Eve's death in the game?

"Isn't it a little early to be talking about marriage now? I'm only eight years old," I respond, trying to keep my voice even.

"Nonsense! You'll debut about a year from now, and we need to start plans early, given who you'll try to get engaged to," said my mother.

"And who will that be?" I ask, already knowing the answer.

"The crown prince, Jackson Bourbon, is a similar age to you. He would be a good match," says my father.

"He would be great! I heard he's pretty stupid," exclaims my mother.

"At a ball, I heard him saying he often walks around the capital streets and meets with the common people," says my brother with an amused smile on his face.

"Has he no sense for reputation? Talking with the poor? Disgusting!" my mother answers. "But his foolishness will make him easy to control."

"And here I thought you'd be more sympathetic to the poor, mother. Given you were father's maid not long ago," I retort. I'm going to get a beating for that one later, but it was worth it to see the expression my mother has right now.

"Eve!" shouts my father, "How dare you disrespect your mother! I thought I raised you better!"

"No, I admire her," I say grinning, and glancing over to my mother's confused face, "Which is why I'll also marry outside my status, and not marry the crown prince."

My father slams his fist on the table, causing the plates to jump up, and my brother's glass of wine to pour into his lap.

"Enough of this insolence! I afford you certain liberties since you are my daughter, but to even speak of marrying down is disgracing the family," he shouts. I almost roll my eyes. He's the one who married my mother when she was just a maid. I find their whole obsession with class a bit ridiculous. After all, I'm the same person I was in my past life, the only difference is I was born rich in this one.

"Father, I just really don't want to marry the crown prince!" I reply. I can't let them force me on this death route!

"Fine! I'll try to find you another match, but rest assured, you will be a queen," he responds, "You may not like it, but you have the Callisto family to think of."

"Thank you father," I say, "Now that we've talked, may I be excused?"

He sighs, "Yes, you may go, but remember we have training in the morning."

I bow to him, and quickly rush out of the room. I go up to my room and change into more casual attire, throwing on a fur-lined cloak and a warm jacket.

Finally I can go to the Winter Festival!

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The streets are already packed with people, and red lanterns hang on strings throughout the city. Vendors sell red roses and all kinds of holiday food. Many couples are celebrating together since this is a holiday about love.

I don't really remember the origins of the holiday, but it was about some sort of forbidden romance between a mortal shepherd and a demon princess. Some performers are reenacting the original tale in street plays or dances.

My main goal is to try the delicious food this holiday is known for. I hit the food stalls loading up on food. The great part about this new body is it never seems to gain any weight no matter how much it eats.

I buy a heart shaped pastry that tastes like a doughnut with raspberry jelly in the center. I also find candied strawberries on skewers, similar to street food I had in my past life. To balance out all that sweetness, I eat a quail egg that has been coated in a crispy batter. Finally, I buy two skewers of meat in a spicy sauce.

At this point I'm stuffed, and walk away from the street vendor that sold me the meet skewers. Snow spirals down from the air, lightly dusting the streets. Up above fireworks erupt, in brilliant red, orange, and yellow sparks.

I see couples holding hands, and children playing with each other as they gaze up to watch the firework show. I feel a pang of sadness in my heart. Since coming to this world, there hasn't been anyone I could call a friend or family.

I wonder how my sister is doing. It's already been five years, so assuming time flows the same in this world, she'll already be 18 years old.

Does she think about me, like I think about her every day?

I frown, actually it would be best if she doesn't. I hope she's moved on, and is living a happy life.

I walk away from the main street. I think I've had enough fun for today.

As I'm walking through an empty street I hear shouting and the sound of running footsteps between an alleyway. I approach the alleyway to see what's going on.

"Catch that brat!" shouts a bald man. Another man with a brown beard stumbles behind the other man, clearly out of breath. I hide behind the store at the entrance of the alleyway. I definitely don't want to get involved in whatever this is. These two look ripped, and I mean prison ripped, like they could kill a man with just one punch.

A boy runs in my direction trying to get out of the alley. Just as he's about to leave, he collapses. It seems one of them threw a knife at him, stabbing him in the shoulder.

They crowd around the boy, kicking him in the ribs. The boy looks about my age and has cuts and blood all over his body.

He screams as the bald man kicks him again.

Without thinking I jump out from behind the store, and walk into the alley.

"Hey! What the hell are you doing!" I shout.

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