Choosing a Different Path
In her room, standing before the vanity mirror, Rose calms herself and recalls the manhwa's plot. Celestia was doomed by her obsession with the crown prince and her constant bullying of the female lead.
"If I avoid them and live quietly... No, the female lead! If she becomes a great empress, she won't see me as a rival... I'll be her sidekick, not the villainess!"
A smirk crosses her face. "I'll change this story, not as the villainess, but as her secret ally."
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An Unexpected Meeting with the Crown Prince
At the Imperial Palace Garden during a tea party...
Rose, now Celestia, reluctantly attends the gathering to avoid suspicion. Her goal is simple—stay low-key and avoid the crown prince. But fate has other plans.
As she tries to leave the garden unnoticed, she accidentally bumps into him.
The crown prince stands tall, his blonde hair gleaming under the sunlight and his piercing yellow eyes examining her like she's a puzzle to solve. His cold demeanor sends chills down her spine.
"Crap! I was supposed to avoid him!" She remembers the original villainess's obsession with him. To avoid suspicion, she hastily excuses herself and walks away, trying to act uninterested.
But the crown prince watches her leave with a curious expression. "She didn't cling to me today... Interesting."
His curiosity is piqued. This change in her behavior promises more encounters in the future.
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A Prophetic Warning – The Mysterious Mage
That night, in the garden of the Evernight mansion, Rose reflects on her new life. Suddenly, a chill runs down her spine. The shadows shift, and a figure emerges—a man with sparkling blue eyes like a calm river and beautiful purple-black hair.
Rose's eyes widen. The Tower Mage... But why is he here?
He speaks cryptically, "The strings of fate have been cut and removed... Yet, they still lead to tragedy. Be careful, Lady."
He knows me? How?? I haven't even met the female lead yet. What is he talking about? Does he know about the crown prince...? No! How could he...?
Before she can question him, he disappears into the night, leaving her with nothing but confusion and anxiety.
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Mysterious Letter – An Unexpected Ally
The next morning, Rose receives a letter sealed with a crest she doesn't recognize.
The message is simple but chilling:
"Beware of the shadows at the next gathering. An attempt on your life will occur. Trust no one."
"Who would want to kill me? Is it because of the original villainess's actions... Or because the story is changing?"
Despite the warning, Rose decides to attend the gathering to investigate.
"I won't die in this world. I'll change my fate, no matter what!"
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A New Plan – Choosing a Different Path
Back in her room, Rose decides the best way to avoid her tragic fate is to stay out of the original plot entirely. But what if her fate forces her into the main plot? She has to be prepared.
Plan One: Convince her father to let her live peacefully away from the palace and political schemes.
Plan Two: If she's pulled into the story by fate, she will befriend the female lead and help her get closer to the crown prince without playing the villainess's role.
"Yes! Now I have to convince Father for my dream life. And if that doesn't work... I'll follow my backup plan."
To ensure her safety and independence, Rose needs money and a place far away from the palace where she can live quietly.
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Convincing Her Father – A Bold Request
In the Evernight Mansion's study room, Rose approaches her father, Duke Albert Evernight, known for his cold demeanor and strict nature.
She proposes opening a clothing shop and a jewelry store to secure her own income.
Duke Albert raises an eyebrow. "Why would the heir of the Evernight family need a business? Our wealth is more than sufficient."
Rose feels her heart race. "If I say the wrong thing, he'll get suspicious..."
She calmly replies, "I want to learn the value of money and contribute to the family name. It will help me understand our assets better in the future."
Her father's cold expression softens slightly, impressed by her maturity. "Very well. But you will manage it on your own. Do not bring shame to the Evernight name."
A surge of relief washes over Rose. "Yes! Now I can earn my own money and prepare for the future."
"Yes, Father. Don't worry. I won't bring any shame to our family name."
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This way, the chapter flows well and builds suspense while showing Rose's determination. It ends on a high note with her succeeding in the first part of her plan.