The Crimson Sky training grounds buzzed with anticipation.
It wasn't every day the infamous "Villainess Empress" graced them with her presence.
Evelyne stood alone in the center, dressed not in a noble's gown—but fitted black training gear, the royal crest subtly woven at her shoulder.
Her silver-blonde hair was tied back, and her eyes were sharper than any blade drawn that day.
> "She's just posturing."
"She can't really fight, can she?"
"Didn't she nearly die last week?"
Whispers again. Always whispers.
Evelyne ignored them all.
She wasn't here to impress.
She was here to remind them who she was.
---
The Challenge
A young noble stepped forward. Lord Kael Daryne, heir to a marquess, known for his talent with the sword and his habit of underestimating women.
"I'll go easy on you, Your Grace," he smirked, drawing a fine, polished blade.
Evelyne unsheathed hers—a plain, black-handled rapier gifted by her late swordmaster.
"No need," she said calmly. "Fight seriously."
He scoffed.
Ten seconds later, he was on the ground, blade knocked far from his hand, throat bared.
She hadn't even broken a sweat.
---
Eyes in the Shadows
From above, Zayne watched. Arms crossed. Silent.
Beside him stood the newest transfer student—Ciel Vernhardt, the aloof genius from the Northern frontier.
"She's holding back," Ciel murmured.
"You noticed too?" Zayne replied.
"She's dangerous."
"And she's mine to protect," Zayne said with a faint smile.
---
The Heroine Arrives
At the edge of the crowd, Elisse arrived late, her eyes searching—then widening as she saw Evelyne standing in the middle of a stunned circle of noble boys.
Alone, again.
But unshakable.
> "She doesn't even realize it," Elisse thought, heart aching.
"All of them… they're falling for her."
As Evelyne walked past, students parted instinctively. Some bowed. Others stared.
And one girl—Elisse—took a step forward.
"I brought water," she said, voice soft.
Evelyne blinked. Then, a rare smile. "Thank you."
And for a moment, everything was still.
But behind that stillness… jealousy stirred.
---