Iris sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers gripping the silk sheets as if they could anchor her restless thoughts.
Where should I start? How do I stop a fate that already killed me once?
This was not just a game. If I lost here, I would lose everything—the chance to save my family, the chance to uncover the enemies who smiled like friends, and the chance to take revenge on those who had pushed me toward death in my first life.
I couldn't afford to lose.
I had been given a second life for a reason. And this time, I would earn it—with my own bare hands, my own choices, and my own will.
Her gaze drifted to the garments laid out before her.
Before she could think further, a soft knock came at the door.
"Lady Iris?"
The door opened, and a young woman entered, carrying a large tray.
"Lady," she said respectfully, "this is your gown, jewelry, and shoes for this evening. What kind of makeup do you prefer for today's occasion?"
Iris looked up.
Her eyes widened.
The gown was breathtaking.
A royal silk-blue dress, smooth as flowing water, spread across the bed. Delicate gold-thread floral embroidery bloomed across the bodice and skirt, each petal outlined with fine diamond work that caught the light like morning dew. The fabric shimmered subtly with every movement, elegant yet commanding—fit for an empress who was meant to dominate a ballroom.
Beside it lay the jewelry.
A pink ruby set, bold and regal. The necklace rested on velvet, its central ruby carved into a flower-like cut, surrounded by tiny diamonds that sparkled like frozen starlight. Matching earrings curved gracefully, and a slender bracelet completed the set—luxurious, heavy with status, and unmistakably royal.
At the foot of the bed were the shoes.
Glass-like heels in a pink and blue gradient, translucent as crystal, reflecting light with every angle. They looked fragile, almost unreal—but Iris knew better. They were designed to look delicate while supporting power, just like her role in this world.
She exhaled slowly.
"…What a beautiful outfit," she muttered. "Why are you bringing this to me."
She looked at the maid. " and what is your name?"
The girl froze.
"Lady… you forgot me?"
Iris tilted her head.
"I am Sehrain, your personal maid," she said carefully. "I am here in my childhood to accompany you and give you all my service as a personal maid."
Iris slowly turned her head toward Eena.
"Hey," she whispered. "Why did you miss this part?"
Eena flicked her tail and smirked. "Well," she teased, "you didn't ask."
Iris gave her a sharp look.
Sehrain frowned. "Lady… what happened? And who is this cat? Why are you talking into her ear?"
Iris sighed. "You asked too many questions at once. How can I answer?"
Sehrain bowed her head. "Forgive me, Lady, for my impudence."
"No worries," Iris said calmly. "I'll answer one by one."
She picked up Eena gently.
"First," Iris said seriously, "I'm not saying anything in her ear. I was just sniffing her."
Sehrain blinked. "…Sniffing?"
"Yes," Iris nodded. "I thought there was a bad smell. I suspected it might be coming from her."
Eena gasped. "HEY!"
Iris continued without blinking. "Turns out, it's not her."
Sehrain looked confused. "Oh… but who is she?"
"Let me finish," Iris said. "I found her in an alley. Some naughty children were beating her for fun, so I saved her. But I got injured on my head."
Sehrain's eyes softened.
"After that," Iris went on, "she followed me home. When I turned back, she said 'meow meow' in a crying voice. I felt she wanted me to adopt her."
Eena nodded dramatically.
"So I adopted her," Iris finished. "And named her Eena."
Sehrain smiled faintly. "Strange… but if you love her, it's fine. And if you want to get rid of her, give her to me. I'll complete your task."
Eena shrieked and hid behind Iris."PLEASE SAVE ME, IRIS! She's terrifying!"
Iris patted her head. "Sehrain, don't say things like that."
"But Lady," Sehrain asked gently, "why did you forget me? I'm your personal maid."
"I had a head injury," Iris said calmly. "That's probably why I forgot some people and events."
Sehrain nodded. "That makes sense."
Iris straightened. "Now I've answered your questions. I have one."
Sehrain bowed. "Please ask, Lady."
"What is happening this evening?" Iris asked.
Sehrain's face lit up.
"Lady, today you are getting engaged to Crown Prince Ashley Grantham. Your dream will come true this evening! I'm so happy for you!"
Iris's smile didn't reach her eyes.
"And Lady," Sehrain continued excitedly, "I've already brought your special weapon for today's victory."
Iris frowned. "Weapon?"
Sehrain leaned closer. "To secure your future."
Iris stiffened. "What weapon?"
"Oh!" Sehrain gasped. "Forgive me, Lady. I forgot because of your head injury you don't remember anything, I will tell you."
She smiled slowly.
"Queen Mariana Ashley, your future mother-in-law, is against this engagement. You wanted to get rid of her."
Eena froze.
"I already purchased poison," Sehrain continued, pulling out a small vial. "Colorless. No fragrance. No taste. But deadly."
Iris's heart pounded.
"After the engagement," Sehrain said sweetly, "everyone will celebrate with drinks. I'll mix it into her glass. Once she drinks it, no one can save her. Your obstacle will be gone."
She smiled very wickedly.
Eena buried herself deeper behind Iris."She's scary. Very scary."
"Eena," Sehrain said gently, "don't be afraid. I only do what my beloved lady orders."
"Stop," Iris said sharply.
She grabbed the vial and threw it far away, where it shattered.
Sehrain stared. "Why, Lady?"
"I changed my mind," Iris said firmly. "She is the Queen. And I no longer love the Crown Prince."
Sehrain froze. "What?"
"I don't want to marry someone who doesn't love me," Iris continued. "I don't want to force anything. I want to forget him and start a new life with my family."
"But Lady—"
"Stop, Sehrain," Iris said. "Where are my parents?"
"They have already reached the palace for organizing today's engagement event," Sehrain replied. "They will come to escort you soon."
Iris nodded. "You may leave now. I need time to think."
Sehrain bowed and left.
The door closed.
Iris turned to Eena. "What should I do?"
She sighed. "Maybe I should get engaged first… then later break it."
Eena's ears flattened."Nope."
Iris blinked. "What?"
"In this game," Eena said seriously, "once you get engaged to royalty, it's official. After official, marriage must happen."
Iris frowned. "Unless…?"
Eena sighed. "Unless the four pillars of the kingdom vote for annulment."
Iris leaned forward. "Who are they?"
"First," Eena said, "Queen Mariana Ashley."
"Easy," Iris said.
"Second," Eena continued, "your father, Duke William Ashcroft."
"Also easy."
"But third," Eena said slowly, "your father's enemy—Northern Duke Keram Saravat."
Iris stiffened.
"He is cruel, arrogant, and deceitful," Eena added.
"And the fourth?" Iris asked.
"Prime Minister Ivan Charles," Eena replied. "Extremely traditional. Obeys rules more than people."
Iris swallowed.
"…That's impossible."
Eena smiled nervously."Well… impossible things is game's favorite hobby."
Iris stared at her.
"…What will happen next?"
Eena's eyes sparkled dangerously.
"That," she said, "this is the fun part."