It was early in the day—a time when I would normally be sleeping. After washing my face with cold water, I looked in the mirror. The day had finally arrived. If I passed today without trouble, I would be free from countless death flags—and be able to live as I wanted.

A smile naturally appeared as I thought about my glorious future. I hummed a lively tune as I returned to my bedroom—that was when I saw the mouse doll that Max had given me. Picking up the doll, I recollected the memories of the previous night. I would be able to give him the answer to his confession today. Just then, an annoying existence came to mind.

'Mikhail won't get in my way, will he?'

Such worries only lasted for a moment as I knew that he would fall in love with Beatrice at first sight. There was no way he would even pay attention to me.

According to the original writing, Mikhail would be unable to take his eyes off the princess from the moment she made her grand entrance. His eyes were glued to her until the end of the day despite having his lover—me—by his side. His dream of dancing with the royal ladyship came true as Beatrice reluctantly decided to dance with the knight at her mother's behest.

Unlike Mikhail, Beatrice bore ill feelings toward her partner as currying favor with him was the empress' idea. However, the princess gradually warmed up to him after realizing he was sweeter and more thoughtful than she had expected.

'Then I become outraged and make a great fuss in the banquet hall… only to end up being slapped in the face… But I won't do that this time, so it doesn't matter.'

An ominous feeling suddenly overcame me, and I decided to take my whistle just in case. I opened my jewelry cabinet, and the numerous shiny ornaments instantly caught my attention. I chose to wear the hairpin Max had helped me put on the other day—I would tell him how I felt about him once I returned from the banquet.

With these thoughts, I busily decorated myself in anticipation.

* * *

'I'll get vengeance for what had happened that day,' Max smirked under his mask. The wait wasn't too boring to him now that he was thinking how disgusted his stepsister would be. Just then, the door opened, revealing the royal princess' elegance. Everyone let out exclamations at her beauty, but Max frowned.

'She has such terrible taste.'

Her showy red dress adorned with decorations was too much for him, and her skirt was larger than usual—resembling an oversized umbrella.

'Wearing such a thing to her own coronation ceremony… She doesn't even need me to embarrass her.'

That was when he realized Beatrice was also facing him with a scowl.

'A mask… As I thought, he's not sane.'

Perhaps it was because she had awoken terrified from the sight of her stepbrother in his charcoal armor—Max wearing a mask looked normal to Beatrice.

'I guess it's better than him wearing the damn armor.'

The two stood strangely satisfied at the current situation.

"Your Highness, you must hurry."

"Let's go," Max responded to the servant's urging, reaching his hand out to Beatrice.  She held his hand, barely holding back her urge to pinch his hand.

'It's already terrifying just thinking of entering the hall with this man.'

'How annoying. I can't believe I am wasting my time on this rascal…' Max shared such sentiments as he put up with the unpleasantness.

The siblings glared at each other, then they remembered a certain someone.

'But it's worth it, as I will see Jubelian in a little while.'

Without knowing that they agreed with each other, the siblings headed toward the banquet hall.