Lady M smirked. “A lady after her own heart, I like that. Follow me.”

Lady M guided the three of them towards a secret passage that led to a comfy-sized room that looked like Lady M’s office. The latter sat comfortably, and Tori followed suit. Lily and Rowan stood at the back of Tori, completely on guard.

“Leave us for a moment,” Tori ordered the two, which they reluctantly followed.

When Tori was left alone with Lady M, the latter finally spoke, “So tell me, what is a noble lady doing here?”

Tori took off her hood and sat comfortably. “Now, that isn’t the information we must be talking about. How about we start our conversation with the location of the Elysian Crown?”

Lady M abruptly stood up from her seat due to shock from what she heard. Tori couldn’t blame her. After all, the Elysian Crown was why the original novel got the title ‘Thorny Crown.’

Thorny Crown was the title of the novel series, which later became a popular Netflix Series. The story was about the first prince and the second prince, both heirs to the throne. Originally, to decide the rightful heir to the throne, like all the previous kings, went through, the heir apparent had to use all their resources to locate the Elysian Crown.

Whoever finds it first will become the Crown Prince.

But the wench Sabina, the female lead of the series, and the noble faction didn’t want to risk since the second prince displayed quite the intelligence, so they destroyed the Elysian Crown and sabotaged his death.

Though the sabotaging part wasn’t confirmed by the author, the second prince allegedly died during the great plague in the Season 2 of the series. Come to think of it, it did not highlight the death of the second prince in the Netflix Series. That was so shady.

In the original story, the Elysian Crown was never seen again. The story got the title ‘Thorny Crown’ as it represented the female lead and male lead’s thorny path before reaching happily ever after. Although Tori didn’t know what’s the ending since they got burned together with the author.

Suppose I can secure the Elysian Crown before it falls to the Rozenreff Dukedom and Castaña Dukedom, both loyalists to the noble faction. In that case, the second prince can take part without worrying about dying.

‘The hunt to the Elysian Crown’ was an official occasion wherein there was only one rule. If either heir apparent died during the duration of the hunting, the other one should give up the claim to the throne. Thus this rule eliminated the possibility of assassination for the second prince. After all, the noble faction could not afford to be destroyed. If any princes died, the two Dukedoms would claim the right to join the hunt for the Elysian Crown.

Either way, any result is not a loss for me. But I prefer the amber-eyed prince to be the future king.

“Do you know how heavy that claim is, my lady? And even if you know the location of the crown, how will it benefit me?”

It was Tori’s turned to smirk, “Whoever has the crown’s location got the right to decide who will become king. Isn’t it Lady M’s wish to support the aristocratic faction? And let me correct you. This information won’t benefit you but the entire people you wished to protect.”

Yes. Lady M, short for Lady Merilla of House Larat, was a loyalist to the aristocratic faction.

Lady M’s face turned serious. Only a handful knew who she was. And she couldn’t believe that she heard these words from a young lady of the House Rozenreff, who was known to be a loyalist of the noble faction who openly supported the first prince.

“Is this the noble faction’s scheme to trap us?” a flustered Lady M asked. She was having a hard time believing.

“I don’t need to prove anything. I’ll just show you.” Tori stood up, but before she left the room, she dropped a small piece of paper onto the floor.

“I’ll be back by next week to discuss my terms and the information I want. Goodbye for now, Lady M.”

Hurry and become my vassal. It would be nice to gain full access to the Information Guild.

THE RIDE back to the estate was quiet and uncomfortable. Lily was still adjusting to her newest hobby, which involved coats and back alleys. On the other hand, Rowan was skeptical of why she had to change carriage just to visit the Turvy. He didn’t entirely doubt her, but he was more on the worried side that this thing may endanger Tori.

Tori was grateful that the two weren’t asking anything. These two were her trusted aides, so they needed to know this. They also needed to see where the Turvy was located and who was in charge of that place in case Tori wanted to send a confidential message.

When they safely arrived at the estate, Tori saw the familiar crest of the Castaña Dukedom on a carriage.

No way! It is too early for the Duke to arrive!

She unknowingly snapped her attention from the window to Rowan. “Lady Tori?”

No! It’s too early! His loyalty to me is not yet that strong to forsake his family for me!

Tori, with no help, descended from the carriage and went straight inside the manor. Lily and Rowan were both hot in their heels and wondering what was wrong.

“Is something wrong, Lady Tori?” Lily asked her, but she didn’t reply until Teresa confirmed the facts.

Tori dashed towards the head maid, Teresa. “Is the Duke of Castaña Duchy here, Teresa?”

“Lady Victoria, you’ve arrived. And no, Duke Castaña is not here but Lady Elisa.”

So that wench is targeting the Duchess instead of the Marchioness, huh. What a smart move.

“Are they in the drawing room having some tea, Teresa?”

“Yes, Lady Victoria.”

Tori smiled sweetly at Teresa, though her eyes hid the wickedness she felt. “I must greet Lady Elisa then.”

Tori turned to Rowan and charmingly smiled at him. “You can rest now, Rowan. And thank you for guarding me.”

“Lily, bring the ribbons to my room. I’ll have to visit my dear sister I missed so much and greet our guest.”

“Yes, Lady Tori.”

This should be fun. You’ve been building this friendship for a month as a contingency plan since I wrecked your plan with the Marchioness. I’m curious, sister dearest, what will be your next move when I ruin this so-called friendship again?

Tori’s friendly smile greeted the two ladies, chatting while having tea in the playroom. Lady Elisa stood up to greet Tori while Sabina was not happy before she masked her actual feelings with fake enthusiasm.

“A pleasant afternoon, Lady Victoria.”

Tori replied to Elisa’s charming courtesy with an equally perfect one. “Please have a seat, Sister Victoria.”

Instead of replying, Tori hugged the wench. Tori and Sabina were picture-perfect loving siblings, but if anyone would hear their inner thoughts. They would surely crack up.

“Please enjoy your stay here, Lady Elisa.” Tori took her seat adjacent to Elisa and directly in front of Sabina. The kitchen maids served her tea. Tori hated teas, but she had to pretend that she loved them, but if only she could choose, she’d instead have caffeine.

“Yes, I am enjoying my stay, Lady Victoria.”

“How’s the Duke and Duchess, Lady Elisa? It’s been a while since I visited your estate.”

A dim expression passed by Elisa’s face before smiling like nothing. Tori glanced at Sabina, and she didn’t say it, but she couldn’t let her guard down with her ‘saintly’ half-sister.

“They are doing fine like they always do. How about you and Lady Sabina?”

You immediately shifted the topic, huh. This might be when the Duke learned of his illegitimate son’s existence, and he must be searching for him like crazy. After all, your father did not consider you as the heir apparent.

“Oh. My father always gazed at my mother’s portraits. It pained me to see him suffering, but it touched me that he loves my mother so much.”

Tori wanted to emphasize the words “so much” in front of Sabina, but they had guests, so she only made herself content by glancing at the wench to convey her message.

Sabina’s uncomfortable form was like an aphrodisiac to Tori. It brought her joy to continuously humiliate her.

“Lady Elisa, I heard they invited you to the queen’s tea party. That is so nice!” Sabina changed the topic before Elisa could reply.

So that’s how you play your game, huh. Bring it on, sister.

Elisa smiled shyly at them. It must be with the fact that Duke Rozenreff’s daughters got no invitation at all. Oh, do not fret about it, dear Elisa. I don’t have the slightest inkling to enjoy tea in the same place where my killer lives.

“My mother brought the invitation with her after discussing my future coming-of-age ceremony with the queen.”

“You will meet the prince. That’s so lovely!”

Careful, dearest sister. You’re showing your horns.

“Which prince? Do you mean Prince Cory? I don’t know, but I think I won’t.”

Elisa was trying to be polite in consideration of Sabina’s upbringing. They gifted royalty their castle to reside in. The first prince’s castle was next to the late queen’s castle, while the second prince’s palace was in the northernmost part since he loved to isolate himself.

But I thought I was supposed to be the stupid one in the original plot? Why is there a talking baboon in front of me, anyway?

“Oh.”

Oh, I remember. In the original plot, Lady Elisa silently loved the male lead. She was so in love with him that she became hostile to any Crown Princess candidate. But Sabina tricked her by making her believe she would give the Crown Prince to Elisa when she became queen. Sabina even promised to help her be a concubine in the future. What a load of bullshit.

“Wait. Does my dearest sister like a certain someone? Which one of the princes?”

Sabina was immediately flustered and was unbelievably blushing. Elisa was smiling, though it was a bit forced. She must be feeling threatened. After all, Sabina still had the Rozenreff blood.

It will be boring if I won’t create a crack in your friendship. Let’s see how you handle this, dearest sister.

“Oh my. I’m so excited about this kind of topic.”

“It’s the second prince, right? That’s why you want to attend too,” Elisa was holding on to that one piece of hope. What a delightful friend.

Before Sabina could reply, Tori interjected. “Oh, it wasn’t the second prince. I saw how my sister smiled with the first prince during the banquet. Oh my, my sister is growing up already. It makes me feel so lonely.”

As expected, with someone who has loved the first prince since she was young, Lady Elisa dropped her teacup. Though her dress got drenched with a partially hot chamomile tea, she barely reacted.

“Lady Elisa, what happened?” Sabina, with her maid, Shena, immediately assisted Elisa while Tori took her sweet time observing the scene unfolding in front of her.

Tori saw how Elisa flinched with Sabina’s touch.

“I- I am fine, Lady Sabina. I think I have to cut short my visit. I am so sorry.” Elisa’s maid guided her to stand up.

“I am so sorry, Lady Elisa. Did I say something wrong?” Tori also stood up wary, as if she was at fault. Shena openly glared at her while Sabina sent her a distant gaze for a second.

Elisa chuckled awkwardly, “No, Lady Victoria. Never. It was just my clumsiness.”

Let’s see if you can still glare at me, Shena, after I say this.

“I apologize again, Lady Elisa. Should I have known that Lady Elisa also shared the same feelings with my dearest sister towards the first prince, I could have changed the topic.”

The glaring Shena and the cold Sabina turned pale upon hearing what Tori said, especially when Elisa smiled timidly at them and abruptly left the drawing room.

Oops. I think I heard a rope breaking when their friendship snapped.

“Don’t worry, dear sister. Lady Elisa will return since you are best friends.” Tori assured Sabina, who was busy glaring at her as Tori left the drawing room.

Ciao!

THE DINNER after the afternoon incident was quite enjoyable for Tori. It didn't seem like what she usually felt which was suffocating for her.

Maybe because I could watch a good comedy show earlier. Well, whatever, as long as the Duke dearest wouldn't open his mouth.

Tori didn't like the Duke, nor did she hate him. She just disliked the fact that they easily manipulated the duke.

Ah, disappointment is the right term when describing what I feel for him.

"Victoria. Your birthday is coming. Do you have any requests?" He nonchalantly asked Tori which stopped Sabina too.

And there he goes, opening his mouth and ruining my tranquility. So much for hoping he'll shut up, huh? And what? He's asking me for my birthday? Is he sniffing Cannabis?

Since Sabina came to the Rozenreff Household, the duke always forgot Victoria's birthday, but never Sabina's. Hence, every year the siblings always compete secretly if who's the best party.

What a dumb thing to do, honestly.

It surprised Tori since he remembered the same way Sabina got surprised too.

Hmm. Come to think of it, the original Victoria always loses to Sabina. Ooh, my inner cheerleader is coming out from the word 'competition'.

"Thank you for your concern, father." Finally. "But I have thought little about it. I'll just go to your office when I decided something."

There's no way that I'm going to tell you now. Not when a wench is observing.

"The same goes with you, Sabina."

"I'll just come to you like Sister Victoria will do, father. You know how much I looked up to her."

You sly bitch!

"Don't you ever worry, dearest sister. I will always help you with careful consideration about your humble origins since two years aren't enough to memorize what every noble lady knows." Tori and Sabina were smiling, but deep down they were practically clawing each other.

For the nth time today, Tori felt Shena and Mia's heated stare. Tori wanted to gauge their eyeballs out but these two still had roles to play.

Once the plot begins, you two will be the first one I'll eliminate. Your sick loyalty to that wench will be your greatest regret. I will let you two witness the Sabina that will discard you at any given moment. I will show you that you sided with the wrong Rozenreff and I will make you regret your decisions as you take your last breath.

Aah, I have lots to do in these two years before the plot starts, so much work, and hypocrisy. And I have yet to steel myself when coming face to face with my killer, the first prince. I have to get used to him if I wanted everything to run smoothly.

I have to make sure that before the time when I'm supposed to die, I must control the entire Empire from the shadows.

ONE WEEK passed by quickly and the next thing Tori knew, she was now sitting faced-to-face with Lady M again. Rowan and Lily were outside the door like before. But what was new this time was the fact that the vice leader of the Information Guild was present. The vice leader was like in the Netflix Series, an identity that was covered by mysteries. This person was sitting silently next to Lady M who was covered by a big and baggy coat. The only prominent giveaway was this person's height and slim stature.

Oh, how I want to grab this hooligan's hood and expose the actual character behind it. Is it someone from the aristocratic faction? Or someone from the Assassination Guild? This person couldn't be a magician, right?

Magicians were the term used for 'inventors'. They invented things and founded theories. The sudden sprout of magicians in the Empire was bad news for the church, which has neutral power in the sovereign.

"You found it, did you not?" Tori was drinking the Oolong tea calmly. Tori did not cast her hood down since she disliked the appearance of someone she didn't ask to come.

"We confirmed it was there, but we're an Information Guild, my lady. We don't do 'fetch and get' for customers."

You're a stubborn one, huh? Good. You're proving your worth to me.

Tori put the teacup down, "So what do you wish for me to say? Or rather, what information do you intend to get from me?"

Lady M amusingly grinned at her, "I particularly like your wits, my lady. So tell me, why do you want to help the aristocratic faction when your family is a loyalist of the noble faction?"

I knew you'd ask that. Well, there's no point in hiding.

"I wish to decide who gets to become king. This time, I want the second prince to sit on the throne."

Becoming the puppet master will be good, especially when that time comes for me. I won't die again.

"Hearing that from you is strange, but would you risk everything that your family has just for that wish?"

Tori couldn't help but laughed a little, which startled the two in front of her, "You can be quite funny, Lady M. And who says I'm going down with the Rozenreff Duchy? Knowing the Elysian Crown's location is not the only trump card I have. Even if you turned me down, I have a lot of ways to ensure my goal, but you are my best route. Won't you agree to benefit each other? After all, we are pointing our spears at a common enemy."

Deep down, Lady M knew that accepting the hand of this young lady with serpents' eyes would be like accepting a deal from the devil. But she couldn't resist a very tempting offer.

"Should I accept your offer there would still be a problem?"

Oh right, the major reason why aristocratic faction loyalists can't move freely.

"Do you mean about the second prince's cowardice to fight for the throne?" Tori frankly answered Lady M, which caused the latter one to gape openly at her.

Lady M's stance became awkward all of a sudden. Tori wondered for a while before she realized something.

Ooh, so that's how it is. Then let me try something.

"To speak like that about the second prince could be considered treason!"

Tori openly smirked at Lady M and the vice leader, "You're losing your cool, Lady M. regarding your concern, as a loyalist to the aristocratic faction, you can tell his highness this."

"If he wished to protect those around him, he should consider his course of action, especially if it involves the Empress Aurina, the current queen, and the second prince's mother."

Lady M's face contorted to confusion, "Your allegations are—"

Tori cut her, "Are quite true and they do have a basis. Should the first prince become king, do you honestly believe that he won't decapitate those who supported the second prince? In our history, the losing prince always dies along with his loyalists. Do you have a way to stop that?"

"But why concern yourself when you're from the noble faction?" The hooded vice leader finally spoke after being a wallflower throughout their conversation.

So you finally decided to step on the stage.

Second Prince Corean Shuia Eckrett.

He took off his hood. And a pair of amber eyes confronted Tori. It shocked lady M that the prince partook in the negotiation. "Prince Cory!"

Tori decided to take off her hood and paid respect to the prince, "Blessings to Empire's star, the second prince."

Prince Corean, widely known as Prince Cory, stared at her seriously.

Oops! Is he angry that I called him a coward? But I only baited him, well, whatever.

"Care to share with me what pushed you to involve my mother, Lady Rozenreff?" His voice was stern and straight to the point with no nonsense.

So the prince has this kind of side, huh? Very well.

Tori couldn't blame the second prince. The viewers of Thorny Crown widely knew that the kind queen, Empress Aurina, was loved by the second prince. It was also the queen who pushed the second prince to hide his talents to avoid danger, which only caused the prince's death in Season 2.

"It seems that I was only revealing things to you with nothing in return. My generosity can only stretch so much, your highness. I wished to keep the information on my own. Although you can rest assured that I am no threat to all of you. After all, I only have two set courses. First, I will be the head of Rozenref Duchy who will vow loyalty to King Corean Shuia Eckrett. Or, I will destroy the Rozenref Duchy from within. Either way, it won't harm you. So how about you keep those words as a friendly reminder, your highness? Think of it as a gift from your loyalist."

Tori turned to Lady M after it left the second prince silent. "Now, I believed I came here for the negotiations. So Lady M, will you take the Elysian Crown and strike a bargain with me?"

The two were in awe. They couldn't believe that they were hearing these words from a young lady who has yet to celebrate her coming-of-age ceremony. Her information about the Elysian Crown was correct. Her words were wise. And her confidence showed as she experienced so much already in life. Lady M glanced at the second prince, to which the latter replied with a reluctant nod.

Lady M reached out for Tori, which the latter gladly accepted. "What compensation do you wish to get from giving us the Elysian Crown's location? Gold? Estate?"

Aah, the words I longed to hear.

"I want three things that only the two of you can give me. First, I want some gold under the identity of Benefactor T. Second, I wished to be an unofficial member of the aristocratic faction in which I wanted to gain access to the faction's connection in the future. And third, I want Prince Corean to never forget my deed after I make him king, hence he'll have to grant me a wish and I promise it won't harm him or the Empire."

The two realized Tori planned all of these. The second prince even suspected that Tori knew his identity all along. But they didn't know that Tori only took a gamble for the sake of her best course of action.

Lady M and the second prince agreed and signed an oath contract. An oath contract was a sacred contract and only a few choose to use this. After signing and reading all the terms and conditions, the three burned the contract together. It was a sign that it was a promise that only the three of them knew. As nobles, Lady M and the second prince respected the oath contract, leaving Tori to feel secure.

INSTEAD OF going back to the estate, Tori lingered in the Pivet Alley located at the back alley of the capital. After accomplishing her second task, Tori decided not to waste time and used this opportunity to make her third task set into motion. She also knew that someone from the Information Guild was following them, but she instructed Rowan and Lily to pretend that they didn't know.

"Rowan, do you know someone who sells things that is something peculiar? A magician of some sort."

Rowan stopped to ponder for a while, "I knew nothing of any magician in this alley, but I knew someone who sells something peculiar. I heard he created it too, though it didn't sell."

Of course, it won't sell. The shop is in the Pivet Alley, where prideful nobles never linger for shopping. And the neighborhood won't buy these things since they're too busy to find something to eat. This dirty alley is hiding a gold mine, and that will be exclusively mine to bargain and use.

"Lead the way, kind sir." Tori joked at him, which made him smile.

"Be careful, my lady." Lily reminded her when she clung to Rowan. She was glad that Rowan was now comfortable with her. The loyalty she wished wouldn't feel so far anymore.

Rowan led Tori and Lily to a shop that was smaller than the Turvy. It has no signboard or any sign of a customer. When they entered the shop, there was no one to greet them but peculiar things varying from the smallest odd things to table-sized ones. What piqued her attention was the covered thing in the corner.

"What are you doing here?" A gruff voice suddenly said. And there a plump old man with a pair of glasses came trotting in.

What a friendly reception. I'm giving you a negative score for customer service, old man.

"I came here to strike a deal," Tori discreetly showed him her necklace that was bearing the Rozenreff insignia.

"Y-you're!" It startled the old shop owner upon seeing her family crest. "Close the windows and lock the door, young man." The old man instructed Rowan, which the latter immediately followed.

The person sent by the Information Guild was just outside the shop. And the spy would probably go back and report to Lady M and Prince Corean. The two would surely wonder what she's doing in a small and dingy odd shop in the middle of Pivet Alley. If they would investigate this shop, they would only find out that there or nothing special here if they didn't mind the peculiar things the shop sells.

You two will disregard this information after not finding anything, only to be reminded of this information two years from now when the KONON camera became popular in high society. Well, maybe two years too long.

Inside the shop, the owner let them enter his workroom. It was dirty but full of odd creations, and at the center of it was a box.

It looks like the prototype of the camera has been made.

Rowan and Lily remained outside the workshop while the two sat in a wooden chair.

"I came here upon hearing from my knight that you're a talented magician. Such talent wasn't recognized just because you're born a commoner. It was unfair, and it was such a waste of talent."

Magicians were the titles given to nobles or aristocrats who invented things that made life easier for the citizens of the Empire. It was a special and honorable title that was only given to nobles and aristocrats.

"Why does a noble come here?" He was wary but delighted by her presence. Tori's presence meant opportunity or danger.

"I came here to strike a deal. As you see, I am the eldest daughter of Duke Rozenreff. With my support, you can open the largest store in the center square of the capital. You can sell your things and invent to your heart's content."

His eyes shone with delight at the words Tori said. "In return, you will only need to do three things for me."

"W-what is it?" Wariness was clear in his voice, and Tori couldn't blame him.

"First, they will grant me 30% of your profit. Second, you will not accept any investors. You should be content with me. I am a jealous woman, so let's avoid that. Third, you should tell no one that I am your benefactor. Do you agree?" Tori offered her right hand to him.

For the owner, the terms and conditions were pretty good. The young lady was telling him that his loyalty should be hers alone and he would gladly do that until the day he dies.

"Deal."

Tori beamed from the immediate response, "I will send my maid, Lily, to be my representative as you adjust to your new life. For now, as a token of partnership, this is for you." Tori handed him a purse full of gold coins.

"Never trust unless it was me or the other two with me. Lily was the young woman with me."

"Yes, of course. And thank you for giving me this opportunity. My name is Oswald."

No, thank you for falling into my growing team.

"And I'm Benefactor T."

TORI TOGETHER with Lily was now walking towards the Duke's office. She just freshly got up from bed when Butler Johanes came to her room and announced that the Duke called for her. At first, she was nervous that he might find out about her little expeditions. There were only three people who knew it in the estate; the coachman which she gave an ample amount of gold coins, and her two trusted aides, Rowan and Lily. So she immediately dismissed the idea of being found out.

Tori dressed in a peach-colored elegant indoor dress to keep up her facade about her 'changed ways'. The butler knocked on the door before entering, leaving Tori and Lily standing outside.

The door opened and Tori went inside. Butler Johanes excused himself that left the two alone. The Duke stood up from his table and sat in front of her. Duke Luwen Rozenreff was sitting comfortably.

"Good morning, father!" Tori greeted him sweetly. This new habit of Tori was a refreshing change from the Duke's perspective.

"Have a seat, Victoria."

This man didn't fight for the original Victoria when she got the death sentence. He didn't even shed a tear when he visited her in her cell the day before her execution.

This body's heart ached every time I looked at you. This is only a fraction of what your daughter felt when you turned your back on her.

"I called you here to discuss a letter I just received. They addressed it to you, but Johanes gave it to me when he saw the sender."

He handed Tori a letter with a familiar stamp. She immediately looked for the sender and was astonished when she realized who's the sender.

Headmaster Eyzana Valtera of Trifecta Academy

It looks like the original Victoria sent an application of acceptance to the academy. I thought Victoria was supposed to be the stupid one who easily got mad. Wait. This is the time before the plot starts turning. Maybe something made the original Victoria like that. Is it that wench and her schemes?

"W-what did it say?" Tori was still nervous for a different reason. She didn't know what the original Victoria was thinking by applying to the most prestigious school in the Empire.

"I didn't dare to open it. They still addressed it to you."

Ha, you just wanted me to open it in front of you. Well, then. I'm quite curious about it myself.

Trifecta Academy focuses on three things: Literature and Arts, Archaic and Holy Language, and Economics. The first headmaster of the academy was the smartest philosopher in the Empire and when he died, his son became the new headmaster of the academy. Nobles and aristocrats in the Empire and from other countries came to this school to learn these three things.

But why the hell did the original Victoria apply here? This information is not even in the Netflix Series! They described Victoria Rozenreff as a petty and stupid character who got easily undermined and manipulated by the female lead and the male lead!

"I got an invitation to take the entrance exam," Tori uttered in great shock. She was dumbly staring at the parchment that confirmed the supposed positive news.