“Is that her? The prophesied ‘Saintess’...?”

  “I heard she’s new. My, she’s no human…”

  “A non-noble, in the Grand Academy?”

  “How dare she—to walk amongst us like this? I bet that prophecy is a farce!”

  “It cannot be, wouldn’t that mean the church is practicing heresy then?”

  “These are troubling times indeed…”

  With her head fixed straight, a graceful young lady walked through the hallways of the Grand Academy. Still, her soft steps were clearly uneasy, and she must be struggling to keep herself composed.

  But she marched forward, trying to keep her dignity intact.

  It certainly would be a different day today, as this new force entered the Academy’s hallowed halls.

  To describe her as an angel would sell her short. She had beauty so otherworldly, it rivaled Alexa’s. She had silver doe eyes that seemed so ethereal that they could hypnotize anyone.

  She had rosy cheeks, healthy white skin, and silver hair that shone like silk. Her ears were noticeably different too—for it was long, like a knife.

  To Alexa, she was elven-like. Were it not for the floating white halo on top of her head, she probably would be indistinguishable from one.

  She had such perfect qualities, yet she held herself with a humble, slightly shy smile.

  It was her.

  The so-called Saintess according to the church, and to Alexa’s chagrin, the Empire’s future Empress according to the blasted novel.

  She was Phoebe d'Lumiere, the last Helgon, an ancient, powerful race, now driven to extinction. She was said to have been raised by a priest in a backwater countryside town. Then she was picked up by the pope himself, and sent here after she was discovered to be the future savior of mankind.

  Therefore, she would receive nothing less than the finest education the Empire could offer to prepare her for her duties.

  As such, she was the nemesis of all nobles, including Alexa. A low-born with the arrogance to act so high and mighty all because of her legendary bloodline that had no right to exist anymore, and because of some random ancient prophecy with dubious validity.

  But, considering Alexa’s knowledge of future events, she had already decided that such an ignorant treatment of Phoebe was not in her interests. Therefore, she’d be the first, personally, to welcome this saintess to correct the future.

  Now, the stage was set for Alexa to change this timeline!

  “So you are the Phoebe everyone is talking about,” Alexa grinned widely, as she stood in front of the woman. “You are, aren’t you?”

  Phoebe’s eyes widened, seemingly shocked that someone suddenly blocked her path, and it was the Crown Princess no less. That only fed Alexa’s vicious amusement—this girl was painfully naive and clueless.

  Alexa’s soul already despised Phoebe so much that she wanted to torment her for Alexa’s amusement. But, she believed she had attained true enlightenment now, one that focused on long-term self-preservation over short-term enjoyment.

  Thus…she had a plan. A big, beautiful plan to save herself from the guillotine’s razor. Such a plan might even be infallible, for there was no way it could fail.

  “W-wait,” Phoebe squeaked. “The princess herself?!”

  “No need to call me that way,” Alexa placed her hand elegantly on her chest, as she looked down at Phoebe. “But, yes, it is I—Crown Princess Alexa Theresa von Wolgast. As I’ve heard that you’re new here, I imagine that folks might be a bit unwelcome to you, so I’ve come down here to grace you with my presence.”

  “Unwelcome…?” Phoebe innocently asked. “Ah, sorry! I forgot to answer you. M-my name is Phoebe, yes.”

  “What a lovely name that is,” Alexa beamed, then she extended her gloved hand. “Now, as to why I’m here, well, I wish to extend my friendship to you, and once you do accept, which you will, you will enjoy my protection. Please, be grateful, for this shall save you from a peasant’s fate.”

  Phoebe shyly lowered her head, as she looked at the floor while fidgeting with her fingers.

  “Um…but Your Highness, I don’t know you well enough yet.”

  Alexa felt a vein popping on her forehead.

  Just accept my offer, silly girl! I don’t need you cutting my head so let’s be friends instead. Why be difficult? I’m so friendly already!

  “M-my,” Alexa laughed, clearly irritated, but she tried to keep her friendly smile. “Then we shall work on that eventually. Please, I do not mind. Anyone can be my friend should my heart desire it, and I desire to be your friend.”

  The crowd gasped at Alexa’s declaration, and it seemed that Phoebe was more pale and nervous, now pressured by Alexa’s advances. How annoying…couldn’t she simply say yes?

  Suddenly, one of the noble girls stepped forward, pointing at Phoebe with a frown.

  “You wild Helgon! Have you manipulated the Princess’s mind too? Please cease this at once!”

  “Indeed, this girl is trying to control the Princess!” another in the crowd shouted.

  “Why would the Princess try being friendly to her otherwise? After all, the Princess looks down on everyone,” another followed, as murmurs grew.

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  “They say Helgons have powerful magic. Maybe she’s an awful witch?” the noble girl pointed out.

  And then, the crowd roused in agreement.

  “A witch! She must be a witch!”

  Alexa’s face turned red. Now, this was what annoyed her more. Not this silly naive girl who would soon cut her head if this timeline remained the same.

  But this crowd.

  So Alexa suddenly stepped forward, and as if she were a protective sister, she stood in front of Phoebe.

  “How dare you peasants question my motives?” she asked, angry. “This girl has done nothing to you, yet you hate her, for what? This is exactly why she needs me as her friend. So cease this, or else! I want the first day of our classes here to be pleasant, so avoid pushing my temper to its limits.”

  The students gasped. She not only took the side of some nobody, but Alexa called a crowd of nobles ‘peasants’.

  Not that Alexa cared. She always did this anyway, simply because it felt good.

  As Crown Princess, it was simply true that all before her were peasants. So they should all grovel in her presence.

  And they did.

  “Y-your Highness,” the noble girl who tried to attack Phoebe shamefully mumbled, as silence dominated the halls. The noble girl lowered her head. “I apologize!”

  Now, that’s what I’m looking for. How dare you troglodytes sabotage my brilliant strategy? If you bully her, she’ll cut off our heads with a guillotine. Have you fools not realized that? I’m saving you all!

  Indeed, Alexa was so kind, that she wasn’t only saving herself, she was saving these deplorable nobles too. So why were they opposing her schemes, instead of supporting them like the dogs they are?

  Stupid.

  “Tsk, tsk,” Alexa clicked her tongue as she crossed her arms. “I am grateful to the goddess’ name that you all have the decency to choose silence. You should all proceed to your classes now. If you may excuse me, I have a dear friend to attend to.”

  “Friend? So fast…?” Phoebe muttered from behind before Alexa took her hand.

  “Let’s go,” Alexa smiled, as she kept herself close to Phoebe. “Adele, would you please follow us to my spot in the garden? I wish to converse with our new friend over tea.”

  “Of course, Your Highness,” Adele nodded, but she narrowed her eyes as she looked at Phoebe. “Though I must say, I didn’t quite expect this.”

  Alexa tilted her head inquisitively.

  “What did you expect?”

  Adele cleared her voice, before shaking her head.

  “Nothing. Please, follow me. I’ll get our servants to prepare tea. Would you like biscuits too?”

  “I would prefer some fine macarons,” Alexa replied, excited. “Now, Phoebe, let’s go.”

  “B-but, Your Highness, I have to do my introductory class.”

  “Worry not. I am above the lowly professors here, so they will accommodate any adjustment to your schedule caused by my sheer presence,” Alexa tightened her hold on Phoebe’s hand. “Now follow me. We will talk our hearts out until we’re good friends.”

  “O-okay, Your Highness,” Phoebe shyly replied, as Alexa dragged her in the hallways. Inside, Alexa felt her heartbeat thump with joy.

  Mwahahaha. I win. I totally win. I will have her as my friend and she won’t cut my head anymore!

  Such a good day this was indeed!

  +++

  “My,” Alexa clapped her hands, and her maids entered the silent area of the fancy Academy garden she occupied. The maids set the table with tea and macarons before they left. “These are the fine ones, isn’t it, Adele?”

  “Indeed, Your Highness,” Adele said, taking a gentle sniff of her cup. “The matcha leaves used here are sourced from our finest plantations in the south, as you requested.”

  “Oh, that sounds lovely!" Alexa smiled, before noticing Phoebe. "Now, now, why the gloomy face, Phoebe?”

  Phoebe looked blankly at the teacup in front of her.

  “...That's matcha tea?” Phoebe asked.

  “Indeed,” Alexa smiled to confirm. “Why, have you not tried it yet?”

  “Nope, I suppose, but I…um…” Phoebe sadly shook her head. “I hail from the south, living near one of the plantations that produce this, and many other things. The folks working there…certainly are hard workers.”

  “Indeed, they must be!” Alexa happily took a gentle sip. Oh, the flavor, the earthiness, the bitterness, the slight savory tone at the end. It was all so pleasant. “I thank them greatly for their service, and I imagine you do too.”

  “Y-yes, Your Highness,” Phoebe tried to force a smile, before taking a sip. “I just want to ask though. What made you interested in taking me as your friend? I am grateful, but I am simply a bit shocked.”

  “Of course!” Alexa started describing her. “You’re quite cute, lovely, and a bit on the shy side, and I’ve heard you’re kind.”

  She felt a vein popping in her head, as she subconsciously began to compare herself to Phoebe, and her hold on her teacup rattled a bit.

  Still, she held those evil thoughts away.

  Stick to the plan, and trust the process!

  “So I thought, I would like to have you as my good friend. Besides, I simply worry that others may hurt you, so I had to intervene.”

  You silly, innocent, naive girl. You irk me. How dare you trick me into praising you?

  Phoebe indeed must be quite the evil girl, hidden underneath her angelic mask.

  “I see…” A grateful, carefree smile grew on Phoebe’s face. “Thank you then, Your Highness. I believe you’re quite kind too. The way you stood in front of me when those students were hurling insults at me…made you seem heroic to me.”

  “Me, heroic?” Alexa’s eyes widened. Then, her cheeks turned rosy as she crossed her arms and looked away. “How interesting. I simply was executing my duties as the next Empress.”

  “Indeed, that’s why you’re so kind. I almost thought I’d be alone here, and it was kinda scary, but now, I feel more confident about staying here. Thank you so much!”

  Eh? Seriously? Did my plan work a little too well?

  Alexa laughed awkwardly before she felt her head turning big. The saintess herself…was praising her?

  “I’m that amazing? No, of course, I am!” Alexa closed her eyes and looked slightly up, almost as if she was asking for more. “Please, continue your generous praise of me. I happen to quite like it. Indeed, you seem like a good friend.”

  “Oh, so you’re the kind who likes compliments?” Phoebe asked.

  “Absolutely! Adele here may be silent, but she has excelled at recognizing my good qualities. My, it truly is a wondrous day that I met someone who can do the same.”

  “Ahaha, a kind princess like you deserves nothing less, Your Highness!” Phoebe continued.

  “Yes, yes of course! I do deserve everything,” Alexa nodded along, feeling her giddiness and ego rising high. “You must be quite the smart girl worthy of being in this academy indeed, for you recognized that truth.”

  Adele on the other hand, on the side, took a sip, staring at Phoebe as if she were a rat that needed to be killed.

  Alexa ignored it, even when she saw it a bit. She somewhat expected this anyway.

  She must just be a bit jealous. I’ll talk to her later. Alexa grinned, as Phoebe continued to praise her. For now, I’ll just indulge in this. Ah, to escape the guillotine, and be praised. It must be true destiny. I can’t wait to check the novel and see a good ending!

  Victory. It felt so good indeed.