Ariella strolls through the palace garden, enjoying the quiet morning breeze, when she spots Prince Kaelen standing beneath a flowering archway. Beside him is a delicate girl with soft curls and wide, innocent eyes — Lyria, the story’s original heroine. The girl who, in the original plot, steals the villainess’s fiancé.
Ariella pauses, folding her arms.
Ariella (thought): “There she is. The ‘pure’ heroine who charms everyone without trying.”
Lyria notices her and bows politely, though her hands tremble.
Lyria: “Lady Eveline… good morning.”
Kaelen immediately steps in front of Lyria, protective in a way he never was toward Eveline.
Prince Kaelen: “If you’re here to cause trouble, leave. Lyria has done nothing to you.”
Ariella raises a brow, unimpressed.
Ariella: “I’m literally just standing here.”
Before Kaelen can respond, a cluster of nobles approaches, whispering loudly enough for everyone to hear.
Noble 1: “I heard Lady Eveline threatened Lyria again.”
Noble 2: “She’s jealous. It’s pathetic.”
Ariella sighs.
Ariella: “I didn’t even open my mouth.”
Lyria steps back, tears forming instantly — too quickly.
Lyria: “I… I don’t want any conflict. Please don’t be angry with me…”
Kaelen glares at Ariella.
Prince Kaelen: “Enough. Your behavior is unacceptable.”
Ariella stares at him, deadpan.
Ariella: “My behavior? I’ve been here for thirty seconds.”
Suddenly an advisor rushes in, breathless.
Advisor: “Your Highness! Reports say Lady Eveline sabotaged Lyria’s carriage and threatened her life!”
Ariella blinks slowly.
Ariella: “I was in the library all morning.”
Prince Kaelen: “Multiple witnesses claim otherwise.”
Ariella’s expression shifts — not to fear, but recognition.
Ariella (thought): “Ah. The false accusation arc. Right on schedule.”
Guards arrive and surround her.
Guard: “Lady Eveline, by royal decree, you are to be exiled to the neighboring kingdom of Varinthia.”
Gasps ripple through the garden. Lyria covers her mouth dramatically.
Lyria: “Oh no… I never wanted this…”
Ariella gives her a flat, unimpressed look.
Ariella: “You’re a terrible actress.”
Kaelen steps forward, conflicted.
Prince Kaelen: “Eveline… if you apologize, perhaps—”
Ariella: “No need. I accept the exile.”
Kaelen freezes.
Prince Kaelen: “You… accept it?”
Ariella shrugs lightly.
Ariella: “Varinthia is peaceful, wealthy, and far away from palace drama. Sounds like a vacation.”
Lyria blinks in confusion.
Lyria: “Aren’t you afraid? They say Varinthia forces exiled nobles into arranged marriages…”
Ariella smirks.
Ariella: “I’m aware.”
Ariella (thought): “And that marriage is to Duke Alistair — the cold, brilliant male lead of the second arc. The one who becomes obsessed with the villainess.”
She walks toward the carriage prepared for her exile, head high.
Ariella: “Well then. I suppose I’ll go meet my future husband.”
Kaelen watches her leave, troubled.
Prince Kaelen: “Why does she seem… relieved?”
Lyria clings to his arm, smiling sweetly.
Lyria: “She’s finally gone. Now everything will be peaceful.”
Ariella steps into the carriage, closing the door behind her.
Ariella (thought): “Peaceful? Hardly. The real plot starts in Varinthia.”
As the carriage rolls away, she gazes out the window, eyes gleaming with confidence.
Ariella: “Duke Alistair… I’m coming.”
A small smirk curves her lips.
Ariella: “Let’s see how the story handles a villainess who already knows every twist.”
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