Celine burst into the room. It was dimly lit, and the night sky was visible outside the palace's windows.

"You're here, Lady Dull?"

A prince stretched languidly on the sofa of his study. His golden hair was darkened by the nighttime ambience, but it still managed to sparkle.

"Prince Midas." She croaked.

Midas Wilhelm Copral, the first prince of the Copria Kingdom. Indeed, the name suited his hair.

Celine clutched her dress tightly until her nails threatened to ruin the fabric. It wasn't a very opulent dress. It was fully black, collared, and with the barest hints of detail.

It suited a courtroom more than a ball.

"You know why I'm here, right?" she said.

Prince Midas didn't respond. He sat up properly, taking a look at his former engagement partner who had burst in.

"I see your lap dog isn't with you today? Makes sense, yeah." He said, casually. He didn't answer her question at all.

"... Don't call him that. He has a life of his own." Celine said. She hadn't seen Sirin often since her treason trial began. Perhaps he was disappointed with her. For failing everything.

"Is that what you think..? I pity him, that foolish knight." Prince Midas shrugged at her.

"I know why you're here. I'm your last resort, hmm?" He spoke apathetically.

"..." Celine was silent for a moment.

"Even if I die, I want my family to be spared." She said, looking down at the floor. Her eyes were dark and clear. Midas studied her. It seems he pitied her too.

"You're no longer my fiance. Honestly, did you really think I could save you? I'm not one of the royals pulling the strings here. You know that." His tone jabbed into Celine's chest. It was so casual even though he knew what was on the line.

"You know I'm innoce-"

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"But don't worry. I have a feeling you won't need my help." Prince Midas smirked, interrupting her. Celine looked up from the floor, her frustration finally evident on her face.

"What are you talking about? You won't even try to save Albert? You've worked alongside him for years! Even if you don't care for me, you know that if I'm convicted, my entire family will die." Her voice finally cracked. But even as his former fiance crumbled before him, the prince didn't even blink.

"I told you, you won't need my help. Just do your best to live, and don't say anything stupid."

Celine's knees threatened to give out beneath her.

There was nothing to be done anymore. She had tried and tried. There was never a time she didn't give her best. She had gained friends, and then lost them. She had built a reputation for herself, and then it had been ruined. She had tried her hand at business, and it was crushed. And now she was supposed to save her family's lives when she couldn't save her own?

Celine unsteadily exited the room, listless and unseeing.

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By the time light began to filter into her room, Celine had already been awake. Dreams of the past had plagued her sleep, so she decided to just wake up and do some more planning. Dark circles had appeared under her eyes but Celine didn't act tired one bit.

It had been a week since Sirin's

visit. He typically visited more often, but as it was spring, this wasn't unexpected. Therefore, Celine had started getting to the heart of her goals for the future.

The task at hand was making a list of suspects. It was a pathetic list, as it just contained the only three friends she had. Celine pushed down her shame at having to suspect them like this.

The first was Vivian Obelia, daughter of a Count. Vivian had always worn a quiet and mild demeanor, and had low self confidence. It was hard to imagine her even bearing hateful thoughts towards anyone, but it was best to stay vigilant.

The second name followed without hesitation.

Laura Aventiu, the daughter of Marquis Aventiu. She was occasionally overbearing, but she was kind and well meaning. She'd often tease Celine about being too serious, but it was Laura who had fretted about her every decision, as if taking on the weight of her friends' futures. Celine remembered how she'd lather her with gifts and trinkets. That was before the academy forced them apart. It was hard to think about such a warm figure in her memory with wariness.

The third was Marie Verlayne, daughter of Marquis Verlayne. If Laura had been the practical, nurturing one, Marie had been her contrast. She was sharp, and a bit of a cynic. Marie was less concerned with ambition, at least outwardly. This too, was hard to envision as a facade.

They had all been close— closer than Celine had been with any other women in her life. Back when she was little, her father had been willing to host little tea parties, arranging for her to meet girls her age. That was when they'd started regular meetups that involved chatting and pastries. They had continued for years, until present.

In hindsight, it was hard for Celine to believe she was once so jovial with people. When exactly did she change, again?

Well, the chances of any of them being against her were low, but it was best to get it out of the way. Once the academy started, it would be harder to get a feel for her friends. Especially if all her academy fiascos were repeated and her friendships were forced apart once more.

Her gaze shifted to a letter that sat unsealed on her desk. It was an invitation to their monthly meetup, and she'd received it the night prior.

It had been years since she'd seen them all together, and the nostalgia of those days washed over her before she forcefully put a stop to it.

This time, the meetup would not be for fun. It would be to scope her friends out. Now that Celine had gone back in time, perhaps she would see something different than before.