I squinted in the light of the chandelier above me, so bright it lit up the whole room to the point of excessiveness.

Whoever decided that hanging it above my seat would be a great idea needed a couple of smacks on their head—multiple times with a hammer.

They were quite honestly insane for making the room this bright. I was not a plant thank you very much. I had no use for photosynthesis.

I blinked my eyes in annoyance as I assessed everyone in the room. They, on the other hand, seemed to have no problem with the lighting. I scoffed before quickly forcing my thoughts to a halt. I should stop having such useless thoughts.

The usual national assembly was usually chill and lax, but there was a heaviness in the air this time—as if we were colluding on how to have the most un-fun experience possible.

From the corner of my eyes, I couldn't help but spot the unmistakable silver hair. There was only one person in this room who had that rare hair color.

If one made an objective observation of Constantine Aragon, they probably would all agree that he was insanely beautiful, but there was nothing other than repulsion that came into my mind when I looked at him—

My grip on the armrest tightened and I avoided looking directly in his direction. I couldn't afford to lose my mind before we even began.

I needed to focus on something else.

This morning when I suddenly decided to wear a shoe one size too small, the attendants had given me a questioning look, even though they didn't dare to comment anything. The black shiny shoes with ruby ornaments pinched me each time I moved, but I needed the pain. It grounded me. The blisters on my feet were red and painful and swelling. Still, at least my thoughts didn't wander as much and the flashbacks were easier to ignore when my feet literally screamed out.

"Calypso, your anxiety is showing."

It felt like only yesterday I was having my first formal gathering with high-standing aristocrats—and my mother scolding me every few minutes.

"I'm sorry, Mother."

"I told you to hide it better."

"I'm sorry, Mother," I said again.

I remembered how I kept apologizing to my mother that day.

She seemed to be very dissatisfied with me; even my posture was not good enough. She had leaned in every now and then to pull me together from the tip of my hair to the bottom of my shoes. I tried to keep my back straight and not be intimidated, and surprisingly, her eyes softened.

"You'll do just fine. I've taught you enough to be sure of it—always remember that you're a Berenice and an Elloid. You have nothing to be nervous about," she had said.

"Yes, Mother." I looked up at her, then hesitated. Then I hesitated some more. "It's just that, what if... what if they don't like me?" I hated how tiny and shaky my voice sounded.

"They don't have to like you, just respect you."

"But I'm going to be an empress someday. What if they don't even respect me?"

I thought she would scold me again for having such undignified worries, but unexpectedly, my mother put her hand on my shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. A smile—no, a smirk slowly tugged at the corner of her lips.

"Then you force them to."

I snapped myself back from my little nostalgic memories and raised my head, no trace of anxiety left inside my eyes, but it was to be expected. If I couldn't even handle something like this, I wouldn't have become an empress in the first place.

I pushed my unease away and squared my shoulders. I wasn't on the battlefield, but I needed more or less the same spirit when facing these wolves in sheepskin.

I was pretty confident in my abilities. High society was my expertise. I had perfected my mask and glued the cracks with cement so they would not open. I had shunted my emotions so deep down inside of me, numbness was basically an old friend—my only friend.

Now, a rather strange excitement was flowing.

Among them, Xavier wiggled his fingers, looking bored. It was so typical of him. Just like Arsen, this kind of event was really not his thing. He probably thought fighting monsters was better than being here.

I shifted my gaze to the nobles once again, specifically to the stern-looking middle-aged man who sat a few seats away from Constantine.

According to the novel, Constantine's main supporter was, no doubt, Marquess Sloane. His family had high political influence in the empire. In the first timeline, Constantine even married the marquess' daughter, Ceres Sloane, and she became his empress after he ascended the throne.

Ceres was a minor villain in the original story. She played the role of a jealous woman who tricked Phoebe into drinking poison by lying to her that Constantine had killed her daughter. Phoebe was devastated by the lies and ended up committing suicide with the poison she had given her. After Constantine found out what his wife had done, he went batshit and killed her.

Still... I kind of envy her.

At least she had her death written out. Her life wasn't worthless like mine.

I, on the other hand, was worthless to the author; the god of this world. A character whose life and death hadn't deserved enough effort to write about, even compared to this third-rate villainess.

Even so, this worthless person wishes not to be forgotten. How pathetic, right?

I kept staring at the marquess, clenching my jaw in an attempt to suppress the anger that was starting to rise inside of me. He had played a direct role in the rebellion, and I seethed with the urge to destroy and make him beg for death, but it wasn't the time yet.

I was still struggling to manage my raging emotions when someone suddenly grabbed my hand from under the table. Arsen gave it a light squeeze, as if to remind me that I wasn't alone—that someone was there with me.

My eyes flickered for a second before I visually calmed.

Hah... This is annoying.

I really hated how sometimes I still had an overwhelming wish to see Arsen the way I had first seen him—as the handsome and charming prince who appeared to me out of nowhere on a rainy day when I was lost, with a bewitching offer to make it all better.

Oh, what a foolish thought.

I hated him, really. I resented him. But even when I was saying this, I loved him. Could love and hate be the same thing? How could they be opposites if looking at him made me feel both so strongly?

It was so absurd.

I was still lost in my own thoughts when Arsen finally opened his mouth. "I will wrap up the details of our last meeting's agenda and move on to the deliberation of the agenda submitted for this meeting."

His voice rang in my ears and I listened as he summarized the conclusions of our last meeting and passed several orders among the court members.

It gave me enough time to clear my thoughts and focus on the meeting. It was going to be an interesting show.

"First, let us consider the agenda submitted by Count Nathan Cassidy, captain of the imperial guard."

Submission of agenda items for the state court meeting—anyone who could participate in the meeting had the right to submit an agenda.

"About increasing the military budget..."

I listened with one ear, my eyes flickering left and right as I discreetly analyzed everyone in the room.

The plenary session proceeded smoothly.

We began with the military agenda and proceeded with our financial items. Next we discussed the upcoming international event, where we would be inviting foreign envoys to the empire and hopefully broaden our connections, and last were submissions related to our ongoing development project.

The agenda moved quickly and passed without much friction, but some—including my uncle—looked tense and thoughtful.

On the other hand, Constantine's faction remained quiet. Too quiet. Especially considering how active and vocal they usually were on these occasions.

Finally the last of the agenda items had been submitted and deliberated. It took several hours, but the state affairs meeting was basically over. I hadn't said much throughout the whole thing since I wanted Arsen to take charge instead, as it would be a good way of increasing his reputation among the nobles and showing the good teamwork between us.

"Now that we have deliberated all of the—"

"Your Majesty," a low voice cut off Arsen's words. "I also want to propose something."

Arsen looked up. I had already briefed him about it of course, so his surprise was a show, but everyone else turned immediately to the direction of the voice.

"Duke Elloid?" Arsen looked at him with confused eyes.

The Graniel National Assembly was one of the most important events in the empire, so each and every issue submitted here was an important matter—therefore, most of the proposals were prepared and submitted in advance, and there were very few cases where such proposals were made on the spot.

"Re-evaluation," my uncle said.

"Yes?"

"What?"

This did not mean that someone couldn't make a proposal on the spot, especially if that someone was as high ranking as Duke Elloid.

The Elloids' closest vassals and allies already knew beforehand what he was up to. They all sat, nonchalant, in their seats, but everyone else looked at him with deep curiosity.

"Re-evaluation?"

"Yes. I propose to hold a re-evaluation of Duke Aragon's position as safekeeper of the capital, considering how he had failed his responsibilities during our recent harvest festival, resulting even in the injury of our beloved empress." Uncle Leander still maintained the sweet smile on his aristocratic face, so I was a bit surprised at how blunt he was. Well, but it was the Elloid's way after all. We didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point—and yet people still tolerated us. It was a privilege only those who held solid power could have.

I risked a glance in Constantine's direction. My excitement at seeing him tensing up beat the disgust that always came up whenever I saw him.

Though barely noticeable, his posture had stiffened and his nose shriveled with distaste just the slightest. I suppose it had been a while since Constantine had lived in high society since such a blatant display of emotion was plainly uncouth. After all, he had spent years as a mad tyrant emperor before the regression gave us all a second chance.

In the book, he had been driven to such extreme madness that he even preserved and started caring for Phoebe's corpse every day. He had tried to find a replacement for her—searching all over the empire for women with similar traits as hers, only to kill them when they acted even the smallest bit unlike Phoebe.

It really made me sick.

Tragedy must befall others so that the protagonists can shine. Seriously, how many other people's stories must they destroy for their own?

Let's be honest, the only purpose those poor women's deaths had served was to solidify the female lead's importance.

Tsk, what an asshole. It was so fucking unfair.

But well, if his judgment was still clouded by madness, at least it would benefit me. He would be easier to manipulate. Of course it would still be hard to break his composure—he still had years of training, after all, and he knew how to act and what to say, yet his mask had slipped, and that was by far the hardest thing to maintain.

"I'm sorry, but I must object to your accusation, Your Grace," Constantine declared. "It was beyond my control that a monster suddenly appeared in the middle of a crowded festival—no, it was impossible in the first place for a monster to be able to enter the capital without being detected by my guards."

"Your arrogance seems to have no bound, Duke Aragon," my uncle said mockingly. "If you're so confident with your defense, then how could something like this slip your watch?"

"I believe that this must have been deliberately done by someone who wanted to set me up, Your Grace."

Uncle Leander raised his brow, obviously unimpressed with his lousy excuse. "Ah, okay then. Let's say it was deliberately done by someone to frame you," he replied with a smile. "Even then, it still means that anyone can break through your defense, if they just put their mind to it."

I was quite amazed by his skills. I could truly see how he and my mother were related. They were both terrifying when it came to putting people in their place.

I mean, look at this. He not only managed to corner Constantine but also made everyone in the room question his competence, even the neutral parties.

In the middle of this heated discussion, someone unexpectedly raised his hand. It was Marquess Villarreal, who had kept silent from the beginning of the meeting.

"I agree with His Grace, Duke Elloid. Duke Aragon's incompetence in securing the capital had put even the empress' life in danger."

I shuddered at the marquess' emphasis on my life being in danger. That guy was truly a red flag. It was fortunate I had read enough novels in my past life about his type of character and avoid the worst-case scenario. Well, at least he was useful enough in a time like this.

Then suddenly another person was raising his hand.

"As a direct witness in this incident, I also want to share my views." It was Xavier's voice.

I raised my eyebrow in amusement. He looked at me for only a second, breaking eye contact so quickly I almost missed it.

"Go on." Arsen gave his permission.

Xavier clasped his hands together and leaned forward as everyone's eyes were on him. "From my perspective, those guards the duke seems to be so proud of had incredibly terrible skills. Their understanding of and response to such an emergency situation was laughable. The fact that the duke has entrusted the safety of our citizens to a bunch of under-qualified people really needs to be questioned."

Constantine's original plan had been to camouflage as a weak and loyal duke—to show that he wasn't a threat to the throne while secretly hiding a strong, private army. Therefore, the people who legally worked under him were mostly under-qualified.

Who knew that his own plan would now backfire spectacularly, right?

It seemed like he was too focused on gaining Phoebe's favor back after the regression that he didn't have time to care about politics, let alone do damage control for his original plan. If I didn't know any better, I would have thought that he had lost his interest in the throne as well.

"We, the nobles of the Graniel Empire, take good pride in our military power and the safety of our citizens. Why do you think Berenice diligently fights monsters in the North every year? Because it's our duty! What's the point of being in a position of power if you can't even do your duty properly?" He continued.

Oh my, what a statement.

Xavier one, the nobles zero.

It was really fun watching him taking a jab at not only Constantine, but also all the other nobles in the room.

"I still don't think it's fair for me to be solely held responsible for this incident," Constantine spoke through gritted teeth.

I could see how he was trying hard to suppress his emotions as he looked at Marquess Sloane for backing, but the said person was avoiding his gaze instead. I almost laughed at this spectacle.

Arsen cleared his throat and acted like he was contemplating deeply before opening his mouth again. "I think it's wise to listen to Duke Elloid's suggestion," he finally said, looking at Constantine. "I hope you understand this, Duke Aragon. Even though you're a part of the imperial family, if we overlook something like this, it'd become a bad example for the other nobles."

True statement. If we let it slide just like that, it would look bad for all of us. And we definitely didn't want the nobles to think they could just get away with neglecting or being careless with their duties.

They seemed to understand Arsen's implications, for they all nodded and looked at each other in agreement.

"But, Your Majesty—" Constantine's words came to a halt when he noticed how everyone was looking at him. He seemed to be desperately looking for an ally, but nobody wanted to have anything to do with him at the moment.

"I request all court members to join me in the break room to discuss this matter," Arsen said, rising from his seat.

Good job. I was pretty satisfied with his performance.

All our court advisers rose along with Arsen and followed him into an adjoining room. It was a smaller chamber the imperial family used as a break room during formal events such as this.

Everyone else—including myself—was left in the main hall in a tense silence, but I was only interested in Constantine. He had finally lost his cool, clenching his fists as everyone whispered and stared openly at him. Anyone he tried to approach or even speak to would quickly look the other way in fear of being associated with him.

Self-preservation. The ability to know which way the wind was blowing. Those high-ranking aristocrats definitely knew when to keep their heads down. No matter how influential the Aragon duchy was or what benefits it might bring, the easiest way to survive in the political world was to never swim against the current.

As if people gossiping about him weren't enough, their whispers soon turned into an outright clamor. I had to applaud him for not exploding in anger. After all, this was the tyrant emperor we're talking about—the mad king who would execute anyone who looked at him the wrong way.

I raised my hand and the room quieted within seconds. "Please keep the atmosphere conducive as we wait for His Majesty and the court members to return." I addressed the room in a firm voice.

Everyone calmed within seconds. I felt an incredible rush, having so much power over these proud and snobby nobles.

Then I accidentally caught Constantine's eyes, but in that moment, I felt powerful. I gave him a smile. So sickeningly sweet that it was him who looked queasy for a change and turned away first.

It was so satisfying, seeing him flinch at anything louder than a whisper.

How does it feel? How does it feel when the reputation and power you held up for so long start to crumble like ashes before your eyes?

Oh dear, this is only just the beginning.

But please don't blame me too much. It's your own fault, you know.

Ah, but if you need someone else to blame, then blame god for letting me regress as well.

There was a time when I wanted to die. I tried to die. I desperately prayed to god so that my eyes would never open again. So it felt like some kind of sick joke that I came out of it alive.

What? Are you going to tell me that I am being ungrateful?

God had given me this second chance in life so I should use it to find my own happiness and all that bullshit, right?

Too bad. I don't want any of that shit.

They were the ones who put me in the position of a background character in the first place. I wasn't the heroine. I wasn't born for great things nor to find my place in the sun.

So stop giving me all that crap! Who are you to tell me how to live my life?

If I could make him suffer for the rest of his life, then it was a worthy bargain for me.

I opened the fan I had brought with me and started fanning myself with long, slow strokes; though truthfully, I only did it to cover my vicious smirk.

Hey you, god or author, I'm going to hell, but not alone!

It was then that Arsen and all our court officials returned to the main hall. Evidently, it hadn't taken too long for them to decide on Constantine's punishment. They silently returned to their respective seats.

Arsen opened his mouth and went straight to the point. "As of now, I declare that Duke Constantine Aragon's authority as the sole guardian of the capital will be restricted. The duty will be carried out under the supervision of the court members, with Duke Leander Elloid as the leader. And according to clause (2) 721 of article VI regarding noblesse oblige, any nobleman or woman that has been neglectful in their duty to the empire is obliged to pay a fine of an amount adjusted to the current money rate which in this case is about seven-hundred-thousand gold coins—and must also return at minimum a quarter of their territory to the imperial family," he finished with a blow.

Uncle Leander looked so smug at Arsen's declaration that I almost rolled my eyes, but seeing Constantine, whose face was now as red as his eyes, only reassured me that everything had been worth all the trouble.

To my disappointment, he was still able to hold back his anger and accepted the decision, albeit reluctantly. But well, it was only the beginning. There would be more to come.

The national assembly was wrapped up peacefully shortly after that. All the nobles present were welcome to enjoy the small yet luxurious banquet that I had prepared beforehand, and anyone who wanted to leave early was also permitted to do so.

As expected, most decided to stay since it was the perfect opportunity to socialize and make connections.

I was about to join my uncle and his circle when I caught a glimpse of Arsen approaching Constantine. The duke looked like he wanted nothing more than to escape as soon as he could, but Arsen stopped him and leaned down to whisper something into his ear.

I frowned. Whatever he said made Constantine pucker like he had just eaten a particularly sour lemon. He quickly got up and followed Arsen into a secluded corner, and I lost sight of them behind a group of noble lords. Whatever. I could just ask Arsen about it later.

I made my way to my uncle, focusing on the pain in my feet every time I took a step. It was hard for me to see Constantine's face for too long, and I had had enough of it for one day. Too much and I would be in danger of throwing up the contents of my stomach all over the marble floor.

Each time I looked at him, I still felt like a thousand needles were pricking my skin. Being in his presence was bad enough and kept me on edge—but when he looked my way, it was unbearable.

It was as if I was drowning in boiling water. It was suffocating. The only thing that let me breathe was fantasizing about killing him in the most gruesome way possible.

Yes, in my head, I was thinking about fifty ways to make him pay for his sins. None of them did him justice.

Admitting that my only consolation was murder fantasies didn't do much to make me feel sane. Then again, every character in this god-forsaken book was insane anyway. Well, it was only a matter of degree.

***

Author's Note :
Let me make a confession... Well, I haven't written very much in weeks. To be honest, my attitude to writing right now is ambiguous at best because of the writing block, and getting through it is so hard. Gosh, I'm not even sure if I did a good job with this chapter. Hah... So sorry for complaining too much. Not sure why I'm ranting here of all places, but I guess I needed to get it out. Oh well, back to staring at my blinking cursor.

Anyway, thanks for all the votes and comments! That totally makes my day, and my motivation will probably be back soon as well.

The theme song for this chapter is Good for Her by Mothica. I personally think that the theme song of this chapter suits Calypso really well. It literally describes her. Lol...

Spoiled, self-centered, a woman like this shouldn't be trusted
Devious, heartless, this woman is used to getting what she wants

Good for her, got what she needs
After years of people-pleasing
Made a weapon of her tongue
'Cause she heard you like 'em young, ah

Good for her, they say she lost it
Found your switchblade in her pocket
Everybody should be scared
When they're calling it hysteria, hysteria

Wanted someone who's controllable and moldable
Think you're getting too emotional

Good for her, you're only gonna make it worse, 'cause
If you stand in her way, she's not gonna behave
Good for her, I really hope she makes it hurt, 'cause
It's what you deserve, she puts her first, no, good for her

Beware of a woman scorned, she'll do anything to get her way

Good for her, now look who's got the power
She'll watch you stand in the corner and cower
Baby, you'll end up alone, yet you'll
Watch her take over your throne, bet you

Wanted someone who's controllable and moldable
Think you're getting too emotional

Good for her, you're only gonna make it worse, 'cause
If you stand in her way, she's not gonna behave
Good for her, I really hope she makes it hurt, 'cause
It's what you deserve, she puts her first, no, good for her

P.S. In case you guys are wondering how some of the other characters look, I'll share some of the picture references.

BONUS PICTURE:

Leander Elloid

Odette Elloid

Odette Elloid and baby Calypso

Kaydeen Berenice

Xavier Berenice

Juliette (Xavier's mom)

Juliette

Juliette and Duke Berenice

Juliette and Duke Berenice

Constantine Aragon

Phoebe Ember