Chapter 1

It had been five years since the incident. Needless to say, this affected Adelaide's life in numerous ways. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows for her.

Becoming the Duchess' daughter when she was the supposed heir to the throne didn't exactly grant her people's respect.

But what could she do? The only option was to topple the establishment when they least expected it.

She would be lying if she didn't see this as a chance to prove herself.

All she wanted was for her people to be happy.

"Good day, Lady Adelaide!" A familiar voice chirped.

It was Filippa, her dark-skinned friend. She wore a grey-colored hijab and she wore a velvet-red dress outlined in pure white. In Adelaide's opinion, she dressed better.

Adelaide was fair-coloured and simply wore a light pink hijab and dress that were in perfect sync with each other.

"Good day to you too, Lady Filippa," she greeted.

"Did anyone target you before I arrived?"

"No, but I'm going to stay alert in case Lady Flora tries anything."

Everyone in Adelaide's class hated her. She was sure it was because of her mana and previous status. And how Adelaide wished to punish them for it. At least Filippa was here for her.

Adelaide shook her head to get rid of her pessimistic thoughts. She didn't want her friend to be worried on her behalf.

She should just enjoy the time they had together. She could always sulk later.

And that was the end of her thoughts.

"They're all such jerks, don't worry about it, Adelaide," Filippa comforted.

"Thank you, Filippa," Adelaide smiled.

"No problem. Let's play chess because it's the game in which I always win."

"As much as I love to save your ego, we all know that I let you win."

"Well, there's only one way to find out," Filippa smirked, determination visible in her gaze.

Was she for real? Whatever. Adelaide refused to go easy on Filippa anymore.

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"Checkmate!" Adelaide yelled, beaming with joy.

"I went easy on you this time," Filippa scoffed, though the amusement was present in her tone.

"Sounds like an excuse to me."

"May I remind you whose phrase that was about six minutes ago?"

Shit, she was right. Maybe she did let her win. Adelaide did win fair and square, though. Perhaps this was Filippa's way of stroking her ego.

"Who cares? I still won," Adelaide smirked.

"Whatever helps you shut up," Filippa retorted.

"Come on, you had fun too! You can't deny it."

"Sure, sure."

Sometimes, she was so stubborn that it frustrated Adelaide. Right now, though, it amused her more than anything. Filippa could be hilarious sometimes.

"I think the lessons are starting, and unless you want to get scolded, I think we better get going," Adelaide pointed out.

"There is no way in heck we are going to be late. Let's go now!" Filippa screeched, grabbing Adelaide's sleeve and dashing off.

"Stop pulling me along like some ragged doll!"

"That's not how you talk to your friend!"

"Shut up, we're here," Adelaide whispered.

"Alright, jerk. So now we go in like sensible students," Filippa informed.

"I don't know if I agree with your way of 'sensible'."

"We'll be fine! I hope..."

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"Your plan was amazing, Filippa! I never knew you had such skills," Adelaide complimented.

"Adelaide, please tell me you didn't forget about that burn you have on your arm."

"It's alright, it's just a scar," she shrugged.

"No, that is not alright. Doesn't it hurt?"

"You keep forgetting how capable I am of taking care of pain," Adelaide told.

In an instant, the mark disappeared and left Filippa face-palming.

"Right, I keep forgetting," she sighed.

"You two! What are you doing standing around? Join the rest of the class!" a teacher yelled.

Adelaide and Filippa froze in their tracks before rushing down the stairs.