Episode 9 – The Game Begins
Scene: Royal Office
Albert watched the news on TV with a faint smile on his face.
"Interesting…" he whispered.
"Elira… you've become even more fascinating. You used to stay silent, never raised your voice for yourself… and now look— the whole world is talking about you."
There was a strange spark of curiosity in his eyes.
In front of him, his secretary stood quietly, watching his expression.
Without looking up, Albert said coldly,
"Min-ho, keep an eye on Elira. I want to know what she's planning next."
"Yes, sir," Min-ho bowed slightly and left the room.
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Scene: Royal Palace – Private Chamber
Prince Adrian's anger was at its peak.
A whip was in his hand, and Aiden was kneeling on the floor before him.
The whip cracked sharply across the air—
"Because of you, I was humiliated!" the Prince shouted.
"My enemies finally got their chance— they'll use this against me in the elections!"
Aiden tried hard to hold back his tears, but his voice trembled,
"Dad... please stop…"
The butler rushed forward and grabbed the Prince's feet.
"Please, Your Highness! The young master will die if you continue!"
Prince Adrian froze for a moment, then threw the whip aside and took a deep breath.
"Bodyguards!" he barked.
One guard stepped forward. "Yes, Your Highness."
The Prince's tone turned cold and sharp.
"Tell me everything about that girl. Is she really Assemblyman Albert's daughter?"
"Yes, Your Highness," the guard replied firmly.
"She truly is Albert's daughter. Her mother died while giving birth to her.
She's been abused since childhood. Last month, she even tried to commit suicide.
But now… she's completely changed. She's no longer afraid.
She looks stronger— confident— and very different."
The Prince narrowed his eyes.
"And Aiden and his friends bullied her, didn't they?"
The guard hesitated before answering,
"Yes, Prince… it's true."
Prince Adrian smirked faintly.
"Hmm… interesting. Let's see what she really wants.
Is she trying to take revenge for her father?
Does she know how we got her father removed from the Assembly?"
He walked closer to Aiden and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"From now on, you will not bully that girl," he said in a calm but dangerous voice.
"You'll try to befriend her. I like her… She's the enemy's daughter, yes— but still much better than Serena."
Aiden nodded quietly. "Yes, Dad."
The Prince smiled faintly.
"Good. Now go and rest. Tomorrow, you'll apologize publicly in front of the media.
You'll say you only called your friends for class work.
From now on, you'll attend every lecture and rebuild your image."
Aiden silently left the room.
Prince Adrian turned to the window, eyes fixed on the distance.
A soft, dark smile appeared on his lips.
"Elira Albert… let's see how far you can go."
"Mama, I don't want to go to school anymore. Please transfer me to another one," Alessia said, almost crying. "I'm scared of Elira now. How did she change so much?"
Neelm, who was drinking tea, looked at her with irritation. "Are you crazy? You've already made enough trouble."
But deep inside, Neelm was worried. The magic I did on Albert… it's losing its effect.
She sighed in frustration. Your grandfather had cursed Albert after his wife's death. That's why he started hating his own daughter. I had no choice but to marry that insane man when the prince ordered it. He would've never married me without magic. And Jake… I controlled him too. But ever since Elira changed, all my spells are breaking. And now, she's even standing against the prince himself…
"Mama, what are you thinking?" Alessia asked nervously.
Neelm suddenly started crying. "Stop your drama! Go! You'll be late for school!"
Alessia made a face and left the room angrily.
Neelm took a deep breath, her mind full of dark thoughts.
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Elira's eyes, once brown, had now turned a deep blue. Her powers were slowly awakening, and she was struggling to control them.
On her way to school, she saw a small piece of bread on the ground. When she bent down to move it aside, her hand touched the ground — and suddenly, she saw a vision of a couple kissing in that same place.
"What... what did I just see?" she whispered in shock. "What kind of power is this?"
She quickly continued walking toward school, her heart beating fast.
Just then, Kim Hyun-jin came running past her.
"Hey, Kim!" she called out.
He stopped immediately, smiling. "Oh, Elira! Good morning! How are you?"
"I'm fine," she replied softly.
This world was different — a mix of Korean and Western culture. The buildings looked half Korean, half Canadian. Kim looked perfectly at home here, cheerful and bright.
"Let's go together," he said warmly.
She smiled and started walking beside him. He playfully ran ahead. "Wait for me!"
Both of them reached the school gate together — and there stood Aiden.
"Hey, Elira," he said quietly. "How are you? I'm... sorry for everything I did. I truly regret it. Please forgive me. I'll change completely, I promise. Just... be my friend again."
He stepped closer to her, his voice shaking slightly.
"Stop right there," she said sharply. "What kind of drama are you trying to play now? Do you really think I need a friend like you?"
Her cold tone hit him like a slap.
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