On that day…
At the Istoir Kingdom’s prestigious Royal Academy, a school renowned worldwide for its rich history.
It was the day of the graduation ceremony and the subsequent graduation party.
The ceremony had already concluded without a hitch, and now, in the grand hall adorned with luxurious, dazzling decorations, a party was being held to celebrate the bright futures of the graduates, all dressed in their finest attire.
“Everyone! Please, listen to me for a moment!!”
The voice that rang out came from one corner of the grand hall, where not only graduates but also current students and their families had gathered, chatting and laughing in a relaxed atmosphere. The sudden shout caused a stir, drawing everyone’s attention to its source.
There stood four individuals.
One of them was a man with golden hair and piercing blue eyes that held a resolute will. His features were gentle yet strikingly handsome. He was Cedric El Istoir, the Crown Prince of the Istoir Kingdom.
Beside him stood a young man with long silver hair and sharp green eyes behind silver-rimmed glasses, exuding intelligence. He was Oswald Ivy, the heir of the Marquis Ivy family, known as the kingdom’s brain and its long-serving prime ministerial line.
Another was a man with fiery red eyes and short hair, his well-built body dressed in a knight’s uniform, with a sword at his waist. This was Guile Ares, son of the Earl Ares and a member of the royal guard, despite still being a student.
The fourth was a young man with light blue hair and pale blue eyes, possessing an air of genius. He was Cyrus Edwin, heir of the Marquis Edwin and hailed as the reincarnation of a prodigy, serving as the commander of the magic corps.
And then… escorted by Cedric and seemingly guarded by the others stood a petite girl with black hair and black eyes, more of a “beautiful girl” than a “beautiful woman.” This adorable figure was Emma, the Saint summoned from another world.
As everyone’s attention focused on them, Cedric’s voice rang out.
“Sophia Luscule, daughter of the Duke Luscule!
I hereby annul my engagement to you!!”
The Crown Prince’s furious declaration caused the bustling grand hall to fall silent in an instant.
All eyes turned toward one girl—Sophia Luscule, standing with a slender, graceful figure, silver hair, and amethyst-like violet eyes. She faced Cedric’s hostility with widened eyes but held his gaze silently with her striking purple eyes.
Her beauty was breathtaking, with features so perfect they could rival the moon goddess. Yet, her cold aura made her seem unapproachable, drawing attention as the hall waited for her response.
“May I ask for the reason?”
Her clear, dignified voice broke the silence, resonating beautifully throughout the hall. Yet, a faint tremor betrayed her emotions.
“Reason, you ask? You dare to feign ignorance?! Emma has been torn from her world, unable to return, and has lent us her power to defeat the Demon King and save this world! Do you think I am unaware of the countless acts of harassment and vile behavior you’ve directed toward her?!”
Cedric’s fury twisted his handsome face, his voice trembling with rage and disgust.
“Harassment? Vile behavior? What are you talking about?”
“You still deny it?!”
“As a member of the Duke Luscule family and the Crown Prince’s fiancée, I have done nothing that would bring shame upon my name.”
“Fine. Then let me make your crimes public… Seize her!”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
“What?!”
Guile swiftly moved behind Sophia, twisting her arms and forcing her to the ground with brute strength.
“I told you—I know all about your despicable harassment! You destroyed Emma’s textbooks, hid her belongings, pushed her into the fountain, and even discriminated against her as a commoner despite her being the Saint!”
Cedric’s voice rang out, detailing her alleged sins. Whispers of shock and outrage spread among the attendees.
“I… I have…”
“Don’t even think of resisting.”
“Ah…!”
Sophia tried to speak, but her beautiful face contorted in pain as Guile tightened his grip on her twisted arms.
“These acts alone could have been forgiven with house arrest, but your jealousy drove you to send attackers after Emma and push her down the stairs, attempting to kill her!”
“What?!”
“Fortunately, Cyrus and Guile intercepted the attackers, and I was able to protect Emma on the stairs. However, the fact that you tried to murder the Saint is unforgivable! Therefore, Sophia Luscule, I sentence you to exile from this kingdom!!”
Cedric’s proclamation sent shockwaves through the grand hall.
“Take her away! If she resists, use force!”
Knights stormed into the hall, taking Sophia from Guile’s grasp and binding her tightly before dragging her away.
And with that, this dramatic judgment came to an end… or so it should have.
“…!!”
The first to notice the change was Cyrus Edwin, the prodigy. He sensed an immense surge of magical power radiating from Sophia as the knights restrained her.
“What…?!”
A sharp scream echoed.
Splat.
A torrent of crimson blood splashed onto the ground, filling the air with the metallic scent of iron. One knight’s sword had pierced Sophia’s chest.
“Ah…”
Wait… Sophia’s chest?
No, Sophia Luscule… the girl pierced through the chest… was me.
“Cough…”
The sword that had run me through from behind… What was this? Just now, I was watching myself?
“N-No… stop…”
“Ugh… Ahhh!”
My strength drained away. Though I could see the knight raising his sword before me, I couldn’t move.
“Wait!”
Someone shouted, but by then, my consciousness faded into darkness.