Chapter 2: The Cold Mask and the Screaming Heart

Three days had passed since I officially began inhabiting the body of Alicia Valerian.

During those three days, I had to learn to adapt to this absurd reality: walking in heavy, multi-layered dresses that made my waist feel as though it were strapped into a concrete seatbelt, speaking in an elegant, low tone, and trying not to faint every time a palace servant bowed respectfully to me.

This morning, a carriage bearing the Valerian family crest glided smoothly past the imposing gates of the Royal Magic Academy.

The academy building looked like a blend of an ancient Gothic castle and a magnificent modern university. Stone spires rose toward the sky, surrounded by misty magical forests and vast training grounds where students displayed their elemental powers.

As the carriage door opened, a personal attendant quickly cleared the way.

I stepped out of the carriage. Outside, dozens of pairs of eyes instantly fixed upon me. Whispers immediately rippled through the noble students gathered in the main courtyard.

"That’s... Lady Alicia..."

"That white hair... I’ve heard her control over ice magic has reached advanced levels, even though she’s only sixteen."

"Don't stare at her for too long. Her gaze is so cold. She’s the spitting image of an arrogant, high-ranking noble."

Hearing those whispers, I stood tall on the stone steps. I kept my face as impassive as possible, projecting a cold, haughty, and expressionless look—as if I didn't care a whit about the world around me. I stared straight ahead, my chin tilted slightly upward.

Yet, deep within my heart, the situation was far from calm.

Please, don't look at me! Why are you all staring? Is my skirt dirty? Or is my tiara crooked? I swear I’m not arrogant; I’m just terrified of making a misstep and falling in public! Why is this world so cruel to a former convenience store clerk like me?

That inner scream roared violently, making my heart pound as if I were gasping for air.

Outwardly, however, I merely exhaled softly, projecting an air of absolute elegance and haughtiness.

"Good morning, Lady Alicia."

A cheerful voice suddenly cut through my panicked thoughts.

A young man with bright blond hair and an academy uniform adorned with gold insignia approached. It was Cedric Arven—son of the kingdom's finance minister and one of Alicia’s loyal followers in the novel.

In the original story, Cedric was among those who supported Alicia’s cruel actions against the protagonist.

But to me, in that moment, Cedric looked like a guardian angel who could draw everyone's attention away from me.

I fixed a piercing gaze on Cedric, narrowing my eyes slightly as if appraising his presence—though in reality, I was simply deeply grateful that someone had spoken to me, sparing me from having to keep posing like an ice statue.

"What is it, Cedric?" I asked. My voice came out calm, monotone, and authoritative.

Cedric swallowed hard. He looked somewhat nervous, then offered a stiff smile as he scratched the back of his neck.

"Ah... it’s nothing, Alicia. It’s just... your gaze seems much sharper than usual today. Is something wrong at the Duke’s estate?" Cedric asked cautiously.

Internally, I groaned loudly.

*I’m not glaring because I’m angry, you idiot!* I’m just trying my absolute hardest not to faint from nerves while dealing with all these wealthy snobs!*

Outwardly, however, I merely turned my face slightly to the side, wearing a mysterious, subtle smile that perfected my haughty demeanor.

"You have nothing to worry about, Cedric. My family affairs are not something you need to concern yourself with," I replied in a cool, measured tone.

Cedric’s eyes widened for a moment. His expression shifted to a mix of awe and reverence.

"Incredible... Even when facing family troubles, you remain composed to protect the honor of House Valerian. I truly admire you, Alicia," Cedric praised sincerely.

I froze.

Huh? What did he say? Protecting the honor of the House? When I had simply blurted out random words to get rid of him quickly?! How did he reach that conclusion?

Before I could even react to my own absurd situation, the atmosphere in the academy courtyard suddenly fell completely silent. The students' whispers died down instantly.

Every head turned toward the main gate.

A carriage adorned with dark silver ornaments bearing the crest of a crowned lion—the official symbol of the royal family—came to a halt right in front of the entrance.

The carriage door opened slowly.

A young man with jet-black hair and cold, sapphire-blue eyes stepped down. His academy uniform fit his athletic physique perfectly, radiating an undeniable aura of supreme nobility.

Leonhardt Arcelion.

The kingdom's crown prince and Alicia Valerian's official fiancé.

In the plot of the original novel, Leonhardt’s presence was always the moment when Alicia would display excessive jealousy, cling to him aggressively, and humiliate anyone who dared to approach him.

But the current me had absolutely no intention of courting death.

My main plan was simple: stay away, avoid getting in the prince's path, peacefully break off this engagement in the future, and enjoy a comfortable retirement in the countryside.

That was why, the moment Leonhardt looked at me, I decided to do one of the safest things possible.

Ignore him.

I turned my face toward the academy hallway, spun around gracefully, and walked away without uttering a single word.

My steps came to an abrupt halt on the hallway's polished marble floor. I took a deep breath, adjusting my expression to resume the persona of a cold, untouchable noblewoman.

As soon as I turned around, I saw Leonhardt standing just a few paces away.

His sapphire-blue eyes were fixed on me, scanning every detail of my face with an unreadable gaze. There was no smile on his handsome face, but neither was there the anger typically described in the original novel.

"You ignored me just now," Leonhardt said, getting straight to the point. His voice was low and echoed through the hallway, which had suddenly emptied as other students chose to retreat and keep a safe distance.

Inside my head, panicked screams erupted once more.

Of course I ignored you, Your Highness! I’m trying to avoid my own death! If I get too close to you, the heroine Elena will show up and see me as an obstacle to your true love. Please, find something else to do and let me live in peace!

Outwardly, however, I merely arched an eyebrow gracefully. I met his gaze with an icy expression, trying to mimic the persona of an arrogant villainess.

"You are mistaken, Your Highness," I replied in a dry, cold tone. "I was simply in a rush to get to Advanced Magic class. There is no reason to assume I ignored you intentionally."

Leonhardt fell silent for a moment. He frowned slightly as he observed my posture—so upright and unyielding.

In the original novel, Alicia would have complained immediately, grabbing the prince’s arm and accusing him of ignoring her. But this cold, indifferent response clearly didn't fit her usual personality.

"Is that so?" Leonhardt stepped closer, a faint scent of cinnamon and mint wafting from him. "It seems to me, however, that you’ve been behaving differently since last week. Normally, you wouldn't let me pass without greeting me."

Oh no! He’s suspicious! Is my villainess disguise that bad? Or does my cold act look as stiff as a broken robot?

A cold sweat began to trickle down my back, but I forced myself to maintain a calm expression, acting as if the prince’s words didn't interest me in the slightest.

"People change, Your Highness. I suppose it is only natural for me to start focusing on my studies at the academy rather than on other matters," I replied curtly, offering a polite but perfunctory curtsy. "If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave."

Without waiting for his reply, I turned and walked away elegantly, even though blind terror was racing through me on the inside.

Leonhardt remained motionless, watching Alicia’s retreating figure. The corners of his lips curled slightly into a faint, almost imperceptible smile.

*Interesting*, the prince thought. *This girl really has changed. She doesn't chase after me anymore.*

Meanwhile, at the far end of another corridor, the emerald-green eyes of Elena Rosehart—the novel's heroine—watched the interaction between Alicia and the prince from behind a stone pillar.

Elena slowly bit her lower lip. A strange agitation stirred within her chest as she saw Alicia treat the prince with such coldness—a growing curiosity that gradually transformed into a deep fascination with the villainess.