I went to school as usual.
My cover hadn't been blown — at least not officially — but the stares were different. Whispered. Sharp. Calculated.
Something was wrong.
Before I could process it, a folded piece of paper hit my shoulder.
Then another.
And another.
Within seconds, scraps of paper, erasers, even empty bottles were being thrown at me.
I stood still.
Humans.
They looked fragile. Weak. Soft.
But deep inside, they carried a cruelty no different from the demons they feared.
This wasn't the time to fight back.
I had lost the game.
The rule was simple — drop out… or beg my opponent.
I almost laughed at the irony.
A dynasty princess… reduced to this.
Reduced to humiliation by a human girl.
The objects kept coming.
Slowly, I straightened.
Even if I had fallen, I would not kneel.
"Enough."
I didn't shout.
But my voice cut through the air like steel.
The room fell silent.
Fear flickered across their faces.
Perhaps even in this fragile human body… authority still lingered in my blood.
Without another word, I walked toward the classroom.
The moment I stepped inside, everyone stood.
Everyone except May.
She sat with her legs crossed, Berry beside her casually filing her nails.
They looked amused.
"If you're here to apologize," May said lazily, "go ahead."
"What if I refuse?" I asked, my voice flat.
She shrugged. "Then you can head to the principal's office and submit your withdrawal letter."
Murmurs filled the room.
They were waiting for a fight.
Instead, I smiled.
"Let's talk. One on one."
May scoffed. "And why should I waste my time on you? Do you really think you're worth it?"
I leaned closer to her ear, my smile never fading.
"Are you sure you want me to tell everyone how you were found in the bushes, May?"
Her body went rigid.
I stepped back slowly.
"That," I whispered, "wasn't a threat."
Silence stretched between us.
"I'll be waiting on the rooftop."
Then I walked away.
She came.
Of course she did.
"Get to the point," she snapped.
I leaned against the railing casually.
"Get me a job at the Jones mansion."
Her eyes widened. "Are you insane? Who said a peasant like you is qualified to work there?"
"Then don't blame me for what happens next."
I turned as if to leave.
"Wait."
I paused.
"Why do you want to work there?" she demanded.
I let a small crack form in my expression — just enough to sell it.
"I ran away from home. I need money. I have nowhere else to go."
She stared at me, surprised.
Perhaps she expected pride.
Perhaps she expected rage.
But not vulnerability.
Without another word, she pulled a card from her bag and tossed it toward me.
"Don't embarrass me," she muttered before walking away.
Later that afternoon, I stood before the grand gates of the Jones estate.
The mansion loomed like a silent predator.
After meeting the butler, I was assigned to the cleaning department.
Five-year contract.
Signed without hesitation.
Tomorrow, I would begin work.
Tomorrow…
I step into his territory.
And this time—
I won't be the one running.