Elaine's trembling hands gripped her dress, suppressing the urge to turn and run. She needed to sabotage all of Gerard's schemes to progress the storyline. But Elaine was uncertain that she had the bravery and cunning to outsmart such a dangerous man. Then, suddenly, Elaine thought of her forced alliance with Alexander.

I can't do it alone, but it could be possible with his help.

The fog in her mind cleared, and a path forward once again opened. She could use her temporary alliance with the Third Prince to bring down the Duke of Geris. After all, he and Elias defeated Gerard in the story before. Besides the occasional minor deviations, the major events should not have changed much.

When they accomplished their goal and Alexander ascended the throne, he would eliminate her family and dispose of her. Without Croix's backing, Estella would only be an ordinary girl with no connection or status. Elaine was not naïve enough to believe he would honor his promise and keep her as Queen, given their families' deep animosity. She served her purpose and exited the storyline. Then everything else would continue according to the original plot. Elaine did not know what would happen to her soul afterward. But maybe, by some unknown luck, she could escape the book's world and return to reality. The thought of returning home excited Elaine and eased some tension in her body.

"Good." Gerard placed his hands behind his back. "You will soon become the Crown Princess, and the knowledge will assist you in the future."

"Yes, father."

"As you were." He nodded, then diverted his attention back to the magical monitor, watching the hunt along with other aristocrats.

"Thank you, father."

Elaine scanned the crowd, looking for familiar figures. She first spotted the Crown Prince in a far corner, comforting the distraught Celeste. Her lively sapphire eyes were brimming with tears, full of empathy for the prisoners. Like a pitiful small bird, she stirred an intense desire in others to protect her. Celeste's family surrounded her, whispering soothing and encouraging words. Even Estella's fiancé, Louis, looked troubled witnessing Celeste in her current state. He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the tears from her cheeks.

No wonder Celeste is the female protagonist. Even I feel sorry for her. If one measured social standing, Estella was a head above Celeste. However, she would lose in all other aspects. The female protagonist had a loving family and many comrades, not to mention a heart of gold and an approachable personality.

In comparison, who would dare to befriend the Duke of Geris' arrogant daughter? From a young age, she could only see fear and disdain in people's eyes, even from her mother. Lady Liviane came to the preparation and reminded Estella of her attitude toward the Crown Prince, but did not bother to attend her daughter's birthday celebration a few days later. Besides wealth and prestige, Estella had nothing else.

From a reader's perspective, Elaine liked Celeste much more than Estella. But now that she had become the villainess, Elaine slowly understood why the young girl had grown into a cold-blooded woman. Her circumstances pushed her toward the wrong path, and she saw no alternatives except to continue forward.

Unfortunately, Estella, for me to go home, I also cannot allow you a happy ending. I hope you can forgive my selfish decision.

Elaine tore her gaze away from the heart-warming scene and continued her scanning. She then saw the Third Prince standing next to a row of trees conversing with several young and old noble ladies, garnering their male counterparts' envious gazes. The women seemed enamored, laughing and chirping, fascinated by his every word. Their eyes met, and he gave Elaine a genial smile. She returned his gesture with her own, stunning Alexander.

Did I shock him? Elaine chuckled at his response. After realizing the benefits of their partnership, Elaine decided to act friendlier with Alexander. Since disposing of Gerard would be no easy feat, they must closely cooperate to succeed. Maybe my attitude changed too fast. She contemplated her actions.

However, the Third Prince was no amateur. He quickly regained his composure and laughed, then resumed his previous conversation. Elaine also moved on to prevent raising suspicion from the Duke. She continued her stroll, observing all the attending nobles and noting those she could exploit for future usage. Perhaps Gerard's lessons were not all bad in the end.

What am I thinking? Elaine's fleeting thoughts again disturbed her. No, I need to do this to go home. She reasoned.

"Milady, please watch out!" Mariam cautioned Elaine of the incoming obstacle, but it was too late. She saw a solid object ahead but could not stop herself on time.

A pair of hands caught her shoulders, stopping Elaine from the inevitable impact. She glanced up, preparing to express her gratitude. Instead, a surprised expression painted Elaine's face when she realized her rescuer's identity.

"You should be more careful, Lady Estella. What if you collided with something more dangerous than me next time?" Elias released her, rubbing his chin. "This is already the third time I saved you, isn't it? Not that I mind too much."

"Thank you, Sir d'Amboise. I will be more careful in the future." Elaine's cheeks burned, embarrassed. Somehow, she kept showing the male protagonist her unseemly appearance.

"No need for formality. You can call me Elias."

"No, Sir d'Amboise. That would be too improper." Elaine drew the line. She and Elias were neither friends nor acquaintances, but enemies. His role within the story was too significant. One slight pivot from him could derail the entire plot. Hence, they must not become involved with each other.