It's finally time... Irene could feel her heart racing, as the frosty air nibbled at her skin. Standing with Rayvis and Sarah outside the Cherliann's pristine estate, she found herself fiddling with her thumbs in attempt to warm her hands, as well as cast aside her nervousness.

Today was the day Mikael, the main villain and second prince of Hanna's novel — would take his first step into Irene's home. Albeit confident in her ability to change the course of the story, she couldn't help but feel anxious, considering one of the most dangerous characters would soon be living with her.

I have to successfully guide him away from becoming a villain.

The winter snow gradually melted away, but the bitter cold still lingered as the seasons prepared to change. A brown carriage, one that appeared as normal and plain as any carriage traversing the streets, soon rolled up to the front gates in the distance.

Rayvis - noticing Irene's shivers, gently pulled his sister toward him, taking off his cloak and draping it on her shoulders to shield her from the frosty air. She glanced up at her brother and thanked him, but his eyes were fixated on the approaching carriage with a conspicuous wariness.

It was an expected reaction, from anyone who was about to meet Mikael Laydel — a boy hated and scorned by all because of his origins. It wasn't only Rayvis, but even the servants of the manor had fallen silent these past few days.

It was because no one wanted the Prince to be here, although they never said it out loud. Despite having done no harm, his presence itself was sure to bring down the reputation of House Cherliann. Due to the actions of his horrible late mother, and because he was an illegitimate child to begin with, the people of Laydel despised him. Even if he was granted legitimacy as an heir, from the emperor.

Rayvis' initial attitude toward Mikael probably hasn't changed from the original story... Because he admires the Atlan family. Irene thought, watching as the brown carriage carrying the prince, finally drew closer. She then glanced at her mother, who's expression was difficult to view - hidden by her long, white hair.

Sarah being alive now... Will definitely help to improve Mikael's situation. She's not the kind of person who would ever resent an innocent child.

Finally, the carriage pulled up in front of the Cherlianns. It stood imposingly in front of them, despite it being such a mundane and plain model. Separated only by a sleek wooden door and tinted glass window — Irene could already feel his presence.

Several footmen walked toward the carriage, to help the occupants get down and unload all of the bags kept behind. Irene held her breath, her heart racing.

This is it.

The moment I've been waiting for, for eight whole years.

A servant soon approached the door of the carriage, and opened it carefully before stepping aside and extending a hand toward the figure seated inside. A figure who's appearance was light and elegant, contrasting the mundane carriage he was situated in.

A little boy, dressed neatly in the clothes of a young noble, stood up and alighted the carriage with an air of grace about him. He was small and petite, with an aura that made him seem difficult to approach. As Irene gazed at his face, her eyes widened in awe.

Silky strands of flowing, creamy-blonde hair, which framed his face beautifully and curled around his pale little neck. His downturned lashes were the same colour, contrasting those deep, lapis-blue irises that resembled the glowing ocean at night. A little nose, rosy lips and a cherubic face, one that resembled a girl's.

He was akin to a porcelain doll - a boy with magnificent beauty that seemed so ethereal, royal and unreal, Irene thought an angel had descended from the carriage for a moment.

I knew he was pretty... Irene thought, as he stood facing the Cherlianns with a completely indifferent expression. But not THIS pretty...!

The prince didn't face the family in front of him. Instead, his gaze was fixed to the floor from the moment he had gotten down. An old woman, who appeared to be the boy's guardian had exited the carriage alongside him. A person who caught the young daughter of Cherliann's attention.

Irene blinked, her brows furrowing. Who is she...?

"Greetings, to His Highness," Sarah bowed courteously, as Irene and Rayvis followed suit. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Prince Mikael. Today, we welcome you into our home and hope that you will be comfortable here."

Mikael didn't say a word. Instead, the thin, old woman at his side smiled and spoke instead.

"It is a pleasure, Lady Cherliann. We have been looking forward to this day for a long time now," she spoke politely. "My name is Sophia Cather. I am the prince's guardian, who will be joining his highness as he settles in."

Mikael's guardian...? Irene frowned, pursing her lips. There was no such character when I wrote about his first time coming here... Did something from the original story change on his part, without my knowing?

"It's a pleasure to know the prince will have a familiar face at his side, I'm sure that'll make him more comfortable while he's here." Sarah offered them a radiant smile, but Irene could've sworn she saw Mikael flinch at those words.

After exchanging their introductions, the old woman greeted Rayvis and Irene. The two kept up their pleasantries, but found it odd how Mikael hadn't spoken a word since leaving the carriage. He didn't even introduce himself.

His expression displayed not a single hint of emotion - like that of a hollow doll. Irene couldn't help but wonder why the old woman was talking so much in his stead, as if he were a puppet incapable of speech.

It was then, Irene took a deep breath - and mustered the courage to approach him herself. With a cordial smile, she walked right up to Mikael, much to everyone's surprise.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Prince!" She beamed, extending a hand toward the boy. Her sudden show of direct informality took them all aback, but before anyone could do or say anything, she continued. "I've been waiting for your arrival. I hope that we can be good friends."

Meanwhile, Mikael was staring up at her, eyes gaping in complete surprise. This strange girl, whose golden eyes pierced into his very soul, and pure white hair resembled winter, was looking at him as if he were any normal human. She was slightly taller than him, and her smile appeared so genuine, he found it stupid.

Mikael only stared at her in silence, his expression falling. Irene noticed his visage displaying a hint of contempt in those icy eyes, but she didn't stop smiling. Even though the look on his face was a little bit intimidating.

Instead, she took his hand herself - much to his bewilderment.

His hand is so cold...

"My name is Irene!" She continued, clasping his palm between hers. "Is it okay if I call you Mikael?"

...Is she serious? Mikael thought, dumbfounded. But before he could react, Ms Cather touched his shoulders, and pulled him away from Irene.

"My apologies, My Lady," she smiled, her cheeks wrinkling. "But I'm afraid his highness is quite shy."

Irene frowned, when she looked upon the woman's face. She then stepped away from Mikael, whose eyes had fallen to the ground.

"Ah- I apologise for my brazenness." Irene said, bowing her head. But a part of her found this even weirder.

Mikael isn't going to say anything? I guess he might have asked her to speak in his stead...

After the carriage was unloaded with the prince's belongings - which didn't take long because he brought very few things, the Cherlianns headed inside the manor alongside Sophia Cather and Mikael.

Rayvis had gone back to resume his training after greeting them, while Sarah and Irene stayed to show them around the manor. The whole time, Mikael hadn't spoken a word.

He's so quiet... Irene thought, observing him keenly throughout the tour. Whenever they asked him something, Cather would answer in his stead. Irene couldn't tell what it was, but something felt off about the situation.

This woman never appeared in my original story... Could she be a guardian who Mikael grew close to? She wondered, noticing that the prince always seemed to be staying in close proximity to the woman who accompanied him. They don't seem to be communicating with each other either, though...

As Sarah and Ms Cather were busy talking about the way House Cherliann was regulated, Irene silently approached Mikael, who was following behind.

"Psst," she whispered, catching his attention. Mikael flinched, noticing her calling out to him, as he frowned slightly. "Why are you so quiet?" She asked him, but the boy only looked at her with annoyance.

"...What do you want?" He finally spoke - through an irritated tone, and Irene almost gasped upon hearing his voice.

"So you can speak," Irene smiled at him. "Because I want to be friends, of course!" She responded, but her kindred spirit was only met with indifference.

"How unfortunate," He coldly remarked. "I have no intention of becoming friendly with you."

Irene frowned. As expected, it's not easy to break down his guard... She thought. Of course, it's not like she didn't see this coming. Mikael wasn't the type to trust people easily. Considering his past and how all nobles in Laydel viewed him, he was someone who could hardly rely on others.

After their tour, Irene and Sarah guided Mikael and Ms Cather to the prince's chambers - which had been prepared and decorated elaborately with expensive blue and white furnishings. Golden ornaments and decorations lining the walls and adorning their surroundings, Mikael himself struggled to hide his awe when he found himself in such a massive, opulent place.

"This is all... For me?" He finally spoke up, the first Sarah had heared his voice. The kind duchess offered him a warm smile, as she kneeled down and met his gaze.

"Yes, everything here belongs to you, Your Highness!"

Mikael's eyes widened slightly, and Irene noticed it too. Somehow, when he looked at Sarah, he had no malice or coldness in his expression. Instead, there was a faint hint of wonderment, and perhaps curiosity.

As Irene and Sarah then headed out of the room and dismissed themselves, the pair allowed for Mikael to settle in to his new surroundings. After leaving, Irene heaved a sigh the moment she was alone.

He's going to be a difficult shell to crack... She thought, leaning against the wall of a long hallway. Even so...

I'll get him to open up... Slowly but surely.