GORGEOUS

“Boo~”

A soft voice tickled in my ear playfully but it didn’t even startle me. In fact, I didn’t even flinch.

“I knew it was you, Ruby,” I muttered with a slight grin, turning my head to her.

And there she was.

Floating just inches from my face, wings gently fluttering like a butterfly mid flight, was a tiny girl with glowing ruby eyes and hair that shimmered like strands of firelight.

Seeing her this close, I had to admit—she was stunning.

So this was Ruby. Monica’s spirit partner.

A dragon in essence, but currently taking the form of a small fairy like girl, with horns that curled slightly like polished obsidian and wings that sparkled like fractured crystals under sunlight. Her gown was made of translucent red petals and glowing silk, and every movement left a soft trail of glittering embers behind her. She looked like something pulled straight from a dream—delicate yet powerful.

Only I could see her like this. Spirits only revealed themselves to their masters... unless the situation truly needed their presence.

“You seem different right now...” she said, tilting her head with a curious glint in her eyes. “Less bitter. Less... scary.”

I smirked. “Pfftt, what are you talking about?”

Sht. She cant be suspicious to me because I'm really not Monica!

I flicked my hair back and gave her a mischievous grin. “By the way, can you create me a stunning dress? Something that'll outshine the debutante?”

Her eyes lit up.

“Your wish is my command, Master~” she purred, spinning midair with a twirl of her delicate fingers.

In a blink, her entire body burst into a glowing spiral of red and gold light. Her wings expanded, the small fairy form growing slightly taller and more majestic as her magic surged through the room. Runes circled around me like whispers in an ancient language, and the very air shimmered with warmth and wonder.

Ruby’s true energy was no joke—she was a legendary dragon spirit, after all.

But in the original novel, Monica didn't use her well. And now I'm here, I'll use her very well to the fullest.

The dull dress I was holding burned away in soft flames, not harming me but disappearing into golden particles. And then, piece by piece, a new gown began to form.

Dark crimson silk laced with obsidian embroidery wrapped around my body. The fabric moved like liquid fire, clinging and flowing all at once, hugging every curve of mine in elegant defiance of modesty. Jewels formed around the neckline, glinting like dragon scales. Its dark but its still shining because of the small crystal embroided by it.

Since the debut will be held now in the morning, this dress will probably get everyone's attention.

When Ruby was done, she hovered with a proud grin, eyes sparkling.

“There. Now that’s how a queen enters a debutante.”

I turned slowly to the mirror, lips parting in silent awe.

For the first time... I didn’t just look like Monica.

I became her.

...────୨ৎ────...

I entered the grand hall with the kind of confidence that could silence all the orchestra. My heels clicked softly against the marble floor, the train of my gown flowing like dark fire behind me.

Everything dimmed as eyes slowly turned to me.

Ah. I knew it. Everyone was staring.

As they should.

Every step I took felt like a statement. I wasn’t here to blend in because I was here to outshine.

I approached the debutante with a refined smile curled on my lips.

“Happy sweet 18th birthday,” I said sweetly.

Her eyes twitched.

Oh? Was that a twitch I saw?

What? Am I that pretty that your perfectly trained saintly facade is breaking? Hohoho.

I grabbed a glass of wine from a passing server, sipping it like I had all the time in the world.

“Debutante in broad daylight,” I said casually, “How... weird.”

I chuckled without shame.

Angelica tried to hold her saintly image, her lips stretching into a stiff smile. “Haha… thank you, Lady Monica,” she replied, giving me a slight bow.

Ah, the bow.

I’m older than you, sweetheart. That's right, bow to me with grace.

And right on cue...

“How dare you disrespect her?”

Ah, here he comes.

Prince Luke Adams. The ever so handsome, ever so annoying knight in the whole East Empire.

“She’s my half-sister,” I said, swirling the wine in my glass with a grin, “Why would I disrespect her?”

My voice dripped with mock innocence, laced with a subtle sharpness. Enough to sting, but never enough to punish.

Angelica looked like she wanted to say something, but I cut her off first.

“Ha... I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone. I have more important matters to attend to.” I dipped my head just enough to be polite, but not an inch more.

“Goodbye. Have a great day.”

And with that, I walked away and my dress was flowing behind me like a shadow.

But of course... the real performance was just about to begin.

While I had been chatting with them, I had silently tasked Ruby to add a touch of light poison to Angelica’s drink. Nothing lethal. Just... a reminder. A warning. A game.

Ruby’s magic was subtle and undetectable. Just enough to make the saintess faint.

I wouldn’t be there to witness it though because I dont want to be in the crime scene.

Better to disappear before the drama unfolds.

I had just stepped outside when I heard something.

CLANG!

“Princess! Princess!!”

Prince Luke’s frantic voice echoed across the marble halls and it is loud enough to reach even me.

Oh? That fast?

I smirked to myself, sipping the last drop of wine before setting the glass down on a garden table.

They’ll be fine. She won’t die.

Probably.

Now that I’ve made my exit and left my little gift… I’m bored again.