Prologue

The silence was laced with killing intent.

This was the third floor of the Starium family’s East Wing—

Platinum curtains gently caught the moonlight streaming in, and an Eastern carpet colored the floor. The hundred-year-old oak furniture was embedded with jewels from the Elm region. A perfect space, enveloped in the sweet, noble scent of roses.

…At least, it was supposed to be.

Because right now, the four members of my party stood surrounding me, glaring at each other.

The air was heavy, their gazes sharp, and not a single one of them spoke—

The next moment, however, a torrent of twisted emotions spilled from their lips.

“It’s all your fault, Nee-sama, isn’t it? For bewitching me so…”

As she spoke, a tearful smile on her face, Elena Starium’s silver hair swayed, clinging to her tear-streaked cheeks. Her trembling fingertips clutched the hem of her dress. But that smile was a far cry from the innocence she’d shown as a child. In the depths of her eyes, the shadows of jealousy and obsession flickered.

“It seems I’ll have to take you by force. No matter what it takes, I will make you all mine.”

Ichinose Kaede quietly took a step forward. Her movements were like a beast stalking its prey—economical and chillingly serene. Her lustrous black hair swayed gently as she slowly lowered her center of gravity.

With a soft hiss, she drew the katana in her right hand. The bare blade reflected the light, tracing a momentary silver arc in the air. The air grew taut. It was as if the temperature in the entire room had dropped by several degrees.

“Please be quiet. You’re frightening Michel-sama.”

Prefa Reroriu’s voice was calm. Contrary to her tone, however, her fingertips, smooth as white porcelain, slowly traced the crest on her staff.

In that instant—the portrait hanging on the wall shattered with a loud crack, though nothing had touched it. Her fingertips, now gripping the staff tightly, trembled slightly, a clear sign of her rising magic power.

“I-I’ve been holding back all this time, too…!”

Her voice held a faint tremor, like a stifled sob. But, in the next moment—Carnelia Libereus silently slid the long rifle from her back and shouldered it. In her eyes, all her anger, obsession, and countless pent-up feelings lost the color of emotion, settling into a quiet, pale stillness.

The four of them faced off, forming a circle around me.

This is bad. This is really, really bad.

My heart hammered against my ribs, and a cold sweat broke out across my skin.

And then. Suddenly, it began.

An explosion of magical energy like a thunderclap. The sound of cracking sparks. Gunshots, impacts, roars, destruction, screams, bellows—it was a true scene of pandemonium.

“Ahh, my room…”

A katana pierced the ceiling and cut down furniture, while a torrent of magic obliterated a bookshelf.

Furnishings worth hundreds of thousands of Gran were blown to smithereens, a diagonal gash from a blade ran across my favorite dresser, and scorch marks from magic marred the walls.

The splendid and elegant private chambers of a fourth-generation noble were now more chaotic than some back-alley tavern.

And as for me, at the center of all this destruction—

My knees gave out, and I collapsed onto a ruined cushion.

In my vision, shattered jewels. In my nostrils, the smell of burnt perfume oil. In my ears, the faint, lingering echo of a gunshot.

“I’ve really gone and done it now…”

A single, exhausted phrase escaped my lips.

There was an overwhelming sense that it was all too late.

How did it come to this…

I gently closed my eyes.

…Thinking back, it all started two weeks ago, didn’t it.

As the person at the center of this storm, I, Michel Starium, filled with the deepest regret, began to recall the events of “that day”—the day that had been the fork in my destiny.

Chapter 1: Heading to School

The Alirium Kingdom—a great nation that boasted an overwhelming territory, occupying nearly half of the Megalanica continent.

Its capital, Artemisia, was the very heart of the kingdom, protected by three layers of formidable castle walls.

Each wall delineated a clear social stratum. Within the outermost, first layer, the lives of the common folk thrived.

The cobblestone streets were lined with lively street vendors, a crossroads of the savory smell of fried sweets, the vibrant colors of fruit, and the cheerful voices of passersby.

The area protected by the second wall was the residential district for bureaucrats and high-ranking officials. Orderly, sectioned stone buildings, well-tended gardens leading to each home, the sound of bells chiming on schedule.

All of it symbolized the strict, controlled order and formality of the kingdom.

And then, the innermost and most sacred third layer—the Royal Palace District. A royal castle of jet-black granite adorned with goldwork towered at its center, surrounded by a ring of mansions belonging to nobles of high lineage.

There, too, was my birthplace—the mansion of House Starium.

“Have a safe day, Ojou-sama.”

A quiet voice echoed through the marble entrance hall, where the clear morning light streamed in. Though rigid, the voice had a somewhat calming tone, and it made me pause.

When I turned around, my personal maid, Askii von, was standing there with her back perfectly straight. Sharp, grayish eyes and a reddish-brown mushroom-cut bob.

Her well-defined features wore an expression that seemed to suppress all emotion. She was a talented maid who had served House Starium since before I was born.

“…Thank you, Askii.”

Just as I smiled and took a step forward—

“Have a safe day, Nee-sama~”

Along with that soft, airy voice, footsteps echoed from down the hall.

pitter-patter

I turned to see a small figure approaching, her silver hair swaying as she rubbed her sleepy eyes—it was my little sister, Elena Starium.

Skin as white and smooth as porcelain. Large, clear eyes like glass marbles. Soft hair brushing against her cheeks, and lips slightly parted.

She looked just like an exquisite bisque doll, filled with an adorable charm that made you want to just sweep her into a hug.

“Nee-sama, a ‘see-you-later’ hug… won’t you give me one…?”

Without hesitation, I reached out to my sister, who was holding her arms open wide while still half-asleep.

As I gently pulled her small body close, the scent of sunshine tickled my nose, and a warmth spread deep within my heart.

…My little sister truly is an angel.

Her softness, her warmth, her very existence felt like a miracle.

“Yes, I’m off now, Elena.”

I gave her head a gentle pat and left the mansion, leaving a contentedly smiling Elena behind.

Passing through the heavy iron gate, I started down the cobblestone path toward the academy. The sky was clear, the air was pure—it was a thoroughly refreshing morning.

The chirping of birds rode the wind to my ears, and that alone was enough to lift my spirits.

The wind caused my robe to flutter in time with my steps. My light pink, shoulder-length hair swayed in the soft morning breeze.

With features that held a touch of innocence yet also a lustrous allure, a faint, confident smile played on my lips.

I was cloaked in an ethereal beauty, so delicate it seemed I might vanish if touched.

—That is Michel Starium. My current form, who once lived as a Japanese high school girl named Yuuko Kanzaki.

—Yes, one day, I was suddenly reincarnated into this world.

There was no reason, no warning. I simply opened my eyes to an unfamiliar ceiling and realized I’d become the noble daughter of a magical nation called the <Alirium Kingdom>.

I still have memories of my past life. But as for the nature of this world or the reason for my reincarnation, I don’t know a single thing.

The Alirium Kingdom is a world of magical supremacy. In this country, magical power is prized above all else. It is the absolute standard that determines a person’s worth, and in this society, its presence and magnitude decide one’s superiority or inferiority.

Fortunately, I was born as the daughter of House Starium, one of the four great noble families that support this country. Moreover, I was endowed with one of the greatest magical capacities in our family’s history.

In other words, I was a “born winner,” positioned at the very top of this world.

“…”

As I entered the city streets, vendors on both sides of the road began to call out energetically, preparing for the morning market, and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air.

Everyone on the street was chatting cheerfully. But amidst the bustle, I could occasionally hear hushed voices reaching my ears.

“Hey, look, that’s Michel Starium-sama over there.”

“Isn’t she the daughter of that Marshal Aides?”

“Speaking of Marshal Aides, he’s the hero who performed legendary feats during the war with the Eleusian Kingdom a few years back, right?”

“Legendary?”

The whispers continued. I immediately understood that the rumors were about me. But rather than feeling unpleasant, I actually found it quite agreeable.

“I suppose a truly noble person just can’t help but exude a certain aura.”

How troublesome, I thought, my cheeks softening into a smile. No matter how I try to suppress it, I just can’t hide it.

“Morning, Michel!”

A cheerful voice rang out from behind me. Long hair, shining gold in the morning sunlight, was swaying. Her eyes were a translucent, pale blue.

They held not a coldness, but a strong, mischievous light, and her lips, faintly glossy, stole one’s gaze with every movement. Carnelia Liberius. Like me, she was the young lady of House Liberius, one of the four great noble families. Her family was absurdly wealthy, and she’d been my best friend since childhood.

“Good day, Carnelia.”

I returned the greeting elegantly. In response, she linked her arm with mine, beaming.

“Hey, hey, wanna stop by the café after school today? That new parfait I was talking about is finally out!”

“Again? We just went a short while ago, did we not?”

In fact, we had just gone three days ago. When I said so with a sigh, Carnelia pouted.

“Please, please! It’s no fun if you’re not there, Michel!”

Honestly, there’s a limit to how good someone can be at wheedling. I’ve always had a soft spot for her pleading.

“…Hah, I suppose it can’t be helped. But just for today, you understand?”

When I relented, she broke into a huge grin and made a small fist pump.

As we walked along, exchanging banter like this, we naturally found ourselves before the academy gates. Bathed in the morning sun, Altmegia Academy was, as always, filled with life and expectation.