The Crown's Fall

Back when I was in Lilymorn and learned that my name was Ysabel, I actually liked it.

Obviously, I had no idea what kind of tragic fate was hidden behind that name.

Now, I've come to terms with it—none of this was really my fault. Ysabel was just a side character in the novel, so there wasn't much information about her in the story.

But… Cedric Velmont, the male antagonist, was different. His name appeared countless times throughout the book—practically filling half its pages.

I pinched my arm, trying to calm myself down.

Besides… plenty of people have the same name. Maybe it was just a coincidence… though, realistically, what were the chances of that?

I steadied my emotions, pushed open the door, and peeked outside.

At the end of the hallway, I spotted a maid. Without hesitation, I ran up to her and asked, "What is the princess's name?"

The maid looked startled by my abrupt question but quickly answered, "Her Highness Ekaterina Drevan."

At that moment, I felt like I heard the sound of my last hope shattering into pieces.

I remembered the plot of The Crown's Fall:

Ekaterina was the heroine. Cedric was the villain. And I… I was Ysabel. Cedric's sister. A pawn he used before casting aside. I died quietly, without anyone caring.

At least Cedric managed to survive until the final few chapters. But Ysabel? She died just past the halfway point of the novel. Every appearance after that was just in flashbacks.

My mind was so full of thoughts that I had no idea how I even made it back to my room. Once I shut the door behind me, I leaned against it and slowly slid to the floor.

Of course. With my luck, there was no way I'd be adopted by a wealthy family out of kindness—unless they needed me as a tool.

Nothing in my life had ever gone my way. The caretaker who was kind to me left without a word. Father Valtierra, whom I liked, passed away.

Fate always dangled happiness in front of me, letting me taste it just a little—only to snatch it away again. Over and over.

But I knew I didn't have time to wallow in self-pity. My priority now was to recall the entire plot of The Crown's Fall. It had already been a year since I became aware of myself in this world, and my memory of the book was fading day by day.

I forced myself to clear my mind, pushed myself off the floor, and sat at my desk, grabbing a quill and paper.

Thinking back to everything I had endured, I knew I had to pull myself together. What was done was done—fear and panic wouldn't help me. If I wanted to survive, I needed a plan.

The quill was difficult to use, and my short fingers struggled to grip it properly.

The Crown's Fall took place in the Kingdom of Drevan, and its protagonist was Princess Ekaterina Drevan.

The novel opened with a grand engagement banquet—an event celebrating the betrothal of Ysabel, the adopted daughter of Grand Duke Velmont, to the second prince, Nicolai Drevan.

It was at this banquet that Ekaterina met Cedric Velmont, the Grand Duke's son and heir.

Despite her brothers' warnings, Ekaterina fell hopelessly in love with Cedric. But Cedric was obsessive and ruthless. He never loved her—he only saw her as a stepping stone, a pawn in his grand scheme to lead the kingdom to ruin.

This was no fairy tale.

Cedric's plan succeeded, and the Kingdom of Drevan fell into ruin. The people suffered, and Princess Ekaterina lost everything. But she was the true protagonist.

In the end, with the help of Saint Seraphina, she defeated Cedric and reclaimed the throne. However, the betrayal of her beloved changed her—she was no longer the passionate and devoted princess she once was.

Ekaterina abandoned love and dedicated herself to rebuilding the kingdom. Under her iron-fisted policy, the country quickly recovered.

Though the ending seemed satisfying, the story itself was filled with betrayal and death—it was undeniably dark.

Fortunately, my memory of Ysabel's storyline was still mostly intact. Back when I read the book, I resonated with her because of our similar orphaned backgrounds. That connection helped me recall her past more clearly.

Ysabel's parents abandoned her as a baby. She grew up in Lilymorn. At the age of six, Grand Duke Velmont adopted her. I remembered this part very well.

The Velmonts deliberately sought out a beautiful child for one purpose—to groom her into an elegant lady. At the right time, they would debut her in high society, using her as a political tool to secure an alliance between House Velmont and the royal family.

As the only Grand Duke of Drevan, Velmont wielded immense power—even the royal family depended on him.

When Ysabel turned sixteen, the Velmonts hosted a grand ball to formally introduce her to society. It was there that she met Second Prince Nikolai for the first time.

But life in House Velmont wasn't easy. She never lacked food, clothes, or luxury, but everyone in the household knew exactly why she was there. To them, she was nothing more than a chess piece, so no one truly cared for her. This left Ysabel starved for affection.

And people who crave love are the easiest to deceive.

After the engagement, Ysabel fell blindly in love with Nikolai. She obeyed him without question, desperate for his attention.

What she didn't know was that Nikolai's true love was Saint Seraphina. To him, Ysabel was nothing more than a convenient tool—one that allowed him to keep an eye on the threatening Grand Duke Velmont.

Nikolai quickly became suspicious of Cedric's brewing schemes. Even though Ysabel never betrayed the Velmonts, Cedric was swayed by false accusations. Without a shred of evidence, he personally killed his own sister.

…What a tragic fate. I smacked my lips.

And now, this was about to become my life.

I wrote down the key relationships and storylines on paper. After careful thought, I identified the two people I absolutely needed to avoid: Cedric and Nikolai.

One was a mad villain. The other was a heartless scumbag.

As long as I could escape their control, surviving in this world shouldn't be impossible.

Yes. That was my only wish—just to stay alive.

Alright! My initial survival plan: stay under the radar in the castle until I turned sixteen. Then, find a chance to escape. As long as I could avoid the engagement, I would be free.

Knock, knock.

Hearing the knocking at the door, I hurriedly hid my notes. Before I could respond, the door swung open, and a maid pushed a dining cart into the room. She gave me a half-hearted curtsy and said flatly, "My Lady, I am Mila, your maid from today on. Your lunch has arrived."

Her tone was indifferent, but I didn't take it personally. I wasn't a true daughter of this house, nor was I a real lady. Serving me brought her no benefits. If I were in her position, I wouldn't be very enthusiastic either.

The Crown's Fall never described Ysabel's daily life in House Velmont, but it wasn't hard to imagine. In this ruthless Duke's Castle, she must have suffered immensely.

I put on a bright, knowing smile and said, "Alright! Thank you, Mila!"

If there was one lesson I had learned from my years in Lilymorn, it was this—never offend the person who brings you food.

With an innocent grin, I showed my gratitude and eagerly climbed onto the chair. I ate with enthusiasm—I really was hungry.

Mila stood to the side, watching in mild surprise as I finished my meal.

I sneered inwardly. Surprised to see such a well-behaved, quiet child? You're not alone. I haven't seen one either.

Wiping my mouth clean, I looked up at her with the brightest voice I could manage. "All done!"

Mila snapped out of her daze, and her tone softened slightly. "There are clothes in the wardrobe, selected for you by the butler. You may choose whichever you like, but please ensure your outfit is formal. I will fetch some toiletries for you—you need to freshen up. After that, His Lordship wishes to see you."

By "His Lordship", she meant Cedric.

The moment I heard that, the food in my stomach churned. For a brief second, I almost threw up from nerves.

Then it came to me that, Cedric saw me as an important pawn. He wouldn't kill me—not yet. But that didn't ease my fear.

After all, in the novel, it was his own hands that ended Ysabel's life.

Ysabel had always been obedient to her brother, always eager to please him. She was a child starved for affection—whether it was love or family warmth, both were luxuries beyond her reach. So she worked hard to love those around her.

But Cedric had stabbed her—his so-called sister—straight through the chest with his ceremonial sword. A blade that symbolized honor.

He watched as she bled out. Listened to her desperate pleas. And remained utterly indifferent.

A true monster.

If I had any choice at all, I would stay as far away from him as possible.