Chapter 2: Breakfast with the Duke

Lilic had faced many horrifying things in life.

Final exams after barely studying? Check.

Accidentally hitting "reply all" on an email meant for one person? Unfortunately, yes.

Getting stuck in this terrible novel as a disposable side character? Well, that was a fresh new nightmare.

But nothing—nothing—could compare to the silent, suffocating tension of sitting across from Duke Aster at breakfast.

The dining hall was enormous. Unreasonably enormous. Who needed a twenty-foot chandelier hanging above their eggs and toast? The walls were lined with paintings of ancestors who all looked like they disapproved of everything, and the long, dark oak table was so large that Lilic was fairly certain she could fake her death, roll under it, and escape before anyone noticed.

But she couldn't do that. Not yet, anyway.

Because Duke Aster, her father, was watching her.

The man was exactly as she remembered from the novel—tall, sharp-featured, and cold enough to freeze a lake solid. His golden eyes, identical to Leor's, were unreadable as he sipped his tea with practiced precision.

Lilic, still in the process of figuring out how not to die in this world, carefully cut a piece of toast.

Silence.

More silence.

For the love of all things holy, does this man not believe in conversation?

She was used to awkward breakfasts, but this was another level. Even the maids, who moved efficiently around them, seemed to hold their breath whenever they stepped too close.

Fine. If no one was going to say anything, she would have to start.

She cleared her throat. "Good morning, Father."

The Duke paused mid-sip. Slowly, he lowered his teacup and studied her like she had just spoken in an ancient, forbidden language.

Lilic resisted the urge to fidget. Had the original Lilic never greeted him before?

"…Good morning," he finally responded, setting his cup down with a quiet clink.

Well. That was something.

She took a careful bite of toast, her mind racing. This was their first real interaction, and she needed to set the right tone. Her father wasn't cruel, but he wasn't affectionate either. He had acknowledged her existence, given her a noble title, and provided her with a lavish life—but nothing more.

Which, honestly? Perfect.

She had no interest in gaining his love or approval. She just needed to exist quietly and not get murdered.

Low profile. That's the goal.

"You seem… well," the Duke said after a long pause, as if the words were foreign in his mouth.

Lilic blinked. "I—uh, yes?"

Was that concern? Did Duke Aster, the emotionless iceberg, just check on her well-being?

"I heard you were unwell the past few days," he continued, watching her closely.

 She must have been unconscious or feverish which would explain why she hadn't noticed her new reality sooner.

Lilic put on her best I am a perfectly normal and obedient daughter expression. "It was nothing serious. I feel much better now."

He nodded, but something about his gaze lingered. As if he was studying her.

Suspicious.

Lilic took another bite of toast, ignoring the paranoia creeping into her thoughts. Calm down. He has no reason to suspect anything. Just act natural.

Then, the Duke said something that made her grip her fork a little too tightly.

"Leor will return in a few days."

Leor.

Her fork scraped against the plate.

Oh. Oh no.

She had completely forgotten about that.

Leor Aster. The golden child. The male lead. The person who was destined to kill her.

And he was coming back soon.

Lilic forced a smile, though her brain was screaming. "Oh? That's… early, isn't it?"

"He concluded his business at the academy faster than expected." The Duke gave her a sharp glance. "You'll welcome him properly when he arrives."

Oh, she would welcome him, alright. With every ounce of fake sisterly affection she could muster. And also with a plan to never be alone in a room with him.

"Of course," she said sweetly, stabbing her egg a little too aggressively.

The Duke raised a brow. Lilic cleared her throat and went back to eating like a sane person.

Alright. New priority: survive Leor's return.

She had time. A few days to prepare. To plan. To make sure she wasn't stupidly walking into her own murder.

The Duke seemed satisfied with her response because he returned to his tea, the suffocating silence resuming.

Lilic chewed slowly, her mind racing.

This world was dangerous. Even if she avoided Leor's direct wrath, noble society was ruthless. She needed allies. A real safety net.

Maybe I should start making connections. Befriend some nobles. Gain some influence.

Not too much, of course. She wasn't trying to take over the world. Just… enough to make herself untouchable.

Or at least annoying enough that killing her would cause problems.

A little chaos never hurt anyone.

"I was thinking," she said suddenly, glancing at the Duke.

He looked at her again, waiting.

Lilic gave her most innocent, totally-not-suspicious smile. 

The maids stilled.

The Duke studied her for a long moment.