Chapter 27: A Ripple in Still Water

The academy's grand hall shimmered beneath morning sunlight, crystal chandeliers catching gold above the sea of uniforms. Students gathered for the entrance ceremony, murmuring in tight circles—some in excitement, others in disdain.

But none of them could ignore her presence.

Evelyne Ardent.

The once-executed villainess, now reborn.

She stood alone beneath the imperial crest, back straight, gaze distant. Rumors danced like wildfire:

"Why is she here?"

"Didn't she die?"

"She's pretending again, just wait."

But Evelyne had no need to answer.

Her silence was her power now.

---

Across the hall, Elisse Vernal stood awkwardly at the edge of the crowd, trying to find a place to breathe. Her presence, too, had not gone unnoticed—though the whispers toward her were less fearful, more mocking.

"Commoner."

"Scholar charity."

"She'll never last."

A noble girl intentionally bumped into Elisse, sending her books tumbling to the ground.

Laughter followed.

But before the girl could say another word, a cold voice cut through the noise.

"Is that how future leaders behave?"

Gasps.

All turned.

Evelyne stood there, her gaze like sharpened frost.

She moved slowly, deliberately, kneeling beside Elisse. "Here," she said, handing her the last book.

Then she looked up at the noble girl.

"I suggest you learn the difference between power and cruelty. One earns respect. The other earns ruin."

The girl turned pale, scurried away.

Elisse looked at Evelyne in awe. "Why did you…?"

"Because this time," Evelyne said softly, "you won't be alone."

A ripple spread across the still water of the academy.

And from that moment, the world began to shift.

---

To be continued...