News of the mentorship by a wealthy noble spreads throughout the troupe. Soon after, a line of beauty products arrives — subpar in quality, but for someone who's never received attention from the director, it's a once-in-a-blue-moon preferential treatment. Anyone watching would think I'm being favoured. If only they knew the real reason.
The director has already received a lump sum of gold. One of the conditions? Give the girl being sent an exclusive bridal treatment. Thinking it would be a waste, he likely uses less than a quarter of the gold set aside. Still, it's expensive enough to make Alya and her minions boil with jealousy and rage.
In my past life, I was taken away by the wealthy lord. During my time with that monster, I was educated in noble luxuries — including top-tier cosmetics. It was a non-negotiable requirement to maintain a polished, beautiful appearance… in exchange for a piece of bread and soup.
Alyas room
Hannah rushes in, breathless.
"That little seductress is going to attend to the wealthy guest. How could the director do this to you, Alya?"
Shana, who's kept her eyes and ears glued to the director's room for hours, adds her report.
"A nursemaid is being sent to look after that b***h. A line of luxury items is pouring into her pigsty of a room all day long. She doesn't deserve them! How dare she, when it's been over a week since our Alya got a new hairpin?"
Alya peeks outside her room. The hubbub of ushers delivering gifts hasn't died down. She bites her lip in frustration as jealousy fills her heart for the nth time today.
Flashback – Earlier Today
"How could you do this to me, Father? How can you choose her and not me? That dirty little witch from who knows where! Answer me!"
It's nothing new for the director to watch his daughter throw tantrums whenever she wants something. After all, he's spoiled her rotten — his only child, left behind by his late beloved wife.
If it were anything else, he'd grant her wish at the first tear. But not this. He can't send Alya to that old pervert noble. His flower of a daughter deserves the best: wealth, beauty, a perfect marriage.
The apprentice the old geezer wanted was Alya. That pervert fell in love with her beauty at first sight. But the order delivered by his footman said to "send his daughter." That's when the director made his plan.
Perhaps it's God's blessing that his late wife Martha — a devout follower of the God of Light — insisted on adopting that dirty orphan girl from the streets. Since Martha loved her, he allowed it. After her death, the girl became invisible. He forgot about her… until recently.
He saw her drying clothes for the actors and actresses. Selena had grown into a fine beauty. If he plays this right, he can send her instead of Alya.
As the wheels of fate begin to turn, the decision is made. The old bard is ordered to grease the stairs outside Alya's room. To save Alya from a greater threat, she must be slightly wounded.
An unaware Alya falls down the stairs and fractures her leg — making her unable to play Juliet. Just like that, Selena is brought to the stage. Her beauty catches attention, and her popularity spreads. Without doubt, word reaches the old geezer.
Everything is set. Even if he's angry about the switch, Selena's beauty and fame will hold him off. A perfect plan. A perfect play. It's time Selena pays for the food she's eaten and the grace she's been shown.
To avoid any variables, Alya must be kept in the dark. She's spoiled, naïve, and innocent — like the fresh buds of a white lily.
So, for the first time in his life, the director raises his voice at his dear child.
"Enough, Alya! Your sister is a proud asset of our troupe. Look how she's earned praise from the audience in her very first play. She deserves this apprenticeship. I don't want to hear any disrespect. We should be proud of her. You should learn from her and work on your future roles to make me proud."
The director's words are unacceptable to Alya. How can she and Selena even be compared? They're not on the same page. Selena is only worthy of polishing her shoes — yet she rises above and shines brighter than everyone.
She might not be noble by blood, but she possesses the charm and beauty of a noble princess.
True to her nature, Alya throws another tantrum. She refuses to back down. She must go to that rich master's house. She's confident that with her beauty, she can climb into nobility. After all, she was born to be a princess.
"But Dad, I can improve myself by learning from this influential person too! I want to go. Send me instead. I don't care — I want to go to that master's house!"
Reaching his wits' end and terrified Alya will ruin everything, the director slaps her across the cheek.
"I said enough! Not another word! All I do is for your best."
Shocked, Alya stares in disbelief. Her father has never yelled at her, never raised a hand. And now, because of that dirty girl — that evil witch — he's hit her.
Unforgivable. Selena has to pay for this.
"I hate you, Dad!"
Holding her stinging cheek, Alya runs out of his office, leaving the director sighing in disbelief.
End of Flashback
Alya turns back to her minions, her mind racing. Then, she gives a wicked smile.
Selena, oh Selena… enjoy your brief popularity. I, Alya, will ruin this for you and have the last laugh.
"Hannah, Shana — we'll crush Selena's little dream of becoming a princess. We will…"
That night, schemes and wickedness tick toward where fate is leading them.
But Selena isn't worried. She's someone who knows fate — and is rewriting it. Everything happening is not outside her calculations. In fact, the predetermined outcome is exactly what she's after.
Only this time, the outcome will be on her terms.
Red Crow Guild
In a crooked alley behind the market hall, a restaurant serves people from all walks of life. The bar glistens with high-end glasses and alcohol, while the chairs and tables — carved from rare wood — contrast sharply with the building's worn exterior.
Ignoring the suspicious looks, a hooded figure in a green cloak and golden dragon mask approaches the bartender.
Sliding a card with a hand-drawn red crow, she says,
"The Red Crow asks for a golden mouse."
The bartender raises an eyebrow, observing carefully. With years of experience, he can tell it's a young girl in disguise.
"Golden mouse? Sorry, we only sell drinks at this bar. You can order food at the table, though. You might be a bit young for drinks, my friend."
Without flinching, the cloaked girl repeats,
"The Red Crow asks for the heart of the red dragon that is yet to turn into gold."
The bartender, polishing a wine glass, freezes mid-motion.