TTND 05

Chapter 05

As Idnia took her assigned seat, the girl beside her—the original protagonist—greeted her.

“Oh, hello! I’m Marie from Astraea. You’re a Saintess candidate too, right? It’s nice to meet you.”

This was Marie of Astraea—the game’s heroine.

Unlike the striking, intimidating beauty of Idnia, Marie had a plain appearance. Yet her design clearly allowed her to shine during key story moments, embodying the classic “unassuming but charming” protagonist archetype.

‘Seeing her in person is surreal.’

Idnia responded sincerely.

“Yes, likewise. I’m Idnia Kache Betelgeuse.”

“The Duchess of Betelgeuse? For someone of your noble standing to speak so kindly to a commoner like me…”

“We’re fellow students now. I look forward to learning together.”

Idnia smiled, studying Marie’s reaction.

There was none.

If Marie were a reincarnator or transmigrator like Idnia, she’d likely have shown some sign of recognition.

‘Hmm. Should I test her? It’s embarrassing, but…’

Idnia began humming softly.

The main theme of Awakening Maiden Concerto.

It was mortifying.

She barely suppressed a self-conscious laugh. If she felt ridiculous humming it, anyone who recognized the tune would surely react.

She watched Marie closely.

No reaction.

‘A blank slate, then. No—not blank. Just… genuinely native to this world?

That’s concerning.’

Idnia grew uneasy. A local with no knowledge of the game’s systems or future events would struggle in this merciless gacha-world.

‘Though as the Saintess candidate, she must have incredible base stats, right? Divine magic, mana capacity, physical prowess…’

Originally, Idnia planned to let the protagonist handle everything while she retired to the countryside.

But fate had other plans.

The Church’s prophecy forced her back to the capital—and now, face-to-face with the heroine, she found no trace of “player knowledge.”

‘Well, the massive stipend was hard to refuse. At least she doesn’t seem hostile.’

Just then, the chapel’s pipe organ boomed.

The Archbishop of Celestia Cathedral had arrived.

The entrance ceremony began.

In the game, this event was glossed over, but Dunais Academy’s entrance ceremony put Earth’s graduations to shame.

A consecration mass, Trinity hymns, and the freshman oath—delivered surprisingly by Crown Prince Rudolf Rosenbaum Calliestra himself.

“Ah…”

Idnia marveled at the prince’s podium presence. Clad in an imperial officer’s uniform, he was every inch the beautiful youth the game portrayed.

‘So this is Prince Rudolf.

In-game, he seemed like a generic pretty boy—but sometimes “generic” is best.’

Ironically, Rudolf’s perfection made him unpopular among players. His flawless design lacked edge, like an idol engineered for mass appeal.

Compared to the game’s more eccentric love interests, he came off bland.

But in reality, this was the ideal partner.

Who’d want a lover with drug addictions, gambling debts, or murderous tendencies?

And when you’re that handsome, it becomes a personality.

“Wow.”

Idnia heard awed whispers beside her.

Marie was spellbound by Rudolf’s beauty—as were most freshmen.

‘She really does seem like a local.

I’d hoped to coast on her protagonist plot armor, but now I might end up having to be the Saintess… No, don’t jump to conclusions.’

Idnia shuddered.

Her current build followed a free-to-play meta—zero investment in magic or divinity. She’d barely scrape through Season 1’s challenges, let alone later arcs.

‘Why did the gods even pick me? They must be insane.

Still, Marie has to have hidden talents. In the game, she entered as valedictorian.’

She clung to that hope, watching Marie’s starstruck expression.

But then—

After Rudolf’s speech, a flood of VIPs offered congratulations—starting with Emperor Franz Rosenbaum Calliestra himself.

The emperor, looking no older than his 30s, cut a dashing figure in his military regalia. His chest glittered with medals, each a testament to his power.

In-game, he’d been a key ally to Idnia—after her father’s death. Now, with the Duke alive, Franz barely glanced at her.

He and Duke Draken had once been rivals—in love, swordsmanship, and magic. The Duke’s victories cost him dearly, leaving him a broken hero.

‘And this emperor “honors” him with a paltry 50-shilling pension.

For context: rural laborers earn 1 shilling/day. So 50 shillings ≈ 5 million KRW monthly—generous for commoners, but an insult to a former Elector.’

In-game forums speculated this was intentional—keeping Idnia desperate enough to cling to her engagement.

No wonder she disliked him.

After the emperor, a parade of cardinals, ministers, and corporate magnates gave speeches. Then came the valedictorian’s address.

‘Obviously Marie’s moment.

In the game, her top-ranking admission earns the prince’s favor—and the villainess Idnia’s envy.’

But the name called wasn’t Marie’s.

“Izolda Folchen.”

“Yes!”

A stunning girl with black ringlet curls stood. Her petite frame radiated confidence, and her elaborate hairstyle screamed “noble upbringing.”

*‘Wait, who?

An original character? Did she replace me as the villainess?

And Marie lost valedictorian?!’*

Idnia’s mind raced.

‘Folchen… That’s the family tutoring the crown prince in etiquette.’

Then Izolda waved—at Rudolf.

The prince smiled back, applauding.

*”Honored seniors and distinguished guests,

your blessings have illuminated our path like dawn banishing night.

Though we stand at knowledge’s threshold, mere children before magic’s mysteries…”*

Her voice rang clear, her poise impeccable. Every word cemented her as the star of this ceremony.

After hymns and a final benediction, the ceremony ended. Only freshmen remained as armored sentinels sealed the cathedral doors.

Darkness fell—until magical lights revealed professors previously hidden in the shadows.

Now the real orientation began.

“Heh. This year’s batch is young.

Even the crown prince… Must be exceptional.”

Dean Deneuve, a stern woman in black, adjusted her glasses.

“Servants will be housed at the academy gates.

Noble or commoner, rich or poor—all share dorm rooms. Two per suite.”

“Two to a room?!”

Murmurs erupted. Idnia didn’t mind, but others looked aghast.