Snow fell slowly, silently, on what should have been the most important day of her life.
Aria Valenhardt, Duchess of Elvaria, knelt before the imperial throne. Her silver hair was loose, streaked with blood. The golden chains around her wrists glinted mockingly under the flickering torchlight.
"For crimes against the crown, you are sentenced to death."
The emperor's voice was cold and steady. But it wasn't his gaze that burned into her.
It was hers.
Selene.
The stepsister. The "heroine."
The one who had taken everything— the throne, the prince's heart, the people's love.
"I don't hate you, sister," Selene whispered, her expression soft with false pity. "You simply lost your way. Now you can be redeemed… through your death."
A bitter smile touched Aria's lips.
Redemption?
She, who had built an empire from the shadows? She, who had sacrificed everything to protect her family— only to be betrayed by the ones she loved?
The executioner raised his sword.
A single, sharp thought pierced through her despair, clear as the snow falling around her:
"If I had another chance…"
Darkness.
Then: "Vengeance System Activated."
A cold, metallic voice echoed in the void.
[Initial mission: Prevent Selene's engagement to the Crown Prince. Time limit: 30 days. Reward: +10 Charisma, +1 Skill: Manipulation.]
[Accept mission? Yes / No]
Aria's eyes flew open.
The ceiling—draped in deep red silk—was familiar. Untouched. Her wrists… unchained. Her body… young.
She rushed to the mirror.
Seventeen. She was seventeen again.
The day of the Imperial Debut Ball.
The day Selene would charm the prince.
[Mission timer active. 29 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes.]
Aria grinned—cold and dangerous.
"No more mercy," she whispered. "Let's see who ruins whose life this time."