The next day at the academy cafeteria, Lilia sat frozen in front of a very fancy, very golden tray of food.
Her eyes twitched.
"Why does breakfast here look like it costs more than my rent back home?"
The cafeteria was more like a royal banquet hall—chandeliers overhead, glass walls overlooking trimmed gardens, and velvet-lined chairs that looked like they belonged in a duke's drawing room.
Everything shimmered. Even the butter. Why did the butter shimmer?
Across from her, Mari happily munched on a puff pastry, completely unfazed by the luxurious surroundings.
"You get used to it," Mari said between bites. "The croissants are baked with imported dew flour from the northern valleys. Super soft, right?"
Lilia stared at her croissant like it might talk back.
"I used to eat dry cereal over the sink."
Mari blinked. "Huh?"
Lilia sighed. "Nothing. Just... culture shock."
She took a reluctant bite. Her eyes widened.
"…Okay, that's criminally good."
Mari grinned. "Told ya."
Just then, a system notification silently slid across Lilia's vision.
=======================
[System Notice: You are currently sharing a meal with a friend.]
[Friendship Event Triggered: Breakfast Bonding]
[Bonus Affection Gained: +3 with Mari]
[Note: Enjoying food increases charm. Don't fight it.]
=======================
Lilia narrowed her eyes. Even my breakfast is being tracked. Am I going to get stats from brushing my teeth next?
She sighed and took another bite. Well... at least my charm is going up. I guess?
As she reached for her drink, a sudden squeal rang out from behind her.
"Oh my stars, he's here!"
Lilia didn't need to turn to know who "he" was.
Footsteps echoed. The clink of expensive boots. The low murmur of awed gasps.
"Ugh," Lilia muttered, not looking up. "It's him, isn't it?"
Mari nodded, mouth full of croissant. "Mmhm. Prince Alric. Walking in like a peacock dipped in diamonds."
Lilia groaned. "Great. Exactly what I wanted with my breakfast—public royalty."
Sure enough, Prince Alric strolled in, flanked by his ever-handsome entourage. Sunlight practically followed them inside like obedient pets.
Girls across the cafeteria sighed in sync.
"Why is everyone acting like a K-pop concert just started?" Lilia whispered.
Mari leaned closer. "You did fall in front of him yesterday. And he did walk straight to you after class. People notice that stuff."
Lilia sunk lower in her chair. "I tripped, not proposed marriage."
Then, she heard it.
The footsteps were getting closer.
No. No no no.
Mari's eyes widened. "Uh-oh."
"Don't say uh-oh."
Prince Alric stopped right in front of their table.
"Good morning, Miss Lilia," he said smoothly.
All conversation in the cafeteria died.
Lilia looked up, plastering on the world's most awkward smile. "Oh. Uh. Hi."
=======================
[System Notification: Main Love Interest Approached!]
[Respond appropriately to increase affection.]
Lilia blinked at the floating box and nearly choked on her juice.
[System Choice:]
[1. "Good morning, Your Highness!" (Polite + Affection++)]
[2. "You again?" (Sarcastic + ???)]
[3. "Can I finish my croissant in peace?" (Affection--)
=======================
Lilia panicked. Why do I feel like I'm choosing my own execution?!
She opened her mouth to speak—
"I-I mean, good morning, Your—uh, Shiny. I mean—Highness."
Alric raised a brow but chuckled softly. "You're quite amusing."
Ping.
[Affection with Prince Alric +4] [New Title: "Charmingly Clueless"]
Lilia internally facepalmed. I hate everything.
Beside her, Mari had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing.
Alric gave a gentle smile. "I just wanted to make sure you were alright after yesterday's... tumble."
"I'm fine," Lilia said quickly. "Totally fine. Haven't tripped in hours."
The prince gave a small nod. "Good. Then I'll leave you to your breakfast."
He turned gracefully and walked off, his entourage following like loyal puppies.
Once he was out of earshot, Mari exploded into a whisper-laugh. "Shiny? Really?"
"Look," Lilia groaned, sinking into her chair. "He sparkled. I panicked."
Mari wiped a tear from her eye. "You're the only girl in this whole place who could call the crown prince 'shiny' and not be executed."
"Maybe I should be," Lilia muttered.
Just as Lilia started pretending the prince incident never happened and reached for her second croissant, her stomach gave a loud and unmistakable gurgle.
Her eyes widened.
"Oh no."
Mari paused mid-bite. "What?"
"I gotta pee," Lilia said, standing up so fast her chair gave a whine.
Mari raised a brow. "The restrooms are right down the hall, next to the conservatory."
Lilia stood frozen for a moment, eye twitching. Her voice dropped to a near whisper.
"Public ones?"
Mari squinted. "...Yes? Are you okay?"
"Yup! Totally fine! I just—uh—don't really trust toilets I haven't bonded with emotionally."
"…What?"
"I'll be back!"
She made a quick escape, practically speed-walking down the hallway as if running from ghosts.
Five minutes later…
Lilia stood stiffly in front of the most elegant girls' restroom she'd ever seen. The door had little enchanted roses that shimmered. She'd never felt so intimidated by plumbing in her life.
"Alright, Lilia," she whispered to herself. "You're a girl now. You've done this before. At home. Sort of. Just... don't overthink it."
She pushed the door open and walked in with the caution of someone sneaking into a royal treasury.
Inside was pastel perfection—tile floor, crystal lights, and spotless stalls. A few girls were chatting by the mirrors about how Prince Alric's voice "was totally deeper today."
Ugh.
She quickly ducked into the furthest stall, slammed the door shut, and locked it with a shaky breath.
Okay. Focus. It's just a bathroom. You've handled worse. Like... death. Gender swaps. High school.
She sat.
Paused.
Stared at the floor.
Why does this feel like a personal betrayal to my soul?
Even with no one watching, she still felt the weight of awkwardness settle on her shoulders like a wet towel.
Eventually, she emerged from the stall like she'd fought a dragon.
At the sink, she washed her hands in silence while two girls debated whether Lord Adrien's smile or the prince's jawline was better.
This world is literally built for romantic disasters, she thought miserably. And I'm the only one fighting for the right to pee in peace.
As she stepped out of the restroom, a system notification pinged into her vision.
=======================
[System Notification: "Congratulations! You've used a public restroom for the first time in your new body."+1 Adaptability+3 Self-Control]
[New Title Unlocked: Brave Bladder]
=======================
Lilia groaned quietly.
"Not everything needs to be an achievement, you overly dramatic toaster."
*****
Back at the cafeteria, Mari was sipping juice, unconcerned. As Lilia slumped into her seat again, Mari raised a brow.
"You were gone forever. Did you fight a troll in there?"
Lilia, without meeting her gaze, whispered, "...In a way, yes."
Mari snorted. "You're so weird."
Lilia bit into her croissant again. "You have no idea."