(A/N: Their relationship dynamic progresses and doesn't stay exactly like it is at the start (The one-sided love doesn't last long). Pacing is also relatively fast at the start, but slows down in the future in romance arcs.)

In his old life, he was an assassin, invisible, efficient, and utterly alone.
His only escape came from the pages of a fantasy novel, Crown of Thorns, and the character no one else seemed to understand: Lady Evelina D’Arclight, the proud and brilliant villainess fated to lose everything.

After his death, he wakes up inside that very story, not as a hero, but as Cael Arden, a student at Eryndor Royal Academy. The world is just as he remembers it, right down to the woman destined to fall.

But this time, he’s not a bystander.
With a lifetime of deadly skills and the knowledge of what’s to come, Cael sets out to rewrite the story itself, to protect Evelina, rise through the academy’s ruthless hierarchy, and change a fate written in stone.

As alliances form and secrets surface, the line between fiction and reality starts to blur.
And in a world built on power and prophecy, he’ll prove that even a villainess deserves her happy ending.

Evelina didn't return to her estate after leaving me there to rest for the night, but I knew she was busy, so I didn't really mind.


As soon as morning came, I woke up early under the doctor's care. He handed me more pills and cleared me to leave the estate.


I still had the academy to attend. Today marked the official end of the Hunt that Evelina and I had brute-forced our way through, skipping most of what everyone else had to endure. Now it was time for the two of us to make our grand re-entrance.


I returned to my estate, changed into simple clothing, and headed to the academy. The announcements were going to be held right at the gates.


The entire academy was still in ruins after the examination, after all.


"Everyone, please stay in your spots to ensure proper order!"


Chapter 164 - The Hunt's Official End