It didn’t take long for Aeris’ triumph to be interrupted by a knock on her door. The grand halls of the Garland estate echoed with the sounds of distant servants and the low hum of conversation. Aeris tensed. She knew what came next—the part of the game she hated most: her family.

She steeled herself, already hearing the heavy footsteps approaching. 

The door creaked open to reveal her father, Lord Thaddeus Garland. He towered over her, his figure as imposing as ever, dressed in an extravagant military uniform adorned with medals. His cold eyes bore into hers, devoid of warmth or affection. Thaddeus had never been a kind man, and Aeris had learned that the hard way.

“You’re awake,” he said, his voice sharp and judgmental. “Finally done hiding away in your chambers, Aeris?”

Aeris clenched her fists. Thaddeus had always viewed her as a tool for political gain, nothing more. 

A daughter to marry off, or worse, to sacrifice if the situation demanded it.

“I wasn’t hiding,” Aeris replied, her tone now filled with an icy calm. She would not cower before him anymore.

Thaddeus sneered, clearly unimpressed.

 “Hmph. Do not think you can avoid your responsibilities. Your marriage to the Crown Prince must still proceed as planned, no matter what schemes you’ve concocted.”

Aeris said nothing, but her mind whirred. The marriage to the Crown Prince was one of the pivotal moments in the game—a union meant to cement the Garlands’ power. But in the original timeline, it had only led to her downfall.

Her father left without another word, leaving Aeris with a lingering sense of disgust. As the door closed, she sighed, only for it to open again, revealing the next member of the family.

Her brother, Lucien Garland, strode in with a smirk. Lucien was the family’s pride, the golden son.

 But behind his charming facade lay a cunning mind that schemed at every opportunity. 

He’d betrayed her once before, and she had no doubt he would do it again if it suited him.

“Sister,” Lucien said smoothly, “I hope you’ve come to your senses. After all, our family’s future rests on your actions.”

Aeris gave him a cold smile, masking her loathing. “Of course, Lucien. I’m more aware of that than ever.”

He raised an eyebrow but said nothing more, leaving her alone once again.

Finally, the last member of the Garland family entered—the only person Aeris truly cared for: her little sister, Lilia Garland.

 Lilia was the opposite of everyone else in the family. Sweet, innocent, and naive.

 Her bright eyes sparkled as she rushed toward Aeris, wrapping her arms around her in a hug.

“Sister! You’re awake!” Lilia’s voice was filled with joy. “I was so worried.”

Aeris softened, resting a hand on Lilia’s head. Lilia was the one bright spot in this dark world. If there was anything worth protecting in this life, it was her.

“I’m fine, Lilia,” Aeris said gently. “Don’t worry.”

As her sister pulled away, Aeris’ mind shifted back to her plan. The Garlands were a family of schemers, each with their own agendas. 

She would play the part they expected of her, but this time, she would control the game.