Recarnation of the villainess.

The massive palace gates opened with a groan, and two figures stepped through—one in elegant white and gold robes, the other in a deep black cape. Lady Salira Hasrima and Prince Adam.

Whispers followed their steps.

"She really came…"

"With him, no less…"

Salira walked with her chin raised. Her weapon prototype, tested earlier, was now carefully wrapped and holstered against her back. Beside her, Adam walked silently, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword—not for defense, but out of habit. Out of warning.

When they entered the throne room, the Emperor was already seated on the raised dais. Beside him were military officials, his advisors, and General Aldan, the man who once said women should be shielded, not shield-bearers.

> "You called for us, Your Majesty," Adam said coolly.

The Emperor didn't acknowledge him at first. His eyes were locked onto Salira like she had spat in the face of the Empire.

> "You," he finally said, voice as cold as frostbite. "What game are you playing now, Lady Hasrima?"

Salira blinked, caught off-guard. "I'm not playing any games."

> "No? Then what would you call forging weapons behind closed doors? Secretly sparring like some street mercenary? Carrying tools meant for soldiers while you prance about as a noblewoman?"

Salira's shoulders squared. "I didn't realize self-defense and innovation were exclusive to men."

Gasps echoed through the court.

The Emperor's jaw tightened. "You forget your place."

She didn't look away. "Maybe I'm making one."

> "Enough," he growled. "This… disgrace ends now. I forbid you from making weapons or training. Such things are for men. Not for decorations like you."

She inhaled sharply.

And then—

Adam stepped forward.

> "With all due respect, Your Majesty," his voice sharp, but calm, "if you wanted decorations, you shouldn't have her married to the Empire's bloodiest sword."

The entire hall fell silent.

Salira blinked.

> "Prince Adam," the Emperor's voice cracked like thunder, "Are you challenging my word?"

> "No. I'm defending hers."

The Emperor rose from his throne. "You disobey my rule? In my court?"

And then—

Everything stopped.

The breath in Salira's lungs turned to ice.

The guards froze mid-step. The flickering torches stopped mid-flame. The Emperor's shouting mouth remained open but silent.

Even Adam, standing inches away, was frozen in time.

Salira's heart pounded as the air shimmered.

> "No… Not again."

Just like at the wedding. Just like in her dreams.

Then, like a crack in reality—

> [SYSTEM INTERRUPTION]

You're getting too close, Iris.

Slow down.

They're beginning to watch.

You won't like what happens if they see too much.

A cold shiver ran down her spine. She turned slowly.

The throne room seemed to stretch unnaturally, warping slightly at the edges.

And somewhere… she swore she saw a flicker. Of something—someone—watching her.

Then—

Time snapped back.

The Emperor's hand slammed down. "Know your place, both of you!"

But Salira wasn't listening anymore.

Adam's hand brushed her wrist. "Let's go," he said, eyes sharp.

As they left the room, her legs shook beneath her.

Outside, the sun was shining—but it felt like nothing could pierce the shadow in her mind.

> "You okay?" Adam asked softly.

Salira looked at him, unsure whether to lie.

"..yea.."

He didn't press her.

> "I'll talk to the.. emperor..." he said instead. "Whatever his reasons… I won't let him clip your wings."

She looked away.

But deep down, she wasn't thinking about the Emperor anymore.

She was thinking about the message.

The freeze.

The thing watching her.

What was happenin...where is salira's soul, and why did she get into this mess..

> How many more warnings before the game becomes real?