"What are the accomplishments of Emperor Goji?"

"To ensure the people's well-being, he issued a decree requiring the nobility to procure ample quantities of manure fertilizer. This made it possible for the common citizens to access fertilizer at a more affordable price, thereby extending the harvest season."

"That's absolutely correct."

The professor gazed at his student with satisfaction. He felt a swell of pride for her ability to recall yesterday's lesson and recognized her as an exceptional student. Despite being just sixteen years old, she displayed a remarkable level of maturity and conducted herself admirably in class.

She diligently absorbed knowledge, diligently studying to retain everything she learned throughout the day. While she may not have been a genius or a prodigy, her hard work compensated for any deficiencies. The professor preferred this type of quiet, diligent student over those who possessed brilliance but carried an air of arrogance.

"Today, we shall delve into Emperor Goji's other notable achievements," he began.

"Yes, professor."

There was still much to learn about Emperor Goji, and the girl prepared to take detailed notes as the professor lectured, the neat ponytail in her brown hair bobbing as her chocolate eyes remained fixated on the professor's every word. She was completely engrossed in the subject matter at hand.

"Class concludes for today. Your assignment is simply to transcribe your notes from today's lecture."

Whether the professor had assigned it or not, the girl had already planned to do so. She knew that without revisiting past lessons, it would be challenging to grasp new historical concepts.

"Thank you, professor."

"The pleasure is mine."

As the professor exited with a small bow, the girl let out a sigh and dropped the gracious facade from her face.

"How dreadfully dull," she sighed.

The professor might have been wise, but he lacked in excitement. Staying awake during his lectures was a challenge.

"When will I ever get through all of this?" she grumbled.

The amount of work demanded by the professor's lessons was staggering, and it required an even greater effort on her part to keep up with it all. She had no particular fondness for history, but it was an obligation as a member of the aristocracy.

"Lady Aris!" a maid named Lucine entered the room.

Lucine was the main character of the original novel.

"What's next?"

"Your dance lessons, my lady."

The day's schedule mirrored yesterday's, and it would likely repeat in the same fashion for the foreseeable future. She would rise, attend history lessons in the morning, have lunch, participate in dance lessons in the afternoon, dine, complete her homework, and then retire for the night.

She had once assumed that being a lady meant endless leisure, but reality proved starkly different. There was a multitude of duties to fulfill and countless lectures to endure. Fortunately, she wasn't subject to exams, but her aversion to studying remained steadfast—she simply saw no need to vocalize it.

In the original novel, Aris Horissen despised academic work. She refused to engage with her studies and imposed her homework onto Lucine. This resulted in Lucine becoming well-educated and cultured despite her lower birth status. However, this time, things would be different.

When the girl awakened in the world of the novel, she had inherited all of Aris Horissen's memories and worldly knowledge. Armed with this newfound wisdom, she was determined to forge a superior version of Aris.

With the wealth of knowledge from the old Aris, adapting to her new life within the confines of the novel was surprisingly straightforward. Nevertheless, her transformation into Aris Horissen didn't mean she would passively accept the preordained course of her story.

Everything I do is to change the outcome of the story, she resolved.

She offered a contented smile and took a sip of the tea Lucine had thoughtfully brought to her. The intriguing flavor pleased her palate.

"This is quite nice."

"Isn't it?"

"Mhm."

Aris regarded Lucine. She was a vivacious and spirited young woman. Despite her illegitimate status, there was a possibility she could have been accepted into the family if the head of the household had permitted it. However, the marquis had declined.

Lucine possessed a pretty, if somewhat unassuming, countenance, along with a certain magnetic charm. Her vibrant blue hair and striking yellow eyes made her stand out. It was no wonder the male lead had grown fond of her, even after discovering her humble origins.

Even I like Lucine, Aris mused.

After her demanding classes, Aris often found herself thoroughly exhausted. Lucine, with her perceptive nature, frequently brought her tea and snacks to uplift her spirits.

"I can feel my weariness fading thanks to your tea, Lucine."

"Were you feeling so tired?"

"Well, enduring three hours of class isn't exactly a walk in the park," she replied with a smile, intentionally leaving out her thoughts about how dreadfully tedious it had been.

Lucine wasn't one to engage in spreading rumors, but it was always prudent not to utter anything that might be twisted or misconstrued later on—just to be safe.

Aris took another sip of her tea, and Lucine inquired, "Do you have a lot of homework to tackle today?"

"Yes, quite a bit. Would you like to study alongside me?"

Lucine shook her head at Aris's suggestion. "I'm just a maid, miss."

In their kingdom, education was not a right but a privilege. The upper class had the means to afford tutors and professors, while common people had no avenue for learning, especially since mandatory schooling had yet to be established. Education was a symbol of privilege—without wealth, access to knowledge remained elusive. Studying was a pursuit reserved for affluent heirs and nobles.

However, the novel's male lead had been an exception. Despite his family's financial hardships, his parents had sent him to an academy where he excelled in swordsmanship. His skills surpassed those of any other commoner, and he became something of a legend at the academy.

Upon completing his education, he emerged as a hero on the battlefield, achieving remarkable feats for the kingdom's sake. Although the king had offered to grant him a title, he declined and retreated to his countryside estate, expressing disinterest in politics.

The male lead possessed an exceptional reputation and formidable skills. Knowing this well, the emperor sought to secure his loyalty to the throne and decided to marry him into one of his supporters' families. The chosen bride was none other than Lady Horissen.

Me. I'm the one who was chosen.

Understanding that rumors were inevitable, Aris resolved to shape her reputation in a more favorable light, opting for an approach contrary to what the original Lady Horissen would have done. She had once examined the rumors surrounding her and was pleased to discover that her only reputation was that of a beautiful and sophisticated young lady.

As Aris reached for another cookie, she found the plate was empty. Her desire for more did not go unnoticed by her attentive maid.

"You'll still have to eat lunch later, my lady. You shouldn't indulge in too many cookies," Lucine advised gently, seemingly attuned to Aris's thoughts.

"Okay."

Aris maintained a relatively modest diet to preserve her figure. While she didn't gain weight easily, she had learned through experience that she needed to be mindful to avoid any unwanted weight gain.

Descending to the lower floor for lunch, Aris spotted her father, Ian, already seated at the dining table.

"Father!" she exclaimed, her face radiant with a warm smile.

In the original novel, Aris and her father had a strained relationship. The marquis had been perpetually disappointed with his thoughtless daughter and attempted to reform her, but Aris had grown resentful of his constant nagging.

Things were different now. Since becoming Aris Horissen, she had taken meticulous measures to maintain an impeccable reputation. Ian was aware of this transformation. Although he was a reserved and stern man, he melted in the presence of his daughter. How could he resist when she was as lovely and endearing as she was?

"Aris, you've joined us."

The dynamics had shifted. Ian knew that Aris had changed, and he no longer felt the need to scold her.

"Did you enjoy your lunch, Father?"

"It was adequate."

"You must make sure to eat well!" Aris playfully admonished her father, her smile unwavering.

She held Ian in high regard and believed him to be a good man. At the very least, he was a father who cherished her simply for striving to be her best.

"I will."

Ian's countenance brightened in response to Aris's affectionate chiding, and he smiled tenderly. Aris lowered her head. The first time she had done so, he had been unsure of how to react, but now he understood her intentions perfectly. He extended a hand and affectionately patted her head, running his fingers through her silky brown hair.

"Are you heading to the palace today?"

"Yes, I am."

Though she had yet to visit the palace, Aris had heard countless rumors about it. The one she found most appealing was the notion of a garden with perpetually blooming flowers.