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🖤 The Villainess Just Wants to Sleep

Chapter 7: The Lesson in Shadows 

> “Some are born with sunlight, others must survive in the dark.”

— Kaelaira

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The Marble Lecture Hall of the Royal Academy was as grand as any ballroom, with crystal chandeliers hanging above rows of young nobles seated at polished ivory desks.

In the center sat Crown Prince Laerion, posture perfect, his every movement echoing quiet authority. Beside him, Princess Elara, eyes shining with excitement, adjusted her pink ribbon again and again.

Far at the edge of the row, alone, sat Kaelaira — no crest, no lace, no name spoken. Just ink, brush, silence.

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Their instructor, Master Oriven, cleared his throat.

> “Today’s question: What gives the royal family the right to rule?”

Hands rose eagerly.

A baron’s daughter spoke: “The divine right of blood!”

A marquis’s heir added, “Lineage and sacred inheritance.”

Princess Elara smiled sweetly. “Because the crown carries destiny. That is its beauty.”

Murmurs of approval rippled.

Master Oriven gave a slow nod, but his eyes were sharp. “And if that crown forgets its duty?”

The room fell quiet.

Then — a single hand.

Kaelaira.

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He gestured. “Speak.”

Kaelaira’s voice was smooth, calm, but every word struck like a blade hidden in silk.

> “A crown is not a prize. It is a contract.

Power exists not because of blood, but because people allow it.

When duty dies, so does the right to lead.”

The class froze.

Master Oriven studied her for a long moment.

Then, for the first time in the session, he smiled.

> “A dangerous idea. And the most intelligent one spoken today.”

The silence that followed was heavier than applause.

Some students looked shaken.

Others looked… furious.

Princess Elara looked stunned.

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Later, as they exited into the golden corridor, Elara walked close beside her brother, fidgeting with her bracelet.

“…She always talks like that?” she asked, trying to sound casual.

Laerion didn’t answer right away.

She turned to him. “Do you think she’s smarter than me?”

The Crown Prince paused.

Then gently, he placed a hand on her head and smoothed her hair.

> “You speak with light,” he said softly. “She speaks with shadow. The court needs both — but I’ll always stand with the light.”

Elara blinked. His words calmed her like a lullaby.

“…You’re not mad that she outshone us?”

Laerion looked ahead, expression unreadable.

> “She didn’t outshine me,” he said quietly. “She just reminded them I’m not the only one they should fear.”

He didn’t say it cruelly — just with cold, careful awareness.

And Elara, satisfied with the affection in his voice, looped her arm through his.

“Still, I don’t like her.”

“You don’t have to,” he murmured. “You just have to stay above her.”

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Far behind them, Kaelaira walked alone.

The halls whispered.

No congratulations. No nods. Just distance.

But Kaelaira didn’t want praise.

She only wanted peace.

> “They will never love me. That makes me free.”

She exhaled and kept walking.

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End of Chapter 7 

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