Well, continuing from the previous message, it's a pleasure to know that many people have enjoyed my stories, so I've decided not to abandon them. Greetings to all from your friend KaleidoMirror. I'm trying to update and improve my stories, and I'll see if I can update some of them as well. For now, I'll bring you the enhanced and revised versions.

Edited, Beta & Revised by Dakumun, mostly, current state: tired...

"Kenkyo Kenjitsu," also known as "I Shall Live Humble and Trustworthy as My Motto," by the author Hiyoko no Keeki, belongs to them. I only use it for recreational and entertainment purposes. Therefore, none of the characters or parts of the work are mine.

Greetings to all, without further ado, enjoy reading.

As incredible as it may sound, somehow, I regained memories from my previous life.

"Please, believe me!" I silently pleaded while grappling with the strangeness of what I was experiencing. These memories were not the product of childish delusions, but I felt an overwhelming sense of embarrassment at the thought of sharing them with anyone else. Furthermore, I lacked the necessary confidence to open up to my family. But, at the end of the day, the truth was undeniable.

It all began before I realized it, during the week leading up to the entrance exams for elementary school. I had been pondering it for weeks...

"Huh, I think I've seen my name somewhere before, but I can't remember it clearly," I told myself as I tried to connect the dots in my mind. My name in this second life apparently was "Kisshouin Reika."

A few weeks before starting school, my mother had taken me on a guided tour around this unfamiliar place, speaking to me with palpable pride.

"Reika-chan, this is the school you'll be attending, you know?" she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I stood in awe as I admired the pristine white walls that surrounded the school grounds. However, at the end of the visit, what was etched into my mind was the name on the large golden plaque adorning the massive entrance gates of the institution.

"Zui'ran Academy - Elementary School Section."

It was at that moment that a stunning feeling of déjà vu struck me like lightning. Had I read correctly... "Zui'ran Academy?" And my name, "Kisshouin Reika"?

For heaven's sake! I was utterly flabbergasted. These were the school's name and the main character's name from my favorite shoujo manga in my previous life: "Kimi wa boku no dolce" or, as it was also known, "You Are My Dolce."

The sense of realization I experienced at that moment was like solving an enigma that had haunted me for years. Everything made sense now. ¿I was in "kimidol"... Huh?

I felt a wave of renewal as I thought that I had finally deciphered this mysterious feeling that had pursued me for so long. However, that sense of relief quickly faded when I realized the reality of my situation.

I was inside my favorite shoujo manga, "You Are My Dolce."

In my previous life, this shoujo manga had been extremely popular. It had been so successful that, after its completion in one of Japan's most prestigious publishers, it became a hit TV drama starring popular idols. The story began with an ordinary student who, thanks to a scholarship, entered the secondary section of a private school that housed the children of Japan's oldest and most distinguished elite families.

Despite her humble background, the protagonist struggled to fit in with the extremely wealthy and talented students at the school. She suffered bullying and exclusion from much of the student body, but somehow found friends among the few who shared her situation. She worked tirelessly in her studies and pursued her passion for making sweets and desserts. One day, her life took a turn when she met the "Emperor," a handsome and talented young man from the school. This encounter marked the beginning of her infatuation with him, although the Emperor's followers did everything in their power to keep her away from him.

The main leader of the bullies was Kisshouin Reika, in other words, myself.

Throughout the story, the protagonist and the Emperor overcame numerous obstacles and finally came together, living happily ever after. But at the end of the manga, Kisshouin Reika, the villain who had relentlessly bullied the protagonist, once again stood in her way. She used her family's influence and unethical methods to become engaged to the Emperor. However, at the engagement party, her world completely crumbled.

The Emperor shocked all the guests by announcing that he was engaged to the protagonist instead of Reika. As revenge for all the bullying she had endured, Reika's family company lost all its stocks due to huge losses and accumulated debts. The company was acquired by the Emperor's family, mainly due to the exposure of Reika's father's fraud. The villain, who used to boast and look down on commoners, ended up being expelled from high society and fell into ruin.

I remember the readers who, like me, had watched as one villain after another fell throughout the story, feeling satisfied and relieved.

"She deserves it!" I whispered softly.

"Darn it, that's how this great manga should end!" I exclaimed with excitement in my previous life.

However, in my current situation, knowing how events unfolded and what my fate was as the story's villain, the prospect was not encouraging at all. My life was already taking the same path. My destiny was to play the role of Kisshouin Reika and live as her.

Please, if this is just a dream, let me wake up.

However, unfortunately, I didn't wake up from that dream that had begun to feel like an endless nightmare.

The shock that my little five-year-old body experienced was overwhelming. I collapsed and spent several days bedridden, consumed by an unrelenting fever. During that time, my nights became a whirlwind of nightmares, and I suspect that these nightmares, in part, were responsible for my fever persisting. I felt trapped in a spiral of distress and despair, tormented by the certainty of a future filled with ruin. Every night, tears were my only companions until I finally fell exhausted into restless sleep.

The world around me seemed to have lost its luster. My room, which used to be a cozy refuge, had become a gloomy and oppressive place. The walls, once adorned with cheerful colors and childish drawings, now seemed to close in on me, as if they wanted to swallow me whole. The gentle rustling of the wind outside had turned into a melancholic lament that seeped through the window cracks. Every creak of the house echoed like an ominous refrain.

My parents, worried and overwhelmed by my sudden illness, spent long hours by my bedside. I could see the distress in their eyes as they tried to hide their concerns behind forced smiles. My mother tenderly stroked my forehead and whispered words of comfort, although her eyes revealed her own desperation. My father, normally so serious and reserved, was vulnerable in the face of my condition, making awkward jokes and telling funny stories in an attempt to distract me.

Despite their efforts, I could feel the weight of their concern and the sadness emanating from them. They knew something was amiss, even though they didn't understand the true cause of my affliction. And I, unable to articulate my deepest thoughts and fears, clung to my pillows, feeling lonely and frightened in my world of nightmares.

Each day spent in bed became an endless torment. Time seemed to drag on slowly, as if the clock had stopped in solidarity with my suffering. The shadows in the room lengthened and shortened as the sun moved across the sky, marking the passage of hours that felt eternal.

As I battled fever and nightmares, my mind clung to the hope that all of this was nothing more than a dream from which I would eventually awaken. I silently prayed each night, hoping that, when I opened my eyes at dawn, everything would return to normal, and my uncertain future would dissipate like smoke.

But, unfortunately, reality persisted, and I remained trapped in this world that felt like a twisted version of my beloved shoujo manga. Anguish and desolation became constant companions, and my childlike heart struggled in a constant battle against the inevitability of my fate as Kisshouin Reika.

To begin with, in my previous life, I was entirely an ordinary commoner.

From my early days in elementary school through high school, every institution I set foot in was of a public nature. During my high school years, I decided to embark on the adventure of part-time work in the hope of saving enough to buy my first mobile phone. My background was rooted in an extremely ordinary salaried family, with looks and build that didn't stand out in any way. I was a young woman whose image blended into the crowd, without any distinctive features that would catch the eye.

I distinctly remember that, upon completing my high school education and graduating from a technical school, I ventured into the working world in search of an opportunity. However, after that stage of my life, my memory becomes blurry and inexplicably empty. There's no trace of marriage, children, or even growing older. Could it be that my life was abruptly cut short in my early twenties, depriving me of later memories...is that so?

Another theory begins to take shape in my mind. Is it possible that I suffered an accident that left me in a coma, and everything I'm experiencing is simply the product of a dream, the same dream I got trapped in while my body fights to survive?

I'm confined to this bed, and the situation becomes increasingly distressing due to the fever consuming me and the intermittent pains coursing through my body. They're not intense enough to incapacitate me, but they're bothersome enough to make me aware of my fragility. In addition to dealing with these discomforts, I am the recipient of the first-class care and attention of the Kisshouin family, but what I value most is the ability to enjoy any delicious meal I desire. However, as the days go by, the sensations I experience, both in terms of colors and food, become so vivid that it's impossible to ignore the reality that surrounds me.

I can no longer evade this new truth I face. I can't simply console myself with the idea that "it's just a dream, so it's okay." Despite the overwhelming uncertainty, I have to accept that this reality is undeniable.

But, in reality, none of that matters right now. Regardless of whether I have truly reincarnated into someone else's body or if all of this is the product of a dream while I lie in a coma, I have the determination to face it. However, not more than ten seconds passed since I made that resolution until I deeply regretted it. That brief span of time was enough for me to decide not to be distracted by unnecessary thoughts. In the end, I raised my hands in the air in a gesture of resignation, trying to convince myself that everything would be fine. But deep down, I desperately longed to be no one else but Reika Kisshouin.

You know?

After a week of convalescence, I finally managed to make a full recovery, and the first thought that crossed my mind was...

"Wouldn't it be a good idea to purposefully fail the entrance exam for Zui'ran Academy?"

However, that childish notion quickly dissipated as I had to face the harsh reality of my situation. Attending Zui'ran Academy meant reaching the pinnacle among the children of ancient and respected families. Mere attendance at this institution represented an exclusive symbol of status and prestige. The Kisshouin family, with its immense influence in various spheres and its aristocratic origins dating back to the early days of the Meiji era, could not afford not to send one of their own to this prestigious academy. My parents, in particular, were fervent believers in the importance of noble blood and the pride and distinction that came with such lineage. They considered themselves part of a special and unique elite within society.

From an early age, my parents enrolled me in special classes for infants with the goal of achieving top grades and meeting the strict requirements for success in the Zui'ran Academy entrance exam. Even the kindergarten I attended took pride in its high admission rate to Zui'ran, a kindergarten imbued with "Prestige and Status."

Upon reconsideration, I realized that due to my lineage, my parents' influence, and the economic resources of the Kisshouin family, it would be impossible for me not to be accepted into Zui'ran Academy. However, I also knew that if I attended, my fate was sealed, and I would face certain ruin upon graduation. I needed to radically change my approach to survive this dire situation. On one hand, I contemplated the possibility of staying on the sidelines of the main characters and living a discreet student life without standing out. Perhaps, that way, I could avoid my inevitable destruction.

On the other hand, I still had a backup plan in mind. Weren't there other equally prestigious schools for affluent young people? Surely there were! This seemed like the most sensible option, right? So, that's what I decided to do.

However, my determination crumbled completely when I saw the expressions on my parents' faces. My courage faltered, and my pride shattered when I wondered...

Would my parents treat me with indifference for not getting into Zui'ran like the rest of the family, or worse, would they abandon me?

Despite my memories of my previous life as an adult possibly helping me in some way to survive in this world, living as a five-year-old whose parents despised her would be an unbearable experience. Furthermore, there was the possibility that even if I managed to enter Zui'ran Academy during the secondary school section, my parents would never fully approve. Zui'ran had its own peculiarities, and its elitism only regarded those who had entered during the primary school section as true Zui'ran students. Knowing my parents' personalities, even if I entered in the secondary section, their approval would remain elusive.

A couple of weeks have surprisingly flown by since my recovery, but my Mother-sama has been acting as if my enrollment in the academy were a concrete fact. She confidently stated, "This is the school my daughter will attend," a declaration she made even before I took the entrance exam.

Most of my relatives have a history of attending or graduating from Zui'ran, which essentially nullified my previous plans. The courage I would need to intentionally fail completely faded, especially now that I had regained memories of my previous life, a life in which I, as a commoner, always acted with a cowardly personality.

At this point, it seemed like there was nothing I could do to avoid it. So, ultimately, I decided to resign myself and let events unfold.

But that didn't mean I would give up on trying to avoid becoming a villainous character, as I was destined to be in the original manga. Being hated was not something I desired in any way.

You know?

Despite all my previous efforts, I would now try by all possible means to avoid that fate. At least I wanted to start planning what to do with my life after my family's downfall due to my mistakes.

For now, I had set some simple yet important rules:

Always maintain harmony with everyone around me and avoid unnecessary enemies.

Not spend money on frivolous things. I would be frugal and save any allowance I received, thinking of using it to pay for my college tuition in case my family fell into ruin.

Not get involved with the Emperor or the protagonist who would debut in the secondary school section.

Avoid showing interest in other people's romantic relationships. Instead, I would smile and not boast, staying in the background and not interfering with their path. My goal was to be as invisible as possible.

Even if, despite my efforts, I ended up in ruin, I would make sure to find a job that could cover my basic needs, at least my daily meals. My ultimate goal was to become a respectable government worker.

You know?

For now, these rules should suffice. I believe it's time for the involuntary villain, Kisshouin Reika, to do her best to lead a life of peace and tranquility.

Successfully, I managed to enroll in Zui'ran Academy, just as my parents had hoped, and surprisingly, without major difficulties. However, I must admit that the difference between this academy and the public elementary school I attended in my previous life was like comparing two completely different worlds.

Zui'ran Academy stood out for its majestic exterior, which seemed inspired by an ancient European cathedral, exuding an air that reflected its long history. I was amazed as I gazed at the beautiful, radiant stained glass windows at the main entrance. However, as I ventured inside, I discovered that everything was completely modern on the inside. Each classroom was equipped with air conditioning, humidifiers, and water dispensers. Even the floors gleamed with a winter-inspired finish.

Incredibly, the academy had a heated swimming pool, a tennis court, a spacious soccer field, a baseball stadium, an ancient dojo, an archery range, a croquet field, tennis courts, and a large multipurpose hall. There was even a Renaissance-style theater and a planetarium. Being so fascinated by all these discoveries, I found myself repeatedly visiting the dome-shaped greenhouse, marveling at the abundance of flora inside, and enjoying a pleasant afternoon in the tea room. My eyes couldn't stop marveling at so many facilities that seemed to defy all logic.

Although some of these facilities were shared among the elementary, middle, and high school sections, there were so many of them that my notion of what a "school" should be was completely overturned.

Furthermore, Zui'ran Academy's location in the city center afforded it an extensive amount of land, and thanks to the abundant surrounding vegetation, it was also known as the "Zui'ran Forest." It was truly a remarkable place.

Another thing that surprised me at Zui'ran Academy was the uniforms, designed by a renowned French fashion designer. Unlike the uniforms I used to wear in my previous life, which were sailor-style, these were blazer-type uniforms. The uniforms for the middle and high school sections were especially elegant, with white blazers adorned with fine embroidered golden lines. Boys wore ties in a deep navy blue, while girls had ribbons in different colors according to their grade level.

In my opinion, the uniform design seemed to be intended to conceal stains, as the main jacket was in a dark navy blue with golden details and dark trim, and the ties had a soft light blue shade. It was an ensemble that exuded a monstrous grace and elegance, and the simple fact of being able to wear it filled me with joy as I began my studies at this prestigious institution. I remembered that, in the original story, one of the reasons the protagonist wanted to study here was because of the charm of this beautiful uniform.

I could perfectly understand her choice; after all, I too was captivated by its beauty. However, I recalled that, in the original plot, the protagonist used to get her uniform quite dirty due to the constant harassment she faced.

One of the things that truly set Zui'ran Academy apart from other educational institutions was the remarkable freedom given to students in the middle and high school sections. They had the option to bring their own lunch or enjoy the diverse culinary offerings of the cafeteria. However, in the primary section, school lunches were provided free of charge.

Despite the convenience, it took me a little while to get used to the absence of the kind cafeteria ladies I used to see in my previous life. Here, lunches were prepared by renowned chefs, both national and international. Another astonishing difference was that students didn't have to place their own orders, as the cafeteria had full-time waitresses.

The menu was so luxurious that it hardly seemed like a school lunch. Dishes like vichyssoise or beef were part of the regular options, as if they were completely natural. Here, we even learned table etiquette: black tea as the main beverage, with the option to add lemon or milk if you preferred. You would never see a child here with bad manners, leaving a white mustache from drinking milk. For dessert, there were no simple frozen gelatins; instead, we had crêpe suzette.

Everything seemed so unreal that every time I had lunch in this place, it was hard not to think about it. I think this was what they called a cultural shock. I could imagine that the protagonist must have experienced something similar when she entered the middle school section.

You know?

For all these reasons, I had been wondering how much tuition would cost in this place. But just thinking about the exorbitant amount filled me with anxiety and fear, so I made a conscious effort to avoid thinking about it.

The most notable feature of Zui'ran Academy was undoubtedly its exclusive society known as the Peony Society, or simply "Pivoine" for short.

The Pivoine consisted solely of students who had entered during the primary section and also met rigorous requirements of lineage, kinship, and wealth. This society existed in the middle and high school sections of the academy, and all its members enjoyed special treatment and privileges from the institution.

In the primary section, there was what was known as the "Petite Pivoine." Once the members of Petite Pivoine advanced to the middle school section, they became active and respected members of the Pivoine. Since this society was composed only of students who were descendants of Zui'ran, regardless of how illustrious their lineage, kinship, or wealth might be, it was impossible to join if you entered Zui'ran during the middle or high school sections. Therefore, it was an exclusive society only for the truly outstanding among the best, and it was the admiration of all Zui'ran students.

So, for someone like me, Kisshouin Reika, it was completely natural to be a member of Petite Pivoine.

I still remembered the scenes from the shoujo manga where Reika abused her authority as a member of the Pivoine, creating all kinds of chaotic situations in "You Are My Dolce." Although it seemed incredible, being a member of the Pivoine meant that most things were allowed. Now I wondered if this academy really fulfilled its mission of teaching students to live correctly.

Members of the Pivoine were distinguished from regular students by wearing a badge with a peony engraved beneath the Zui'ran Academy crest on their uniforms. At times, I was frightened by the idea of losing it, as I had discovered that it was made of real gems and always shone splendidly. It also functioned as a pass that granted exemptions from school rules, which, upon reflection, made me somewhat uneasy.

Out of curiosity, I remembered the meaning of the name "Peony Society." Apparently, in the language of flowers, the peony represented "The Bearer of Rules." Frankly, there were many things in this world and among these people that worried me because of their way of thinking. Being a member of the Pivoine meant that regular students looked at you with admiration and fear. I accepted it as something natural because, if you thought about it, getting into trouble with a Pivoine student could lead to your immediate school expulsion, and even your family could become involved. In the worst cases, they could be pressured by other Pivoine members, resulting in the total ruin of that student.

Basically, "if you know what's good for you, don't get involved with the Pivoine."

But, well, that was impossible...

You know?

I am a member of the Pivoine, and that plunged me into a deep dilemma.

Now, when considering the relationship these people have with money, it terrifies me. I mean, during my previous life in high school, my monthly allowance was just under 5,000 yen. Besides, I had been brought up with a strong sense of how to save and manage money, so I can't help but view money differently...

Right?

I wonder how much pocket money these elementary school students get. For heaven's sake... I can no longer consider it "pocket money" in the realm of "living expenses." Well, I suppose I'm the same.

Anyway, the point is that, thanks to my family's influence and money, I lead a fairly comfortable student life. Well, I can't call it "fair," that would be too extravagant, I guess. But I can confidently say that I'm living an extremely comfortable life at school. Despite being only a first-year student, I already have followers, and that's quite amazing.

Remembering, these girls were also followers of Reika in the shoujo manga "You Are My Dolce." Right? Even though all the new entry students are only six years old, they already know how to make plans for their future. This world can be really tough even from childhood. But if I had the chance, I would prefer to have friends instead of followers.

It's sad, but now that I think about it, in "You Are My Dolce," I don't remember any character playing the role of "a true friend of Kisshouin Reika." Am I destined to be without friends in this new life? Oh no, the tears just won't stop...

But the manga only started when the protagonist entered the high school section of the academy, so I don't know what kind of school life Reika lived before that. But I bet Reika always looked down on people below her, with her iconic "Reika's trademark pose," with her left hand on her hip and laughing into her right hand, doing as she pleased, all while constantly following the Emperor.

But the current me won't do the same. After all, I can still hear the footsteps of destruction at my door. Besides, it's really embarrassing, and I don't have the nerves to say "OOOHOHOHO" jokingly.

So far, my first days at the academy have passed without major incidents. Actually, everything has been quite pleasant, but what I really enjoy is the fact that I have joined the Pivoine, which has its own main hall on the school grounds. This hall is a luxurious room that goes far beyond any other in the school; it's more like the living room of a first-class hotel suite. It even has its own exclusive concierge.

The Petit Pivoine lounge is located in the elementary school section, and as a member, I must show up there from time to time. If I don't, I could face a negative reaction from my peers in the future. Communication is key when it comes to human relationships, even in a place like this.

To be honest, I don't detest going to the lounge. There are delicious snacks and sweets, and I get a lot of information about the school from my second-year peers. If that were all, I would be more than happy to attend.

However, in the lounge, there is "that person," and just remembering him sends a chill down my spine.

"Yes, indeed, I'm talking about that person."

It's Kaburagi Masaya, the Emperor and the future love interest of the protagonist.

The Kaburagi family is a group with stakes in many companies worldwide and is considered one of the richest and most powerful in Japan. Although my family, the Kisshouin, also has an ancient and distinguished lineage, the Kaburagis seem to be a bit higher up in the nobility hierarchy. Some of their ancestors even had an incredibly famous lineage.

Honestly, we're not on the same level.

As expected in a shoujo manga, the Emperor is perfect in every way, without a single flaw in his appearance. The Kaburagis are considered a perfect clan. The current heir and direct descendant of the family is Kaburagi Masaya.

Since he was a child, he showed qualities worthy of leading the family. Despite being only a first-year student, he exudes an aura that makes people submit and adore him. It's as if he has a majestic blue flame surrounding him, fit for an emperor. Even now, he sits boldly in a special seat in the lounge, as if it were his natural place. He would never consider giving up that seat to anyone else, as befits the Emperor of Zui'ran Academy.

Like bees drawn to honey, people naturally gather around him. He remains carefree, looking bored out the window. Now that I think about it, I wonder what kind of education you need to raise a child with so little interest in life at the age of six. Was he raised like a monarch? Is that what happens when you raise a child like a king?

My thoughts come and go as I ponder royal education, but suddenly, the quiet atmosphere is shattered when the main door of the Pivoine is forcefully thrown open. A older boy than us enters with a confident smile. I am petrified and surprised by the unusual situation, trying to discern the identity of this new and mysterious person.

His appearance is refined, in contrast to the Emperor, and would fit perfectly into a shoujo manga. Despite being only a couple of years older than us, he has a mane of wild red hair that perfectly matches his golden pupils. He greets everyone in the room with courtesy and kindness, and his presence is as imposing as that of a knight. It's strange, but for a moment, my mind wanders, imagining a lavishly decorated sword sheath hanging from his waist, as if he were a knight. However, he also wears a headdress and a long red cape, making me think of him as the "King of Knights." His imposing demeanor rivals that of the Emperor.

At that moment, the King of Knights looks up, and our eyes meet for a brief instant. I can see a glimmer of surprise and interest in his golden eyes as he approaches me with elegance and politeness, greeting me kindly as he introduces himself. My thoughts run wild, and I feel my cheeks blush. It's unfair, I think. This young man must have some kind of magical power, because I can only manage to stammer my name in response. I deeply appreciate the tedious etiquette lessons I received at the Kisshouin House and promise to make more effort to learn in the future. I strive to maintain composure and grace, but I can't help but feel embarrassed by my response.

The young King of Knights must have noticed my slip, but he only smiles at me as he bids farewell and promises to see me again when he has the chance. Then he heads over to Kaburagi Masaya. Although I am still under the impression of this new character, I watch the next scene with curiosity, wondering if there will be a showdown between the King of Knights and the Emperor.

My thoughts are in turmoil and cannot be calmed. I have so many questions in my mind, but my demeanor remains the serene and elegant Reika Kisshouin. Everyone in the room is watching attentively what seems to be a historic moment. The distance between them prevents me from hearing the content of their conversation, but I am surprised by the interaction between them. After only a few words, the Emperor's bored expression turns into one of annoyance and irritation. However, the always relaxed and smiling face of the King of Knights doesn't change. He remains unperturbed throughout the exchange with Kaburagi. After their brief conversation, the King of Knights offers a small gift to the Emperor, who takes it reluctantly with an apparently irritated face.

The scene is so surreal that it feels like I'm watching an older brother enjoying the anger of a stubborn younger brother. My thoughts spiral out of control, and I let out a light laugh that I can barely contain. Up until that moment, I had seen the Emperor as someone so arrogant that I wondered if I could ever imagine him as a normal child. However, now, seeing this scene before my eyes, I can't help but imagine Kaburagi Masaya as the younger brother of the King of Knights, with an even more childish expression.

"Uu-pfft-pfft," imagining him that way is so amusing to me that I let out an involuntary laugh as I try to contain it.

Suddenly, the Emperor looks at me angrily and frowns. Did he read my mind? The King of Knights smiles at me naturally as he tries to calm Kaburagi down. Moved by his actions, I activate "the Kisshouin family's daughter" mode.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" I respond as an apology while bowing slightly to the crowd. I act as if I suddenly remembered something important in the classroom and have to return immediately. I manage to avoid looking into the eyes of the Emperor and the King, but I feel both of them watching me with annoyance and surprise as I quickly leave the Pivoine lounge. Fear of possible retaliation prevents me from finding the courage to look back.

I arrived at the hallway in front of my classroom in the blink of an eye, without experiencing any mishaps along the way. How lucky I was! As I entered the classroom, I let out a sigh of relief.

"Reika-sama, Reika-sama, did you go to the Petit Pivoine lounge?" In less than five seconds, one of the girls from my class approached me.

"Yes, I had some tea and enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere," I replied, trying to sound as condescending as possible.

"That's wonderful, Reika-sama! Was Kaburagi-sama there?" Another girl joined the conversation, with a noticeable blush on her face.

"Yes, he was indeed there," I confirmed.

"Wow!" Without me realizing it, other girls had gathered around us and started getting excited.

These girls were not Pivoine members, and Kaburagi Masaya was in a different class from ours, so they hadn't had many opportunities to get close to him.

"¿Are you close to Kaburagi-sama, Reika-sama? What kind of conversations do you have in the lounge?" They asked with dreamy looks.

Unfortunately for them, my thoughts were completely different. I wasn't close to Kaburagi, and I had no plans to get closer.

"To be honest, Kaburagi-sama is a rather quiet person, so I've basically never talked to him on previous occasions. Most of the time, I talk to our first-year classmates or our upperclass Onee-samas," I replied honestly.

"Oh my, I see..." The girls immediately lost their enthusiasm. I really felt for them, but if there was any chance, I preferred to have some interesting stories to tell in the future.

"I'm sorry I couldn't meet your expectations, but today I met a senpai who seemed close to Kaburagi-sama."

My words were like a bomb for these girls, and their expressions completely changed as their emotions surged, turning into a noisy commotion. So it wasn't surprising that they started asking questions about this mysterious senpai. Although I had only met him today, I gave them some vague details about the King of Knights, and this set off a storm of childish and happy emotions among them.

It seemed like they liked it more than I expected. For now, I was glad to see them happy.

"Who would have thought you girls would try to ask Reika-sama about Kaburagi-sama."

"Honestly, how disrespectful."

Oh, there they were, Kisshouin Reika's number 1 and 2 followers, ¡who in the original story had positioned themselves alongside me in an instant! Their names were Kazami Serika-chan and Imamura Kikuno-chan. They were two young Ojou-samas from notable families, with black and chestnut hair that matched Reika perfectly.

In the shoujo manga Kimidol, they also adored the Emperor along with Reika and actively pursued him. Apparently, they had already been Emperor's followers since elementary school.

They acted as if they were angry for my own good, but in reality, they didn't like other girls hearing stories about Kaburagi. Being my followers, I guess they wanted exclusive information.

"It was inappropriate of me to spread rumors about Kaburagi-sama without thinking. Serika-san, Kikuno-san, I'm sorry too," I apologized to them while giving a slight bow.

"Oh, no, Reika-sama, it's nothing."

"Reika-sama doesn't need to apologize."

The two of them panicked and followed me with a smile as we walked to our seats. I still didn't understand why, but since they were all fans, ¿wouldn't it be better to happily talk about their idol (Kaburagi Masaya) together? While I pondered this, I decided to tell them about the interaction between the Emperor and the King of Knights later, hoping they would get along with these girls.

"Reika-ojousama, welcome home," a butler greeted me as my family's car stopped in front of the mansion. It was a routine gesture, but it always made me feel like I was returning to a different world.

All of this, of course, was to avoid potential kidnappings and other dangers. Leaving my study and practice materials in the hands of the servants, I prepared to get out of the car, feeling tired and exhausted. Instead of heading to my beloved home to rest, I made my way to my private after-school lessons.

The life of an ojou-sama was truly hectic.

After school, I always had exclusive lessons or, occasionally, practiced classical sports. Unlike kids attending public schools near their neighborhoods, students at Zui'ran Academy lived in different parts of the metropolis, making it difficult to arrange playdates together. Even if we could overcome that barrier, we were all busy with private lessons imposed by the rules and education of our respective homes. So after school, we simply exchanged "gokigen'yoh" and hoped to have the chance to strengthen our friendships another time.

Today, fortunately, my lessons consisted of flower arrangements and classical piano.

"I'm back," I greeted the maids and butlers who were waiting for me in the Kisshouin mansion's living room before heading to my room.

"Ah... this has been really exhausting," I muttered as I dropped onto my enormous bed, allowing myself the luxury of complaining internally.

Studying two such different disciplines at the same time was truly challenging. The piano had its own fun, but flower arranging... honestly, it lacked any sense of aesthetics. Once again, the flower arrangement I had done today turned out to be a complete disaster. It seemed that my plebeian sense of aesthetics fell short of expectations.

My teacher subtly tried to find out the cause of the lack of "essence" in my arrangement, hoping to inspire me to suddenly create something elegant and delicate. But, unfortunately, my skill in flower arranging had a very low limit. No matter how many questions the teacher asked, I couldn't get more out of me.

In the end, with a forced smile, my teacher decided to rearrange the arrangement herself, turning it into something beautiful. I apologized to her for my poor sense of aesthetics and delicacy.

Sighing, I stopped thinking about my deficiencies as an ojou-sama and focused on another matter. Thanks to the information provided by Serika-chan and Kikuno-chan, my number 1 and 2 followers, I hadn't been able to concentrate on anything else for the rest of the day. I was concerned about the strange irregularity that had arisen in the shoujo manga "You Are My Dolce." I tried to find a logical explanation, but after hours of no success, I decided to give up for the time being. I had to investigate Yamamoto Mashiro on my own, whom I had dubbed the King of Knights, as his imposing image continued to linger in my mind since I saw him.

Yamamoto Mashiro was a mysterious and irregular character in this new version of Kimidol. What struck me as odd was that, being a big fan of shoujo manga, I didn't remember the author in my previous life planning a parallel story or a sequel. But I couldn't rule out the possibility that someone else was in the same situation as me, which would mean adjusting my future plans according to these unknown variables.

To start with, the impact of Yamamoto Mashiro seemed to be much greater than I had imagined. From the conversation with Serika-chan and Kikuno-chan, I could glimpse the influence of the Yamamoto family.

They were a titanic conglomerate of corporations with stakes in various global companies, rivaling in financial power with the Kaburagi family, but even surpassing it. However, in recent decades, their influence had diversified, gradually moving away from their Japanese roots. The two generations before the current head of the family had married into noble European families, which had caused a rift between the old Japanese clans who considered the Yamamotos to have corrupted their legacy and tradition since one of the oldest and most prestigious ancestors of the Yamamotos had been associated with the legendary Muramasa Clan of swordsmiths.

In my previous life, I didn't have much interest in Japanese history, despite being Japanese by birth. However, through manga and anime, I came to appreciate the value of swords forged by Muramasa Clan swordsmiths. I could imagine the controversy that must have surrounded the Yamamotos when the wife of Yamamoto-senpai's grandfather, of Irish descent, joined the family. The situation became even more complicated when Yamamoto-senpai's mother, of English descent, became the wife of the current family head.

As expected from a shoujo manga, Yamamoto-senpai was flawless in appearance. The image of the King of Knights suited him perfectly, and the feeling that he was naturally the King took over me every time I thought of him.

Yamamoto Mashiro was the unique heir to the main branch of the noble Yamamoto family. From a young age, he had shown exceptional leadership qualities, with intelligence and physical skills admired by all. He was an expert in various martial arts and disciplines, excelling in Kyūdō and Kendo, achieving top national rankings and even competing abroad. Despite being only nine years old, he exuded exceptional charm and charisma, always ready to help others. His motto, "It's not wrong to want to do something for someone else," was always said with a smile, and that only reinforced the image I had formed of Yamamoto-senpai.

From the way Serika-chan and Kikuno-chan talked about him, I could understand why he was so appreciated by the families of Japanese high society, despite his mixed heritage. I couldn't help but wonder why the Yamamoto family was on the brink of a storm, and if I should blame this new version of Kimidol for this unusually unfolding plot. I sighed wearily, deciding that it was best to focus on overcoming the obstacles that this unknown plot would throw at me when the time was right.

Changing my thoughts, I decided to change into more comfortable clothing instead of my school uniform before heading to the living room. There, I was pleasantly surprised to find my brother, Kisshouin Takateru.

Kisshouin Takateru was thirteen years old, seven years older. So, he was currently in his second year of Zui'ran's high school level. Being a crucial member of the Kyūdō club, he went there several times a week.

Takateru-Oniisama had always been a very kind person with a straightforward temperament that, at first, I couldn't believe was Reika's brother.

"Welcome home, Onii-sama!"

"I'm back, Reika."

Indeed, in this version of Kimidol, Kisshouin Reika had a brother. Once again, I realized that I hadn't paid enough attention to family relationships in my previous life. Back then, as Reika was portrayed as a villain, the details about her family weren't mentioned much. Readers simply weren't interested in knowing the details of secondary characters.

But now, in this new reality, each character had their own story, their own life. I regretted not understanding it before.

Ah, these tears...

"Of course, what would you like to talk about, Onii-sama?"

Onii-sama invited me to sit next to him on the couch, and I did so enthusiastically, like a puppy called by its owner.

"Today, I had piano and flower arrangement practice," I told him cheerfully. "The piano is fun, but flower arrangements... Oh, Onii-sama, ¡I failed miserably at that!"

Today, on the other hand, Onii-sama didn't perform well in his Kyūdō club, apparently due to the presence of someone I dubbed the King of Knights.

"Onii-sama, you should have shot that fanatic."

I said as I waved an improvised fan made from a magazine I found on the table.

"Do you mean Nasu no Yoichi? You're very cultured for your age, Reika."

I was surprised that Onii-sama knew who I was talking about. It was hard to discern what knowledge was considered common for a first-year student at a prestigious academy like Zui'ran.

After enjoying dinner in the company of my family, Onii-sama retired to his room along with his private tutor for their study sessions. This left me with valuable time to spend with my parents, which I greatly appreciated.

"How was school today, Reika?" My father asked with great interest in his gaze.

"It was quite enjoyable," I replied with a smile, grateful for his genuine interest.

"Reika-san, how about Pivoine?" My mother wasted no time in showing her curiosity.

"Everyone was wonderful and very polite," I replied with pride. Since I entered elementary school, Okaa-sama had stopped calling me "chan" and started using "san." Although she could have continued to call me simply "Reika," it seemed that in high society, it was more appropriate to use "san."

Okaa-sama, originally from Kyoto, had never attended Zui'ran Academy. However, she had a sort of obsession with the school, and in particular, with Pivoine. She was completely focused on Reika as a member of Zui'ran and, even more so, as a member of Pivoine. Every time she talked about Pivoine, as she was doing now, her face lit up with happiness.

"Speaking of Pivoine, have you gotten close to Masaya-kun from the Kaburagi family?"

"Uh..." I hesitated for a moment before responding. "Not particularly. Masaya-kun seems to be closer to certain friends of his, but today he showed up at Pivoine Petit for the first time with Yamamoto Mashiro, with whom he has a good friendship."

When I mentioned Yamamoto Mashiro, I noticed a change in my father's expression. It was clear that he was trying to use Reika to get closer to the Kaburagi family. The influence of Masaya's father seemed to be one of the reasons why Reika had persisted in her pursuit of the Emperor, even after being rejected several times. Of course, it also had to do with Reika's stubborn nature.

But, Otou-sama! Sometimes, excessive ambition can lead to destruction. Please, stop your unscrupulous dealings for now.

My thoughts momentarily scattered, but my father's voice brought me back to reality.

"Reika, has Yamamoto-kun returned to Zui'ran Academy?"

"Uh..." I couldn't help but be surprised by my Otou-sama's question. He seemed to notice my astonishment and decided to explain.

"Reika, the Yamamoto family has recently decided to enter into joint investments with our family in some businesses. About a month ago, Mr. Yamamoto mentioned in one of our meetings that his son was representing Japan for the third time in the FITA, in the junior category. He was amazed by his achievements and mentioned that this would be his third consecutive year dominating the competition. It's excellent news, and I think I should pay Mr. Yamamoto a visit in the coming days to congratulate him personally."

As I looked at the smile on my Otou-sama's face and my Okaa-sama celebrating the news, I nervously scratched my cheek. I hoped that this new relationship between the families wouldn't bring us trouble in the future.

I genuinely appreciate Dakumun, who put a lot of effort into the English version.

See you, my friends. KaleidoMirror bids farewell.