We lived in our own cozy apartment complex situated just above our shoe store. Its prime location offered easy access to supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation. Our apartment featured a spacious living room, four bedrooms, a kitchen, and two bathrooms. The rent was affordable, allowing us to relish the independence of having our own space.

As soon as we arrived home, I dove into stocking our newest products. I meticulously organized the shelves, ensuring each pair of shoes was displayed attractively. I positioned the latest styles front and center, hoping to catch the eye of customers as soon as they walked in. Once everything was set up, I stepped back to admire my work. The store looked fresh and inviting, ready to welcome eager customers in search of the latest footwear trends—just how my dad always liked it.

"Excuse me?"

I turned to address the customer who had entered, and for a moment, I was speechless. It was Lucy Heartfilia, the Princess of Fairy Tail Academy, perhaps even of New Hampshire. I know that sounds odd given the century we live in, but that's how Lucy had been known since she moved here three years ago.

Lucy had always been a captivating presence, with her perfect blonde hair, wide brown eyes, and a bright smile that could light up any room. Her slender figure, long smooth legs, and tan, flawless skin only added to her allure. With a famous fashion designer as her father, she had modeled his clothes since she was five years old.

As I stood there, trying to gather my thoughts, Lucy smiled brightly at me, radiating confidence and charm. "Hi there! I'm looking for some new shoes for the upcoming dance," she said, her enthusiasm infectious.

I quickly recovered from my initial shock.

"Of course! We just received a new shipment. Let me show you the latest styles we have." I led her to the section where the newest arrivals were displayed. Each pair seemed to sparkle under the store's lights, but I knew I had to find the perfect match for Lucy.

As I picked up a pair of elegant heels adorned with subtle sequins, I couldn't help but admire how they complemented her style.

"What do you think about these?" I asked, holding them up.

Lucy's eyes lit up as she examined the shoes. "They're beautiful! But I need something I can dance in," she replied with a playful grin.

I nodded, understanding that comfort was essential for a night of dancing.

"How about these stylish flats? They're comfortable yet chic, perfect for dancing the night away."

She tried them on, and as she twirled around, joy radiated from her face.

"I love them! I'll take them!" she exclaimed.

As I rang up her purchase, her phone began to ring. It was her friend Cana calling.

"Hello? Oh hi, Cana... No, I'm just buying some shoes for the dance... I'll be going with Loke... No, it's not serious. Once the school year is over, we're over... Because he's such a macho meathead and has the brains of a shrimp. Looks are all he has going for him."

Moments like that brought me back to reality. Yes, she could be vain and often had a superior attitude.

When she first moved here, I had a huge crush on her, but she didn't even know I existed. Despite the hundreds of guys drooling at her feet, she never seemed interested in a serious relationship. Sure, she'd date to maintain appearances, but she didn't think anyone was good enough to be her boyfriend. Sometimes, I wondered if she truly believed she was a princess waiting for her prince.

Deep down, I thought she might be a nice person. But then again, perhaps I only believed that because of her beauty. Damn, sometimes I could be just as shallow as those who picked on me.

"Do you think this year I'll be voted Princess of the Spring Dance?" she continued over the phone. "Well, of course I will. Like I have any real competition. Once I'm crowned Spring Princess, I will be the most popular girl at Fairy Tail Academy—ever."

Was that really all she cared about? What was so great about being popular, anyway?

"See you at my place tonight to compare dresses. Bye."

She hung up, and I handed her a bag containing her shoes. Just as she walked out of the store, she suddenly started screaming. I rushed outside to see what the commotion was about. There she was, pointing and shrieking at something on the side of the road. It was Minerva, standing over a dead crow.

"Eww!" Lucy screamed. "Are you going to touch it?!"

Minerva picked up the dead bird, and without warning, it sprang to life and flew away. Wasn't it dead?

"That was the most disgusting and creepy thing I have ever seen!" Lucy continued, muttering under her breath just before she left, "You really are a witch!"

Minerva shot Lucy one of the most lethal glares I had ever seen. For a moment, I thought she might twitch her nose and set Lucy's hair on fire. I couldn't blame her for being mad; I always felt sorry for her and her sisters.

"Hey," I called out to Minerva. "Are you okay?"

She looked back at me, and I felt that unsettling vibe again but chose to ignore it.

"I'm fine, thank you," she replied.

"What happened with that bird? I thought it was dead."

"No, not dead. Just scared. It's okay now."

"Sorry about the little scene Lucy put on earlier. I don't think she meant it; she probably just doesn't like dead things."

"No, she just hates creatures that society considers ugly—like crows, snakes, spiders, frogs."

"Well, you know I actually like frogs."

That was true. I genuinely liked them and didn't understand all the hate they received. Sure, they were funny-looking and slimy, but frogs were surprisingly intelligent, using camouflage and powerful legs to escape predators. Some species were even loyal to their families. I recalled a nature documentary where a male frog stayed behind to watch over the eggs of other frogs, not just his own.

"That's interesting," Minerva replied, her tone softening slightly. "Most people don't see beyond the surface. They judge based on appearances rather than understanding the value beneath." I admired her perspective; it was refreshing to hear someone challenge the superficiality so common in our world, especially at Fairy Tail Academy, where popularity often overshadowed genuine connections.

"Yeah, exactly! It's like everyone is so focused on looks that they forget about personality," I said, feeling more at ease. "If people took the time to understand frogs, they'd see how fascinating they really are."

Minerva smiled faintly, a glimmer of appreciation in her eyes.

"You're right. Perhaps if more people embraced the 'ugly' things in life, they wouldn't be so quick to judge others."

We stood there for a moment, the hustle and bustle of the street fading into the background as we shared an unexpected connection. It was nice to find someone who appreciated the deeper aspects of life, especially in a place that often felt so shallow.

"But back to Lucy," I said, trying to lighten the mood. "She's something, isn't she? Always aiming for that crown at the dance."

"Yes," Minerva chuckled. "She's definitely perfect for the title of princess. She's just like every other princess I've met."

"Oh really? How many princesses do you know?" I asked, half-joking.

"Too many to count. But out of all of them, I'd say Marie Antoinette is the one she reminds me of the most. Hopefully, she'll share the same tragic fate."

That was a little creepy. Was she actually suggesting that she hoped Lucy would meet a grim end? No, she had to be joking.

"You can't be serious. Wishing that kind of fate on her is a bit extreme, don't you think?"

Minerva shrugged, a sly grin playing on her lips. "Maybe. But there's something about people who live in their own bubble of privilege that makes me wonder if they ever really learn their lesson. Marie Antoinette was a symbol of excess, and Lucy seems to be on a similar path."

I chuckled nervously, unsure how to respond. It was a bold statement, and part of me admired her audacity.

"I guess you have a point about privilege. Sometimes it feels like Lucy is completely oblivious to the world around her."

"Exactly. She floats through life, thinking she can get whatever she wants just because she's pretty. It's like she's forgotten that there's more to people than just their looks," Minerva replied, crossing her arms. "Maybe someone should teach her a lesson."

I didn't like where this was heading and quickly tried to change the subject.

"So, are you going to the spring dance?"

"That depends. Are you asking me to go with you?"

Oops. Should have seen that coming. Truth be told, I wasn't sure I wanted to hang around her any longer. What she said about Lucy and all that Marie Antoinette stuff had me spooked. I was desperate to change the subject. But on the other hand, I didn't want to turn her down just because of rumors about her being creepy. No one else would probably ask her to the dance, and I knew no one was going to ask me, so what the hell?

"Sure. Why not?"

She smiled, surprise and excitement dancing in her eyes. "Really? You mean it?"

I nodded, trying to play it cool. Inside, I wrestled with a mix of uncertainty and curiosity. Maybe there was more to her than the rumors suggested.

"Yeah, I mean, it could be fun," I said, attempting to sound enthusiastic. "Do you have a dress picked out?"

She laughed, a sound that seemed to lighten the tension in the air.

"Not yet! I was thinking of something vintage, maybe a little quirky. What about you? Are you going to wear a tuxedo or go for the classic look?"

I shrugged. "Probably just a suit. I don't want to overdo it."

As we continued to chat, I found myself intrigued, despite my initial reservations. She had a way of expressing herself that was different from the others. Perhaps this dance would turn out to be more than just a routine high school event.

And it was, but not in a good way. Damn it! I really should have listened to Wendy.