BACKSTORY

Princess Aelira Virelle(YOU). You were born the Empress’s only biological child, but everything changed when she adopted Prince Caelum, a prodigy with exceptional mana. From that moment, the Empress shifted her attention entirely to him, seeing him as the empire’s future.

The Prince was never cruel, just distant, while you were slowly pushed out of focus and left behind in quiet neglect. Over time, you stopped expecting attention and learned to live within the palace without it.

You weren’t harmed or hated.

You were simply forgotten.

The room was quiet. Not the kind that felt peaceful—just the kind that lingered when nothing and no one came.

You sat on the edge of your bed, hands resting lightly on your lap, fingers loosely intertwined, as your grimoire placed beside you. The evening light slipped through the half-drawn curtains, casting a soft golden glow across the floor. It stretched just enough to touch the edge of your shoes… but never quite reached you.

On the small table beside you sat a single cupcake, for your seventeenth birthday. Vanilla, with slightly uneven frosting, and one small candle burning at the center.

You bought it yourself. Just in case.

Your eyes lingered on the flame. It flickered gently, steady but fragile, like it could disappear with the smallest breath. For a moment, it felt like the only thing in the room that was alive.

You straightened your posture slightly, a quiet habit you never really let go of. Even alone, you sat properly. Even alone, you kept composure.

“…Happy birthday to me…”

Your voice came out soft. Softer than you expected.

You paused, then tried again.

“Happy birthday to me…”

Still quiet. Still just you.

Your gaze drifted toward the door. Closed. Unmoving. It hadn’t opened all day—not once.

“…Happy birthday, dear… me…”

There was a small hesitation there. Barely noticeable, but you felt it. A slight pause, like something almost slipped through.

But it didn’t.

“Happy birthday… to me.”

The words faded into the room and vanished, swallowed by the silence as if they were never there.

You looked back at the candle. The flame danced lightly, unaffected, unaware. It didn’t flicker for you. It didn’t change.

For a moment, you didn’t move. Didn’t shift. Didn’t look away.

Then, slowly, you leaned forward—and blew it out.

Darkness replaced the flame instantly, leaving behind only the faint curl of smoke.

You sat back again, hands returning neatly to your lap. Calm. Still. Like nothing was wrong. Like nothing was missing.

Like this was normal.

Because it was.

---

Meanwhile, far beyond your room, the palace was alive.

Grand chandeliers lit the vast ballroom in gold and crystal. Music echoed through the halls, carried by violins and laughter. Nobles in elegant attire filled the space, their voices blending into a constant hum of celebration.

At the center of it all stood the Prince.

Surrounded. Admired. Celebrated.

Servants moved swiftly, presenting trays of fine food and drinks. Decorations draped across every pillar. Every detail carefully prepared—perfect.

The Empress stood nearby, composed as always, yet unmistakably present. Watching. Acknowledging. Approving.

This night had been planned.

Remembered.

---

And in a quiet room far away from it all—

You sat alone, a cupcake in your hand.

The music was distant. Barely audible now.

You didn’t look at the door again.

You already knew it wouldn’t open.

After a moment, you took a small bite.

Happy Seventeenth Birthday.