Athanasia de Alger Obelia/Timeline

## The Lovely Princess

Athanasia’s birth was announced to Claude, but she was disregarded and left to be raised by the maids of the Ruby Palace. She first meets her father on her 9th birthday after wandering out to the gardens of the Emperor’s palace. Claude coldly leaves her be, but for Athanasia, who never received any affection, was profoundly affected. She grows to become fragile and always on edge.

Afterwards, she strives desperately to earn her father’s love by becoming a graceful beauty. However, upon meeting Jennette, her long lost *sister* at her debutante ball, she is overshadowed; Jennette’s sunny and outgoing disposition made her more popular than the gloomy Athanasia. Despite all this, Athanasia does not lash out in jealousy, and instead helps Jennette assimilate into life within the palace.

Athanasia gets accused of putting poison in Jennette’s glass, when in reality Jennette’s aunt was behind it, scheming to make her niece the first heir to the throne. On her 18th birthday, Claude kills her before she was even found guilty, stating that he never saw her as her daughter. Claude feels no remorse and Jennette suffers from regret until she comforted by her fiancé, Ijekiel, and the story ends.

## Pre-reincarnation

Before the protagonist transmigrated into Athanasia’s body, she was shown once to have long, black hair. Her age at her transmigration is not specified, but using factors such as maturity and financial circumstances, it is surmised that she was around 18-30 years of age.

Her mother died when she was born and her father left her after that. She lived lonely without love, family, friends and even a pet. She died after taking sleeping pills which resulted in her death, it is unknown if the cause of her death was suicide or accidental overdose, however, Lucas states that Athanasia in her second life *gave up due to despair*. It was mentioned she was an orphan in her past life, causing her to form strong bonds with Lilian, Felix and Claude. Her love of gold and sweet things can be explained by her previous poor financial situation.

## Story

### **Season 1**

The protagonist awakens in an infant Athanasia, drawing the attention of a nearby maid. To her shock and distress, she comes to realise she’s been born into the story of The Lovely Princess. Determined to evade her predestined demise like her novel counterpart, Athanasia devises an elaborate plan to steal gold as future investment to escape her father. By age five, she succeeds in forming a genuine bond with her maids as it proves to be more beneficial. While plucking out some flowers, she inadvertently wanders into an unfamiliar garden in a seemingly unoccupied palace. Ecstatic with her new found hiding place, she returns frequently to stash away her stolen riches. There, she discovers golden statues and becomes drawn to it where she is then discovered by Claude. Discerning his jewel blue eyes, Athanasia realises she met him four years earlier than her novel counterpart.

Claude declares he is going to have tea with his new guest and Athanasia remains quiet for the duration of their tea time in fear of an execution. To her trepidation, she realises Claude brought her to have tea with him to determine whether she will live or die. Claude inquires if Athanasia knows who he is and she replies ‘father.’ Noticing his intrigue, she emulates Jennette's cheerful disposition and calls him ‘papa’ in an effort to stay alive. Soon after, Athanasia returns to her palace in the arms of Claude’s royal guard. He then informs the maid Claude will be visiting Athanasia again in the near future. At night, Athanasia inspects her plan to avoid her fated execution and considers playing cute to win her father’s heart.

In the throne room, Claude announces he will be paying more attention to Athanasia’s wellbeing from now on. After that, Claude and Athanasia engage in more father and daughter time. Five days later, the two go on a boat ride together much to her reluctance. Intrigued by the blue lotus protruding from the lake, Athanasia reaches out and plunges in. Claude calmly watches despite her desperate pleas for help. Nevertheless, Claude rescues her and drops her ashore. As she incessantly coughs, Claude orders Felix to teach Athanasia to swim as it would be a shame if the emperor’s daughter drowned in a mere lake. Athanasia later learns her maids have been replaced and Felix is appointed as the princess’s personal guard. Felix chimes in that she should visit Claude since the emperor wants to spend time with her during dinner. After arriving, Felix infers Claude must be asleep and drops her off inside his room against her will. As she examines the room, she becomes momentarily distracted by all the gold hanging on the walls. She accidentally stumbles upon a cracked portrait of Claude’s ex-fiancée and states she has seen too much. At last, she reaches Claude’s sleeping form. Certain he is fast asleep, Athanasia prepares to punish him as revenge for the lake incident.

Before she can strike a blow, Claude stirs awake from his slumber so she quickly rectifies her action under the facade of singing a lullaby to chase away bad dreams. During dinner, Claude notifies her he will be assigning a teacher to teach her proper etiquettes. At night, Lilian sings a lullaby to help her sleep. With their tea time now allocated to take place at 10am every morning, Athanasia demonstrates the etiquettes she learned but Claude remains impassive as always. Athanasia inquires if she can have a sip of the tea Claude is drinking to which he responds the tea is not enjoyed for its taste but allows her to have some anyway. After sipping it, Athanasia vocalises it tastes like flowers blooming inside her mouth, stunning everyone into silence as it is the exact same thing Diana said when she was alive. Their tea time concludes with Claude saying it is better off if Athanasia sticks to milk.

Later, Athanasia leisurely draws Felix and Lilian and then draws herself kicking Claude which she doesn’t plan to show him. While drawing Diana, Athanasia unknowingly wonders out loud she wishes to see her mother. At some point, Athanasia overhears Felix discussing to Lilian discreetly about Claude passing on his memory to Athanasia so she can experience the image of Diana. Athanasia interjects in the conversation, boldly declaring she doesn’t wish to see her mother as talking about her hurts Claude. Felix reassures her that Claude doesn’t hate Athanasia. In an act of defiance, she runs away after failing to push him over. The next day, Athanasia asks Felix to give her a piggyback ride and on their way, they meet Roger Alpheus who she nicknames ‘Mister White’ and treats like a pet. Then, they part ways after bidding him goodbye.

Once they arrive, Claude and Felix consider if they should have Athanasia befriend Ijekiel. However, her hopes of a new friend are crushed when Claude rejects the idea. Exhuasted, Claude places her on his bed in a secret room behind his throne. Resting besides her, Claude orders her to sing the song that chases away bad dreams but she feigns forgetting it. Claude narrates the time he made assassins sent to kill him remember by force and he knows a hundred ways to make a person remember but as she is a child, he is unable to use such methods on her. Terror stricken by his story, Athanasia claims to suddenly remember and laboriously sings the lullaby repeatedly until he falls asleep.

While plucking out his hair, Felix apologises for yesterday’s incident and Athanasia apologises in return for pushing him. Felix reveals he too lost a mother at a young age like her, as his mother was Claude’s nanny, he didn’t spend much time with him. Since Athanasia was an orphan in her previous life, the concept of a mother is foreign to her. She then confesses although she misses her mother, she still has her father. Thereafter, she falls asleep alongside Claude where she dreams of Diana.

Two years later, Athanasia visits Claude on her own accord for some cake due to all the chocolate disappearing, their relationship now close enough for her to come and go as she pleases. Afterwards, Felix and Athanasia cross paths with Roger again who she refers to with the same nickname. He suggests introducing her to his son. Thanks to her acute awareness of his character, Athanasia shrewdly gauges Roger's true motives to use her as an insurance plan as she is getting close with Claude. After rejecting the offer, Roger then offers to introduce her to a female friend close in age but Athanasia states she doesn’t want a friend more stupider than herself. After exhibiting her intellectual prowess, Roger replies that the rumours pertaining to the princess's intelligence did not do her justice.

Some time later, Athanasia discovers a wolf-like beast whom she names Raven, and in her pursuit of the beast, she accidentally grasps the hair of a dormant magician. Awakening from his centuries-long slumber, the stranger queries if the beast belongs to her. As Felix comes searching, he renders her invisible. To her amazement, he conjures up several bubbles and in her exhilaration, she becomes disoriented by the lack of air. The beast bursts all the bubbles, enabling her to breathe again. With full cognisance that the magician isn't the beast's owner, she insistently demands him to return Raven to her. Discerning her jewel blue eyes, he deduces she is a member of the royal family and begins listing emperors from generations ago, inquiring if she is the daughter of them. After clarifying her father's name is Claude, the stranger wonders if he slept through a dynastic revolution. He examines her face avidly, riveted with intrigue by a peculiarity within her soul. He then decides to resolve her curiosity by explaining the divine beast is born from an owner's excessive mana; therefore, Athanasia harbours the potential to become a powerful sorcerer. Initially, he threatens to devour the divine beast but as he finds her inquisitive, he proposes a deal to spare the beast's life in return for something small and insignificant. Satisfied, he returns Raven and introduces himself as Lucas before teleporting away. Upon her return, Raven leaps out of her arms and devours the chocolate cake Lilian set out, revealing the true culprit behind the disappearing chocolates. She ends up adopting him as a pet, spending most of her day to day activities with him.

After some time, Athanasia meets up with Claude again and the three of them go for a stroll with Felix behind them at a distance as ordered by Claude. While Felix and Claude are talking, she attempts to swat away a fly and accidentally slaps Claude’s cheek in the process. As she quickly attempts to amend herself, Felix suggests kissing the mark left on Claude’s cheek to make it better, furthering her embarrassment. She kisses her father’s cheek while apologising profusely. At their tea time, Athanasia notices something peculiar happening with her heartbeat and blood comes out of her mouth. Noticing her father’s horrified face, she then passes out into a coma. Upon waking up, Athanasia cries out in unbearable pain. Helpless, Claude puts her to sleep using his magic. In her dream, Athanasia impotently witnesses the same scene of Diana crying. To her surprise, the dream continues; Claude begs Diana to choose him and not the child eating away at her life. The dream concludes and Athanasia wakes up to Lucas sitting at her bedside. He then informs her he is the one who saved her life and he had to prevent Claude from killing Raven. Claude walks into the room and Athanasia hastily rushes out of her bed but she trips. He catches the weakened Athanasia and carries her, inquiring if she is hurt anywhere. Lilian hurries in and cries out of relief for her well-being, Athanasia discovers she has been in coma for a month.

After some time, Athanasia comes to learn Lucas consumed some of her mana and he remains in the form of a child to preserve his mana. He informs Claude that Athanasia and Raven should reduce the time spent together as the close proximity causes her mana to explode so Athanasia instructs him to take care of it for her. Claude carries her to bed and puts her to sleep using his magic. She wakes up to her father gazing solemnly out the window, he notifies her it is still early in the morning and that he’ll stay by her side until she falls asleep. In the morning, Claude carries Athanasia around the garden with Felix at a distance as her limbs are still weak from her 48 days coma. Her hair clip accidentally gets attached to Claude’s hair and she forcefully pulls it, pulling out some of his hair in the process so she secretly removes his hair from her clip. He places her down and tidies up hair by re-attaching the hair clip on top of her head. He holds her hand and the two continue their walk together.

Claude moves her residence from the Ruby Palace to the Emerald Palace, a palace used by princesses for generations and originally given to Jennette in the novel. While they are spending time together, the topic of her playmate gets brought up again and she declares she doesn’t wish to befriend Roger’s son. To her dismay, she later learns Lucas is hand chosen as her playmate. She asks about his age to which he replies it doesn’t matter as they would be growing at the same rate anyway. Lucas teleports Athanasia to where Ijekiel is after she states she would rather be friends with him rather than Lucas. Athanasia descends from the sky and Ijekiel inadvertently cushions her fall, leading to their fortuitous first encounter. Roger drops by to check up on his son and Athanasia scurries to hide. Ijekiel informs his father he is outside searching for Jennette. After his father leaves, Athanasia remains obscured from sight and instructs him to maintain his distance. He nicknames her 'Lady Angel' as her appearance was reminiscent of an angel. Their conversation draws to a close when Athanasia gets teleported back. Upon returning, Athanasia forces Lucas to promise he won’t do things as he likes anymore. While studying, Athanasia instructs Lucas to make better use of his time by reading history books but Lucas dismisses them as books full of lies, particularly the parts written about the magician of the tower.

While she is outside, she comes across Roger who came to visit her after hearing about her recovery. Athanasia states she can’t be friends with Jennette or his son since she’s a little behind in the language of Arlantan. He clarifies his son is fluent therefore he can help with her studies but Athanasia cuts over him, exclaiming she’ll study hard too for when he returns. They part ways before Roger can finish talking. Later, Athanasia tells Lucas to send her back to where Ijekiel was and he quickly agrees. Before sending her off, he disguises her jewel blue eyes with red ones to conceal her true identity. Athanasia tumbles out of the fireplace, and Ijekiel dusts the mess off her dress. Athanasia admits she returned to properly say goodbye to him. To test his knowledge, she instructs him to recite complex theories in several different languages and he astounds her with his erudite intellect. Before they can further familiarise with each other, Jennette calls for Ijekiel from outside the room and insists on going to the greenhouse with him. He concedes before requesting Athanasia to await his return. Lucas appears behind her, curious to see who she wanted to be friends with so bad and inquires who the chimera is. He then teleports them both to the gardens where Jennette and Ijekiel are, making themselves invisible as to not be seen.

At the greenhouse, Lucas mentions that Jennette’s mana waves aren’t that of a pure imperial bloodline. Eventually, he teleports them back to the palace. Lucas remarks that Athanasia isn’t a child, and Athanasia immediately gets defensive, worried if he found out the truth, he appeases her by saying she was precocious like Ijekiel. Determined to solidify her place in the palace, Athanasia runs to Claude, acting clingier than usual. During their daily stroll, Claude inquires out of genuine care for her well-being if Lucas is a good companion, and if she is unhappy he could always find her another friend. Athanasia assures her father she is happy especially since Claude chose her companion. Claude confides earnestly as long as she is happy that’s all that matters to him and he hugs her closer to him affectionately. They then enjoy the rest of the walk in silence with the wind blowing and leaves falling.

Several years pass, Athanasia greets her father affectionately after her dance lesson and Claude mentions her forthcoming birthday which Athanasia remembers is also her mother’s death anniversary. While they eat, Claude insists that if she wants anything for her birthday she should tell him but the princess politely declines, satisfied with all the gifts given by him. He gives an odd response as silence befalls on them and he tells her to continue eating.

Later, while strolling with Felix, Athanasia suggests choosing Felix as her debutante partner, but after noticing his hesitance, she decides to ponder on her decision a little longer. Athanasia discusses the topic of her debutante ball with Lucas who states it’s obvious her father wants to dance with her at the ball. Despite his input, she remains uncertain. She then asks him to turn into his grown up form so she can practise her dancing skills for her dance at the debutante but Lucas refuses. After she mentions her curiosity about Ijekiel as he has returned from studying abroad, Lucas teleports her away to meet Ijekiel again. She falls from the sky, similar to her first encounter with him, but this time he is prepared to catch her. After promising to keep their meetings a secret, he escorts her to his secret garden to avoid interruptions. Ever since their first fateful encounter, he would always visit the place where they met in hopes of meeting her again. Athanasia wonders if she has become full of herself after living as a princess for so long. As the wind blows against them, Ijekiel tenderly places a flower in her hair before she is suddenly teleported back to the palace again where she is met with Lucas’ irritated face. He teleports away, leaving her perplexed.

As she examines herself in the mirror, she infers that Ijekiel has feelings for her as she contemplates if it’s okay she is changing the course of the original story. Over tea, Athanasia confesses her worries about the upcoming debutante to her father and she subtly insinuates she wants her father to escort her on the day of the debutante. Despite his distaste for noisy places, he adheres to her request and Athanasia throws herself at him, thrilled. While strolling with Felix, they come across Roger who curiously inquires who her escort will be. In response, Athanasia explains her father will be escorting her which leaves Roger bewildered at how close their relationship is. He suggests his son as an escort as he is returning from studying abroad at Arlanta. Athanasia informs him she looks forward to meeting him at the ball. On her way back, she catches up to Lucas who she barely sees lately due to his busy schedule. He stops her in her tracks and kneels down to tie her shoe lace, commenting she is not a child anymore. He promises to make time for her whenever he can and they then part ways. Back at the palace, the maids and Lilian celebrate her 14th birthday. At night as Lilian tucks her into bed, Athanasia voices her appreciation and Lillian tenderly kisses her goodnight on the forehead. Though she had her hopes up, it doesn't surprise her that Claude didn't attend her 14th birthday.

In the dark of the night, Lucas enters her chambers. They head outside where she joyfully reunites with Raven, Lucas watches on while the two play together. Athanasia expresses her worries over her debutante but Lucas reassures she will be fine as she practiced until her feet were raw, he nags her to fall asleep and Athanasia ends the day telling him goodnight. At the crack of dawn, the maids swiftly prep her for the ball in a frenzied panic. As she descends the stairs with Felix, she stuns Claude into silence with her striking resemblance to Diana. Athanasia expresses her gratitudes towards him spending time with her and Claude compliments her in response. He escorts her to the ball and their entrance is announced, all eyes in the room turn to look at them. The two dance together in front of the crowd, Athanasia clumsily steps on Claude’s foot and almost falls but Claude saves the dance by lifting her up into the air. He chuckles at Athanasia’s mess up, finally acknowledging no matter how similar Athanasia and Diana look, they are still different. The crowd applauds their dance. While she watches the rest of the debutantes dance with their partners, Athanasia spots a black-haired man chatting with Roger Alpheus and the two make eye contact for a split moment. She swears she sees jewel blue eyes but when the crowd diverts her attention, he is gone.

As Athanasia mulls over the potential outcome of the end of the ball, the second song ends and Claude suggests she should go greet the guests. Reflecting on her life with Claude, Athanasia thinks to herself even if Claude no longer perceives her as his daughter because of Jennette, Claude is the first father she ever had and she loved every moment of it. Athanasia bids him goodbye and he watches as she disappears off into the crowd to regroup with the rest of the debutantes. There, she and Jennette make their fortuitous first encounter where the latter inquires if she can tie her loose ribbon for her but Athanasia replies it won’t be necessary. Splitting away from the crowd, she accidentally comes across Ijekiel who formally introduces himself. While dancing together, Ijekiel comments on the emperor’s renowned love for his daughter and to her mortification, she notices Claude glaring coldly at Ijekiel. Despite Ijekiel being aware of Athanasia's true identity as a princess, they behave as if their prior meetings never occurred. Their dance concludes with Ijekiel stating he looks forward to their next meeting. After chatting with Felix, Athanasia reunites with Claude who misunderstands her agitation as being mistreated. When Claude threatens to torture the people who dare insult her, she quickly assures she came looking for Claude since she wanted to be with her father which seems to quell his temper. Jennette arrives with Athanasia’s missing dress ribbon.

Once they are outside, he disposes of the dirtied ribbon, promising to give her plenty more ribbons if she desires. Upon reaching the carriage, Claude congratulates his daughter for her 14th birthday as well as becoming a debutante. The night ends with Athanasia laughing as she already received many congratulations before him. At night, Lucas visits Athanasia, expecting her to be crying, he forces her into bed and turns on a lullaby. As she sleeps, Lucas lifts a bit of Athanasia’s hair and watches as her hair begins to glow.

Ever since her debut, Athanasia receives a series of invitations so she seeks out her father in his office to receive permission to attend the invites. The two go on a boat ride together and Claude warns her to not get too close to the water. Athanasia asks to see the water lotus up close so he uses his magic to lift the flower from the water. Horrified by the flower's grotesque appearance, she screams and throws herself at Claude, causing the both of them to fall into the water. He pulls her out of the water and dries her clothes with magic, promising to not do that again much to her humiliation. In the end, Athanasia is unable to receive his permission so she instead invites them to her own tea party. The guests fawn over several boys and men including Ijekiel and Felix, with the latter nicknamed ‘the knight of crimson blood.’ Lucas passes by Athanasia’s tea party and one of the guests asks who he is. He politely introduces himself but upon seeing Athanasia’s unwelcoming glare, he quickly excuses himself, stating he is needed at the tower. At the end of the tea party, Jennette expresses she enjoyed their time together and Athanasia accedes her request to meet again.

While strolling, Athanasia takes joy in playfully teasing Felix about his nickname. Later in the day, she observes her peacefully sleeping father to which she decides to place a rose in her father’s hair. Claude wakes up and orders Felix to fetch some tea and Felix compliments his look. Athanasia swiftly shoves a plethora of flowers into his arms to distract him. As she massages his shoulders, Athanasia curiously asks why there is no one guarding the entrance to Claude’s bedroom. Claude seamlessly answers a protection spell has been placed so anyone with ill intent who enters will be ripped to shred, he also placed one on Athanasia when she was young for her protection. With Claude distracted, Athanasia hugs Claude from behind and discreetly snatches the rose from his hair.

In her private library, Athanasia discovers Ijekiel browsing through her books. He teases Athanasia won’t press charges against him as they are even from the times she infringed on his property. However, once she compares him to his father, Ijekiel apologises for his overt tone of speech. Before he can step closer to her, Lucas interjects in between them. Perturbed by the new arrival, he demands for him to identify himself. Lucas rebuttals that he takes orders from no one except the emperor and the princess. To mediate between the two, Athanasia attempts to mollify the thick tension but evidently takes Lucas’ side. While returning Athanasia’s book to her, he comments she owns some very interesting books in her library. As he gets closer, he whispers he will be waiting for the honour of an invitation to her tea party, and he takes his leave. Lucas teases Athanasia for secretly reading romance novels and he rebukes the guards for not noticing Ijekiel entering the princess’ private library without permission. The two walk through the gardens together and Lucas switches to his adult form after Athanasia mentions Ijekiel is taller than him. Athanasia quickly demands for him to switch back out of fear someone will see. Athanasia makes a note to never bring up Ijekiel around him.

Athanasia holds a picnic, inviting the same guests who end up fawning over men again so she retreats to the sidelines, unable to connect with the conversation. Jennette discerns Athanasia’s disinterest with the party’s conversation and the two bond together by themselves away from the party. Athanasia reveals she never had female friends her age before to which Jennette expresses she shares the same sentiment. Jennette extends an invitation to her new friend to spend time together at her house and the latter promises she will whenever she has the chance. Lucas takes Athanasia for a day out in the village since she is bored in the palace, the two explore various food stands and dine out in a restaurant. They overhear Ijekiel and Jennette’s conversation in the same restaurant and later, Ijekiel and Athanasia cross paths at a bird shop. He inquires if they met before but Athanasia passes a birdcage to him, swiftly making her escape before he can discern her face.

She encounters a former dark magician in an old book shop. The former magician cryptically claims she is cursed by someone who wishes for her misfortune and he has never seen a happy ending from using black magic. Despite deeming him a fake, she inquires curiously if a child born from black magic is also destined for misfortune. Though he never heard such an usual question, he replies that removing a curse from a child born through black magic would be no easy feat. In light of their discussion, Athanasia contemplates what transpired after ‘The Lovely Princess’ supposed happy end.

With their outing drawing to a close, they return to the palace. There, they find a duplicate doll of Athanasia created by Lucas to cover for her disappearance. During a boat cruise, Jennette comments Athanasia’s eyes are as blue as the lake, similar in colour to her own eyes. Athanasia graciously accepts her blue satin ribbon gift, promising to wear it at their next gathering. Lucas later reminds Athanasia to refrain from getting attached to Raven since he will one day disappear. Taking offence, Athanasia throws a pillow but he dodges and trips her, he further angers her by calling her ugly. Her anger dissipates when Lucas imparts he will be departing for a while to find the sacred world tree.

Waking up from a post mortem dream about her father and Jennette, she then discovers Ijekiel gifted her the blue bird she examined back at the market. Her father addresses he overheard Ijekiel gifted Athanasia a bird and trespassed into Athanasia’s private library. Felix remarks as Athanasia inherited Diana’s beauty she would one day get married, leaving Claude alone. In turn, Athanasia insists Claude will always be her favourite person regardless if she gets married or not — this appears to elevate Claude’s mood. At one point, Athanasia queries if she really resembles her mother. Claude averts his gaze, claiming he has long forgotten the likes of a dead person’s face. She then conveys to Claude, whom she no longer fears, a wish only he can grant her.

Before Lucas’ departure, Athanasia offers him a part of her mana to prolong his stay. Speaking in jest, he tells her maybe she didn't want him to leave so she can maintain her mana under control. Athanasia retorts she worries about him because she is her friend. Shaking off her words, Lucas makes his leave. Her next gathering comes to an unfortunate end after a full grown Raven interrupts their tea party. Jennette accompanies her in petting the beast, and the ribbon imbued with dark magic reacts. She watches in horror as Athanasia coughs up blood and passes out with Raven re-absorbing into her. Awakening from her ten days coma, she discovers Claude also fell into a coma after risking his life to save her. After regaining consciousness, Claude glares coldly at Athanasia and questions who she is.

### **Season 2**

After learning of the coma, Claude interrogates Athanasia. Noticing his protection mana inside Athanasia, he gets up but ends up throwing up blood and collapsing. She passes out from shock and comes to learn Claude is suffering from amnesia. He spares Athanasia’s life but only under the condition she should never leave her palace. Lilian reveals Raven has disappeared and was unable to be found. As she mourns Raven’s disappearance, Athanasia later learns Jennette sent five letters to her asking about her well-being. Moved by her letters, the two begin exchanging letters like old friends. However, one letter in particular describing Jennette’s aunt, Rosalia, catches her attention. Meanwhile, with her father suffering from amnesia, Athanasia has tea time alone.

On Claude's birthday, a banquet is held without Athanasia's invitation. To her consternation, the palace guards arrive, ordering Athanasia's presence to the emperor. At the banquet, she is forced to kneel before the emperor. There, he orders for her to be taken away after publicly renouncing her as his daughter. When the guards attempt to grab her, Athanasia magically fends them off since she did not permit them to lay a hand on her. Athanasia calmly states she will leave with her own two feet before giving a hardened stare. She curtsies elegantly in front of her father, formally wishing him a happy birthday.

After her leave, Ijekiel pursues her and Athanasia accidentally trips over as her shoe slips off. He apologises for his impropriety and tenderly slips her shoe back on. As she begins to shed tears, she impotently pleads for him to not look at her face. Realising she hasn’t been okay since her father lost his memories, Athanasia ruminates on her past life as an orphan and sorrowfully laments why humans are so greedy. Ijekiel promises her he sees nothing. Following the banquet incident, the maids attempt to lift her downtrodden mood and Lilian eventually forces her to take a walk. As she mournfully strolls through the garden, Athanasia plucks off the beautiful roses from the bushes one by one. She crosses paths with Claude who is intent on eradicating the source of his persistent headaches. He strikes Athanasia with an onslaught of deleterious magic but is unable to do any harm due to the protection magic placed upon her. The magic backfires on him and Athanasia, refusing to die at her father's hand, tearfully bids him farewell. She takes refuge in the Alpheus Household in Jennette’s room.

Ever since Raven’s disappearance, Athanasia has been able to freely wield magic though she keeps it a secret. Now on the run, Athanasia uses counterfeit money to survive and discovers missing posters and memorial stones are being used to locate her. Recalling the former dark magician’s words, Athanasia contemplates if Jennette is really the culprit behind her being cursed as she is the only one with a connection to dark magic. At night, she overhears Jennette tearfully imploring Roger to allow her to attend her deceased aunt’s funeral so she leaves a letter in her room, promising to meet in three days' time. After heavy consideration, she teleports into Claude's room where she discovers he has been secretly treasuring her childhood drawings. He stirs awake to Athanasia moving his hair with a sorrowful face and he reveals he wishes to rip her to shreds, under the assumption he is dreaming. Athanasia retorts she doesn’t want to die by her father’s hands, leading Claude to realise he is not dreaming. Athanasia teleports away as Claude desperately calls out for her in her wake.

Three days later, Athanasia arrives at Jennette’s window. The grieving girl pulls the princess into a hug after being distraught over her disappearance. Comforted by her hug, Athanasia makes frequent visits to the Alpheus Household and the two have tea and cake together. Out of pity towards Jennette’s tragic predicament, she suggests going into town together. In preparation for their secret outing, they disguise themselves in villager clothing. The two cousins explore various food stands and Athanasia advises they should address each other by a nickname to maintain cover so Athanasia comes up with ‘Athy’ and ‘Jettie’. By fate, they cross paths with a mysterious stranger Jennette met the other day. Jennette thanks him for his help and Anastacius inquires if Athanasia is the little sister she previously alluded to. As Jennette impetuously struggles to construct an explanation, Athanasia divulges she perceives her as a sister figure, leaving the older girl at a loss for words. Once the confusion cleared up, Anastacius directs them to a handicrafts shop much to her reluctance and Athanasia browses through the clothing that resembles her mother's. Noticing Anastacius’ cold expression while conversing with Jennette, Athanasia decides to interfere, prompting them both to make their way back.

Athanasia gifts Jennette a bracelet to commemorate their time together. The two cousins thank the mysterious stranger for showing them the direction to the shop and they part ways. The day ends, and the two cherish the time spent together as Jennette discloses it is the first time she ever had much fun in her life. Some time later, Jennette informs Athanasia she will be attending the palace with Roger for official business in Ijekiel’s stead. Homesick, Athanasia thinks to herself if she too should go visit. At the palace, Jennette discovers Claude’s unconscious form in the garden. Both she and Athanasia, who is disguised as a maid, rush to Claude’s side. Jennette returns home to find Athanasia teleporting back into her room where she informs Athanasia she has been granted a one on one audience with the emperor. Though she expresses her happiness for Jennette, Athanasia finds she would be in a difficult situation if Claude were to accept Jennette like in ‘The Lovely Princess.’

Athanasia overhears Anastacius’ conversation with Jennette about her jewel eyes. Skeptical, she confronts Jennette on their meeting. Jennette confirms Anastacius found out about their secret outing but Athanasia had nothing to worry about as he could be trusted. This instigates Athanasia to research the minor branches of the royal family in the history books to see if she can find anything suspicious. But once she is unable to find anything out of the ordinary, she ponders if Anastacius and Claude’s similar looks are simply just a coincidence, she then attempts to reach Lucas telepathically. Back at the palace, Athanasia reunites with Lilian. Reassuring her she is in good health, Lilian informs her Claude has been desperately trying to find her so Athanasia decides to pay him a visit. In the garden, she is greeted with the scene of a lovely princess with her father. As she shed tears at the thought everything might be returning to its destined storyline, she teleports away only to find she accidentally ended up in Ijekiel’s room. With nowhere to stay, Ijekiel offers for her to reside in one of the guest rooms inside his house and make sure no servants come in. Upon Jennette’s return, Ijekiel notifies her of Athanasia’s refuge within the Alpheus estate and Athanasia discreetly informs Jennette she has been caught.

He excuses himself so he and Jennette can discuss her meeting with the emperor. Meanwhile, Athanasia convinces herself about her original goal which is survival. During her stay at the Alpheus mansion, Ijekiel would often drop by to chat with her. The two go for a stroll through the gardens to lift Athanasia’s mood. Enamoured by her beauty, he reaches out for her but becomes flustered when she asks if there is something on her face. At some point, Jennette asks Athanasia what she would do if Jennette was her real sister. Noticing the confused look on Athanasia’s face, she then quietly leaves. Worried that her reaction may have hurt Jennette, she goes searching for her but she accidentally collides with Anastacius who had been staying at the Alpheus Household. The remnants of the protection spell reacts harshly against him and he swiftly strides off before she is able to properly apologise. As Athanasia expresses her worry over her, Jennette apologises for being inconsiderate. Later, Jennette informs her the emperor wishes to see her again.

At the palace, she follows Felix using her invisibility magic but he notices her presence and conjures up a sword to her neck. After discerning the intruding figure as Athanasia, Felix escorts her to Claude as she mentally prepares herself for their reunion. As father and daughter reunite, Claude inquires about her well-being. When Athanasia asks why he is asking such curious questions, he confesses he doesn’t know why. Overwhelmed with a sudden headache, he orders Athanasia to leave and to stay in the Emerald palace in the meantime. Once she leaves, Athanasia overhears Claude instructs Felix to bring Jennette again to ease his headache much to her sadness.

Lucas interrupts her tea reunion with Jennette. Though she is surprised at first, Athanasia takes him away and corners him. She tells him some fragments of what happened during his absence. The first thing he asks is to have Jennette sent away so she takes her leave. Under Athanasia's request, Lucas examines Claude while he is asleep, and tells Athanasia that not only had her father lost his memories, but he is dying as well. As he examines him, Lucas heals Claude’s body but is unable to recover his memories, he realises Claude is cursed as punishment for tampering with black magic. He informs Athanasia he keeps Jennette nearby because her presence acts as a stabiliser. Fatigued from his expedition, the two rest in Athanasia’s room where they then discuss the rest of Claude’s predicament. Before he departed for the world tree, most of the black magic surrounding Claude was destroyed but for some reason it is starting to revive itself. He further explains Athanasia’s magic is what reversed Claude’s time into the past, to a time when his black magic was alive. Still in denial, Lucas discloses to the perturbed princess she experienced it once before and Athanasia suddenly recalls her South Korean life.

Through their conversation, Athanasia learns that keeping Jennette near him lessens the pain but doesn’t remove the black magic. Lucas states he is beginning to think he is not being paid for his hard work to which she sarcastically retorts if he wants a kiss to compensate for it. As Lucas excitedly offers his cheek, Athanasia reluctantly kisses him on the cheek. She then continues to greet Claude every morning and the two chat over tea together. As she drinks Lippe Tea, she replies it tastes like flowers blooming inside her mouth like Diana used to say, and she forcibly shoves a cake into his mouth by accidental habit. The next time they have tea together, Jennette joins them with a chocolate offering. She becomes offended when Claude accepts a chocolate offering from Jennette despite disliking sweet things, not noticing that in reality Claude chose to eat a chocolate after noticing her eat one. Irritated by the turn of events, Felix reassures her that Claude isn’t playing favourites and that he does in fact care for her which placates her.

A few days later, Ijekiel requests an audience with her and she thanks him for everything he has done for her. As the two converse over tea together, Ijekiel expresses he wishes to be of help to her even if it’s just a little. Moved by his benevolence, she mentions she understands why Jennette frequently talks about him. Ijekiel explains he perceives Jennette as his little sister to which she replies he would have helped anyone the same way he helped her. He responds overtly he would have not done this for anyone but acknowledges it is good to help those in need. Surprised by how upfront he is being about his feelings, their conversation falls into an awkward silence which is then interrupted by a significantly taller Lucas entering the room to escort her out. As Athanasia excuses herself, Ijekiel offers to see her out but Lucas places himself between them, warning him he should head back. Lucas shows off in front of Ijekiel by getting intimately close to Athanasia’s face, feigning worry over if she caught a fever. Athanasia then bashfully attempts to force Lucas out of the room, but before they can take their leave, Ijekiel kisses her hand, thanking her for spending time with him.

Realising Ijekiel still has a crush on her, Athanasia contemplates how he fell for Jennette in the novel. Struggling to remember the rest of the story, she suddenly recalls Jennette introducing Ijekiel to Athanasia in her first life who became enamoured with her at first sight, and she wonders if they met before. Lucas interrupts her thoughts after noticing her mana fluctuating and tells her to not give up. After she offhandedly mentions Ijekiel, Lucas mimics Ijekiel’s gentleman disposition and kisses her on the hand, leaving her increasingly flustered and she screams at him to get out. Later, Athanasia suggests to Claude they should go for a boat ride on the lake, and she decides to invite Jennette along to alleviate his headache. The next day, Jennette accidentally falls into the water while trying to catch Athanasia’s umbrella, and Claude makes no attempt to save her. He stops Athanasia from jumping into the water to save the girl, out of concern she will get soaked. In the end, he saves Jennette under Athanasia’s demands. Later, Lucas accedes her request to teach her magic, deciding to tell her about the world tree another time.

He fails to explain the magic lesson to her in a coherent manner, but by luck she is able to succeed in preventing the magic leaking out of her. Soon after, Claude helps Athanasia with her studies in his office. He explains the solution to her problem and compliments her skill and intellect. Athanasia attempts to demonstrate what Lucas taught her, accidentally causing the paper from her book to fly everywhere in his face. He demonstrates the correct way to use her magic and Athanasia immediately gets her magic right on her second attempt thanks to Claude’s gentle guidance. He smiles earnestly at her happiness. Straight after, he orders her to leave as another painful headache sets in.

Lucas visits her at night, confirming Claude is asleep after her worry he is in pain and she bids him goodnight. In bed, she recalls the difficulties the original Athanasia endured and sheds tears at the realisation the novel Athanasia died without knowing why she wasn’t loved. The next morning, Athanasia attempts to figure out what variable ultimately caused the current timeline to diverge from the original plot of the novel. Realizing that the only difference was that she met Claude four years earlier than the original timeline, Athanasia deduces that being near her childhood self contradicted the very reason Claude meddled with black magic and allowed him to break the curse. As she explains her deductions to Lucas, he explains to her that Claude likely used two different types of black magic to eradicate his emotions and memories. Believing that Diana’s death was the reason Claude chose to tamper with black magic, Athanasia begins to shed tears for her father’s suffering. Lucas attempts to comfort her and accidentally lets slip that Claude is dying. Intent on finding a cure for her father, Athanasia scans her memory and suddenly recalls feeling static prior to the mana explosion. She becomes optimistic after Lucas encourages her to focus on her studies to find a breakthrough to cure her father.

### **Season 3**

Some time later, Athanasia suggests moving their tea time inside since it is hot outside. Claude catches a steaming hot teacup she accidentally knocks over, burning himself in the process. Athanasia hurriedly instructs a maid to escort Jennette home as Lucas steps in to tend to the emperor’s wounds. At their next tea party, Claude collapses due to the curse sent through Jennette’s bracelet, and Athanasia remains at his bed side. Lucas privately informs Athanasia that the intruder who broke into his tower and attempted murder on the emperor are the same person. Nevertheless, Lucas promises Athanasia to watch over Claude and alleviates her fatigue by placing her into a magic induced sleep.

A week later, Athanasia writes a series of rejection letters to all the party invitations she received, and from the letters alone, she deduces there is an informant deliberately spreading rumours about her father’s debilitating health amongst high society. While Claude remains in a coma, Athanasia, who is the sole heir, has to become the emperor's proxy with the approval of the council to prevent growing discontent from the nobility. Athanasia states she must try her best in her father’s absence, unaware of the probability that Claude may not even wake up. She holds a formal meeting with the heads of the noble houses. Despite the attempts of those from opposing factions, she is able to respond appropriately against rumours about Claude's condition and gains the nobles' respect. However, a brainwashed Roger challenges her authority by inquiring about Claude’s poorly health.
Anastacius stands behind Roger Alpheus, disguised as an aide, controlling Roger to make him raise bold questions speculating about Claude's usage of black magic. Eventually, Anastacius sheds his disguise and reveals himself to the nobles in his true physical appearance.

Taken aback by the unexpected revelation, Athanasia and the audience become unsettled by his presence. Despite her perplexity, she quickly assesses the situation and surmises that Anastacius is the culprit behind her father’s curse. Impressed by Athanasia’s perceptive nature, Aeternitas, under the guise of Anastacius, claims he returned for the sake of the empire because he heard of the rumours regarding his brother’s use of black magic. Before she is able to dispute the allegations, Athanasia worries for the safety of Jennette if she were to reveal the true nature surrounding her birth. Her hesitation provides Aeternitas the opportunity to turn the blame on her, declaring that she may have been born from Claude’s black magic. At his declaration, the nobility gossip about Diana’s position as a foreign dancer and Claude’s own upbringing. To resolve the situation as discreetly as possible, Athanasia calls for Lucas to prove Claude’s innocence. As the audience grows doubtful, Aeternitas decides to reveal the truth behind his survival. Athanasia adjourns the meeting and dismisses the nobles to prevent further escalation.

At last, Anastacius explains that following his fatal encounter with Claude, he lost consciousness for some time, and he fled when he came around. Felix attempts to take Anastacius into custody, however, they are met with the overwhelming mana of Aeternitas. Athanasia grabs onto Felix, imploring him to stop. Athanasia declares she will not forget Roger’s betrayal and shows off her own mana, once again impressing Aeternitas. Following their leave, the now trembling Athanasia collapses and Felix carries her back to Claude’s bedroom. When she later relays the events to Lucas, Athanasia recalls the unpleasant comments made by the nobles and comes to a realisation that Claude had been protecting her from the condemning eyes and opinions of the public. She then expresses her concerns over the struggles arising from the betrayal of the Alpheus family, the sudden appearance of the former emperor, and the black magic allegations against her father. Lucas mentions Jennette to which she reluctantly conveys that Anastacius is Jennette’s father as she wonders to herself what Jennette thinks of the situation.

Some time later, Felix reports to Athanasia about Ijekiel’s concern regarding Roger’s abnormal behaviour, believing it is as if he is being controlled by the former emperor. He then adds that Jennette worries for Athanasia’s well-being, and Athanasia questions to herself when she will see Jennette again. As rumours surrounding Claude’s memory loss and the Alpheus family alliance with the former emperor continue to spread amongst High Society, Athanasia encounters Jennette and Anastacius in the hallway. As the daughter of the former emperor, Roger explains that Jennette will be officially moving into the palace as a princess. Due to their close friendship, Anastacius suggests she should familiarise Jennette with the ways of the imperial palace and Athanasia becomes furious with him for using Jennette as a shield in his political endeavours. She reluctantly allows him to stay in the palace so that way she can keep a close eye on him. Later on, Athanasia recalls her father’s story of a dragon which terrorised the people, finally understanding the reason behind Claude’s violent methods in keeping the nobility in check. Upon remembering she had forgotten to greet Jennette, she decides to visit Jennette in her new quarters.

Athanasia comforts Jennette, apologizing for the lack of greeting at their last meeting. Knowing that Anasatacius's true intentions were not all good, she asks Jennette if he had done anything to harm her. Jennette assures her that Anastacius would never do such a thing, though Athanasia is not convinced. She tells Jennette of her distrust towards Anastacius, to which Jennette questions Claude's use of black magic. Jennette informs her that her father told her everything, in comparison, she felt Athanasia had never told her a thing. Athanasia later explains this encounter to Lucas, looking at how Jennette must have felt. She comments on her father's condition, thanking Lucas for watching over him. It is then that Lucas notices the ribbon in her hair. Athanasia reveals it is a gift from Jennette that got caught up in her mana explosion while he was away. Lucas informs her that the mana on the ribbon is the same as her father’s curse. It was the medium, and Jennette was used.

Lucas goes on to explain that, in addition to Anastacius’ mana, he sensed the mana of Aeternitas on the ribbon. He describes how Aeternitas had stolen some of his mana while he slept and the late emperor, Anastacius, inherited it somehow. Athanasia confirms that during her first meeting with Anastacius at the market he strangely reminded her of Lucas. Lucas and Athanasia discuss the possible explanations behind the inheritance of Aeternitas’s mana. Athanasia recalls her earlier encounter with Jennette, asking herself if it would have been better to tell the truth from the start.

Turning to Lucas, she inquires about the world tree fruit, suggesting it as a possible solution to her father's curse. Lucas reveals that although he does not have the fruit, he had kept a branch from the world tree. Caught in a moment of sudden enthusiasm, Athanasia carelessly grabs the branch, causing her to faint as her consciousness is sent to the world  After awakening from her visit to the World Tree, Athanasia asks Lucas to take out the branch. She tells of how, after begging the World Tree, it told her the answer was for her to personally use the branch to cure Claude's curse.

Athanasia opens her eyes to a smoldering palace. Tarnished flags fall beneath her feet, and walls crumble to debris before her. To her horror, Athanasia experiences firsthand the destruction that is to come in her latest premonition.

As Athanasia struggles to remember the final thing the world tree had told her, she begins yet another day of handling the political affairs in the palace. Felix describes to Athanasia the state of the political field, as anti-imperialists gather troops under the banner of the late emperor. The next day, Athanasia formally apologizes to Jennette, revealing she has known Jennette’s true identity since the debutante ball. Athanasia admits that she was worried about her position in the palace, acknowledging herself as a coward. She looks up to find a weeping Jennette, who apologizes for her impulsive actions. Athanasia embraces Jennette, figuring the kindness Jennette holds is the reason she could never hate her.Athanasia holds solace in the fact that Jennette will finally be able to choose her path, now knowing the truth.

Athanasia discloses her thoughts on her reincarnation. Explaining that there was once a time where she thought of herself as someone else, Athanasia admits that all versions of Athanasia were, at one point, her. Athanasia then asks Lucas to take out the branch, reassuring him that after speaking with Jennette, she felt failure in saving Claude was impossible. Athanasia imparts her plans to save her father with Felix, giving him a letter for Lilian were she to fail. With all of her affairs sorted and carrying profound determination, Athanasia leaves to save her father.

In the ritual room, Lucas once again explains the task Athanasia would have to fulfill. He warns her not to lose herself in the essence of the world tree. Athanasia floats helplessly through the world, overcome with the noise and emotions in anything and everything to exist at that moment. A hand reaches out to her, grabbing her arm. Propelled forward, Athanasia is enveloped in white light.

With wide eyes, Athanasia gawks at the beautiful figure before her, struggling to call out to her. Diana's lips bloom into an exhilarated smile as she embraces Athanasia with hugs and kisses. Athanasia bursts into tears, crying to her mother. With compliments of bravery and strength, Diana comforts the young girl in her arms. She preaches of her eternal love for Athanasia, describing that there was never a day spent without loving her. Diana then points her to the curse, embracing Athanasia one last time.

After using the branch, Athanasia opens her eyes to a firsthand viewing of her father's prominent memories. She watches the betrayal her father faced, the revenge he sought, and the solitude that followed. Though among the heartache, Athanasia observes the first meeting between her parents. Diana's dazzling smile and bright attire shows the most eminent among her father's memories.

A whirlwind of brilliant memories showers over Athanasia, making evident Claude's devotion to her mother. She watches Claude's life after Diana, observing the dull and tiresome nature of each moment. Presented with a girl full of youth, he was enveloped in the revived sensation of love and basked in the light of his young daughter. A teary-eyed Athanasia awakens from her slumber, calling out to the father who greets her with a tender smile.

## References

1. ↑ Episode 1
2. ↑ Episode 2
3. ↑ Episode 4
4. ↑ Episode 5
5. ↑ Episode 6
6. ↑ Episode 7
7. ↑ Episode 8
8. ↑ Episode 9
9. ↑ Episode 10
10. ↑ Episode 11
11. ↑ Episode 12
12. ↑ Episode 13
13. ↑ Episode 14
14. ↑ Episode 15
15. ↑ Episode 16
16. ↑ Episode 17
17. ↑ Episode 18
18. ↑ Episode 19
19. ↑ Episode 20
20. ↑ Episode 21
21. ↑ Episode 22
22. ↑ Episode 23
23. ↑ Episode 24
24. ↑ Episode 25
25. ↑ Episode 26
26. ↑ Episode 27
27. ↑ Episode 28
28. ↑ Episode 29
29. ↑ Episode 30
30. ↑ Episode 31
31. ↑ Episode 32
32. ↑ Episode 33
33. ↑ Episode 34
34. ↑ Episode 35
35. ↑ Episode 36
36. ↑ Episode 37
37. ↑ Episode 38
38. ↑ Episode 39
39. ↑ Episode 40
40. ↑ Episode 41
41. ↑ Episode 42
42. ↑ Episode 43
43. ↑ Episode 44
44. ↑ Episode 45
45. ↑ Episode 46
46. ↑ Episode 47
47. ↑ Episode 48
48. ↑ Episode 49
49. ↑ Episode 50
50. ↑ Episode 51
51. ↑ Episode 52
52. ↑ Episode 53
53. ↑ Episode 54
54. ↑ Episode 55
55. ↑ Episode 56
56. ↑ Episode 57
57. ↑ Episode 58
58. ↑ Episode 59
59. ↑ Episode 60
60. ↑ Episode 61
61. ↑ Episode 62
62. ↑ Episode 63
63. ↑ Episode 64
64. ↑ Episode 66
65. ↑ Episode 67
66. ↑ Episode 68
67. ↑ Episode 69
68. ↑ Episode 70
69. ↑ Episode 71
70. ↑ Episode 72
71. ↑ Episode 73
72. ↑ Episode 74
73. ↑ Episode 75
74. ↑ Episode 76
75. ↑ Episode 77
76. ↑ Episode 78
77. ↑ Episode 79
78. ↑ Episode 80
79. ↑ Episode 81
80. ↑ Episode 82
81. ↑ Episode 83
82. ↑ Episode 84
83. ↑ Episode 85
84. ↑ Episode 86
85. ↑ Episode 87
86. ↑ Episode 88
87. ↑ Episode 89
88. ↑ Episode 90
89. ↑ Episode 91
90. ↑ Episode 92
91. ↑ Episode 93
92. ↑ Episode 93
93. ↑ Episode 57
94. ↑ Episode 95
95. ↑ Episode 95
96. ↑ Episode 96
97. ↑ Episode 96
98. ↑ Episode 96
99. ↑ Episode 97
100. ↑ Episode 98
101. ↑ Episode 98
102. ↑ Episode 99
103. ↑ Episode 100
104. ↑ Episode 101
105. ↑ Episode 102