Elena was remembered by her high school batch as “the scholarship girl, the laundress’s daughter.” For four long years, she endured nonstop torment from Bea and her clique.
Ten years went by.
One afternoon, Elena received an invitation to the Grand High School Reunion.
“Elena! You should come,” Bea said on the phone, her tone thick with mockery. “We heard you’re going abroad to work as a domestic helper? How embarrassing. Come to the reunion first—let’s turn it into your farewell party. Wear something comfortable, okay? You might end up serving drinks. That’s the kind of work you’re used to anyway, right?”
Rather than get upset, Elena simply smiled.
“Alright, Bea. I’ll be there. I’ll wear my uniform so you can all see it.”
The night of the reunion arrived.
It was hosted in the garden of a lavish hotel. Guests were dressed in glamorous gowns and sharp suits. Jewelry glittered beneath the lights. The atmosphere was heavy with pride and arrogance.
Then Elena appeared.
Exactly as they expected.
She wore a plain maid’s uniform—a white blouse, black skirt, and apron. No makeup.
The moment she stepped into the garden, the chatter died down.
Then Bea’s group erupted in laughter.
“Oh my God!” Bea screeched, clutching her wine glass. “It’s real! Our maid actually came in uniform! Girls, look at her—she really committed!”
The former bullies approached, circling Elena.
“Elena,” Bea said with a sneer, “I was just about to get some wine. Why don’t you fetch it for me? That’s going to be your job overseas anyway, right? Or are you already rehearsing?”
“Exactly,” another chimed in. “Such a waste of brains. You were valedictorian—and now you’re ending up as a nanny? How pitiful.”
Elena bowed her head. She stayed silent. She allowed them to speak. She let them release every bit of venom they carried.
“Why won’t you answer?” Bea shoved Elena’s shoulder. “Have you gone mute from shame? Honestly, you shouldn’t have come. You’re ruining the scenery for the rich people here.”
In the middle of their laughter—
The ground began to tremble.
WUG! WUG! WUG!
A fierce blast of wind ripped through the garden. Decorations toppled. Tablecloths and napkins soared into the air. Guests screamed in terror.
“What’s that?! Is there a storm?!” someone yelled.
All eyes turned upward.
A gigantic, gleaming royal helicopter marked with golden insignias descended into the hotel garden’s open field. Emblazoned on its side was the Royal Crest of the Kingdom of Altaria.
“A h-helicopter?!” Bea gasped. “Who’s coming? Is there some VIP here?”
The helicopter touched down. The door swung open.
Six men in ornate military uniforms stepped out, followed by two female attendants holding a silk-and-gold royal cloak.
The soldiers rushed forward, forming a perimeter around the garden.
“Secure the area!” the captain commanded.
Bea and her classmates shook with fear. “What’s going on?! Who are you?!” they cried.
The Captain of the Royal Guards moved straight through the crowd—heading directly toward Elena.
Bea smirked.
“She’s finished! She must’ve stolen something—that’s why the police are here!”
But everyone went rigid in disbelief.
The Captain and every soldier dropped to their knees before Elena.
“Your Royal Highness,” the Captain said, bowing deeply. “The transport is ready to take you back to the Palace. Your father, the King, awaits.”
Bea froze. The wine glass slipped from her fingers and shattered on the ground.
Slowly, Elena removed her apron and passed it to one of the attendants. They placed the royal cloak over her shoulders and set a dazzling diamond tiara upon her head.
Elena turned toward Bea.
The gentle face they once ridiculed now carried undeniable royal authority.
“Bea,” Elena said evenly, her voice calm yet resolute. “You’re right. I am going abroad. But not to work as a maid.”
“I’m returning to my grandfather’s kingdom—to rule it.”
“P-Princess…?” Bea whispered. “But… you’re the daughter of a laundress… you were poor…”
Elena smiled.
“The woman you called a ‘laundress’ was once a Princess who escaped the palace because she wanted a quiet life—far from politics.
We lived in poverty so I could understand the real world. But now that she is gone… I am the next in line to become Queen.”
Elena stepped closer. Bea’s legs shook uncontrollably.
“I wore this uniform tonight for a reason,” Elena said softly. “I wanted to see if you had changed. I wanted to know whether you had learned compassion for those you look down on. But sadly… your hearts are still rotten.”
She turned to the Captain.
“Captain, record their names. Ensure that none of their families’ businesses are ever permitted to operate within Altaria. They are banned from my Kingdom.”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
Elena stepped into the helicopter.
As it lifted into the night sky, Bea and her classmates were left behind—motionless, disgraced, and drowning in regret.
The “maid” they once mocked was royalty forever beyond their reach.
For the last time, Elena waved from the window—not as a servant saying goodbye, but as a Queen bidding farewell to those unworthy of her presence.
