The story begins in the spring of the 385th year of the Reignegard Kingdom calendar, with a scandalous event at a ball held at the Prime Minister's mansion. Elisabeth Clannetta, a fourteen-year-old newly adult Duchess's daughter, slaps an unnamed noble. The ensuing commotion draws the attention of the assembled nobility. The young man who was slapped, identified as Crown Prince Leon, is helped up by Count Edmond, who then confronts Elisabeth. It is revealed that Elisabeth is actually the reincarnated soul of Hozumi Akira, a Japanese man who died in a traffic accident. He had been reborn as Elisabeth, the eldest daughter of the Clannetta Duke family, known for their vast grain-producing lands. Realizing the gravity of her actions, Elisabeth faints.
Akira's past life is then detailed: he was hit by a truck driven by a god who wanted to experience driving. The god offers him a chance to be reincarnated with a bonus, asking him to save his country in return. He is reborn in the spring of the 371st year of the Reignegard Kingdom calendar into the Clannetta Duke family. His parents, Daniel and Liliane Clannetta, name him Elisabeth, after the founding queen, noting her unusual golden eyes, a trait shared by the legendary queen. Elisabeth grows up loved by her family.
Back in the present, Elisabeth, now aware of her past life, apologizes to Crown Prince Leon for her rudeness, offering herself as the sole punishment to protect her family. Her father, Duke Daniel, intervenes, offering himself in her place. Leon, surprisingly, forgives them, stating the incident stemmed from his own impoliteness. Count Edmond, however, harbors a deep-seated hatred for Elisabeth, which she notices. Elisabeth and her father leave the ball, with Daniel scolding her but also embracing her.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Roger and Crown Prince Leon observe Elisabeth's carriage departing. Roger notes Elisabeth's calculated actions, suggesting she is either a shrewd manipulator or a prodigy. Leon expresses growing interest in her.
Days later, Elisabeth, traveling back to her territory with her maid Emily, reflects on the agricultural reforms she initiated, which have benefited the Clannetta lands. She confides in Emily, her childhood friend and confidante, about her past life and their developing romantic relationship. Emily, fiercely loyal, expresses her concern for Elisabeth.
Upon returning to the Clannetta territory, Elisabeth is greeted warmly by her family and the citizens. However, unsettling rumors begin to spread in the capital and across the kingdom, accusing the Clannetta family of plotting rebellion, with Elisabeth herself named as the ringleader. Duke Daniel, upon hearing this, suspects Count Edmond, who has shown extreme animosity towards them. Elisabeth and Daniel discuss the potential source of the rumors and the financial backing required for such a widespread campaign, considering the possibility of foreign involvement, specifically from the neighboring Carlus Empire, which has historical tensions with the kingdom. They also recall how the Clannetta family, through their agricultural reforms, saved the Galandolf territory from famine three years prior, suggesting a potential motive for resentment from other nobles.
Count Edmond, in league with Osby, a spy from the Carlus Empire, is revealed to be orchestrating the smear campaign against the Clannetta family. Edmond, feeling wronged by the royal family and resentful of Clannetta's prosperity, is manipulated by Osby, who promises him rewards from the Carlus Empire if he helps weaken the kingdom. Osby devises a plan to frame Elisabeth for treason, using fabricated evidence of military preparations and her inventions like "alcohol" and "gunpowder" as proof.
Elisabeth, alerted by her intelligence network, "Mimi," confirms that the rumors originate from Count Edmond's territory. She and her father decide to investigate further, with Elisabeth suspecting a larger conspiracy.
Meanwhile, Count Edmond's wife, Cecile, who was married to him as a political pawn and has been neglected by him, receives a letter from him. The letter proposes a deal: she will provide evidence of Clannetta's supposed treason to the court, and in return, her family, the Ober family, will be treated leniently. Cecile, however, suspects a trap and decides to send a letter to Elisabeth, warning her.
The story culminates in the lead-up to Elisabeth's trial. Count Edmond, confident of victory, prepares his faction for the hearing, unaware that his actions are being meticulously observed and countered by Elisabeth and her allies. The trial is set to take place in a grand hall, with many nobles in attendance. The narrative hints at a larger game being played, with Elisabeth seemingly anticipating and preparing for every move.
