Modern PhD student Rowena dies and wakes as a novel's orphaned fishing-village girl, about to be exposed as a fake noble and hanged. At Cyria Magic Academy, she uses modern knowledge to pass spice and geometry tests, while nobles Athena and Vina scheme against her. She earns money by improving wool into successful cashmere. After an attack, she helps orphan Roman and hires swordsman Troy as bodyguard. Fleeing exposure, she saves Princess Lillian from a monster. Athena later rigs the riding test and brings witnesses, but Lillian confirms Rowena’s nobility, punishing Athena and Vina. Rowena escapes the gallows for now, though troubles remain.
