Life Of A Villainess
The Rebirth
Carlota
My lady! Here you are!
A young woman, seated at a window, turns her head towards the sound.
Carlota
Come, my lady! Madame is so angry at you for ditching the ball!
Vanna
Carlota, tell her I'll be down after some time.
Carlota
How long, my lady?
Vanna
I'll see to that on my own.
Carlota
(if she doesn't tell me exactly, I might be beaten up!)
The woman looks at Carlota and sighs
Vanna
It should take me twenty minutes at least.
The maid leaves. Vanna sighs again, and goes towards the mirror on the wall.
It's been some time since I came in this body.
I was an office worker in my last life. One day, I recieved a novel from someone mysterious.
It was about the daughter of a Count, who captured the eyes of the Prince. It was like Cinderella- she was mistreated by her family and sister.
That sister is me. Vanna mistreated her sister, Karina, terribly, for she loved the Prince too.
One morning, I woke up in a room too lavish, a bed too soft and among hair too thick and dark.
I was now Vanna Harlow, the daughter of widowed Countess Harlow.
However, the circumstances were so much more different than I had imagined...
...for it was not Karina, but Vanna who was being mistreated.
The sound of a bell ensues.
Vanna looks at herself in the mirror, looking bored. She heads out and enters the ballroom, filled with people.
She is immediately pulled away to a corner by a middle aged woman in luxurious clothing and a scowl on her face.
Mrs Harlow
Vanna! How dreadfully late you are! Do you know how much you embarassed me?!
Mrs Harlow
Don't you know what it's like when a girl doesn't attend her own sister's debutante ball?! How the people will talk!
Vanna
(Ah, of course, today is Karina's debutante ball...and mine as well, though it seems like she is forgetting that)
Vanna
Mother, today is my debutante ball too, don't forget. And the rules of society say that the debutante is never late, she or he is precisely on time
Mrs Harlow
Do you think, by quoting the text of some book, you will appear smart?
Mrs Harlow
Quick! Go! Make sure some people see you, and then get out.
Mrs Harlow
You need not act like you are the center of attention
Mrs Harlow
I'm sure half the people aren't even aware you are also a debutante here.
Mrs Harlow
Don't attract too much attention, and leave!
The mother having filled her jug of scolding disappears. Vanna leans against a wall and sighs.
Vanna
(This is awful. I don't like being here at all. I miss my old life!)
Vanna
(I'm too tired to retilate when I'm scolded, and too miserable to bear it either.)
Vanna
(Well, the only thing I can do as of now is stay here for a minute or two, and then leave)
She looks on at the people..Some of them eye her, but none seem to recognise her.
Then, there is a hush. A servant steps up.
...
Please welcome the star of today's ball, the youngest daughter of late Count Harlow, Lady Karina Harlow!
A beautiful woman, decked in a wonderful evening gown, steps down the marble stairs.
Long, dark hair ripple down her back, and an innocent, charming look plays on her face as she walks down in the crowd hanging on the arm of a fair man.
Vanna
(There she is, my twin sister, Karina.)
Vanna
(She looks so innocent and sweet, but only in the eyes of society)
Karina
Good evening everyone!
Karina
Thank you for attending this ball.
Karina
May we please begin with the waltz already? I'm afraid I cannot wait. >laughs<
The music starts to play. Everyone heads towards the center and begin to dance around Karina, who sways like a water lily as she dances.
Vanna
(...the waltz has begun)
Vanna
(There is nothing for me to do now, I can peacefully leave)
She was about to go back, but she hears a sudden rustling in the garden.
Vanna enters the garden. She hears more rustling.
Following the sound, she reaches a fountain.
Vanna
I suppose that was just a figment of my imagination.
Vanna
Well, this isn't too bad a place to rest, I suppose.
She sits down, and sighs, staring around at the flowers.
Vanna
(This is unbearable. How do I return to my world?)
Vanna
(As far as I remember, I had not died then, had I?)
Vanna
(Perhaps...if I die here, I might return?)
Vanna
(That's a little difficult to think of, but I can't think of anything else, can I?)
The bushes rustle, and thus emerges...
Keep reading to find out what happens next!
Note: Hello! wisu here! This is my very first chat story on this platform.
This first episode was a little rushed maybe, but I promise, it gets better and more flowing over time :P
Thank you for reading! (ʃƪ＾3＾）
The Death
Warning: mentions of suicide
...
Miss Harlow, I must say! Your gown is splendid. Did you have it sewn from S Boutique?
...
And, my, your partner is very handsome! How did you get Mister Henry Bavin to be your debutante partner?
Karina
Oh, I suppose he was rather smitten with me...
Karina
>lowers voice< He was practically begging to accompany me, of course, I couldn't refuse!
...
Mister Bavin on his knees for a woman! That's a first!
...
Then again, anyone would fall for Miss Harlow here. She's quite the beauty- absolutely divine.
Karina
Oh, please! There are prettier women!
...
Not at all! You are the prettiest, I do believe!
Karina
(Yes...this is how things should be for me, Karina Harlow.)
Karina
(Sorry, dear Barvin, but I had to lie and bring you down to elevate myself!)
Karina
(However, my eyes are on someone else...)
She looks across the room at a tall, well built man, with dark hair and very expensive clothes, talking to some other people, sipping wine.
Karina
(There he is! My target! Duke Victor, the handsome heartthrob and with a high position: he's the perfect package, fit for a beautiful woman as me)
She sails over to him, bows, and flashes a smile at him.
Karina
Good evening, Duke Victor! I'm so delighted to see that you took out time to attend my debutante ball.
Karina
I trust you've seen my mother?
Duke Victor
Ah, good evening, Miss Harlow. Yes, I have.
Karina
That's great! Anyways, don't you think my-
Duke Victor
Miss Harlow, aren't there two people making their debut today?
Karina
(Huh?! How does he know? Mother made sure to tell people it is only my debutante ball...!)
Karina
Ahah, what do you mean?
Duke Victor
What I mean is, where is your sister?
Karina
My sister...fell ill today...! She couldn't attend today's ball, thus, it is only me making my debut today.
Karina
(What is he on to?!)
Karina
Of course. She's up in her room, and doesn't want any visitors, I'm afraid.
Karina
But enough of her, Duke Victor, please...I wanted to ask if you liked our gardens?
Duke Victor
...I have not seen them yet. I will go now.
Her smile turns rather seductive.
Karina
Then perhaps I should take you there? Just...the two of us?
Duke Victor
No, thank you.
Karina
B-but, you might get lost!
Karina
(I was so close! Just a few more words and he would've been enamoured by me...)
Karina
(No, patience, Karina... you'll meet again. And next time, I'll be even more irresistible.)
...
M-Miss Harlow! You look really beautiful today...
Karina
(...I suppose I'll make my ground firm for now.)
Karina
Oh, really, thank you! And would you like to dance later?
Duke Victor
(I am so tired, and dreadfully bored. )
Duke Victor
(Thankfully, I got to settle some affairs with Sir Matheds. He was the sole reason I had attended.)
Duke Victor
(of course, that old fool is only here because of Miss Harlow, isnt-)
Duke Victor
...ah. I've walked too far.
Duke Victor
(These gardens are too huge. I should see if I can find a way out. )
Duke Victor
I think I hear a fountain nearby....
He sees a young lady sitting on the edge of a fountain, staring ahead, lost in thought.
Vanna
So I must die...I must go and die...
Duke Victor
(What is she saying?)
Duke Victor
Why should you?
He came out of the bushes, looking very much startled himself, and bowed his head slightly.
Duke Victor
Pardon, I didn't mean to eavesdrop.
Duke Victor
What do you mean you wish to die?
Vanna
That is no business of yours.
She starts to go away, but he grabs her hand.
Duke Victor
Hold on, I need a clear answer.
Duke Victor
You're not going to commit suicide, are you?
Duke Victor
Because if you are, then I will never let you go.
Vanna
Why does it matter to you so much what I do and what I don't? Who even are you?!
Duke Victor
My lady, you shall not kill yourself!
Duke Victor
Do you know the horrors felt by those who are close to you? You will not end any suffering by dying!
Vanna
I have no one left to grieve me!
Duke Victor
I know not who you are, where you come from, or what your intentions may be.
Duke Victor
But I entreat you, don't kill yourselves.
Duke Victor
What is it that troubles you to the point of death?
Vanna
(He has no clue: I'm killing this body so I can live in my original one! It's not really suicide, it's return.)
Vanna
(But explaining it to him will be absurd...huh?)
Vanna
(His sword...it's by his side. Perhaps I can do it right here. What happens next will most probably be of no consequence to me, since I would have returned as my normal self.)
She took his sword from the hilt.
Duke Victor
Wait, what are you -?
Vanna's body Fell down limpily, having stabbed herself in the chest.
...
(Ah...have I returned to as I was?)
The room was too lavish. The bed was too soft. Her hair was too dark and thick.
Vanna
I'm back to the very day I arrived in this novel....
Thank you for reading! (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧
The Resolution
Warning: mentions of suicide
Vanna
I'm back to the very day I arrived in this novel...
Carlota
My lady, please sit still, while I brush your hair.
Vanna
(I thought if I kill Vanna, I might return to the way I was in real life.)
Vanna
(But no...I'm back.)
Vanna
(What is it supposed to mean? Do I have to repeat this suffering over again? Am I in hell?)
Carlota
My lady, I'm done.
Vanna
(Maybe there's a specific number of times I can be reborn?)
Vanna quickly opens a window and jumps out.
But to no avail, for she again wakes up in the same room, same day.
Vanna
It doesn't make sense. Why did I get transported here? I had no problems in my last life...
Vanna
Maybe...this is irreversible.
Vanna
Ah...maybe I can't go back. There's no point trying again. Now what?
She flops down on the bed and sighs. Carlota enters
Vanna
Yes, Carlota, I'm awake.
Carlota
Oh, pardon! Good morning, my lady! Let me help you bathe and get dressed. Please stand up.
At the vanity table, Carlota is (once again) brushing Vanna's hair.
Vanna
What would you do if you suddenly mysteriously arrived at a place where you're suffering a lot?
Carlota
Huh? Oh...well...I suppose I'd find a way out.
Vanna
(That was expected.)
Vanna
Suppose there is no way out.
Carlota
No way out? That's awful! Well...
Carlota
Isn't there any way I can rise to a place where the suffering doesn't reach me?
Carlota
Somehow lessen this suffering?
Vanna
(Her answer gave me a hint.)
Carlota
Pardon, that was a foolish answer!
Vanna
>smile<
No, it really wasn't. You've helped me.
Suddenly, another maid enters, hurriedly.
...
M-my lady. Mrs Harlow summons you for breakfast immediately.
Downstairs, at the breakfast table.
Mrs Harlow sits at the head chair. Vanna and Karina sit immediately beside her.
Mrs Harlow
My dear Karina, you look absolutely wonderful this morning!
Karina
>laughs< Why, I know, mother!
Karina
Oh, but...it seems like my dear sister woke up rather late this morning...
>sneer<
Vanna
(She's trying to make a fool of me again...)
Karina
Mother, when did you say my debutante ball was, again?
Mrs Harlow
Ah, it's just a month away, dear.
Mrs Harlow
How quickly time has passed! You're finally making your debut, my sweet doll!
Karina
Hehe, yes~ I must make sure I make the most marvelous entrance in society, Mother! I must have the finest debutante ball.
Mrs Harlow
Of course you will, dear, of course you will.
Vanna
(The debutante ball...I forgot about that completely. That's the day I first tried to escape.)
Later, in the schoolroom.
Both the girls are studying under the tutelage of their teacher, Madam Dorbes
Madam Dorbes
Well, let's end here, girls. It's time for me to leave.
Madam Dorbes
Before I go...aren't you two having your debutante ball next month?
Karina
Oh, not Vanna, madam, just me!
Madam Dorbes
No?
>looks at Vanna<
Why so?
Karina
Oh, my dear sister is actually not ready to see the glamour of society and such.
Karina
Plus, she fears that the men will shrivel away, since she is not so beautiful as the other rivals debutantes! Poor her, so naive and raw.
Karina
Don't worry, dearest Vanna, I shall make sure atleast a few gentlemen are having you at even the bottom of their lists ~
Vanna
(This is too much...)
Karina
It's okay, sister, not everyone can survive in society. Let the experts do it.
Karina
I'm afraid if you keep up this cowardly act, you'll get nowhere.
Karina
But please keep doing so! it brings me great advantage ~
Vanna slams her hand on the table.
Madam Dorbes
O-oh my! Miss Vanna!
Vanna
Sister, you have been rather too kind, haven't you?
Vanna
But actually, I think I'm quite ready.
Karina
(How is she suddenly speaking up today?! She's usually prose dumb!)
Karina
I mean, you've never been let out before, so you are not quite prepared... so isn't it best you don't have a ball yet?
Karina
I know best, as usual.
Vanna
That's the very thing.
Vanna
Maybe I can accompany you and Mother to the Queen's dinner upcoming?
Karina
What?! Thats too quick!
Karina
Mother would never agree to take someone like- I meant, to suddenly put such a burden on you, you know~!
Madam Dorbes
On the contrary, I think it's a wonderful idea!
Madam Dorbes
The Queen's dinner is held for everyone, even those who haven't made their debut in society. So it would be a great start for Miss Vanna here!
Madam Dorbes
I will speak to your mother of this.
Karina
I meant...isn't it too much?
Madam Dorbes
Not at all. I think it's a brilliant idea, Miss Karina.
Vanna
Thank you, Madame Dorbes.
Madam Dorbes
Do you feel as if you're ready, Miss Vanna?
Vanna
(This is it. I cannot escape from here, nor can I bear this harsh treatment any longer, which I endured thinking I'll be gone from here soon.)
Vanna
(All I can do now is survive this novel!)
They both exit the schoolroom.
Karina, annoyed, leaves the other way, having glared at Vanna.
Vanna
So, they want me to make way for such an unworthy protagonist?
Vanna
So they want me to be the defeated Villainess?
Vanna
No; they shall watch me rise instead!
Thank you for reading (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧
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