The grand ballroom was still filled with whispers and curious stares. Celestine's unexpected gesture—accepting Emilia's hand—had become the center of attention. Normally, the villainess would never act so courteously toward the heroine. This was completely off-script.
Ayumi, now trapped in the duchess's body, struggled to maintain her composure. Her heart was pounding so loudly it seemed to echo through the elegant silence of the hall.
"Deep breaths… just don't give them another reason to hate you."
But with every step she took, she could feel the cold, piercing gaze of Prince Leonhardt on her. His presence was suffocating. Tall, imposing, with golden hair like sunlight and eyes as sharp as sapphires, he carried the full weight of royalty on his shoulders.
He approached slowly, the sound of his boots on marble echoing like thunder in her mind.
— "Celestine," he said firmly, his tone laced with suspicion. "May I know exactly what you're plotting?"
The hall fell silent. Emilia blinked in surprise, gently pulling her hand away from Celestine's. Some nobles chuckled quietly, as if they had expected the duchess to reveal another wicked scheme.
Ayumi swallowed hard. She knew this scene. In the novel, this was the moment when the villainess humiliated herself trying to get the prince's attention—cementing her image as a jealous, cruel woman.
But this time, she wouldn't fall into that trap.
— "Plotting, Your Highness?" she replied softly, bowing with grace. "All I wish is for this evening to pass peacefully. After all, wouldn't it be disgraceful for the kingdom if a simple ball ended in discord?"
A murmur rippled through the crowd. That answer… wasn't arrogant or venomous. It was diplomatic.
Leonhardt narrowed his eyes.
— "You're different, Celestine."
She smiled calmly.
— "Perhaps that's because I've decided to grow up."
Tension spread through the hall. Some nobles whispered that it was just another of the duchess's tricks. Others, intrigued, began to wonder if Celestine had truly changed.
Meanwhile, Emilia watched silently, her golden eyes sparkling with curiosity.
---
🌙 Later that night, in the palace gardens...
The music from the ball still echoed faintly as Celestine—or rather, Ayumi—found a moment alone. The fragrance of night-blooming flowers filled the air, and the moon cast silver reflections across the lake.
"I need to think. I know how this story ends… If I follow Celestine's path, I'm doomed. But if I change too much, I might draw even worse enemies."
As she pondered, a smooth voice interrupted her thoughts.
— "Good evening, Duchess Celestine."
She turned to see a man with hair black as midnight and eyes a deep, dangerous red: Damien Corvus. The mysterious duke, known for his sharp mind and shadowy reputation.
He smiled, bowing elegantly.
— "I couldn't help but notice… you surprised everyone today. Including me."
Celestine's eyes narrowed.
— "Are you implying something, Lord Damien?"
— "Only that… a repentant villainess is far more fascinating than a cruel one," he replied, his tone dripping with irony. "And I'd very much like to see how far this transformation of yours will go."
A chill ran down Ayumi's spine. She knew Damien would become one of the story's major antagonists, pulling strings from the shadows. If he was interested in her now, it could mean either opportunity… or danger.
Before she could respond, firm footsteps approached behind them.
— "Step away from her," came Leonhardt's cold, commanding voice. The prince stood there, hand resting on his sword.
Damien only laughed, raising his hands in feigned innocence.
— "No need to be so possessive, Your Highness. I was merely greeting the duchess. Good night."
He disappeared into the darkness, leaving the air thick with tension.
Leonhardt then stepped closer, his eyes locking onto Celestine's.
— "I don't know what you're planning, but I won't allow you to put Emilia in danger. Stay away from her."
Ayumi clenched her fists but kept a faint, ironic smile.
— "And what if I told you I have no intention of harming her? That I only wish to live peacefully?"
Leonhardt leaned in, his blue eyes piercing through her composure.
— "Then prove it. Because until the day I can trust your words… to me, you'll always remain the villainess of this story."
The cold night wind brushed past, and Ayumi realized that no matter how hard she tried, changing her image would not be easy.
But within her heart, a spark ignited.
She wouldn't just be a villainess struggling to survive.
She would rewrite the entire tale.