The Villainess Has Changed

The lizard spoke with an air of arrogance.

“Those things beyond the barrier.

They’re a collection of utterly vile and filthy entities unknown to us.

So ominous that people avoid even mentioning them.”

In the original novel, when the barrier breaks, countless people are massacred by unknown forces.

Illyae joins forces with Werner and Dante, using her holy power to repel the creatures beyond the barrier.

That’s how the story went.

So I thought Illyae couldn’t simply disappear from this novel.

But what if my assumptions were wrong?

“It’s not impossible. All those things emitting such disgusting odors are beyond that place,” the lizard said, sitting on my stomach with its short legs stretched out.

Its shimmering golden eyes were fixed on me.

The lizard raised a tiny finger seriously.

What if Illyae’s power was originally mine?

Various thoughts flooded my mind.

But if Illyae had truly stolen Chloe’s abilities and life—and if that’s why I had to endure such miserable treatment—

“That damn woman.”

I won’t let you get away with this.

I grit my teeth.

* * *

Dinner that evening was time just for me.

Mrs. Lestro and Dante were absent.

The clinking of utensils in the empty dining room had never sounded so pleasant.

“Please try this as well, miss,” Marion said.

Only Marion attended to me, which seemed to be their consideration.

She piled all the especially rich and delicious-looking dishes in front of me.

“Even people in Tyrannia might not have tasted these! Because this is Petros, they can have such high-quality shrimp at this time of year.”

Marion chattered excitedly, her voice full of delight.

“Oh my, they’ve used so much precious truffle… The aroma is just different. Miss, have some of this too. Please try this.”

I ate as much as I wanted, savoring every dish comfortably.

I told myself I’d never go hungry again.

I chewed slowly, swallowed,

Deliberately taking my time with the meal.

“Is this alright? I’m worried that Mrs. Lestro might be surprised if I seem too aristocratic.”

“I don’t know much about these things either, but to me, you seem elegant enough, miss,” Marion said, giving me two thumbs up.

But that was because Marion was heavily biased in my favor.

I thought about how Dante was at the dining table.

The movement of his fingers, the pace at which he ate, even his gaze.

I sighed and fiddled with my utensils.

After filling my stomach, worries began to surface.

Would I fit into the Petros ducal family?

If I become the duchess, I’ll represent the Petros household in many matters.

Unlike before, I’d have to interact with high society figures.

Am I okay as I am?

Suddenly, I lost my appetite.

“…I don’t feel like eating anymore.”

Marion looked at me, puzzled.

“…But there’s no food left.”

“Oh.”

No wonder.

I smacked my lips.

“But why all of a sudden? What made you lose your appetite?” she asked.

“I’m worried. I’m not sure if I can do well at social gatherings. Even now, I’m like this.”

Marion furrowed her brows, then slumped her shoulders.

“That’s something I can’t help you with…”

“It’s a bit embarrassing, but I think I should ask His Grace for help.”

Marion looked at me with a sympathetic expression.

These were things I should have learned in Tyrannia before the wedding.

I couldn’t do the things Illyae did so naturally, as if it were breathing.

Even though I’d eaten delicious food to my heart’s content, I felt empty inside.

What am I going to do starting tomorrow?

* * *

I was wondering how to bring it up to Dante, but Mrs. Lestro was ahead of me.

I had breakfast alone again, and as soon as I finished, she called for me.

“Chloe, there’s a big difference between Tyrannia and Petros,” she said sternly. “You’ll need to forget everything you’ve learned so far and start anew.”

I’d always thought—is this what it means to be an adult?

Noticing my struggles before I even mention them, offering solutions, and being considerate enough not to hurt my pride.

She was a bit different from the adults I’d met before.

I think I understood why Mrs. Lestro is so renowned in social circles.

“I’ll be grateful to learn, madam,” I replied.

“That’s a good attitude, Chloe. You must not be ashamed or lazy when it comes to learning.”

Her voice softened.

I hesitated but asked what had been on my mind.

“Am I the only one who eats meals separately?”

I thought it was a kind gesture last night, but since it continued this morning, I couldn’t help but wonder.

“Is there something wrong with that?” she asked, puzzled.

“I was just curious since we don’t dine together.”

“That’s how we usually do it. Sometimes we eat together, but everyone has different preferences and meal times, so we typically eat separately.”

Oh…

“So even though we live under the same roof, there are times when we don’t see each other for days.”

Oh dear…

You could think it’s independent and allows for personal time…

I laughed awkwardly.

I really shouldn’t say this, but then why live in the same house…?

At this rate, I might not even see my husband’s face after marriage.

There was no mention of this in the original novel.

Well, it wasn’t the kind of story that focused on such details.

But if we don’t have chances to meet, we won’t have time to build any affection.

That’s a big problem.

Even though Dante and I have a contractual relationship, I need to build some closeness with him.

I also need to keep a watchful eye so Dante doesn’t fall for Illyae.

The person who was my shield could turn his back and stab me.

“But we’ll all be gathering tomorrow. As you know, there’s a banquet,” Mrs. Lestro said.

The one hosted by Crown Prince Werner?

I forced an awkward smile.

It seems getting familiar with this mansion should be my priority.

As soon as I left Mrs. Lestro’s room, I looked for Bonita.

Bonita approached me calmly.

Her face lacked a smile, but she didn’t seem cold.

“I heard you called for me.”

“I have some questions, Bonita. I’m curious about many things regarding this mansion. Could you help me?”

A slight tension appeared on her face.

No need to be scared. I’m not a frightening person.

* * *

Illyae clenched her teeth.

For the past three days, there had been no word from Crown Prince Werner.

She wondered if he was dead or ill, but that didn’t seem to be the case.

He appeared to be freely roaming the social circles.

Because of her image, Illyae couldn’t frequent places she wouldn’t usually go, but Werner was always there.

He didn’t even seem to have returned to the Petros ducal residence yesterday.

“How can he be so indifferent?”

She was certain the Crown Prince was interested in her.

Hadn’t he witnessed her abilities with his own eyes?

By now, Werner should be seeking her out and asking for a date.

“Are you not going to marry me?” she muttered irritably, rubbing her lips.

Despite giving hints about marriage prospects, how could he be so unresponsive?

“Bring me another color! This one looks too tacky! And where is that thing?” she snapped.

A maid, looking pale, replied, “It’s prepared. Shall I help you put it on now?”

“Honestly, you’re so slow.”

No one could complain about Illyae’s nasty behavior.

No matter how much the servants gossiped about her true nature outside, no one believed them.

Everyone was lenient with Illyae.

The saintess who saves lives and will rescue the empire!

Moreover, cunning Illyae never revealed her true self outside her domain.

Even the Count and Countess of Tyrannia thought of their daughter as an unparalleled angel.

Illyae raised her arms.

Only after wearing a corset that made her chest look fuller did her expression soften.

“Now it’s acceptable,” she said.

She tapped her chest and flashed a bright smile.

Before, she had emphasized her modest charm as a saintess, but today it was time to highlight her feminine allure.

So Werner could fully see her as a woman.

Being humiliated by that stone-faced Dante was more than enough.

There would be no more failures.

Illyae’s eyes gleamed.

With a refreshed smile, she turned her head.

Among the maids avoiding her gaze, she chose the youngest one.

“Hey, you. I have a task for you.”

Chapter 23