Second chances of Villains

When the day of the execution of the dethroned Duchess Melinda arrived, it was monumental for the people of the Empire.

From the start of the day, a large number of individuals made their way to the Frostmourne empire's capital. There was a flurry of activity across the entire plaza, as everyone's attention was drawn to the centre of the square, where the execution stand had been set up.

In the past, the Duchess Melinda was admired for her beauty and modesty and the same individuals are now making fun of her.

The position I was in at this time was kneeling with my hands bound behind my back. I was tied and bound as I awaited what was my execution and last day of my life.

The bindings forced me to look down, and as my dried skin rubbed against the wooden floor, forcing me to wince in discomfort as my thoughts began wandering. Beginning with my marriage to Duke Bennard and concluding with my manipulations for the death of his child, who would become the sole successor to the dukedom of the empire, my entire life flashed before my eyes as if it were a series of paintings on a scroll.

As tears streamed from my eyes as I reminisced about all of the memories, I understood that everything I had been doing for years had been completely pointless.

The entire situation was my fault. Only if I hadn't been so self-centered and vile, and if I had showed a little motherly love and affection to the young child, if I would have been content with my relationship. Today would have been drastically different if I had done something differently.

"Ughh" I felt more pain in my wrists and legs as a result of how tightly I was chained. As I pondered my comfort, I smiled at the ridiculous thought of minor discomfort, despite the fact that I was completely aware of what was about to happen to me. Although I tried to avoid it, I couldn't help but bite my lips because of my misery and sorrow.

I wanted to express my regret for the mistakes I had done in my life.

The fact of the matter was that I had somehow managed to become the antagonist in my own story. Greed had turned me into a fool, and I had been forced to torment a twelve-year-old child as a result of my actions.

With the ploy of assassinating him during one of his hunting expeditions, I crossed all boundaries and degraded myself to such a henious level that anything was acceptable as long as I was able to get rid of the child.

My primary motivation for doing this is to force Bennard to become pregnant with me. We discussed having a child together, but Bennard was unwilling to offer me the option, informing me that he already had an heir and didn't want to have another. Those statements shattered my sanity and shaped me into the person I am today.

As soon as I was subjected to the agony of the words, my hatred switched to the helpless child in question. It didn't take long for me to come to the conclusion that I needed to get rid of him. To my total surprise, I completely forgot about Bennard throughout the entire process and attempted to murder his child.

If only I could go back in time and alter everything from the day my hatred began, for everything would be different and I wouldn't be standing here. If I get a second chance at life, I will start over from the beginning, and there will be no such thing as a calamity of this nature.

As soon as I let go of the tears that I had been keeping in since the morning, the floodgates came up. I was jolted out of my trance when I realised that the whispers and murmurs were becoming increasingly louder and more frequent.

It must be that the number of people has increased. In this circumstance, there is only one conclusion that can be drawn: he has arrived. In addition, when the guard made an announcement, it confirmed that my intuition had been correct. At that point, I became aware of his footsteps approaching, as well as the arrival of his entourage of servants. I was dismayed by his silence, even though I had anticipated he'd be like that.I was even more disappointed to see that Bennard did not even make a final appearance to see me at the end of my life.

Seeing as Kendrick is now Duke, he had taken a seat at the high stage. For the sake of getting one more glance at him I wriggled my body and m hand to yank at the blade, causing my ear to be sliced open by the razor-sharp blade as I was moving my head. I started to feel a rush of blood pour through the ear onto my body. The metallic odour and dampness wafted in air.

I wasn't at all interested in what was going on As what effect does it have on the amount of cuts that appear on my skin, when I am going to be dead in a few As what effect does it have on the amount of cuts that appear on my skin, when I am going to be dead in a few minutes?

Finally I was relieved to see him. He had a indifferent expression on his face. Like It was as if all that is happening before him is inconsequential, as if there was no longer any reason to pay attention to it. It's possible that I didn't get his attention because I was unworthy of it.

As a result of having such a frame of mind, I felt more regret. I would not have felt the same way if he had simply expressed hatred toward me. If I had been more prepared for it, I would have been able to take it more readily. However, at this point, I am unable to fix the unfortunate circumstance that has arisen for me.

"Bring Duchess over to the execution platform," the chief guard declared.

While I was still tied up, two soldiers arrived and cut the ropes to which I was bound and dragged me from each side towards the platform.

It was impossible to look at myself in the mirror since my hair was all over the place, my face was unsightly, and I didn't look anything like myself. My clothing was in poor condition, and the black dress which I wore was all tattered and full of cuts and caked with dirt.

"Marry," urged the voice that I had taken for granted all my life. It was my good friend Raven, who also happens to be my Knight. When she called out to me, I couldn't look her in the eyes. It was a source of embarrassment for me to do so. Raven would frequently attempt to convince me that I needed to clean up my behaviour and mend my ways.

Nevertheless, my greed and hatred eventually got the best of me. There was no turning back for me. My decisions affected her as well, and as a result, she lost her position as Knight. I was relieved, on the other hand, that she did not receive any additional punishment. She might be able to start anew as a Marchioness.

I tried to concentrate on what my friend was saying so that I could know what she was trying to speak out. While this was happening, a ruckus broke out on the execution ground as the execution was about to begin.

Because of the loud disturbance, I was unable to hear anything else. And the soldiers deliberate dragging made things even more difficult.

I was heartbroken at the possibility of burdening so many other people with my mistakes in the future. But, even in such situation, my eyes were searching for the man I love.

"The Duchess became disillusioned with her position and engaged in a number of immoral acts, as well as making an attempt to harm the future Archduke of the Frostmourne Empire. So I, Kendrick Fa Luda, with the permission of the emperor, punish her to be beheaded." The calm eerie voice announced my fate.

Everyone went silent and with a sigh, I closed my eyes with a look of regret on my face. Everything has come to an end for me at this point. The story of my life which should be full of love, turned into one of remorse, and suffering, among other things.

A black sack was placed over my head, and they pinned my neck down and forced me to kneel on the ground. As I felt the tightness around my neck and the hard texture of the wood, my heart beat ran wildly and whole body started shaking. Even though I have given up living, its another matter to be calm even in face of death. I closed my eyes and constricted my body and clenched my hands tightly as the wooden board which had a blade at its end fell with a swift motion slicing into my neck and separating my head from the rest of my body.

"Thud"

The skull landed on to the wooden platform and rolled away as the body slumped down ending her life.

"As if I care anymore," I said to myself inside the head. If it had happened in the past, I would have gotten out of there as soon as I heard the news. However, I have come to despise him.

Every ounce of ill will I have in my heart is due to that individual. If I hadn't fallen in love with him, I would not have been transformed into a villainous figure despised by everyone.

"I've only just gotten out of bed, so I'd want to take a bath first, then have breakfast, and then I'll be ready to meet the Duke. Tell to Duke that he can wait, or that he can leave a message and I'll get back to him later ." I said this while stroking my body.

I still wished to be in touch with my younger self. I have no want to hear his terrible words immediately following my resuscitation from the dead.

The Lady in waiting was completely taken aback by my response; she was the head lady in waiting for the Duke and she was treated with the utmost respect by everyone.

Even Melinda had been doing so until yesterday. So, what transpired after that? 'Did the women had gone crazier now? Since when has she refused to meet with the Duke?' 'Normally, she is the one that demands a meeting at the earliest opportunity. She simply attempts to figure out what is causing it. 'Is she planning something new this time?' I wonder.

Eventually, the lady in waiting stood up straight and fixed her attention on the woman known as their Duchess.

There is something changed about her, despite the fact that she appears to be the same as before. 'Her eyes has a glint in them, or is it all in her head?' I thought.

"Can you tell me if there's anything else?" I approached the lady, who was still standing there like a statue, and questioned her. She is one of the persons who has the most dislike for me.

She had never missed a single opportunity to remind the others in the room that I was not the genuine duchess, that I was not Lady Elizabeth, the mother of the future Duke Kendrick, and that I was not the real duchess.

I used to just let things go and not point the finger at this lady. I was overwhelmed with resentment and envy towards others. I had to be blind to not notice her ruses to make me enraged every time I was in the presence of Bennard.

But I didn't give a damn about anything anymore. Elizabeth was no longer someone I wanted to be. "Can you tell me what it is?" I posed the same question to the lady who was still standing there like a statue.

"It's nothing, my lady," the lady in waiting answered, her head bowed down slightly.

"Then you may retire," I instructed her, and she bowed one last time before turning around to exit the room.

"Ask Lina to enter the room." I added as she was about to leave the room and stretched my stiff muscles, which I would have never done in the past.

While looking around the room, I commented to myself, "How ridiculous was I in the past." As there has been no change in this room.

I observed that the carpet was embroidered with a silver sword as I opened the white drapes on my bed. I also saw a full-length mirror with the same symbol engraved in silver around the edge.

Despite the fact that I have previously confirmed it. It seemed odd, yet somewhat comfortable. After getting out of bed, I surveyed my surroundings.

I walked up to the window and drew the white curtains. When I gazed out of the window at the individual, I stiffened.

'How did this happen?' I'm not even sure why he's still here. Didn't I tell him I wouldn't meet him? Why doesn't he go to his garden if he wants to go for a walk? After all, his garden is twice as big as mine. '

Then, as if feeling my sight on him, he looked at where I was standing. 'How could I forget his keen perceptions?' I chided myself as I closed my eyes and leaned against the wall.

I took a deep breath and moved closer to the silver mirror that glistened in the sunlight. My dark hair was curled behind my ears, and my green eyes returned my stare.

It was, without a doubt, me. Though I no longer have photographic images of myself from when I was younger, my eyes, facial emotions, and physical appearance are slightly different from what I remember about myself in my recollection. It appears like I am as young as I was when I was 25 or 26.

"Good Morning, My Lady. You called me? "

"Lina?"

I was broken out of my reverie as Lina called out for me. I continued to stare at the brown-haired girl. It was wonderful to see her again. When I was arrested and transported to prison. She was also arrested and executed at the time.

She was held responsible for assisting me in my scams. I tried to persuade them that she was innocent, but who would believe a prisoner?

I couldn't say anything as I stared at her with teary eyes.

"I understand that getting up early in the morning is difficult for you, my lady. But I couldn't say no to the Archduke's lady in waiting. I apologise for my mistake. You may punish me as you see fit. " Lina spoke and bowed herself more.

Her shivering was palpable. She must have been startled by my silence. Have I started punishing her as well?

In the past, I used to vent my frustrations on the maids. Lina has been my maid since I was a child and even when my status was elevated to the Frostmourne Empire's duchess.

In my first year of service, I spent all of my time whining about the things I had to put up with.

Their actions and attire reflect my harsh treatment of my serving crew. She must be certain, based on her shivering, that I will punish her severely.

I truly lived up to my reputation as a villain. Everyone on staff expects to be chastised right away if they make a tiny error. I even chastised the employees for appearing to be a little too attractive. I think they will attract Bennard's attention.

I was filled with envy and jealousy. Now that I think about it, It's all his fault. It would have been much better if I had never loved him. I would never have turned into a villain.

I hereby pledge in this lifetime that I will never associate with him again.

"Your highness," she said, her voice quivering.

I sighed; it appears like I'll have to put in more effort than I anticipated.

"Yes. I'd like to take a bath, Lina. Make preparations for it. " I responded as softly as I could.

I believe I will need to practise it as well.

I saw her there, still trembling like a leaf in a storm. 'Did I ask for something wrong?' I wondered, tilting my head in bewilderment.

"Please accept my apologies, my lady." My brows wrinkled as she responded once again. 'Which of my words made it appear like I needed an apology?'

"It's all right. You may now depart. " I tried to be gentle once more. She was, however, suspicious. It appears that she believes I am putting her to the test and thinks I'll punish her much more if she does go. In defeat, I closed my eyes. Is there truly such a thing as a second chance or is God punishing me? "Lina," I cried, "I'm taking a bath"

"Ah, sure, your highness, please accept my apology for my indolence." She bowed and scurried away with that.

I thought to myself as I watched her go, "Would she be more suspicious if I behaved kindly to her now?"

When I was alone, I returned to the mirror and noticed that my skin had returned to its former state of fairness and softness. But I could still sense the filth all around me.

My final days were spent in an underground prison. Nothing except darkness and grime could be seen.

Despite being clean, I still feel unclean after thinking about the place. I need a long, wonderful bath to restore my spirits. I touched my ear, as though to make sure it was still there.

'I'd want to stay in the garden longer to feel the sun on my skin again,' I decided.

As I made the decision and was humming slowly, I heard the door being opened.

When I turned around, I found Norma, my other maid, standing on the floor, looking wide-eyed at me. Our gazes met and at that instant, she rapidly bent her head. It's as though my sight will set fire to her.

To be honest, it's starting to irritate me. It's more difficult to be decent when everyone around you is so skeptical about your every move.

See, she is as motionless as a statue kneeling on the chilly ground. Her memory has clearly failed her where she is.

"Norma"

She flinched and stammered when she heard my voice. "Yes, your highness, please accept my apologies."

See, she's still sitting there, as if she hadn't noticed. My youngest maid is Norma. When I first arrived, she was quite active and chirpy.

But my mockery and harsh remarks had an effect on her. She is now the most terrified of them all. Lina must have informed her of my behavior, since she seemed to be in a stupor.

But if I offered assistance, she would be even more terrified.

For God's sake! " How complicated things have become.