THE VILLAINESS ENDING IS YOUR CHOICE

There was a girl whose complete shut-in and otaku- for all sorts of kind in entertainments when it comes into anime, manga/manhwa/ webtoon, games, drama, novels, and so.

Yet, unfortunately the bombing attacked killed her while dining in a high-end restaurant.

That how was my previous life go and goes in a blinked of an eye.

I do not have any idea how long it has been since those memories rushed in my mind without a warning.

I stared at the familiar reflection in a mirror, blinking for many times, a youth looking sixteenth years old with messy long black hair, crimson pair of eyes looking swollen from all night crying, an average beautiful haggard face and this worn out red colored old dress.

It reminded me.

I'm certainly the lady of an impecunious household named Maria Ebillish, another bastard daughter of Lord Hellethe.

I feel like swallowing hard against the knot in my falling stomach when a harsh realization slapped me.

Due to the fact that this reality I live in are just my own fictitious novel created. Such with another title "Priestess Lover's Diary", it is a romantic story set in the fantasy world and look like Victorian Era where nobility and royalties are important role in the society.

The protagonist is a beautiful, kind hearted commoner who has majestic power which made her to study at the Mahika Academia.

After that, she fell in love with the beautiful Crown Prince.

They struggle side by side and become a very powerful couple in Misterilia's kingdom.

On the other hand, those people who opposed them were punished severely, for example a villainess character under the name of mine.

I, Maria, am one of the chosen villains who harassed and trampled the heroine's face.

As believed to love the crown prince tenderly and had done many evil deeds of nature.

She was kicked out of the school, then abandoned by her family.

For her punishment, she is ordered to marry the cold-hearted and a black belly young man-Duke of Slendlock, the only person who has burned her alive to death.

Which is me–notheneless!

No way!

As far I could remember, I am that too much.

I met this heroine a lot and I had no memory of bullying her.

Perhaps I admonished her when it came to the welfare of the crown prince, and yet I was utterly humiliated at the ball.

Those people charged me with the threatening and plotting to kill the female protagonist for the sake of proclaiming unrequited love and a grave crime of stealing the crown prince Heart crest.

Thereafter, I was abandoned by my family after hearing the scandal news.

Our household loses face to the Nobility and His Emperial Majesty Ru Shang of Misterilia condemned me with a noble cause to be exiled but Her Majesty the Empress suggested another idea.

It's a proposal to marry the infamous duke...

Without any title to hold it is the only option I can have to prevent myself living in a different country or died from starvation in the cold streets of the capital city.

At first, I'm honestly planning to use this Duchy governor for my insurance, until today, the sudden thunder from a clear sky changed all of my uncalled thoughts.

Solemnly, I wonder maybe if these memories are more triggered earlier in my younger years, there is the possibility of changing the path of this character.

Then I'm not dropped to this position.

But it's too late for crying about spilled milk.

I used to be modern female and an aristocrat at Earl's house now.

I know this wouldn't be easy at the start, but there is no way I will let myself to die or be bullied by what I just created.

Shameless woman!

You wretch lady!

A villainess!

The witch!

Whore!

Crazy!

Fool!

All these insulting words resounded in my mind.

Noble ladies, noblemen, the heroine, the crown prince, all the royal family, and the mob characters will have to pay a high-end check for retribution from 'Me' the creator of this novel.

Just wait.

One day, they will kneel before me like peasants

As for now, let's go with the flow of the water.

I have been here for a week and because of humiliation and sorrow.

I locked myself in this guest room.

Look, a mini living room is set there, the writing desk with tall shelves of books behind, and also the august bed right there with a lovely canopy attached.

To say things briefly, the entire room is greatly decorated with all kinds of luxurious things from the smallest to the largest.

It's quite too fancy. Too sophisticated.

The Ebillish family is not an affluent family, our nobility is three meters below ground.

All I had was a small room with important things like books, papers and training materials for my magic.

Seeing the large space right now and with my memories of previous life living in the crappy box apartment

I feel like my heartbeats filled with excitement bubbling up inside, so without warning my feet move and jumped me onto the bed.

It is real, it is soft.

I should be grateful with this.

By the time I came to my senses, my eyes looked heavy.

I almost forgot in a week, I hid and cried inside this unfamiliar room.

Ah. Here we go again.

The sensation of the sting and pain was mounting in my chest.

No, I slapped my face with both hands and sounded fierce.

I don't have time to feel bad.

Time of turning the page and let's move on.

After dressing up myself with aesthetic red gown and simply braided my hair with little ornaments.

I've decided to leave the room with a little confidence.

Once the door opened, I was greeted by a quiet hallway.

No one is around as I have continued to wander my feet leaping down the stairs.

The interior of this house was beautifully designed and fulfilled the expectations of my home for a nobleman as in the historical drama I had seen before.

Every imposing curtain is tightly closed, making the house dark and gloomy.

Walking around this place, I started thinking that it was like a serial killer was living here.

Ah, really, modern-day memories are slowly shifting me back.

" Lady Maria, you are at last ready to leave your room."

I abruptly stopped. Now, looking at the handsome young man with striking long and white hair that was neatly tied behind his head with a stern expression as he walked forward.

This is the principal butler, Nickelsi Wardrobelin.

I knew in the past few days I had this hateful attitude toward the servants. I kept shunning everyone, and, well, who didn't hear the unscrupulous-villainess-reputation of mine spreading like wildfire all over the empire.

I guess they heard it, and everyone else hates me now.

Then started gossiping from here and there.

" Lady Maria, you're a fallen noble and were helplessly thrown out here like trash. I know I'm merely a servant to say this, but you're becoming a handful and ungrateful for doing this to the servants every day. Some fallen nobles don't have a chance to pick themselves up once they're abandoned by their household and the high society, yet you are able to have the decree of her Majesty the Empress. Therefore, you must not be broken-hearted and happily accept it." His stern tone suddenly felt dull to me.

"Today, His Grace is coming back from the long journey to the capital. I wish Lady Maria could understand this situation, and soon please stop the unladylike attitude. One must face the consequences of their actions."

"Is that so?" I whispered, staring back at him.

Hearing his every word is like their needles pricking my chest, mostly the part where he said just to accept it.

What?

Accept this happily like a fool?

Who's becoming ungrateful?

Me? Are my actions something really bad to the point you would say those words and give me such a hard stare?

I don't know whether to laugh or cry as my hands are feeling itchy to slap the people out here and there in the capital city.

Let alone that number one beloved heroine whom I had made for this world.

"Well then. Let me know how to greet His Grace. . ." Nickelsi seemed taken aback by what I said to him. Though it's still not the end of my words when the pale red lips curved upward into a faint smile.

"...And you said something? Like that, I must be grateful to her Majesty the Empress for giving me this chance of restoring my nobility by marrying the Duke of Slendlock? Oh, Dear. Don't make me laugh for such a pathetic excuse. "I caught the flash of slight ire in his eyes.

After saying those insensitive words, you dared not to get back with? This character met some expectations, but

not his personality.

That's different than my novel.

As the right-hand of the infamous Duke, you're supposed to be more secretive than what you are having with me.

"I have offended Lady María. Forgive the words of this humble servant. " I notice the shifting of his tone, and there's no sincerity at all.

Heh.

"As long as you know your mistakes. I think it is preferable to pay attention to your words in the first place. This will prevent any problems in the future."

" I understand. " He bowed curtly and tried so hard not to retort back.

If you understand, never mistreat this aunt because she's known as the evil one!

I won't let anyone decide what my life is going to be, even if it's the heavens from above.

"Now, why don't you show me where the kitchen is?"

"Kitchen?"

"You see, I'm starving."

The butler was a bit speechless and shockingly silent while he stared at me with disbelief.

There is nothing wrong with my words, right?

He began to lead the way and inquired as to whether servants were going to my chamber to deliver the morning meal and suppers.

I shook my head.

His feelings seem to change effectively to disturbance and unpretentious indignation.

After the long strolls, we at least have arrived at the Dining Room.

Although I was able to reclaim my prior life memories, the novel portions are fuzzy and blurry.

I couldn't remember some of the scenes.

It is just there something missing, something is blank on the line.

Later, I must take notes about this Novel World.

" Please, wait here for a while. We'll prepare the food right away." I nodded without looking back, and then Nickelsi excused himself.

An hour had already already passed where I was walking around the room like a curious cat examining every detail.

As expected for the infamous Duke Mansion, there many expensive and beautiful paintings decorated in this room.

I wonder if Duke wouldn't mind if I steal one or two things here.

They will surely sell it at the market, for example, this well-crafted vase I'm touching.

Lady Maria, forgive us to make you wait for too long. " Nickelsi finally here with the number of maids tailing him behind.

They're carrying the food in silence.

At first glance, they look like obedient servants, but when you stare at them closely, you can tell from their stiff shoulders and forceful movements that they hated what they're doing right now.

Is the thing that they should say?

Oh. Poor servants! No choice but to serve the villainess!

I ignored their visible antipathy for me as I sat in my chosen chair at the end of the table.

Once they're done placing down every dish, my mouth was left agape for seconds.

Too much.

It's too much for one person!

Wasteful!

What are these people thinking?

Am I looking like a pig in their eyes?

My body isn't that skinny either.

"Is there something wrong, Lady Maria?"

I felt the veins on my forehead were throbbing, and the brain cells were spinning with oblivious concerns.

" This is too much." I began slowly.

" What do you mean, Lady Maria?"

" The portions are a bit too much as what I usually have back in my room."

Nickelsi seemed to understand as he started his explanation calmly.

" Lady Maria, when you're insisting on not going outside and locking yourself inside your room. We lessen the normal portions, but since Lady Maria decided to come out and then eat here. Therefore, we must provide you with the traditional household dining portions to follow the rules. "

"How about sitting with me," I asked a bit hesitantly.

As I said earlier, my head was spinning. Well then after hearing the explanation, my brain cells feel exhausted.

Rules? Normal? Is this the thing that they call normal dining?

I know, this is a duke household to begin with, but for goodness sake, this kind of portion is all you can eat buffet ah!

"Pardon?"

" I said have a seat and dine with me." At once, they intake breath from each of them.

" Lady Maria, servants cannot dine with the Master's guests, and you are not even a simple guest but His Grace's future wife."

" I'm already a fallen noble and now merely sheltering in this household. So please, dine with me as I cannot eat all of this by myself." I am not a heavy eater when it comes to eating anyway.

Also, I don't want to become a wasteful person.

Out there, a lot of people are hungry every second, and here I am, served with portions enough for ten people.

Nickelsi slightly bowed again from his spot and spoke seriously.

"I wish you enjoy your meal, Lady Maria, and please don't mind us, the servants."

"But..." I glanced at each of them and their avoiding expressions talked about what they wanted to say, ' Don't drag us down and make us lose our jobs', as they looked down at the floor.

The dislike for me is crystal clear without any exceptions.

I didn't pursue them anymore, and once again my sight landed at the set of blank chairs within this long table.

Isn't it a bit lonely to eat all of this by yourself? I'm only used to eating alone but not in this kind of setup.

It saddened me deep inside, and to prevent myself from tearing up, I forcefully began eating the dishes presented to me.

It is delicious...

Even so, realizing you're all alone at this table while the servants bowed their heads down.

All of the foods become tasteless and bland.

As I started to ask myself mentally if I'm eating for the sake of filling this stomach or for the sake of not wanting to waste any food.

Afterward, I head back to my room to have a refreshing bath from feeling bad when I didn't eat all of them.

After lamenting the autumn and spring, my confidence comes back as well as clear possible ideas to avoid my bad ending.

Based on their reactions to me earlier, they dislike my existence here, which is a good thing.

Then I can leave the house without any pressure on my back.

The more they hate me, the more they will chase me out.

Good. Good. Very good!

Because of this, Auntie has decided to live her normal life in another country!

Exile? No problem. I'll travel the world of seven seas!

Ah. My previous lifelong dream is here.

My heart was fluttering in a fit of burst with excitement and aspiration. In this world, no need for a passport or any ID for traveling.

Isn't that a good opportunity?

For the matter of those people in the capital. Once I made myself a stronger individual, kicking out their faces to the ground someday would be a piece of cake.

For this moment, step one is important to avoid my death scenario!

"Lady Maria, His Grace has finally returned."

Oh. Perfect!

Just in time to meet the herald of my future death!

There was one thing I was entirely sure with that person standing near the entranceway is my future killer.

One and only, the Duke of Slendlock, Jafferi Solgrace, a dignified character who never shows his real feelings to anyone other than the female protagonist when he fell in love with her, which lead to my gruesome death.

In thinking about burning a living flesh under the clear sky, I cannot help but furrow my brows and frown.

The Duke noticed me at once as our eyes met.

As what was written in my description for him is not far from the reality as he has this long silken, fiery crimson hair and a pair of cold-blooded golden eyes with an apathetic expression on his transcendental face.

He could swoon anyone to their feet with one look.

I never expected to see this cannon fodder character in a real human version, but, honestly, he is one hell of a gorgeous Duke.

In his imposing, pristine, modern black and white theme clothes, you could feel the power and authority around him.

He is every inch of my favorite listed fictional crushes in my previous life, and every female's formidable husband's type.

But he was the character who would burn me alive someday, and I never dream of being killed by my characters in this fictional novel.

Such a way to die an author!

Do you think that's absurd and shameless!

Although they're alive here in this reality and breathing every day.

It is a matter of time to reach the end of this world, and maybe, perhaps my life would already be at someone else's mercy.

"Your Grace, welcome back." I bow my head only half in proper courtesy, but also to hide the faint smirked drawing on my lips.

If I am right, this Duke will ignore me as of the first meeting plot scenario.

Then, this Maria character is going to chase him, pestering him every day to marry her so that she could restore her nobility.

She is a struggling character just to keep her peers alive.

"Leave"

Surprising by hearing the unfamiliar cold tone, I found myself lifting my head to look at the Duke.

He was staring down, and at first look, his disinterested eyes filled with nothing, and yet if you observed closely, you can remark the dislike there for me.

I cannot deny that I trembled a little as he walked past my stunned figure.

Somehow, at sudden movements, fear overwhelmed me as the only thought that came to my mind was he was going to burn me on the spot.

"Lady Maria the Duke...."

Nickelsi comforting words seemed to disappear in the background, and I don't care what he was saying anymore.

I'm in the middle of backing up myself from such a dreadful moment.

No one ever scared the hell out of me, even my favorite creepypasta in my first life, and yet this Duke managed to get on my nerves.

What the heck!

Damn.

Is this because I am afraid to die!?