The sound of applause echoed in her ears. Ayumi blinked, confused, finding herself in a grand hall illuminated by crystal chandeliers. The walls were draped with golden tapestries, and every gaze was fixed upon her.
— "Your Grace, Duchess Celestine d'Arnoir."
The master of ceremonies announced her name with solemnity. Ayumi choked. Celestine? Wasn't that the name of the villainess from the romance novel she had spent countless nights reading?
Her body trembled. She approached a decorated mirror and saw reflected a young woman with silver hair, ruby eyes, and a luxurious red gown. An imposing… and terrifying beauty.
"No way… I died… and now I'm in the body of the villainess?"
The memories of her past life tangled with those of her new identity. Celestine — hated by all. Celestine — destined to plot against the heroine. Celestine — executed publicly at the age of twenty-three.
Ayumi's heart pounded.
— "This is a nightmare," she whispered, but the sweet yet cold voice that escaped her lips sounded like that of an arrogant noblewoman.
Suddenly, a young woman with golden-brown hair and a gentle smile approached. It was Emilia — the heroine of the story. The villainess's fate began there.
— "Duchess Celestine… I hope we can get along," Emilia said, extending her hand with innocence.
Ayumi hesitated. The entire hall watched her. If she refused, she would confirm her reputation as a cruel villainess. If she accepted… could she change the course of the story?
With a tense smile, she took the heroine's hand.
— "Of course, Lady Emilia. May we… understand each other."
A murmur of surprise rippled through the hall. It was not the response they expected from the most hated woman of the court.
Then, from the back of the room, Ayumi felt the icy gaze of the crown prince, Leonhardt. His piercing blue eyes were filled with suspicion.
At that moment, Ayumi understood: a single misstep could lead her to the same tragic fate as the original Celestine.
But she wasn't willing to die again.
— "If I'm the villainess of this story… then I'll rewrite it."
The hall fell silent as Leonhardt began walking toward her. The villainess's destiny had begun to move.