- 10 hours ago
[DUBBED] Villainess No More, She Writes Her Own Story
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Short filmTranscript
00:30Lydia Tucker rushes into my room at the Marlowe residence.
00:32Miss Marlowe, I saw Clara wearing your dress.
00:35Lydia's face is flushed with rage.
00:37The moment I wake up, I realize I am back at this moment.
00:39Lydia is fuming again and ready to face Clara.
00:42In the past, I would smash my cup, have Clara beaten, and ensure she suffered in this house forever.
00:47But now, my hand shakes as I hold it.
00:50Damn it!
00:50I never thought I'd fear a maid.
00:52She must be some story's heroine.
00:54I only realized this after dying twice.
00:56She's born to win and destined for the top, returning stronger every time.
01:00In just a few minutes, Dad arrives with Prince Adrian.
01:03Cold sweat beads on my forehead.
01:04I call for Lilywood at once.
01:06Hurry, bring Clara here now!
01:08If we cross her again, the Marlowe family is finished once she and Adrian take the throne.
01:12By now, Clara and Julian have met and fallen in love at first sight.
01:15In my previous life, I cannot control my temper.
01:17I have Clara beaten in public.
01:19It makes Adrian despise me.
01:21Though he still pretends to care, he secretly makes promises to Clara.
01:24No wonder my schemes failed in my past lives.
01:26Everything backfired on me.
01:28My reputation was ruined, and everyone hated me.
01:30In the end, I lost everything, and died miserably.
01:33Forget it.
01:34It's my own fault.
01:35I was blinded by Adrian's looks.
01:36I lacked talent and beauty, and I offended Clara.
01:39The sun is blazing.
01:40The Marlowe residence is buzzing.
01:42Dad holds this banquet for my debut to secure the marriage.
01:45He bought me a gown from Somara.
01:46They say it flows with every step, as if floating on a breeze.
01:49But in both past lives, I never get to wear it.
01:51Back then, when Dad brought Adrian, I was busy humiliating Clara.
01:54Looking back, I was so wrong.
01:56Thankfully, it's not too late.
01:58Clara is dragged in and forced to kneel.
02:00This is my third life.
02:01I finally learned my lesson.
02:02I don't have Clara punished.
02:03I simply listen as she explains that it was not intentional.
02:06The tea slowly cools.
02:07Sunlight slants across the dial.
02:08Time slips away.
02:09Clara really is beautiful.
02:11She has a stubborn look in her eyes.
02:12Lydia asks her why she wore it, yet Clara refuses to beg for mercy.
02:15She stands like a fragile blossom, glowing in the spring light.
02:18Young, and longing for love.
02:19I've read enough novels to know this.
02:21It is my own reckless ignorance that keeps me from ever asking why Adrian would love someone
02:25like me.
02:26I foolishly think that without Clara, he'll finally choose me.
02:29I'm stupid.
02:30So stupid.
02:31Lydia waits for my order to strike.
02:32But to everyone's shock, I help Clara to her feet.
02:35I even hand her the emerald gown.
02:37Clara is so thoughtful.
02:39She knew it would not fit me, so she tried it on to check.
02:41Just then, a staff informs me that Adrian and Dad have arrived.
02:44I timed this perfectly.
02:46So Adrian sees me being kind to her.
02:48Dad looks stunned.
02:49His spoiled, headstrong daughter is suddenly being kind to a maid.
02:52He looks completely thrown off.
02:54Clearly not expecting this.
02:55Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a flicker of disappointment on Adrian's face.
02:59But he is careful.
02:59It vanishes in an instant.
03:01Adrian hates me, yet he still fakes it.
03:03He whispers,
03:04Eleanor, you are always so kind.
03:06Even so, his eyes drift back to Clara.
03:08In my last life, I begged Dad to make sure Adrian saw me in my gown first.
03:12I wanted to surprise him.
03:14I wanted him to see my joy and excitement.
03:15So Dad brought him to the parlor and left us alone.
03:18But now, the banquet is starting.
03:20And Clara is wearing my gown.
03:22Fate is already shifting.
03:23None of it was ever mine.
03:25It was decided from the start.
03:26Since Clara has the gown, I have Lydia bring a simple dress.
03:29I look in the mirror.
03:30I look plump.
03:31My makeup's too bold.
03:32Rich living has filled me out.
03:34The compliments I once believed now sound like poison wrapped in sugar.
03:38I can't help glancing at Clara.
03:39Do you think I'm pretty?
03:41I ask.
03:41She gives a faint smile.
03:42There's restraint in her eyes.
03:44True beauty comes from within.
03:45You're kind.
03:46That makes you beautiful.
03:47She pauses.
03:48Then adds firmly.
03:49I did wear your dress.
03:50I won't make excuses.
03:51Thank you for your kindness.
03:53Clara's answer is flawless.
03:54She flatters me sincerely, yet also puts me down.
03:57Compared to her, I am ignorant and spoiled.
03:59I'm always barking orders at her.
04:01If I'm honest, it's jealousy.
04:02I'm jealous of how slim and pretty she is.
04:04Even in a maid's uniform, she still outshines me whenever she stands by my side.
04:08Every time I see her, I forget my mom's advice about grace and poise.
04:11Instead, I chase after fancy dresses and glittering jewels.
04:14Today, I finally take her hand and speak to her softly.
04:17Clara, that dress really suits you.
04:19A breeze drifts through the yard.
04:21The air feels alive.
04:22Clara's beautiful eyes shine, but with a calculating glint.
04:26At the banquet, everyone knows this birthday is just a cover for the engagement.
04:29King Edward Pierce smiles at me.
04:32Eleanor, forget that I'm king today.
04:34I'm just your uncle.
04:34You've liked Adrian since childhood.
04:36So why don't I make it official and have you engage to him?
04:39No one expects me to turn him down firmly and decisively without a moment's hesitation.
04:42It feels like I never loved him at all.
04:44Mom thinks I am refusing out of spite, so she rushes in to smooth things over.
04:48Eleanor is just shy.
04:49But I shake my head and refuse firmly.
04:52Your majesty, it isn't Adrian I've loved all along.
04:54It's Eric.
04:55Please let me marry him.
04:57Dad's knees almost give out when he hears what I say.
04:59Eric Pierce is the most infamous playboy in Jorland.
05:01He takes nothing seriously.
05:03He only cares about having fun.
05:04He's the cautionary tale parents tell their kids.
05:06Most families want nothing to do with him.
05:08Eric's marriage is a headache for the king.
05:10It's true.
05:10If Eric marries a powerful heiress, her family may resent the king for it.
05:14But if he marries a foreign princess, it could spark a rebellion.
05:17I don't actually want to marry Eric.
05:18But he's the one choice the king can't easily refuse.
05:21And he's the one man who can keep my family safe.
05:24The king has two sons.
05:25Adrian, the consort's son, is heir.
05:27While Eric, the queen's son, is spoiled.
05:29Plenty of women fight to marry Adrian, but no one would ever choose to marry a playboy like Eric.
05:33After I speak, all eyes turn to Eric.
05:35He is busy sipping his drink.
05:37When he hears I want to marry him, he practically jumps up.
05:39What?
05:40You want to marry a playboy like me?
05:42I shoot him a look that says, do you think I have a choice?
05:44Then I smile sweetly.
05:46I do.
05:47I want to marry you.
05:48I really do.
05:48Eric's surprisingly easy to fluster.
05:50He stares at me with wide eyes and blinks a few times.
05:53He even stumbles over his words.
05:55Then I'll marry you.
05:56Queen Melissa Langley's voice trembles.
05:58Your majesty.
05:59Your majesty.
06:00You must consider Eric's marriage.
06:01I ignore Adrian the entire time.
06:03As the sun sets and the guests drift away, Adrian finally approaches me.
06:07I used to blush with joy just by looking at him.
06:09But today, before he can speak, I turn and walk away.
06:12He grabs my sleeve.
06:13His cold voice hints at panic.
06:15Eleanor, you gave me that wallet and said we'd be together forever.
06:18Was that all a lie?
06:19I look at his icy face and remember how he looks at Clara.
06:22It is a tenderness and devotion he has never shown me.
06:25My first life was naive.
06:26My second was bitter.
06:28That is why Adrian never loved me.
06:30The second I see him, I see soldiers storming my home.
06:33I don't know if my parents blame me.
06:34But even at the very end, they surely wondered if I was scared when I drank that poison.
06:41Now, I cannot even look at him, much less cling to him.
06:44Adrian feels like death itself.
06:46I run away from him, as if trying to outrun fate.
06:48Prince Adrian, someone better is waiting for you.
06:51I remember how Clara turned on me after my last engagement to him.
06:55At every poetry event, I stole her work as my own, just to get noticed and impress Adrian.
07:00But once the engagement was set, Clara exposed me in public.
07:03She knelt, clutching her wounds.
07:05I'm not afraid to die.
07:07You may be a noble lady, but you cannot humiliate me.
07:09Today, I will end it all here.
07:11I hope God sees my talent and knows my suffering.
07:14I hope Eleanor is punished.
07:16May she never have a happy ending in all her three lifetimes.
07:18Of course it came true.
07:20Adrian defends Clara and says the wedding is near.
07:22He tells me to avoid scandal and treat her well.
07:24As the Marlow heiress, I am a disgrace.
07:26If even a maid sees me as plain and unworthy of Adrian.
07:29But who could compete with Clara?
07:31She's been an orphan since childhood.
07:32But she's smart and gifted in literature and medicine.
07:35Her rise began by saving a duchess.
07:37People romanticize her love story with Adrian.
07:38She endured my bullying in silence.
07:40I thought I drove her out, but Adrian hid her in a villa where she became his secret advisor.
07:45In their story, I'm the foolish, vicious villain everyone despises.
07:49Even my death would seem deserved.
07:51Forget it.
07:52This time, I'll prepare for the poetry event.
07:54I'll do everything I can for my family.
07:56I have Lydia hire three tutors.
07:57Mom thinks I've lost my mind and tries to drag me to church.
08:00I quit sweets and meat and tell the kitchen to keep the meals light and plain.
08:04Dad thinks something's wrong with me, so he summons the royal doctor.
08:08They try to talk me out of it.
08:09Sweetheart, if you are possessed, blink twice.
08:13I'm speechless.
08:14I never cared for my studies before.
08:15Choosing Eric must seem out of character.
08:17I can't blame them for thinking this is just spite over Adrian.
08:20After all, Eric and I have barely spoken.
08:22I used to look down on him and thought he wasn't as handsome as Adrian.
08:25But he's the only man who never falls for Clara.
08:28I remember Adrian kept making excuses to hide Clara away in that villa.
08:31I pushed her until she wanted to die.
08:33She was like a fading flower, fragile and broken.
08:36Eventually, she gained her freedom and began traveling as a healer.
08:38On the road, she saved a young man.
08:40That young man isn't some nobody.
08:42He's Paul Holden, a formidable general and the Marquess's heir.
08:45He once routed the enemy in victory.
08:47But he isn't the biggest name who falls for Clara.
08:49Dylan Jones, the Duke's only son, falls for her at first sight.
08:53And the Kingswell Vale heir protects her secretly.
08:55I never imagined a maid like Clara could hold such power in Yorland.
08:58In my past lives, I was arrogant enough to believe a single word from me could have her killed.
09:03Indeed, even after Adrian makes her consort, I still see her as beneath me.
09:07Nowhere near my league.
09:08I naively believe that without her, Adrian will return to me.
09:11So I provoke her openly and frame her.
09:13Jealousy nearly drives me mad.
09:14Yet she remains calm and composed, as if nothing can shake her.
09:17She's poised and elegant, like snow resting on the eaves.
09:20No matter my insults or my schemes, she remains unscathed and untouchable.
09:24Everyone loves her and hates me.
09:26Adrian leaves me to rot in a deserted wing.
09:28Dylan accuses my family of crimes.
09:30Hall has my parents executed in public.
09:32And the Kingswell Vale heir personally prepares my poison.
09:34It burns bitter down my throat, keeping me conscious as I fade.
09:38In the end, I bled out and died.
09:40I remember my blood draining away.
09:41In the end, I finally understand I can never beat Clara, because I am the villain here.
09:46When I see her, I can't help but feel jealous.
09:48All I want is to destroy her.
09:50I won't let a maid outshine me.
09:51Every decent man loves her and hates me.
09:53In my first life, I was too foolish.
09:55In my second, I fought out of spite.
09:57We clash again and again.
09:58No matter what I try, it always ends the same way.
10:00In the end, I die from poison.
10:02On the day I die, Clara wears the coronation gown.
10:05She looks down at me and says,
10:07Eleanor, I was never competing with you.
10:08Yes, I wore your dress.
10:10But people love pretty things.
10:12I even knelt and begged you.
10:14You were just too cruel to listen.
10:16You kept coming after me, and you're still ugly, no matter what you wear.
10:19As a woman, I almost pity you.
10:21Eleanor, be less vicious in your next life.
10:23In every life, it comes down to the same thing.
10:27I hate that she wore my dress.
10:29It's late spring, the sky is bright, and the lake is clear.
10:32The perfect season for meeting.
10:33Mom loves poetry gatherings.
10:35She was once one of Jorland's top talents.
10:37Then, she married Dad, who is lazy and useless.
10:40Dad picked the right side.
10:42He is loyal to the king and stays out of political factions.
10:44When he was young, he was the heir to a count.
10:47Everyone spoiled him.
10:48One day, he lost a cricket bet to the king and decided the king was the real deal.
10:52Mom once asked him what kind of test that was.
10:54Dad opened the cricket cage.
10:56Mom took one look and saw three dead crickets, and the fourth was barely hanging on.
11:01If the king kept crickets strong, he would care about his people too.
11:03If he could win with crickets, he could win with people.
11:05After the king took the throne, the country stabilized and the economy recovered.
11:08Dad was appointed chancellor, but he never cared for the title.
11:10He skipped meetings, stayed out of politics, went fishing, and enjoyed himself.
11:14It wasn't some clever strategy to avoid suspicion.
11:16He once tried reading a military strategy book.
11:18He fell asleep by page 13.
11:19He is just lazy.
11:20The king understands that anyone might turn on him, but Dad never would.
11:24Dad genuinely believes that an extra second at work is a waste of his life.
11:27It doesn't matter.
11:28I take after him.
11:29In my past lives, I was the same kind of loafer.
11:31A month passes in a blur.
11:32I bury myself in books.
11:34Every day, I study and push myself to lose weight.
11:36Mom says I look slimmer, and my skin looks better.
11:39I barely leave the house.
11:40The gossip in Jorland never stops.
11:42Some say Eric is back to partying.
11:44Others say I only chose him to spite Adrian, and that I'll crawl back to him.
11:48Mom tutors me herself every single day.
11:50When she sees me overworking, her eyes fill with tears.
11:54Eleanor, I'm glad you see beauty as more than just looks.
11:58But we want you healthy and happy.
12:01You get to choose.
12:03Whoever you love or marry will support you.
12:07Don't hurt yourself over Adrian.
12:09Don't push yourself too hard.
12:12I remember dragging Mom into my schemes against Clara.
12:15I deserved to die from poison.
12:17I hold Mom's hand to calm her.
12:18Mom always says a woman's best ornament is her character, and her foundation is independence.
12:24Mom, I finally understand what you meant.
12:27It's not about who I like or who I marry.
12:29Knowledge gives me strength.
12:32No one really knows who wins until the very end.
12:34I recall the poetry event on May 10th.
12:35The Duke's Banquet in mid-May.
12:37Clara, as Adrian's mistress, and becoming a healer.
12:39This time, I won't ruin myself for Adrian.
12:41Once the carriage is ready, Clara walks in.
12:43She looks cold and distant, dressed in dark green.
12:47She sees me and looks surprised.
12:48Ms. Marlowe, you've changed a lot.
12:50Oh, right.
12:51Do you still need poems?
12:52I wrote a few.
12:53They're enough for today's event.
12:54You'll take first place for sure.
12:56It's been a month.
12:57I keep sending her to work in the garden.
12:58I have Lydia watch her every day.
13:00The laws here are strict.
13:02If an indentured servant is killed, there are consequences.
13:05Officials protect their own, but they care about appearances.
13:07In the past, I never feared Clara.
13:10Now, I see my life unraveled the moment she stole my dress.
13:14Lydia says Clara handles supplies, so she goes out every day.
13:17Lydia followed her, but lost her every time.
13:19I'm still too late.
13:20If I can stop her and have the dress altered in time, she won't steal it.
13:24Then, she won't run into Adrian, and they won't fall in love.
13:27Maybe then I won't need Eric to save my family.
13:30Clara, you don't need to come today.
13:31You've lost weight lately, so get some rest.
13:34But Ms. Marlowe, don't you want to see Prince Adrian?
13:36I don't mind being tired.
13:37Clara, we both know you're prettier than I am.
13:40I fear you will steal his gaze.
13:42Clara smiles and hands me a sheet of paper.
13:44Then, I'll wait here for you.
13:45If you want to win, just memorize these poems.
13:48She walks away with total confidence.
13:50In the carriage, I unfold the paper and start laughing.
13:53Lydia has no idea what's going on.
13:55She urges the driver to hurry, then asks,
13:57Ms. Marlowe, what's so funny?
13:59Look, it's an acrostic.
14:01The last word of each line spells it.
14:02Adrian is meeting Clara at three o'clock.
14:04That little bitch.
14:06Lydia is furious.
14:07Ms. Marlowe, I can't stand this.
14:09She's using her looks to seduce Prince Adrian.
14:12Why don't we sell her off or have her beaten?
14:13We can't let her outshine you.
14:15I let out a sigh and say,
14:16Don't be silly.
14:17I wish I'd listened to her and sold Clara off.
14:20But I was so certain she was just a lowly maid.
14:23I thought I could keep her and play.
14:25Now, it's too late.
14:26Adrian likely meets her in secret.
14:28He has probably made many promises and assigned guards to protect her.
14:31Fine.
14:31I'll go along with it.
14:32I tear the paper to pieces and smile.
14:34Do you remember my instructions?
14:36Lydia flashes a sly grin.
14:37Of course.
14:38Don't worry.
14:38I hired smooth-talking maids to shower Clara with praise.
14:41She won't even have to lift a finger.
14:43The carriage keeps moving.
14:45Jorlin looks the same as always.
14:46My thoughts drift elsewhere.
14:48People say those meant for greatness have to endure hardship first.
14:51I wonder if the chosen one can still stay true to herself when everyone starts flattering her.
14:56Scholars gather at Windmere Estate.
14:57Each year, the king scouts for talent at these poetry events.
15:00Anyone can attend, regardless of their background.
15:02I used to attend these just to impress Adrian.
15:04I would recite Clara's poems and bask in the praise.
15:07But today, all anyone notices is that I've lost weight.
15:11People love noble gossip.
15:13Everyone's whispering about my engagement to Eric.
15:15The king has a queen.
15:16But everyone knows his true beloved is Adrian's mother.
15:19A consort.
15:21The king married Melissa only to keep the kingdom stable.
15:23Melissa looks plain.
15:25Without her jewels and fine gowns, she would vanish in a crowd.
15:28Adrian's mother, however, grew up with the king.
15:30She is his childhood sweetheart.
15:32Her family lacks power, but she is beautiful and gifted.
15:35Adrian takes after her.
15:36He has been favored since birth, rising all the way to crown prince.
15:40Eric was born of politics.
15:41He looks ordinary and lacks a talent for ruling.
15:43It feels like he exists only to make Adrian shine brighter.
15:46I was so obsessed with Adrian that marrying anyone else felt like misery.
15:49In my last life, I ignored Eric.
15:51He always stood in the shadows.
15:52I only remembered he existed when he appeared beside Adrian.
15:55Now, because of me, everyone is watching Eric for once.
15:58Lost in thought, I don't see him standing beside me.
16:00Eyes wide, Eric stares at me for a while before poking at my dimple.
16:04Missed Adrian so much that you lost weight?
16:07Even he has heard of those rumors.
16:08Clearly, the king thinks the same, so he still hasn't confirmed our engagement.
16:12Since losing weight, I only put on minimal makeup.
16:14I didn't want the attention.
16:16Even the dress I'm wearing is out of fashion.
16:18This is my chance to clear up the rumors.
16:20Taking Eric's hand, I press closer to him.
16:23Actually, Eric, I've always loved you.
16:25I just felt a little insecure because I'm neither pretty nor smart.
16:28I lost weight for you.
16:29I say evenly, giving him a warm smile.
16:32Eric's ears turn red.
16:33No one has ever told him that they liked him and wanted to marry him.
16:37Blushing, he stammers in disagreement.
16:39Nonsense.
16:40Who says you're not smart?
16:41You're just chubby.
16:42That's cute.
16:43Don't listen to any of them.
16:44In response, I hand him a handkerchief, which has an embroidery of swans on one side
16:48and a pea on the other.
16:50The pea is crooked.
16:52Awkwardly, I say.
16:53My mother just started teaching me embroidery.
16:55I wanted to embroider your full name, but there are too many letters and I'm not skilled enough
16:59for that.
16:59That's why there's only a pea.
17:01Once I get better at sewing, I'll make you a new one.
17:03Eric holds it like a precious treasure.
17:05His eyes are bright.
17:07It's very nice.
17:08Affection fills the air as we talk.
17:09This is the jarring scene that Adrian sees upon his arrival.
17:12Eric and I sit at the head of the table, happily watching the guests exchange poems.
17:16In the past, if I knew Adrian would come, I would be in the middle of that crowd.
17:19But today, I am unusually quiet.
17:22I turn away when Adrian sits beside me and tries to talk to me.
17:25He says softly,
17:26Ellie, you've changed.
17:28You seem different.
17:28His head is lowered.
17:30He is startlingly handsome, like an earthbound angel.
17:34After taking a sip of his tea, he continues.
17:36You're a good poet.
17:37Why don't you share your poems?
17:39That reminds me.
17:40Clara's written him a lot of poems, and I know what to do with them.
17:44For once, I look at him.
17:45He hasn't seen me in ages.
17:47Surprise flashes in his eyes, then quickly fades.
17:49He reaches out to take my hand and leads me over to the crowd.
17:52But I slip away before he can reach me.
17:54In the crowd, I read out Clara's poem loudly.
17:56It is a rather nice poem, every word meaningful and sufficiently poignant.
17:59The last verse, where she describes hope even during the bleakest sunset, is the guest's favorite.
18:05They are just praising my talent when I suddenly announce the truth.
18:08I am not educated enough to compose such a beautiful poem.
18:11This poem was written by my maid, Clara.
18:13She's the one you should be praising.
18:15Many accomplished poets have gathered at Windmere today.
18:17Murmurs ripples through the crowd.
18:19Then, I tell Lydia to bring out the other written poems.
18:21These are all Clara's best poems that I had memorized in my last life.
18:24Now, I realize that only those with true wisdom can see through the essence of human nature.
18:28All these praise and flattery are nothing but meaningless words.
18:32Everyone is talking about Clara.
18:34Some say she is Jorlin's best poet.
18:36At the high table, Adrian looks grim.
18:38He surely knows what the poems imply.
18:40The discussion grows in fervor.
18:41Those who have come from afar declare their trip worthwhile.
18:44Having savored such fine poetry, my plan is working.
18:47I slip into a corner and jot a short poem on paper.
18:50I hand it to Eric.
18:51I hope you don't mind it's not great.
18:53You're the only one who can see this.
18:54He reads it slowly, then smiles at me.
18:56Everyone says you're foolish, clumsy, and overly ambitious.
18:59But today, I see the real you.
19:01I am no poet.
19:02But if you ask me, your poems are great.
19:04In the light, I look at him.
19:06I feel a sense of mutual understanding.
19:09I know the feeling of being eclipsed.
19:11Of being nothing but an afterthought.
19:13Without me, he would still be lost, ignored, unnoticed, and invisible.
19:18I lightly touch his shoulder in comfort.
19:20No one says we must be superheroes to be happy.
19:22Small weeds and giant trees have their own version of happiness.
19:25Eric, you can be your own hero just by being yourself.
19:28Clara is torn over the poetry event.
19:30She is shocked I didn't steal her work, and thrilled by the praise.
19:34Nobles are already lining up to have her teach them poetry.
19:37No one is gossiping about my drama with Adrian anymore.
19:40While at Windmere, I keep my distance from Adrian, avoiding him like the plague.
19:44Everyone finally believes that I actually want Eric.
19:46Everywhere I go, Clara's name is all I hear.
19:50Even my own servants flock to her.
19:51I order them to treat her well.
19:53I support her studies and clubs, so she can make her own friends.
19:56However, I remain cautious.
19:58The king hasn't approved my wedding, so I may still be stuck with Adrian.
20:02I must stay vigilant.
20:04I never thought I would regret the foolish things I did out of my obsession with Adrian.
20:08I must keep going until the truth is undeniable.
20:11Especially to the king.
20:12Afternoon arrives.
20:13The spies Lydia set on Clara have vanished, just as I expected.
20:17Hidden guards protect Clara in my home.
20:19In my last life, I only found them when I tried to kill her.
20:22I was devastated.
20:24I didn't get why Adrian would protect her.
20:26I believed his excuses about keeping Clara safe, because I couldn't admit he loved her and not me.
20:31It is late afternoon when Clara returns from her errands.
20:34She looks troubled, her eyes wet with tears.
20:37Lydia is perplexed.
20:38Miss Eleanor, why does she look so sad?
20:40Everyone is praising her now, saying her talent rivals the nobles.
20:43She should be happy.
20:44If I were her, I'd be overjoyed.
20:46You're so silly.
20:48I pinch Lydia's cheek, taking in her innocent expression.
20:51I remember how in my past life, she took the fall for my crimes.
20:54I won't let her risk herself again.
20:56I make up an excuse.
20:57She probably has other troubles.
20:59Right now, Adrian needs the Marlowe's prestige to gain the support of the nobles.
21:02He is not born of the queen, thus illegitimate.
21:05He is only the crown prince because the king loves his mother.
21:08Should that change, he fears he will lose everything.
21:11He needs dad's support.
21:12Dad is no longer active in politics, but the king still trusts him deeply.
21:16When troubled, the king plays chess with dad or goes fishing with him in the countryside.
21:20My disdain, combined with those poems, is flusteringly obvious.
21:24I wonder if Clara has the power to oppose royalty.
21:27Then again, her tears are enough.
21:29May 15th is the duke's birthday.
21:31We are invited to the banquet.
21:32In my past life, the duchess nearly drowned then.
21:35Clara saved her, and in return, asked for her freedom from me.
21:40I had to let her go, which made things easier for Adrian.
21:43For two weeks, I pestered dad to teach me to swim.
21:46He builds me a pool at great cost, and hires a teacher, despite his confusion.
21:50Sweetheart, why do you want to learn how to swim?
21:53Since your debut, you have been studying non-stop.
21:57Before this, your laziness saved me from your mom's scolding.
22:01She can barely hide her disdain from me now.
22:05Mischievously, I tease him.
22:06Yeah, she's been drifting off.
22:09Could she be thinking of a childhood crush?
22:11If you don't start working out, dad, mom might really fall for someone else.
22:15This scares dad into working out for the next fortnight.
22:18Mom is pleased as she watches our family thrive, free of its old gloom.
22:22She returns to her old hobby and takes up dance classes.
22:25I write to Eric every day.
22:26The queen takes a special interest to me, sending gifts to my house every other day.
22:31Even teaching Eric how to win my favor.
22:33She fears that if Adrian takes the throne, Eric will lose everything.
22:36But if he marries me, dad's political connections will ensure his safety.
22:40In my past life, my recklessness got my parents executed.
22:43Dad had to plead with the king for my life, and mom had been implicated in my actions.
22:47This time around, I won't repeat my mistakes.
22:50I want dad, mom, Lily, and the rest of my family to live a happy life.
22:53Lydia tries every excuse to keep Clara at home, but she insists on attending the banquet with me.
22:58She kneels before me despite her pride.
23:00Don't worry. I just want an answer, Miss Eleanor. I won't steal your spotlight.
23:04Clara says that she hasn't left the house since that day.
23:06What she seeks is simply whether Adrian loves her.
23:08My plan is working as intended.
23:10I look at Clara's beautiful, flawless face and laugh.
23:13Sure, you can wear that dress that I gave you.
23:16I have rarely faced Clara directly since my rebirth.
23:19To be honest, I am afraid of her.
23:20I avoid her and everything around her.
23:23Yet I gave her glory and built her cage, turning every twist of fate into my favor.
23:27I didn't berate her for wearing my dresses. I didn't steal her poems.
23:30But now, I cannot avoid this.
23:32I will not know peace until the king announces the betrothal.
23:35Many are invited to the banquet.
23:36My parents have prepared gifts for the event, even though my reputation is terrible.
23:40My parents are well-liked in the upper crust.
23:42Ever since I teased dad, he stopped his idol hobbies and turned to active ones instead.
23:47Adrian tries to gift him some rare parrots, but dad just set them aside after a look and turned to
23:51Eric.
23:51Hey, Eric! My future son-in-law, tell me, how did my daughter fall for you?
23:57Teach me your tricks, otherwise my wife might leave me.
24:00Ever since I admitted that I love Eric, he is no longer invisible.
24:04Gradually, people began saying that even though he isn't studious and isn't king material, he is good at fighting.
24:10He could protect the nation.
24:11Dad's smile widens when he sees the handkerchief in Eric's pocket.
24:14You even got my spoiled daughter to embroider something for you.
24:17Eric, I have much to learn from you.
24:20Dad is always the star of the show at every banquet.
24:23I check out where the Duchess would fall and get Lydia to keep watch there.
24:26To calm myself, I drink some wine.
24:28I want to ask Clara to get me more, but when I turn, she is gone.
24:32Just then, Lydia rushes over.
24:34Miss Eleanor, the Duchess is heading to the lakeside!
24:36Dammit, I need more wine.
24:38But the stage is set.
24:39Though it is already spring, there is still a chill in the air.
24:41I glanced over at Mom, who is chatting with the other ladies, covering her mouth in amusement at some gossip.
24:46Warmth spreads through my heart.
24:48There is nothing to fear.
24:49The narrow path is winding.
24:51I see the Duchess walking from afar.
24:53I follow closely behind.
24:54When she falls into the lake, I am pushed in as well.
24:57I choke on some water, but still grab tightly onto her hand.
24:59Ma'am, calm down.
25:01I will save you.
25:02Thankfully, Lydia's scream is very loud.
25:04Everyone rushes over to the lakeside.
25:06My parents nearly leap into the lake themselves.
25:08Mom is beside herself.
25:09Ellie!
25:10Hold on.
25:11It's May, but the water is cold.
25:13My strength faded with the warmth.
25:14The Duchess clings to me, weeping bitterly.
25:16And I keep comforting her.
25:18Eric is the first to jump in.
25:19He wraps his coat around my soaked dress.
25:21Hands the Duchess to the guards.
25:23And takes me to safety.
25:24Choking on water, I cannot speak.
25:26But my heart is as full as the warm sunlight that filters through the lush branches.
25:31Ordinary, unremarkable Eric makes my heart race.
25:34He isn't cold like Adrian, nor arrogant like Paul.
25:37He is just a quiet wallflower, never bothering anyone.
25:40The world falls silent.
25:42All I can hear is his voice.
25:43Eleanor?
25:44You'd better be okay.
25:45It's the first time he calls me by name.
25:47The Duchess arranges a room for me to change out of my wet clothes.
25:50At last, I can speak with her alone.
25:52Hurriedly, I voice my suspicions.
25:54Ma'am, you didn't slip and fall.
25:56Someone pushed you.
25:57I remember it clearly.
25:58I tried to grab her before she fell.
25:59But someone pushed me from behind.
26:01The shove was quite light.
26:03Understanding dawns.
26:04The Duchess frowns, her face grave.
26:06Thank you for saving me, Ellie.
26:08I will look into this matter.
26:09She leaves to speak to her staff and looks worried when she returns.
26:12My parents are badly shaken.
26:14When I come out, they refuse to let go of me.
26:16The banquet continues.
26:18My heart calms.
26:19And I focus on eating my salad.
26:21I cannot break my diet.
26:22Not after all my effort.
26:24I don't see Clara for the rest of the day.
26:25If the Duchess didn't tell me personally that they have found the culprit,
26:28I might have never known the truth.
26:30I should laugh.
26:31Even the main character cannot escape the follies of love and desire.
26:34She cannot escape from suffering.
26:36The Duchess is from a military family.
26:37She grew up in the army and has seen her fair share of murder and schemes.
26:41When I told her we were pushed, she grew suspicious.
26:43The staff in her household are vetted, so it can't be them.
26:46It must be an outsider.
26:47She checked the guest list and questioned the attendants.
26:49Only my maid, Clara, is absent.
26:51If Clara were ordinary, she wouldn't stand out.
26:53But she was too beautiful.
26:55With the dress I gave her, she was too conspicuous.
26:58When they find her, the Duchess orders her shoes examined.
27:00There is mud on the soles.
27:01Just like that, Clara is apprehended.
27:04She doesn't confess, stubborn to the end, but her coldness and defiance wins no pity from the Dutchness.
27:09The branding iron burns away the fabric of her dress and scorches her skin.
27:13She is tortured, yet she stares at the doorway as if waiting for someone.
27:16I remain dazed even after the banquet ends.
27:19Clara had saved the Duchess in my previous life.
27:21I wondered if she and Adrian had set this up as well in that life.
27:24Had they used the Duchess to make me free, Clara?
27:27Then what about Paul?
27:28I write to Eric, asking him to keep watch at the city gates.
27:31Maybe he would be able to save Paul.
27:33Even though I hate him for killing my family, he is still the General who protects the country and its
27:37people.
27:37If Eric could save him in this life, it would be perfect.
27:40Five days pass.
27:40The Duchess says that Clara still refuses to speak.
27:43Adrian acts like he doesn't know her.
27:44Working.
27:45Even finding the time to curry favor with my father.
27:47Love is so fragile in the face of power.
27:49Scattering in the wind at the lightest breath.
27:50Pushing the Duchess into the lake is considered murder.
27:53If Clara had done it, then she won't be bothering me anymore.
27:56But why did she do it?
27:57Perhaps only Clara can answer this question.
27:59The mighty General Paul Holden, who commands the army and wins wars, returns to Jorland on an old horse, covered
28:05in wounds.
28:05The first thing he says when he sees Eric is,
28:07Someone's trying to kill me.
28:08This time, I have changed too many things.
28:11It isn't Clara who saves him this time.
28:12It's me and Eric.
28:13We summoned the best doctors and gave him the best medicine, barely saving his life.
28:17And his savior in my previous life, Clara, now stands before me, covered in wounds, her limbs bound.
28:22The beautiful dress she is wearing is now ruined.
28:24She looks at my now slender figure and flawless skin with a dazed expression.
28:28Miss Eleanor, you're so pretty now.
28:30Tears wells up in her eyes.
28:32I feel conflicted too.
28:33Somehow, I sense that I am close to the truth.
28:36Clara, Adrian is getting married soon.
28:38I've never seen her look so hopeless.
28:40She looks defeated.
28:41You and Adrian are a good match.
28:44No, he's not marrying me.
28:45Then...
28:46He will marry the Duke's daughter.
28:48Eric told me this.
28:49After Paul is healed, Adrian asks to marry the Duke's daughter.
28:52Two weeks of torture has stripped Clara of all dignity.
28:55When all hope is gone, insanity follows.
28:58Bright, radiant Clara breaks down in the dark.
29:01Voice hoarse, she screams,
29:02Why?
29:03I could accept it if it were you.
29:04Why her?
29:05He said that if I saved the Duchess, I could openly love him.
29:09Why didn't he save me?
29:10Why is he marrying someone else?
29:12Why?
29:13Why am I not a noble?
29:14Even though I am prettier and more talented than any of you.
29:17You can marry whoever you want.
29:18I know so much.
29:20From medicine to the arts.
29:21I can debate.
29:22I can write poems.
29:24Yet I can never be you.
29:25He lied to me.
29:26How could he lie to me?
29:27I'm sorry.
29:28I misjudged him.
29:29Clara isn't a doctor in this life.
29:31She doesn't go to Kingswell Vale, so she never finds her devoted partner.
29:34She had become a political tool, just like I had been.
29:37But she had known some of Adrian's love, while I did not.
29:39I knew that I was close to the truth, but I hadn't expected this.
29:43Clara, drained of energy, curled up in the dark as she sobbed brokenly.
29:46I feel no thrill of victory.
29:48Just like in my last life, when Clara mocked me as a queen, I feel only sorrow.
29:52Clara, you were indeed wrong.
29:54You shouldn't have coveted something that did not belong to you.
29:56It was never yours, and it never would have been yours.
29:59At last, it is over.
30:00I can finally sleep.
30:02My parents will stay alive, as will the rest of my household.
30:05The Duchess puts her arms around me and leads me out of the prison.
30:07It is raining outside.
30:09Eric is kicking pebbles as he waits, holding an umbrella.
30:11When he sees me, he tells me with bright eyes,
30:13The wedding is confirmed.
30:15I can call you Ellie now.
30:16His smile is brilliant.
30:17Everyone says he's ordinary, but to me, he is precious.
30:20Soon, Clara goes mad.
30:22Adrian fails to remain crown prince.
30:24The Duchess accuses him of murder, and Paul does the same.
30:27Adrian cannot escape this.
30:28I finally see him as he is.
30:30If I hadn't been blinded by jealousy in my previous life,
30:33only seeing Clara and none of his plans,
30:35I might not have ended up as I did.
30:37No one is born as a villain.
30:38Sometimes, we just forget to live.
30:40Time will pass, and everything comes to an end eventually.
30:42In this life, I wear the world's finest dress.
30:45My wedding gown.
30:46Only mine.
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