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She woke up only to realize she had transmigrated into the body of the ultimate doomed villainess in a popular novel! According to the plot, she is destined to be executed while the "innocent" heroine steals her fiancé and her family's wealth. Refusing to accept this tragic fate, she tears up the script! Dropping her toxic fiancé and using her modern-day genius, she starts building her own impenetrable business empire. The original storyline is shattered, and this time, the villainess writes her own glorious story!
"Villainess No More, She Writes Her Own Story" is a fast-paced, highly satisfying transmigration drama full of face-slapping and independence.
🔔 Follow Mega Short Drama for the best villainess counterattacks and smart heroines rewriting their fate!
"Villainess No More, She Writes Her Own Story" is a fast-paced, highly satisfying transmigration drama full of face-slapping and independence.
🔔 Follow Mega Short Drama for the best villainess counterattacks and smart heroines rewriting their fate!
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Short filmTranscript
00:01My maid is the chosen one, beautiful and talented.
00:04Everyone in Yorland calls her delicate, and me, the fat one.
00:07In my past lives, she stole my dresses and saw Prince Adrian behind my back.
00:11Jealous, I framed her repeatedly.
00:13In the end, my family and I died miserably.
00:16I'm back at the engagement banquet from the third reborn life.
00:18I firmly declare that.
00:19I won't marry Prince Adrian.
00:21I'll marry Eric Pierce, the city's most infamous playboy.
00:24I want to see if he can handle the chosen one.
00:25April 7th, a lovely spring day.
00:28Everything is in full bloom.
00:29Lydia 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's 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.
01:20Though 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 Solmara.
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.
01:57Thankfully, it's not too late.
01:58Clara is dragged in and forced to kneel.
02:00This is my third life.
02:01I finally learn 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.
02:14Yet Clara refuses to beg for mercy.
02:15She stands like a fragile blossom, glowing in the spring light.
02:18Young and longing for love.
02:20I'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, clearly not expecting this.
02:55Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a flicker of disappointment on Adrian's face, but he
02:59is careful.
02:59It vanishes in an instant.
03:01Adrian hates me, yet he still fakes it.
03:04He 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.
04:12Instead, 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.
04:33I'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.
05:02He 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.
05:36He 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.
05:49Eric'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.
06:49Prince Adrian, someone better is waiting for you.
06:52I 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 Marlo 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.
07:46In their story, I'm the foolish, vicious villain everyone despises.
07:49Even my death would seem deserved.
07:52Forget 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.
07:58Mom 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.
08:07They 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.
08:39On 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, nowhere near Miley.
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.
09:35It 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.
10:01In 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.
10:11I 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.
10:30The 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 Jorlin'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.
11:11He 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.
11:33I 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.
12:11I remember dragging Mom into my schemes against Clara.
12:15I deserved to die from poison.
12:17I hold Mom's hand to calm her.
12:19Mom 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.
12:30Knowledge gives me strength.
12:32No one really knows who wins until the very end.
12:34I recall the poetry event on May 10th.
12:36The 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.
12:56I 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.
13:04Officials 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.
13:21If 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.
13:33But, Ms. Marlowe, don't you want to see Prince Adrian?
13:36I don't mind being tired.
13:38Clara, 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 3 o'clock.
14:05That 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.
14:33I 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.
14:45Yorlin 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.
14:55Scholars 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, a consort.
15:21The king married Melissa only to keep the kingdom stable.
15:23Melissa looks plain.
15:24Without 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?
15:58I don't see him standing beside me.
16:00Eyes wide?
16:01Eric 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.
16:17This 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.
16:38Blushing.
16:38He 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 and
16:49a 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
16:59enough for 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.
17:06His 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.
17:13Eric and I sit at the head of the table.
17:14Happily watching the guests exchange poems.
17:16In the past, if I knew Adrian would come, I would be in the middle of that crowd.
17:20But 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.
17:29His 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 flip 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.
18:29All these praise and flattery are nothing but meaningless words.
18:32Everyone is talking about Clara.
18:33Some say she is Yorlin'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.
18:57Everyone says you're foolish, clumsy, and overly ambitious.
19:00But today, I see the real you.
19:01I am no poet, but if you ask me, your poems are great.
19:05In the light, I look at him.
19:06I feel a sense of mutual understanding.
19:09I know the feeling of being eclipsed, of 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, especially to the king.
20:12Afternoon arrives.
20:14The 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,
20:31and not me.
20:32It 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.
20:47I 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 a knot.
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 pester 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.
22:07Yeah, she's been drifting off.
22:08Could 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.
22:48This 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.
23:01I just want an answer, Miss Eleanor.
23:02I 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.
23:09My 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.
23:29I didn't steal her poems.
23:31But 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 cross.
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.
24:42I 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, and I keep comforting her.
25:18Eric is the first to jump in.
25:19He wraps his coat around my soaked dress, hands the duchess to the guards, and 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, but 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.
26:17The banquet continues.
26:18My heart calms, and 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,
26:29I 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.
26:54But 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.
27:02Just like that, Clara is apprehended.
27:03She doesn't confess, stubborn to the end.
27:06But 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,
27:34he is still the general who protects the country and its people.
27:37If Eric could save him in this life, it would be perfect.
27:40Five days pass.
27:41The 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,
28:02returns to Jorland on an old horse, covered in 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,
28:16barely saving his life.
28:17And his savior in my previous life, Clara, now stands before me,
28:20covered 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.
28:42You 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.
29:05Why 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, even though I am prettier and more talented than any of you?
29:17You can marry whoever you want.
29:19I know so much.
29:20From medicine to the arts, I 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?
29:28I'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,
30:14The wedding is confirmed.
30:14I 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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