- 6 hours ago
Villainess No More - She Writes Her Own Story
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Short filmTranscript
00:00My maid is the chosen one. Beautiful and talented. Everyone in Jorland calls her delicate, and me, the fat one.
00:05In my past lives, she stole my dresses and saw Prince Adrian behind my back. Jealous, I framed her repeatedly.
00:11In the end, my family and I died miserably. I'm back at the engagement banquet from the third reborn life.
00:16I firmly declare that.
00:17I won't marry Prince Adrian. I'll marry Eric Pierce, the city's most infamous playboy.
00:22I want to see if he can handle the chosen one.
00:24April 7th, a lovely spring day. Everything is in full bloom.
00:27Lydia Tucker rushes into my room at the Marlowe residence.
00:30Miss Marlowe, I saw Clara wearing your dress.
00:33Lydia's face is flushed with rage. The moment I wake up, I realize I am back at this moment.
00:37Lydia is fuming again and ready to face Clara.
00:40In the past, I would smash my cup, have Clara beaten, and ensure she's suffered in this house forever.
00:45But now, my hand shakes as I hold it. Damn it!
00:48I never thought I'd fear a maid. She must be some story's heroine. I only realized this after dying twice.
00:54She's born to win and destined for the top, returning stronger every time.
00:58In just a few minutes, dad arrives with Prince Adrian. Cold sweat beads on my forehead.
01:03I call for Lilywood at once. Hurry, bring Clara here now!
01:06If we cross her again, the Marlowe family is finished once she and Adrian take the throne.
01:10By now, Clara and Julian have met and fallen in love at first sight.
01:13In my previous life, I cannot control my temper. I have Clara beaten in public.
01:17It makes Adrian despise me. Though he still pretends to care, he secretly makes promises to Clara.
01:22No wonder my schemes failed in my past lives. Everything backfired on me.
01:26My reputation was ruined, and everyone hated me.
01:28In the end, I lost everything, and died miserably. Forget it. It's my own fault.
01:33I was blinded by Adrian's looks. I lacked talent and beauty, and I offended Clara.
01:37The sun is blazing. The Marlowe residence is buzzing.
01:40Dad holds this banquet for my debut to secure the marriage.
01:43He bought me a gown from Somara. They say it flows with every step, as if floating on a breeze.
01:47But in both past lives, I never get to wear it.
01:49Back then, when dad brought Adrian, I was busy humiliating Clara.
01:53Looking back, I was so wrong.
01:55Thankfully, it's not too late. Clara is dragged in and forced to kneel.
01:58This is my third life. I finally learned my lesson.
02:00I don't have Clara punished. I simply listen as she explains that it was not intentional.
02:04The tea slowly cools. Sunlight slants across the dial. Time slips away.
02:08Clara really is beautiful. She has a stubborn look in her eyes.
02:10Lydia asks her why she wore it, yet Clara refuses to beg for mercy.
02:14She stands like a fragile blossom, glowing in the spring light, young, and longing for love.
02:18I've read enough novels to know this.
02:20It is my own reckless ignorance that keeps me from ever asking why Adrian would love someone like me.
02:24I foolishly think that without Clara, he'll finally choose me.
02:27I'm stupid. So stupid.
02:29Lydia waits for my order to strike.
02:31But to everyone's shock, I help Clara to her feet.
02:34I even hand her the emerald gown.
02:36Clara is so thoughtful. She knew it would not fit me, so she tried it on to check.
02:40Just then, a staff informs me that Adrian and Dad have arrived.
02:43I timed this perfectly.
02:44So Adrian sees me being kind to her.
02:46Dad looks stunned.
02:47His spoiled, headstrong daughter is suddenly being kind to a maid.
02:51He looks completely thrown off, clearly not expecting this.
02:53Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a flicker of disappointment on Adrian's face.
02:57But he is careful.
02:58It vanishes in an instant.
03:00Adrian hates me, yet he still fakes it.
03:02He whispers,
03:03Eleanor, you are always so kind.
03:05Even so, his eyes drift back to Clara.
03:07In my last life, I begged Dad to make sure Adrian saw me in my gown first.
03:11I wanted to surprise him.
03:12I wanted him to see my joy and excitement.
03:14So Dad brought him to the parlor and left us alone.
03:17But now, the banquet is starting.
03:19And Clara is wearing my gown.
03:21Fate is already shifting.
03:22None of it was ever mine.
03:23It was decided from the start.
03:25Since Clara has the gown, I have Lydia bring a simple dress.
03:28I look in the mirror.
03:29I look plump.
03:30My makeup's too bold.
03:31Rich living has filled me out.
03:33The compliments I once believed now sound like poison wrapped in sugar.
03:36I can't help glancing at Clara.
03:38Do you think I'm pretty?
03:39I ask.
03:40She gives a faint smile.
03:41There's restraint in her eyes.
03:43True beauty comes from within.
03:44You're kind.
03:45That makes you beautiful.
03:46She pauses.
03:47Then adds firmly,
03:48I did wear your dress.
03:49I won't make excuses.
03:50Thank you for your kindness.
03:52Clara's answer is flawless.
03:53She flatters me sincerely, yet also puts me down.
03:56Compared to her, I am ignorant and spoiled.
03:58I'm always barking orders at her.
04:00If I'm honest, it's jealousy.
04:01I'm jealous of how slim and pretty she is.
04:03Even in a maid's uniform,
04:04she still outshines me whenever she stands by my side.
04:07Every time I see her,
04:08I forget my mom's advice about grace and poise.
04:11Instead, I chase after fancy dresses and glittering jewels.
04:13Today, I finally take her hand and speak to her softly.
04:16Clara, that dress really suits you.
04:18A breeze drifts through the yard.
04:20The air feels alive.
04:21Clara's beautiful eyes shine,
04:23but with a calculating glint.
04:25At the banquet,
04:26everyone knows this birthday is just a cover for the engagement.
04:28King Edward Pierce smiles at me.
04:30Ha ha ha.
04:31Eleanor, forget that I'm king today.
04:33I'm just your uncle.
04:33You've liked Adrian since childhood.
04:35So, why don't I make it official and have you engage to him?
04:38No one expects me to turn him down firmly and decisively without a moment's hesitation.
04:41It feels like I never loved him at all.
04:43Mom thinks I am refusing out of spite,
04:45so she rushes in to smooth things over.
04:47Eleanor is just shy.
04:48But I shake my head and refuse firmly.
04:51Your Majesty, it isn't Adrian I've loved all along.
04:53It's Eric.
04:54Please let me marry him.
04:56Dad's knees almost give out when he hears what I say.
04:58Eric Pierce is the most infamous playboy in Jorland.
05:01He takes nothing seriously.
05:02He only cares about having fun.
05:03He's the cautionary tale parents tell their kids.
05:05Most families want nothing to do with him.
05:07Eric's marriage is a headache for the king.
05:09It's true.
05:09If Eric marries a powerful heiress,
05:11her family may resent the king for it.
05:13But if he marries a foreign princess,
05:15it could spark a rebellion.
05:16I don't actually want to marry Eric,
05:18but he's the one choice the king can't easily refuse.
05:20And he's the one man who can keep my family safe.
05:23The king has two sons.
05:24Adrian, the consort's son, is heir.
05:26While Eric, the queen's son, is spoiled.
05:28Plenty of women fight to marry Adrian,
05:30but 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.
05:36When he hears I want to marry him,
05:37he practically jumps up.
05:39What?
05:39You want to marry a playboy like me?
05:41I shoot him a look that says,
05:42do you think I have a choice?
05:44Then I smile sweetly.
05:45I do.
05:46I want to marry you.
05:47I really do.
05:48Eric's surprisingly easy to fluster.
05:50He stares at me with wide eyes and blinks a few times.
05:52He even stumbles over his words.
05:54Then I'll marry you.
05:55Queen Melissa Langley's voice trembles.
05:58Your majesty.
05:58Your majesty.
05:59You must consider Eric's marriage.
06:01I ignore Adrian the entire time.
06:02As the sun sets and the guests drift away,
06:04Adrian finally approaches me.
06:06I used to blush with joy just by looking at him.
06:08But today, before he can speak,
06:10I turn and walk away.
06:12He grabs my sleeve.
06:13His cold voice hints at panic.
06:14Eleanor, you gave me that wallet
06:16and said we'd be together forever.
06:17Was that all a lie?
06:18I look at his icy face
06:19and remember how he looks at Clara.
06:21It is a tenderness and devotion he has never shown me.
06:24My first life was naive.
06:26My second was bitter.
06:28That is why Adrian never loved me.
06:30The second I see him,
06:30I see soldiers storming my home.
06:32I don't know if my parents blame me,
06:34but even at the very end,
06:35they surely wondered if I was scared
06:37when I drank that poison.
06:40Now, I cannot even look at him,
06:43much less cling to him.
06:44Adrian feels like death itself.
06:46I run away from him,
06:46as if trying to outrun fate.
06:48Prince Adrian,
06:49someone better is waiting for you.
06:51I remember how Clara turned on me
06:53after my last engagement to him.
06:55At every poetry event,
06:56I stole her work as my own,
06:57just to get noticed and impress Adrian.
06:59But once the engagement was set,
07:01Clara exposed me in public.
07:03She knelt, clutching her wounds.
07:05I'm not afraid to die.
07:06You may be a noble lady,
07:07but you cannot humiliate me.
07:09Today, I will end it all here.
07:11I hope God sees my talent
07:12and knows my suffering.
07:14I hope Eleanor is punished.
07:15May she never have a happy ending
07:17in all her three lifetimes.
07:18Of course it came true.
07:20Adrian defends Clara
07:20and says the wedding is near.
07:22He tells me to avoid scandal
07:23and treat her well.
07:24As the Marlowe heiress,
07:25I am a disgrace.
07:26If even a maid sees me
07:27as 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
07:33and gifted in literature and medicine.
07:34Her rise began by saving a duchess.
07:36People romanticize her love story with Adrian.
07:38She endured my bullying in silence.
07:40I thought I drove her out,
07:41but Adrian hid her in a villa
07:43where she became his secret advisor.
07:45In their story,
07:46I'm the foolish, vicious villain
07:48everyone 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
07:59and tries to drag me to church.
08:00I quit sweets and meat
08:01and tell the kitchen
08:02to keep the meals light and plain.
08:04Dad thinks something's wrong with me,
08:06so he summons the royal doctor.
08:08They try to talk me out of it.
08:09Sweetheart, if you are possessed,
08:11blink 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
08:18this is just spite over Adrian.
08:20After all,
08:21Eric and I have barely spoken.
08:22I used to look down on him
08:23and thought he wasn't as handsome as Adrian,
08:25but he's the only man
08:26who never falls for Clara.
08:28I remember Adrian kept making excuses
08:30to hide Clara away in that villa.
08:31I pushed her until she wanted to die.
08:34She was like a fading flower,
08:35fragile and broken.
08:36Eventually, she gained her freedom
08:37and began traveling as a healer.
08:39On the road,
08:39she saved a young man.
08:41That young man isn't some nobody.
08:42He's Paul Holden,
08:43a formidable general
08:44and the Marquess's heir.
08:45He once routed the enemy in victory.
08:47But he isn't the biggest name
08:48who falls for Clara.
08:49Dylan Jones,
08:50the Duke's only son,
08:51falls for her at first sight.
08:53And the Kingswell Vale heir
08:54protects her secretly.
08:55I never imagined a maid like Clara
08:57could hold such power in Yorland.
08:58In my past lives,
08:59I was arrogant enough
09:00to believe a single word from me
09:02could have her killed.
09:03Indeed,
09:04even after Adrian makes her consort,
09:05I still see her as beneath me.
09:07Nowhere near Miley.
09:08I naively believe that without her,
09:10Adrian will return to me.
09:11So I provoke her openly
09:12and frame her.
09:13Jealousy nearly drives me mad,
09:14yet she remains calm and composed.
09:16As if nothing can shake her,
09:18she's poised and elegant,
09:19like snow resting on the eaves.
09:21No matter my insults or my schemes,
09:22she remains unscathed
09:24and untouchable.
09:25Everyone loves her and hates me.
09:26Adrian leaves me to rot
09:27in a deserted wing.
09:28Dylan accuses my family of crimes.
09:30Hall has my parents executed in public.
09:32And the Kingswell Vale heir
09:33personally prepares my poison.
09:35It burns bitter down my throat,
09:36keeping me conscious as I fade.
09:38In the end,
09:39I bled out and died.
09:40I remember my blood draining away.
09:42In the end,
09:42I finally understand
09:43I can never beat Clara
09:44because I am the villain here.
09:46When I see her,
09:47I can't help but feel jealous.
09:48All I want is to destroy her.
09:50I won't let a maid outshine me.
09:52Every decent man loves her
09:53and hates me.
09:54In my first life,
09:54I was too foolish.
09:55In my second,
09:56I fought out of spite.
09:57We clash again and again.
09:59No matter what I try,
10:00it always ends the same way.
10:01In the end,
10:02I die from poison.
10:03On the day I die,
10:04Clara wears the coronation gown.
10:06She looks down at me and says,
10:07Eleanor,
10:08I was never competing with you.
10:09Yes,
10:09I wore your dress.
10:10But people love pretty things.
10:12I even knelt
10:13and begged you.
10:14You were just too cruel to listen.
10:16You kept coming after me
10:17and you're still ugly
10:18no matter what you wear.
10:20As a woman,
10:20I almost pity you.
10:22Eleanor,
10:22be less vicious in your next life.
10:24In every life,
10:25it comes down to the same thing.
10:27I hate that she wore my dress.
10:29It's late spring.
10:30The sky is bright
10:31and the lake is clear.
10:32The perfect season for meeting.
10:34Mom loves poetry gatherings.
10:35She was once one of Yorlin's top talents.
10:38Then,
10:38she married Dad,
10:39who is lazy and useless.
10:41Dad picked the right side.
10:42He is loyal to the king
10:43and stays out of political factions.
10:45When he was young,
10:46he was the heir to a count.
10:47Everyone spoiled him.
10:48One day,
10:49he lost a cricket bet to the king
10:50and decided the king
10:51was the real deal.
10:53Mom once asked him
10:54what kind of test that was.
10:55Dad opened the cricket cage.
10:57Mom took one look
10:58and saw three dead crickets
10:59and the fourth
11:00was barely hanging on.
11:01If the king kept crickets strong,
11:03he would care about his people too.
11:04If he could win with crickets,
11:05he could win with people.
11:06After the king took the throne,
11:07the country stabilized
11:07and the economy recovered.
11:09Dad was appointed chancellor,
11:10but he never cared for the title.
11:11He skipped meetings,
11:12stayed out of politics,
11:13went fishing,
11:14and enjoyed himself.
11:15It wasn't some clever strategy
11:16to avoid suspicion.
11:17He once tried reading
11:18a military strategy book.
11:19He fell asleep by page 13.
11:20He is just lazy.
11:21The king understands
11:22that anyone might turn on him,
11:23but Dad never would.
11:25Dad genuinely believes
11:26that an extra second at work
11:27is a waste of his life.
11:28It doesn't matter.
11:29I take after him.
11:30In my past lives,
11:31I was the same kind of loafer.
11:32A month passes in a blur.
11:33I bury myself in books.
11:35Every day,
11:35I study and push myself
11:37to lose weight.
11:37Mom says I look slimmer
11:38and my skin looks better.
11:40I barely leave the house.
11:41The gossip in Yorland
11:42never stops.
11:43Some say Eric
11:43is back to partying.
11:45Others say
11:45I only chose him
11:46to spite Adrian
11:47and that I'll crawl back to him.
11:49Mom tutors me herself
11:50every single day.
11:51When she sees me overworking,
11:53her eyes fill with tears.
11:55Eleanor,
11:56I'm glad you see beauty
11:58as more than just looks.
11:59But we want you healthy
12:01and happy.
12:02You get to choose.
12:05Whoever you love
12:06or marry
12:06will support you.
12:08Don't hurt yourself
12:09over Adrian.
12:11Don't push yourself
12:12too hard.
12:13I remember dragging Mom
12:14into my schemes
12:15against Clara.
12:16I deserved to die
12:17from poison.
12:18I hold Mom's hand
12:19to calm her.
12:19Mom always says
12:20a woman's best ornament
12:21is her character
12:22and her foundation
12:24is independence.
12:25Mom,
12:26I finally understand
12:27what you meant.
12:28It's not about
12:29who I like
12:29or who I marry.
12:31Knowledge gives me strength.
12:33No one really knows
12:34who wins
12:34until the very end.
12:35I recall the poetry event
12:36on May 10th.
12:37The Duke's banquet
12:37in mid-May.
12:38Clara as Adrian's mistress
12:39and becoming a healer.
12:41This time,
12:41I won't ruin myself
12:42for Adrian.
12:43Once the carriage is ready,
12:44Clara walks in.
12:45She looks cold
12:45and distant,
12:46dressed in dark green.
12:48She sees me
12:49and looks surprised.
12:50Ms. Marlowe,
12:50you've changed a lot.
12:51Oh, right.
12:52Do you still need poems?
12:53I wrote a few.
12:54They're enough
12:55for today's event.
12:55You'll take first place
12:56for sure.
12:57It's been a month.
12:58I keep sending her
12:59to work in the garden.
13:00I have Lydia watch her
13:01every day.
13:01The laws here are strict.
13:03If an indentured servant
13:04is killed,
13:05there are consequences.
13:06Officials protect their own,
13:07but they care about appearances.
13:09In the past,
13:09I never feared Clara.
13:11Now,
13:12I see my life unraveled
13:13the moment she stole my dress.
13:15Lydia says Clara handles supplies,
13:16so she goes out every day.
13:18Lydia followed her
13:19but lost her every time.
13:21I'm still too late.
13:22If I can stop her
13:23and have the dress altered in time,
13:24she won't steal it.
13:25Then,
13:26she won't run into Adrian
13:27and they won't fall in love.
13:29Maybe then I won't need Eric
13:30to save my family.
13:31Clara,
13:32you don't need to come today.
13:33You've lost weight lately,
13:34so get some rest.
13:35But Ms. Marlowe,
13:36don't you want to see Prince Adrian?
13:37I don't mind being tired.
13:39Clara,
13:39we both know you're prettier than I am.
13:41I fear you will steal his gaze.
13:43Clara smiles
13:44and hands me a sheet of paper.
13:45Then,
13:46I'll wait here for you.
13:47If you want to win,
13:48just memorize these poems.
13:49She walks away
13:50with total confidence.
13:52In the carriage,
13:52I unfold the paper
13:53and start laughing.
13:54Lydia has no idea
13:55what's going on.
13:56She urges the driver to hurry,
13:58then asks,
13:59Ms. Marlowe,
14:00what's so funny?
14:01Look,
14:01it's an acrostic.
14:02The last word of each line spells it.
14:04Adrian is meeting Clara
14:05at three o'clock.
14:06That little bitch.
14:08Lydia is furious.
14:09Ms. Marlowe,
14:09I can't stand this.
14:11She's using her looks
14:12to seduce Prince Adrian.
14:13Why don't we sell her off
14:14or have her beaten?
14:15We can't let her outshine you.
14:16I let out a sigh and say,
14:18Don't be silly.
14:19I wish I'd listened to her
14:20and sold Clara off.
14:22But I was so certain
14:23she was just a lowly maid.
14:24I thought I could keep her
14:25and play.
14:26Now,
14:27it's too late.
14:28Adrian likely meets her in secret.
14:30He has probably made many promises
14:31and assigned guards
14:32to protect her.
14:33Fine.
14:33I'll go along with it.
14:34I tear the paper to pieces
14:35and smile.
14:36Do you remember my instructions?
14:37Lydia flashes a sly grin.
14:39Of course.
14:39Don't worry.
14:40I hired smooth-talking maids
14:42to shower Clara with praise.
14:43She won't even have to lift a finger.
14:44The carriage keeps moving.
14:46Jorlin looks the same as always.
14:48My thoughts drift elsewhere.
14:50People say those meant for greatness
14:51have to endure hardship first.
14:53I wonder if the Chosen One
14:54can still stay true to herself
14:55when everyone starts flattering her.
14:57Scholars gather at Windmere Estate.
14:59Each year,
15:00the King scouts for talent
15:01at these poetry events.
15:02Anyone can attend,
15:03regardless of their background.
15:04I used to attend these
15:05just to impress Adrian.
15:06I would recite Clara's poems
15:08and bask in the praise.
15:09But today,
15:10all anyone notices
15:11is that I've lost weight.
15:12People love noble gossip.
15:14Everyone's whispering
15:15about my engagement to Eric.
15:17The King has a queen,
15:18but everyone knows
15:19his true beloved
15:20is Adrian's mother,
15:21a consort.
15:22The King married Melissa
15:23only to keep the kingdom stable.
15:25Melissa looks plain.
15:27Without her jewels
15:27and fine gowns,
15:28she would vanish in a crowd.
15:30Adrian's mother, however,
15:31grew up with the King.
15:32She is his childhood sweetheart.
15:34Her family lacks power,
15:35but she is beautiful and gifted.
15:37Adrian takes after her.
15:38He has been favored since birth,
15:40rising all the way to crown prince.
15:42Eric was born of politics.
15:43He looks ordinary
15:44and lacks a talent for ruling.
15:45It feels like he exists
15:46only to make Adrian shine brighter.
15:48I was so obsessed with Adrian
15:49that marrying anyone else
15:50felt like misery.
15:51In my last life,
15:52I ignored Eric.
15:53He always stood in the shadows.
15:54I only remembered he existed
15:56when he appeared beside Adrian.
15:57Now, because of me,
15:58everyone is watching Eric for once.
16:00Lost in thought,
16:01I don't see him standing beside me.
16:02Eyes wide,
16:03Eric stares at me for a while
16:05before poking at my dimple.
16:06Missed Adrian so much
16:07that you lost weight?
16:09Even he has heard of those rumors.
16:11Clearly the King thinks the same,
16:12so he still hasn't confirmed
16:13our engagement.
16:14Since losing weight,
16:15I only put on minimal makeup.
16:16I didn't want the attention.
16:18Even the dress I'm wearing
16:19is out of fashion.
16:20This is my chance
16:21to clear up the rumors.
16:23Taking Eric's hand,
16:24I press closer to him.
16:25Actually, Eric,
16:26I've always loved you.
16:27I just felt a little insecure
16:28because I'm neither pretty
16:29nor smart.
16:30I lost weight for you.
16:32I say evenly,
16:33giving him a warm smile.
16:34Eric's ears turn red.
16:36No one has ever told him
16:37that they liked him
16:38and wanted to marry him.
16:40Blushing,
16:40he stammers in disagreement.
16:42Nonsense.
16:42Who says you're not smart?
16:43You're just chubby.
16:44That's cute.
16:45Don't listen to any of them.
16:46In response,
16:47I hand him a handkerchief,
16:48which has an embroidery
16:49of swans on one side
16:50and a pea on the other.
16:52The pea is crooked.
16:54Awkwardly,
16:55I say,
16:56my mother just started
16:56teaching me embroidery.
16:57I wanted to embroider
16:58your full name,
16:59but there are too many letters
17:00and I'm not skilled enough
17:01for that.
17:02That's why there's only a pea.
17:03Once I get better at sewing,
17:04I'll make you a new one.
17:06Eric holds it
17:06like a precious treasure.
17:08His eyes are bright.
17:09It's very nice.
17:10Affection fills the air
17:11as we talk.
17:12This is the jarring scene
17:13that Adrian sees
17:14upon his arrival.
17:15Eric and I sit
17:15at the head of the table,
17:16happily watching the guests
17:17exchange poems.
17:18In the past,
17:19if I knew Adrian would come,
17:20I would be in the middle
17:21of that crowd.
17:22But today,
17:23I am unusually quiet.
17:25I turn away
17:25when Adrian sits beside me
17:27and tries to talk to me.
17:28He says softly,
17:29Ellie, you've changed.
17:30You seem different.
17:31His head is lowered.
17:32He is startlingly handsome,
17:34like an earthbound angel.
17:36After taking a sip of his tea,
17:38he continues.
17:39You're a good poet.
17:40Why don't you share your poems?
17:41That reminds me.
17:42Clara's written him
17:43a lot of poems
17:44and I know what to do with them.
17:46For once,
17:46I look at him.
17:47He hasn't seen me in ages.
17:49Surprise flashes in his eyes,
17:51then quickly fades.
17:52He reaches out to take my hand
17:53and leads me over to the crowd.
17:54But I slip away
17:55before he can reach me.
17:56In the crowd,
17:57I read out Clara's poem loudly.
17:58It is a rather nice poem,
18:00every word meaningful
18:01and sufficiently poignant.
18:02The last verse,
18:03where she describes hope
18:04even during the bleakest sunset,
18:06is the guest's favorite.
18:08They are just praising my talent
18:09when I suddenly announce
18:10the truth.
18:11I am not educated enough
18:12to compose such a beautiful poem.
18:14This poem was written
18:15by my maid Clara.
18:15She's the one
18:16you should be praising.
18:17Many accomplished poets
18:18have gathered at Windmere today.
18:20Murmurs ripples through the crowd.
18:21Then,
18:22I tell Lydia to bring out
18:23the other written poems.
18:24These are all Clara's best poems
18:25that I had memorized
18:26in my last life.
18:27Now,
18:27I realize that only those
18:28with true wisdom
18:29can see through
18:30the essence of human nature.
18:31All these praise and flattery
18:32are nothing but meaningless words.
18:34Everyone is talking about Clara.
18:36Some say she is
18:37Jorlin's best poet.
18:38At the high table,
18:39Adrian looks grim.
18:41He surely knows
18:42what the poems imply.
18:43The discussion grows in fervor.
18:44Those who have come from afar
18:45declare their trip worthwhile,
18:47having savored such fine poetry.
18:48My plan is working.
18:50I slip into a corner
18:51and jot a short poem on paper.
18:53I hand it to Eric.
18:54I hope you don't mind
18:55it's not great.
18:56You're the only one
18:56who can see this.
18:57He reads it slowly,
18:58then smiles at me.
18:59Everyone says you're foolish,
19:01clumsy,
19:01and overly ambitious.
19:02But today,
19:03I see the real you.
19:04I am no poet.
19:05But if you ask me,
19:06your poems are great.
19:07In the light,
19:08I look at him.
19:09I feel a sense of
19:10mutual understanding.
19:12I know the feeling
19:12of being eclipsed,
19:13of being nothing
19:14but an afterthought.
19:16Without me,
19:16he would still be lost,
19:18ignored,
19:19unnoticed,
19:19and invisible.
19:21I lightly touch
19:21his shoulder in comfort.
19:23No one says we must be
19:23superheroes to be happy.
19:25Small weeds and giant trees
19:26have their own version
19:27of happiness.
19:28Eric,
19:28you can be your own hero
19:29just by being yourself.
19:31Clara is torn
19:32over the poetry event.
19:33She is shocked
19:34I didn't steal her work
19:35and thrilled
19:36by the praise.
19:37Nobles are already
19:38lining up to have her
19:39teach them poetry.
19:40No one is gossiping
19:41about my drama
19:41with Adrian anymore.
19:43While at Windmere,
19:44I keep my distance
19:44from Adrian,
19:45avoiding him like the plague.
19:47Everyone finally believes
19:48that I actually want Eric.
19:49Everywhere I go,
19:51Clara's name
19:51is all I hear.
19:52Even my own servants
19:54flock to her.
19:55I order them
19:55to treat her well.
19:56I support her studies
19:57and clubs
19:58so she can make
19:58her own friends.
19:59However,
20:00I remain cautious.
20:01The king hasn't
20:02approved my wedding,
20:03so I may still be stuck
20:05with Adrian.
20:05I must stay vigilant.
20:07I never thought
20:08I would regret
20:08the foolish things I did
20:09out of my obsession
20:10with Adrian.
20:11I must keep going
20:12until the truth
20:13is undeniable,
20:14especially to the king.
20:15Afternoon arrives.
20:17The spies Lydia
20:18set on Clara
20:18have vanished,
20:19just as I expected.
20:21Hidden guards
20:21protect Clara
20:22in my home.
20:23In my last life,
20:24I only found them
20:25when I tried to kill her.
20:26I was devastated.
20:27I didn't get why
20:28Adrian would protect her.
20:29I believed his excuses
20:30about keeping Clara safe
20:32because I couldn't admit
20:33he loved her
20:34and not me.
20:35It is late afternoon
20:35when Clara returns
20:36from her errands.
20:37She looks troubled,
20:38her eyes wet with tears.
20:40Lydia is perplexed.
20:41Miss Eleanor,
20:42why does she look so sad?
20:43Everyone is praising her now,
20:45saying her talent
20:45rivals the nobles.
20:46She should be happy.
20:47If I were her,
20:48I'd be overjoyed.
20:49You're so silly.
20:50I pinch Lydia's cheek,
20:52taking in her innocent expression.
20:54I remember how in my past life,
20:56she took the fall for my crimes.
20:57I won't let her risk herself again.
20:59I make up an excuse.
21:00She probably has other troubles.
21:02Right now,
21:03Adrian needs the Marlowe's prestige
21:04to gain the support of the nobles.
21:06He is not born of the queen,
21:07thus illegitimate.
21:08He is only the crown prince
21:10because the king loves his mother.
21:11Should that change,
21:12he fears he will lose everything.
21:14He needs dad's support.
21:15Dad is no longer active in politics,
21:17but the king still trusts him deeply.
21:19When troubled,
21:20the king plays chess with dad
21:22or goes fishing with him
21:23in the countryside.
21:24My disdain,
21:25combined with those poems,
21:26is flusteringly obvious.
21:28I wonder if Clara has the power
21:29to oppose royalty.
21:30Then again,
21:31her tears are enough.
21:32May 15th is the duke's birthday.
21:34We are invited to the banquet.
21:36In my past life,
21:37the duchess nearly drowned then.
21:39Clara saved her
21:40and in return,
21:41asked for her freedom from me.
21:44I had to let her go,
21:45which made things easier for Adrian.
21:47For two weeks,
21:48I pester dad to teach me to swim.
21:50He builds me a pool at great cost
21:51and hires a teacher,
21:53despite his confusion.
21:54Sweetheart,
21:55why do you want to learn how to swim?
21:57Since your debut,
21:58you have been studying non-stop.
22:01Before this,
22:02your laziness saved me
22:03from your mom's scolding.
22:05She can barely hide her disdain
22:07from me now.
22:08Mischievously,
22:09I tease him.
22:10Yeah,
22:11she's been drifting off.
22:12Could she be thinking
22:13of a childhood crush?
22:14If you don't start working out,
22:16mom might really fall for someone else.
22:19This scares dad
22:20into working out
22:21for the next fortnight.
22:22Mom is pleased
22:22as she watches our family thrive,
22:24free of its old gloom.
22:26She returns to her old hobby
22:27and takes up dance classes.
22:29I write to Eric every day.
22:30The queen takes
22:31a special interest to me,
22:32sending gifts to my house
22:33every other day,
22:34even teaching Eric
22:35how to win my favor.
22:37She fears that if Adrian
22:38takes the throne,
22:39Eric will lose everything.
22:40But if he marries me,
22:41dad's political connections
22:42will ensure his safety.
22:44In my past life,
22:45my recklessness
22:45got my parents executed.
22:47Dad had to plead
22:48with the king for my life,
22:49and mom had been implicated
22:50in my actions.
22:51This time around,
22:52I won't repeat my mistakes.
22:54I want dad, mom, Lily,
22:55and the rest of my family
22:56to live a happy life.
22:57Lydia tries every excuse
22:58to keep Clara at home,
23:00but she insists on attending
23:01the banquet with me.
23:02She kneels before me
23:03despite her pride.
23:04Don't worry.
23:05I just want an answer,
23:05Miss Eleanor.
23:06I won't steal your spotlight.
23:08Clara says that she hasn't
23:09left the house
23:09since that day.
23:10What she seeks
23:11is simply whether
23:11Adrian loves her.
23:12My plan is working
23:13as intended.
23:14I look at Clara's
23:15beautiful, flawless face
23:16and laugh.
23:17Sure, you can wear
23:18that dress that I gave you.
23:20I have rarely faced
23:21Clara directly
23:22since my rebirth.
23:23To be honest,
23:23I am afraid of her.
23:24I avoid her
23:25and everything around her.
23:27Yet I gave her glory
23:28and built her cage,
23:29turning every twist
23:30of fate into my favor.
23:31I didn't berate her
23:32for wearing my dresses.
23:33I didn't steal her poems.
23:35But now,
23:35I cannot avoid this.
23:36I will not know peace
23:37until the king announces
23:38the betrothal.
23:39Many are invited
23:40to the banquet.
23:40My parents have prepared
23:42gifts for the event,
23:42even though my reputation
23:43is terrible.
23:44My parents are well-liked
23:46in the upper crust.
23:46Ever since I teased dad,
23:48he stopped his idol hobbies
23:49and turned to active ones instead.
23:51Adrian tries to gift him
23:52some rare parrots,
23:53but dad just set them aside
23:54after a look
23:55and turned to Eric.
23:56Hey Eric!
23:57My future son-in-law,
23:59tell me,
23:59how did my daughter
24:00fall for you?
24:01Teach me your tricks,
24:02otherwise my wife
24:04might leave me.
24:05Ever since I admitted
24:05that I love Eric,
24:06he is no longer invisible.
24:08Gradually,
24:09people began saying
24:09that even though
24:10he isn't studious
24:11and isn't king material,
24:13he is good at fighting.
24:14He could protect the nation.
24:15Dad's smile widens
24:16when he sees the handkerchief
24:17in Eric's pocket.
24:18You even got my spoiled daughter
24:20to embroider something for you.
24:22Eric,
24:22I have much to learn from you.
24:24Dad is always the star
24:25of the show
24:26at every banquet.
24:27I check out
24:27where the duchess would fall
24:28and get Lydia
24:29to keep watch there.
24:30To calm myself,
24:31I drink some wine.
24:32I want to ask Clara
24:33to get me more,
24:34but when I turn,
24:35she is gone.
24:36Just then,
24:37Lydia rushes over.
24:38Miss Eleanor,
24:39the duchess is heading
24:39to the lakeside.
24:40Damn it,
24:41I need more wine.
24:42But the stage is set.
24:43Though it is already spring,
24:44there is still a chill
24:45in the air.
24:46I glanced over at Mom,
24:47who is chatting
24:48with the other ladies,
24:48covering her mouth
24:49in amusement at some gossip.
24:51Warmth spreads
24:51through my heart.
24:52There is nothing to fear.
24:54The narrow path
24:54is winding.
24:55I see the duchess
24:56walking from afar.
24:57I follow closely behind.
24:58When she falls into the lake,
25:00I am pushed in as well.
25:01I choke on some water,
25:02but still grab tightly
25:03onto her hand.
25:04Ma'am,
25:04calm down.
25:05I will save you.
25:06Thankfully,
25:07Lydia's scream
25:07is very loud.
25:09Everyone rushes over
25:09to the lakeside.
25:10My parents nearly leap
25:11into the lake themselves.
25:13Mom is beside herself.
25:14Ellie!
25:14Hold on.
25:15It's May,
25:16but the water is cold.
25:17My strength faded
25:18with the warmth.
25:19The duchess clings to me,
25:20weeping bitterly,
25:21and I keep comforting her.
25:23Eric is the first
25:23to jump in.
25:24He wraps his coat
25:25around my soaked dress,
25:26hands the duchess
25:27to the guards,
25:27and takes me to safety.
25:29Choking on water,
25:30I cannot speak,
25:31but my heart
25:32is as full
25:32as the warm sunlight
25:33that filters
25:34through the lush branches.
25:35Ordinary,
25:36unremarkable Eric
25:37makes my heart race.
25:38He isn't cold
25:39like Adrian,
25:40nor arrogant
25:41like Paul.
25:42He is just
25:42a quiet wallflower,
25:43never bothering anyone.
25:45The world falls silent.
25:46All I can hear
25:47is his voice.
25:48Eleanor,
25:49you'd better be okay.
25:50It's the first time
25:51he calls me by name.
25:52The duchess arranges
25:52a room for me
25:53to change out
25:53of my wet clothes.
25:54At last,
25:55I can speak with her alone.
25:57Hurriedly,
25:57I voice my suspicions.
25:58Ma'am,
25:59you didn't slip and fall.
26:00Someone pushed you.
26:01I remember it clearly.
26:02I tried to grab her
26:03before she fell,
26:04but someone pushed me
26:05from behind.
26:06The shove was quite light,
26:08understanding Dawn's.
26:09The duchess frowns,
26:10her face grave.
26:11Thank you for saving me,
26:12Ellie.
26:12I will look into this matter.
26:14She leaves to speak
26:15to her staff
26:15and looks worried
26:16when she returns.
26:17My parents
26:17are badly shaken.
26:19When I come out,
26:20they refuse
26:20to let go of me.
26:21The banquet continues.
26:22My heart calms
26:23and I focus on
26:24eating my salad.
26:25I cannot break my diet,
26:27not after all my effort.
26:28I don't see Clara
26:29for the rest of the day.
26:30If the duchess
26:31didn't tell me personally
26:32that they have found
26:33the culprit,
26:33I might have never
26:34known the truth.
26:35I should laugh.
26:36Even the main character
26:37cannot escape the follies
26:38of love and desire.
26:39She cannot escape
26:40from suffering.
26:40The duchess
26:41is from a military family.
26:42She grew up in the army
26:43and has seen her fair share
26:44of murder and schemes.
26:46When I told her
26:46we were pushed,
26:47she grew suspicious.
26:48The staff in her household
26:49are vetted,
26:49so it can't be them.
26:51It must be an outsider.
26:52She checked the guest list
26:53and questioned the attendants.
26:54Only my maid,
26:55Clara,
26:55is absent.
26:56If Clara were ordinary,
26:57she wouldn't stand out.
26:58But she was too beautiful.
27:00With the dress I gave her,
27:01she was too conspicuous.
27:03When they find her,
27:03the duchess orders
27:04her shoes examined.
27:05There is mud on the soles.
27:07Just like that,
27:07Clara is apprehended.
27:09She doesn't confess,
27:10stubborn to the end,
27:11but her coldness
27:11and defiance
27:12wins no pity
27:13from the duchness.
27:13The branding iron
27:15burns away the fabric
27:15of her dress
27:16and scorches her skin.
27:18She is tortured,
27:19yet she stares at the doorway
27:20as if waiting for someone.
27:21I remain dazed
27:22even after the banquet ends.
27:24Clara had saved the duchess
27:25in my previous life.
27:26I wondered if she and Adrian
27:27had set this up as well
27:28in that life.
27:29Had they used the duchess
27:30to make me free, Clara?
27:32Then what about Paul?
27:33I write to Eric,
27:34asking him to keep watch
27:35at the city gates.
27:36Maybe he would be able
27:37to save Paul.
27:38Even though I hate him
27:39for killing my family,
27:40he is still the general
27:40who protects the country
27:41and its people.
27:42If Eric could save him
27:43in this life,
27:43it would be perfect.
27:45Five days pass.
27:46The duchess says that Clara
27:47still refuses to speak.
27:48Adrian acts like he doesn't know her,
27:49working,
27:50even finding the time
27:51to curry favor with my father.
27:52Love is so fragile
27:53in the face of power,
27:54scattering in the wind
27:55at the lightest breath.
27:56Pushing the duchess
27:56into the lake
27:57is considered murder.
27:58If Clara had done it,
27:59then she won't be
27:59bothering me anymore.
28:01But why did she do it?
28:02Perhaps only Clara
28:03can answer this question.
28:04The mighty General Paul Holden,
28:06who commands the army
28:07and wins wars,
28:08returns to Jorland
28:08on an old horse
28:09covered in wounds.
28:10The first thing he says
28:11when he sees Eric is,
28:12someone's trying to kill me.
28:14This time,
28:14I have changed too many things.
28:16It isn't Clara
28:17who saves him this time.
28:18It's me and Eric.
28:19We summoned the best doctors
28:20and gave him the best medicine,
28:21barely saving his life.
28:22And his savior
28:23in my previous life,
28:24Clara,
28:24now stands before me,
28:26covered in wounds,
28:26her limbs bound.
28:27The beautiful dress
28:28she is wearing
28:29is now ruined.
28:30She looks at my now
28:30slender figure
28:31and flawless skin
28:32with a dazed expression.
28:33Miss Eleanor,
28:34you're so pretty now.
28:36Tears wells up in her eyes.
28:37I feel conflicted too.
28:38Somehow,
28:39I sense that
28:40I am close to the truth.
28:42Clara,
28:42Adrian is getting married soon.
28:44I've never seen her
28:45look so hopeless.
28:46She looks defeated.
28:47You and Adrian
28:48are a good match.
28:49No,
28:49he's not marrying me.
28:51Then,
28:51he will marry
28:52the Duke's daughter.
28:53Eric told me this.
28:54After Paul is healed,
28:55Adrian asks to marry
28:56the Duke's daughter.
28:58Two weeks of torture
28:58has stripped Clara
28:59of all dignity.
29:00When all hope is gone,
29:02insanity follows.
29:03Bright,
29:04radiant Clara
29:05breaks down in the dark.
29:06Voice hoarse,
29:07she screams,
29:08I could accept it
29:09if it were you.
29:10Why her?
29:11He said that if I saved
29:12the Duchess,
29:13I could openly love him.
29:14Why didn't he save me?
29:16Why is he marrying
29:17someone else?
29:18Why?
29:18Why am I not a noble,
29:20even though I am prettier
29:21and more talented
29:22than any of you?
29:22You can marry
29:23whoever you want.
29:24I know so much.
29:25From medicine
29:26to the arts,
29:27I can debate.
29:28I can write poems.
29:29Yet I can never be you.
29:31He lied to me.
29:32How could he lie to me?
29:33I'm sorry.
29:34I misjudged him.
29:35Clara isn't a doctor
29:36in this life.
29:37She doesn't go to
29:37Kingswell Vale,
29:38so she never finds
29:39her devoted partner.
29:40She had become
29:40a political tool,
29:41just like I had been.
29:42But she had known
29:43some of Adrienne's love,
29:44while I did not.
29:45I knew that I was
29:46close to the truth,
29:47but I hadn't expected this.
29:48Clara,
29:49drained of energy,
29:50curled up in the dark
29:51as she sobbed brokenly.
29:52I feel no thrill of victory.
29:54Just like in my last life,
29:55when Clara mocked me
29:56as a queen,
29:57I feel only sorrow.
29:58Clara,
29:59you were indeed wrong.
30:00You shouldn't have coveted
30:01something that did not
30:01belong to you.
30:02It was never yours,
30:03and it never would
30:04have been yours.
30:05At last,
30:05it is over.
30:06I can finally sleep.
30:08My parents will stay alive,
30:09as will the rest
30:10of my household.
30:11The Duchess puts her arms
30:12around me and leads me
30:12out of the prison.
30:13It is raining outside.
30:14Eric is kicking pebbles
30:15as he waits,
30:16holding an umbrella.
30:17When he sees me,
30:18he tells me with bright eyes,
30:19The wedding is confirmed.
30:20I can call you Ellie now.
30:21His smile is brilliant.
30:23Everyone says he's ordinary,
30:24but to me,
30:25he is precious.
30:26Soon,
30:27Clara goes mad.
30:28Adrienne fails to remain
30:29crown prince.
30:30The Duchess accuses him
30:31of murder,
30:31and Paul does the same.
30:33Adrienne cannot escape this.
30:34I finally see him
30:35as he is.
30:36If I hadn't been blinded
30:37by jealousy in my previous life,
30:38only seeing Clara
30:40and none of his plans,
30:41I might not have ended up
30:42as I did.
30:42No one is born as a villain.
30:44Sometimes,
30:44we just forget to live.
30:46Time will pass,
30:46and everything comes
30:47to an end eventually.
30:48In this life,
30:49I wear the world's finest dress.
30:51My wedding gown.
30:52Only mine.
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