To be the Villainess

O19.

Chapter 19

══ ◈ ══

“ARE YOU sure this is what you want to wear, my lady?” Eleonor asked as she pulled up the dress I had chosen.

The day of the awarding ceremony has now arrived. It is midday, and we are preparing my outfit for the afternoon’s ceremony.

“Yes, Eleonor,” I replied, my fingers tracing the delicate fabrics. “This will be enough to make myself way more attractive, right?” I continued, glancing at the two of them.

“You are attractive whatever you wear, my lady!” Lilith exclaimed, her hands carefully cradling the accessories she had placed on the plate.

They began dressing me, slipping me into the stunning gown. The dress was a breathtaking cascade of violet and lavender hues, the bodice encrusted with intricate lace and shimmering crystals that caught the light with every movement. The sweetheart neckline accentuated my shoulders, while the layers of the skirt flowed gracefully to the floor, with a high slit revealing just enough of my leg to be daring yet elegant.

Lilith fastened a crystal choker around my neck, its delicate chains resting softly on my collarbone. Eleonor slipped a bracelet of tiny violet gems onto my wrist, each one shimmering like a piece of the night sky. Then, they gave me a pair of matching earrings that dangled gently from my ears. Finally, Lilith placed a jeweled tiara in my hair, its design perfectly matching the dress.

As I looked at myself in the mirror, I barely recognized the reflection staring back at me. The dress hugged my figure in all the right places, making me feel both powerful and enchanting. The accessories added a final touch of regality, transforming me into someone who was ready to command the attention of everyone in the room.

“Lilith, Eleonor,” I murmured, my voice filled with awe. “You’ve outdone yourselves.”

“You were already magnificent, my lady,” Eleonor said with a smile. “We merely enhanced what was already there.”

With one final glance in the mirror, I knew that today, I would be unforgettable.

══ ◈ ══

As I stepped out of our carriage, I was met by the sight of a massive crowd gathered outside the Imperial Palace. They cheered and shouted their gratitude toward the heroes who had prevented the monsters from reaching the capital. The ceremony began with a grand procession led by the Emperor and the Crown Prince, their regal presence commanding the attention of all.

The Grand Duke offered me his hand, which I accepted, and together we walked into the Palace’s Sacred Hall. As we entered, I noticed the High Priest standing in the center of the room, surrounded by nobles who had gathered to witness the ceremony.

The moment I stepped into the hall, I felt the weight of their gazes. The nobles’ eyes were sharp, and their expressions barely concealed their disdain. I could hear them murmuring among themselves, casting doubtful looks my way, as if I didn’t belong there. They likely thought I was only here because the Grand Duke favored me. Little did they know, I had played a crucial role in this victory. I clicked my tongue silently, resisting the urge to gag at their arrogance.

“We gather today to honor the brave souls who stood against the darkness and emerged victorious, carrying the courage of our ancestors in their hearts. They fought not only for the safety of our realm but for all that is good and just. As the chosen vessel of the divine, I now bestow upon them the blessings of the gods. May their light guide these heroes, their strength fortify them, and their wisdom counsel them always. With the gods’ protection and favor, may they go forth, knowing their deeds will be remembered as long as the sun rises and the stars shine.”