To be the Villainess

Epilogue

The warm southern breeze brushed against my skin as I leaned against the window, watching the town below. Merchants called out their wares while townsfolk bustled about, their daily lives carrying on peacefully. It was a quiet contrast to the turmoil I’d once known. Here, in the townhouse Darious had given me, life finally felt... manageable.

Two years had passed since the war ended. It felt longer, like an entire lifetime had been packed into those chaotic days. Now, Eleanor and Lilith’s laughter drifted in from the garden, light and carefree.

I glanced outside to see them crouched by the rose bushes, their hands dusted with soil as they admired their work. Chewy, their small and spirited companion, bounded around them, his wagging tail stirring petals and sending both girls into fits of giggles. Lilith tried to scoop him up, but he wriggled free, earning a delighted laugh from Eleanor as she reached to pet him instead.

Cecelia and Lumine had married before I came here. Darious had taken up his title as Grand Duke and was busier than ever. Lumine’s coronation followed not long after, and now he sat as Emperor.

As for me, I had chosen this quiet life in the South with Sebastian. He had said it would be a good idea, and I had to admit he was right. The South was beautiful in its own way, with its open fields and calm pace. Even Charlie had found his place here, becoming a knight and working closely with Sebastian.

I let out a quiet sigh, my gaze drifting to the garden. The peace, the normalcy—it all felt surreal. This was my life now.

Or so I thought.

Out of the corner of my eye, something flickered. My breath caught, and a sinking feeling settled in my chest. Slowly, I turned toward the faint glow, my heart thudding louder with each second.

And then, there it was.

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You have completed the final predicament! You have ended the war and restored the kingdom in progress.

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The words floated before me, sharp and clear. My stomach twisted. I hadn’t seen this system notification in so long, I thought it was done.

Apparently, it wasn’t over. It had been waiting—waiting for the kingdom to be fully restored. And now that it was, the system had returned. Why now? I wasn’t sure.

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Do you want to end the game?

◣ Yes ◥           No

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The words glowed faintly before me, casting an eerie light across the room. I stared at the holographic screen, my breath hitching in my throat. “End the game?” I echoed softly, the words tasting foreign on my tongue.

Without a second thought, I reached out and pressed Yes. Maybe this would finally erase it, make it vanish for good.

But the relief was short-lived.

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Are you certain you want to end the game?