Second Life of the Villainess

Chapter 3

The jubilant Aria clasped the piece of the hourglass. Although the action caused numerous sharp pieces to dig into her small and fragile palm, it was not the pain, but the joyous relief that reminded her that she was living a second life.

Drops of scarlet blood fell onto the floor, dripping down and gradually condensing. It was both the remorse and the venom of the wicked woman wishing for revenge.

'I will never forgive you.'

Slowly, Aria opened her hand and smiled.

The smile was so similar to that of a benevolent saint that even Jessie's shivering stopped.

—

"It seems that Aria has been studying hard as of late."

Several days had passed since Aria had returned to the past, and Aria's clear and transparent recital of poetry had filled the dining hall. As a result, Count Roscent had praised Aria for the first time.

The countess, who smiled naturally, intelligently forged a pretence for Aria's brilliance, "She enjoyed reading numerous books during our impoverished life, which is why she is elated by the opportunities to learn."

A lie. Aria hadn't even learned how to eat cleanly until she was sixteen years old. She had never touched the cover of a book before entering the county, which had similarly transitioned to her life after that as well.

She preferred playing over reading, and to dress up in luxury was her pleasure. This was also because that was all she knew how to do.

When she had been very young and ignorant, she had remembered how she had stumbled upon some of the poems that the count enjoyed and had memorized them in front of his weary state, but the receiver of any honour had always been Mielle.

It was natural that Mielle, who could recite the poems like songs, was praised over Aria, who had recited poems mechanically, like a book, just like now.

"It's a famous poem handed down from generation to generation in Count Roscent's county. It was written by the first count, and it was the first poem that I learned when I was four years old. The last verse, the woman's reply to 'The Woman I Love,' is not well known, but only when the two become one is the poem complete."

With her right hand on her chest, Mielle recited the poem quietly and clearly. There was a sense of satisfaction in the eyes of those who watched her. Aria's mother, the countess, also looked toward her with a commendable expression. She seemed like the lead actress who succeeded in the upbeat supporting actress.

"... and I will gather my admirable heart and scatter it all out into your future!"

When she finished her poetry recital, there was a round of applause in the dining hall. Unlike in the past, where she had gritted her teeth with envy and jealousy, Aria joined the audience this time. With blushing cheeks and a shy smile creeping from her mouth, Mielle had become the real protagonist of that day.

As always, it was an honour that was taken by her from Aria. An honour that would always return to the noble girl as opposed to staying with the girl of humble origins.

It could be that due to Aria's presence that there was more praise being thrown at Mielle. It would be a compliment to say that all of that was a coordinated effort to trample on the petty pride of a stupid girl, so Aria decided to reclaim the glory that was stolen from her.

Since it wasn't Mielle's, to begin with.

The applause died down, and Aria, the supporting actress asked without losing her smile and composure, "What a beautiful poem, Mielle. But do you know what?"