In her last life, Lady Helena Lodestone was seen by the people of Bolvonia empire as a villainess and a wastrel. Albeit, they inferred her villainous ways were a by-product of her unrequited love for the empire's crown prince, Archduke of Wesen. In fact, they all agreed she could've attained exceptional careers if she hadn't pursued an unreciphocate romance. Collectively, they concurred that for every minute she'd wasted writing love letters to the uncaring duke, she could've become an accomplished novelist. For every effort she'd put into painting the glacial duke's portraits, she could've become a famous artist. Indeed, with every scheme she'd hatched to get said duke's attention, they'd agree she could've become a great general. Alas, these were people's thoughts after the villainess was executed beside her families of three generations. After rebirth... Sitch 1. "What is this trash?" Helena asked, glaring at an illustration of a scantily clad man instead of an editorial on yesterday's charity polo. "Trash?" Editor-in-chief Ria was shocked. "But boss, that's our centerfold for this month's issue; 'The Duke basking in sunlight'! Just look at his muscular physique kissed by the sun. The way droplets of perspiration lapping down his sculpted pectorals--" "Stop!" Helena snapped. "Don't say any more about that man's sweaty body or I'll puke!" Sitch 2. "Those letters I asked you to deliver last week. Where did you take them to?" Helena asked, somewhat already knew the answer. The pageboy beamed proudly. "I took them to the arch duke's city estate. Just like I've always done." Helena: "..." Sitch 3. "Are you here to register your artworks in the upcoming competition?" Helena's lips twitched. "No. I'm here to donate these useless paintings." Thus, began a rebirth story of a so-called villainess trying to win over the empire's heart, protect her families and salvage her soul. Cover art: https://lexica.art/prompt/4131ee30-3457-4c70-b687-4dd4c5a21680

Do you think a mere human can win against fate? You probably read a lot of stories where a reincarnated person succeeded as a villainess. Most reincarnated people were teenagers who had a sad life or maybe assassins who can fight or maybe geniuses. Some change and started being nice towards the heroine and capture targets. Some easily accepted the villainess role and turned the tables. The heroine becomes the villainess and the villainess became the heroine. Most villainess succeeded and change their destinies while others died. What about my story? Did I change my destiny? I did, accepted the role of a villainess without caring about the results. I tried to be as cunning as possible and become an enemy of both empires even though deep down I know I was scared. I was scared because I was just a teenager who got reincarnated in a world where both words and swords can behead someone. I wasn't a person who belongs in this world. I was merely an intruder. An intruder who knows everything and does nothing to change one's fate. [The picture isn't mine so credits to the owner] Also, expect some grammatical errors. English is not my native language-- it would be quite helpful if you point out some mistakes. Some contents contained things that might be uncomfortable with readers such as gore, death and the talk about beliefs.

Falling into the fiery hell she created must've been the perfect way for her to die. The other woman would then become the heroine that saved the town's people from the mad queen that burnt half of the population down and the duke would become the hero that protected the heroine. They would then be wed and have little children. They would live happily in the new world that they would create after vanquishing the evil queen. They would then lead the people unto a prosperous era of peace. Just... Where?... Where did I go wrong? When I am reborn, will you please give me a simple life?