PERSONAL

Chapter 13: Summer Break Part 2 (Hiatus)

I awoke to the sound of much clamoring from above. The castle had not been this active in a long while. The last time was when that witch married Leon. I bit my lips at the memory.

How could he settle for such a girl? A girl who had no qualms ruining breaking another's heart a second time. A ruinous girl capable and willing to chase others across worlds to see them suffer. How he could not see her malice was beyond me.

The Saintess had twisted him so ruthlessly to hold his attention. He had cared for Clarice so deeply until the Saintess had so ruthlessly reformed him. He so thoroughly ripped apart my sanity by going after those that I cherished.

The Leon I knew would have hated who he had become.

That witch must have somehow befuddled my friend's mind. She must have done something to him. He had become more distant after I became aware of her influence.

No, that was inaccurate. She had been working on him the moment she had learned that I associated with him.

When I noticed what was truly happening, it was already too late. Leon ignored all my pleas. He could not see that I was trying to help him and Clarice. He threw her away. He became just like Jilk.

What happened to Leon? What happened to the boy that could not bear to see Clarice so hurt? What happened to the boy who had valued my opinion?

My wallowing was interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Looking up, I saw Leon standing at my door all by himself with a vacant expression. A well of despair grew in me. It was a familiar sight after all.

"Leon?" I croaked out. My voice was raspy from disuse and the poor conditions of the dungeon.

"Angelica... I'm here to inform you that we have decided to execute you for your crimes against the Saintess."

So it has come to this again.

"I... I see."

"You seem rather composed," he said in a strangely detached tone. His face was contorted into an inhuman smile.

"I had a feeling that this was inevitable."

Hearing a rusty creak, my attention was drawn to the cell door. Leon approached me before kneeling before me.

"Inevitable she says. How could it not be when you've gone out of your way to get in Olivia's way?" the man said in a mocking tone as he knelt before me.

"I never tried to get in her way. Not this time, but fate seems to want to put us on a collision course."

"Yes. What an unfortunate soul you are. Being punished as the villainess that you are."

"... Are we done here?" I growled as I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing my suffering as Julius had enjoyed.

"You see, that's your problem. Always with the distant act. Such a cold woman under that blistering glare. A heartless shrew through and through. Had you even demonstrated an inkling of affection to anyone, you would at least have someone speak up for you. Are you even capable of loving someone?"

"You can leave now if you are hoping to elicit a response for your sick entertainment. You know I won't give you the satisfaction," I shot back immediately.

He developed a faux pained look as he said, "Why, Angie, I'm merely making small talk. I'm not here to see you suffer. In fact, I wanted to help you."

"Hoh? Why the sudden philanthropy?"

"We are the best of friends. I would never want to see you so humiliated as to be paraded in front of the masses for your execution."

I developed a cold sweat as something felt off about that statement.

A sharp pain spread across my neck. A horrible laughter echoed in my ear. My vision tumbled as my head fell, but Leon's/Julius's demented smile remained in my vision.

....

I sat up in a cold sweat while feeling my neck. It was all just a nightmare.

That dream... it was far too similar to a certain memory.

I sighed in frustration. Of course I would have a nightmare like that. Recent events and the stress all but ensured that I would have such a nightmare.

Getting out of bed, I strolled into the attached bathroom. Looking into the mirror above the sink, I saw my haggard image. Scowling, I turned on the sink to freshen myself up.

I needed to get my act together. Events would not play out like last time. For one, I had not been nearly as hostile to Olivia. While I could admit to being cold, I was never hostile. I had even protected the girl, possibly a foolish decision.

... But Leon was her target.

I winced at that. He must think me terribly unreasonable for giving her such a hard time. It did not bode well for me.

Even now, I could already see...

I shook my head in frustration.

I felt guilt well up in me for thinking ill of Leon. He was not like Julius. Julius never cared for me. Leon, even though he clearly disagreed with my treatment of Olivia, still treated me so gently. It was not too late so long as I could come up with a reasonable excuse, which shouldn't be too hard, given that Olivia was a commoner who could not possibly have known any of the unspoken rules of the school.

And yet... I could not get rid of my feelings of doubt.

....

"Hello, Angie. Have you not been sleeping well," my brother said gently as he gestured for me to approach. I must have looked distressed still despite freshening up.

"Hello, Gil. I'm fine, but never mind about me. How have you been?"

"Admittedly busy as of late."

Unfortunately predictable. Gil and Father would have had to utilize a few favors and done significant legwork to get members of the royal court to minimize the potential backlash. It was an unfortunate necessity to close the national security hole.

"I apologize for having brought you more work."

He chuckled.

"Don't be. Your actions have actually been most beneficial for us."

"If you say so."

"You don't believe me?" he queried.

"Mylene was not quite as happy with the means by which I resolved the issue."

"Yes, I suppose the Queen would not enjoy a potential second Roland," Gil said with a light chuckle.

"She isn't wrong though."

"... No, she is wrong in this case. While Mylene is a worthy Queen to follow and emulate, she is far too concerned in maintaining the status quo at times even if doing so keeps a flawed system in place. Considering the situation has devolved to the point that the Offreys were able to potentially further Fanoss's goals, exceptions to the current protocol are commendable."

"That sounds like an exceptionally poor way to run the Kingdom to wantonly decide when the law does and doesn't apply," I said humorlessly.

"Certainly, but this incident has highlighted the flaws of our system. Thanks to your actions, we are convening with the royal court in order to prevent such rot from festering any further."

"And that would entail?"

"For one thing, no more outright dismissal of pirate claims of noble sponsorships as merely a means to slander a family. We're allowing lighter sentencing to pirates should they present proof of transactions with nobles."

I snorted.

"Something you find amusing, Angie?"

"It's just that I go hunting pirates, and the end result is that they have more rights."

"Ironic isn't it? But in so doing, pirates are more likely to surrender with less violence if the option of surrender is on the table, they relinquish all treasures, they have to reveal the location of their hideouts, and they also show that nobles cannot trust pirates to be discreet, a major reason for hiring pirates. While not a perfect solution, it does come with several long benefits."

"But what about falsified records?" I asked as I remembered how my followers from my last life had used my name to justify their actions against the Saintess. It would not be too far a stretch to simply keep a book of falsified records as a means to escape punishment.

With a sigh, Gil leaned back into his chair and said, "And that is where corrupt nobles are trying to seed in loopholes for them to use. While I agree with the concern, it is obvious others are simply trying to give themselves an out."

"... Would my presence help out at all in resolving the issue?" I queried honestly. With my involvement of the raid and my current position as Royal fiancée, I did not know if my input would be helpful.

"... Not at this time. Too many of the royal court saw this as a power grab. If we push too hard and try to utilize the Red Angel's reputation to push anything, too many nobles will either see this change in policy burn to the ground or will make navigating the political waters difficult."

"The Red Angel? Me?" I asked with a baffled expression.

"Ah yes. Part of several territory's campaign to ensure you come out ahead of this whole situation. A bit unimaginative, but the merchants guild says it would be popular with the masses. Still better than the Red Queen that the adventurers guild suggested. A misnomer and just conjures an image of a bloody tyrant."

"... What exactly have you and Father been doing to salvage my reputation?"

"Outside calming down a few neutral nobles of the royal court, very little. Many of the boys you brought along for your hunt have been quite vocal in advocating for you. Obviously, those heirs won the support of the masses in their territory by hunting down pirates in their first year, and with how uneducated the masses can be, nuance is lost and anyone who besmirches the Red Angel must deserve a stoning."

"Should I be concerned?"

"Depends on if you are planning to change the Kingdom of Holfort to the Kingdom of Redgrave."

"Not funny."

"I wasn't trying to be. Several of our vassals are a little too open of their loyalty to us," Gil said with a sigh.

"Please tell me our vassals aren't thinking of pulling a Fanoss."

"Merely the bluster of men who had a rough time before we had recruited them. It's just unfortunate how vocal they can be."

"Should I talk them down?"

"... I think it would be wiser to disassociate yourself from them as much as possible. They will follow you regardless of their feelings towards the Kingdom but being caught associating with these individuals could lend credence to unsavory conspiracies against us."

"Is there anything I should be doing?"

"... Don't break your engagement with Julius?"

"You make it sound like that was an option I had."

Gil raised an eyebrow at me while crossing his arms.

"What's with that look?"

"Just surprised you haven't even thought about breaking yours with the other's falling through."

"Julius will break it," I said dismissively.

"I doubt it will come to that. With everything going on, Julius is likely going to be pressured to ensure that your engagement goes through regardless of his will."

"But he will."

"... Angie... you know I want you to be happy... right?"

"Gil?"

"As much as you dislike Julius, at least try to ensure he parts with you on cordial terms."

"You're not going to admonish me or tell me to make it work?" I asked in astonishment.

"Father and I agree that this engagement was never a good idea once we realized Julius refused to take a single step forward when you have made it clear that he has wronged you. It is more or less a foregone conclusion that this engagement will fail, especially with how he is associating with the one who ruined three engagements. We only ask you ensure that your parting is on cordial terms lest a civil war breakouts."

"A civil war? I doubt Father or you would go to such extremes."

"... We may not have a choice."

"Gil... Please tell me our vassals wouldn't actually force your hand."

"They certainly don't help the situation, but we suspect that Frampton may push the issue with the royal family. He may claim that our growing power base is a sign that we are planning to usurp the throne. Parting on poor terms would definitely make it easier for Frampton."

Of course they would. Lord Frampton was an ambitious noble and would stoop to any low to get ahead.

"Do you believe that Mylene would so readily spurn us?"

"... I believe she is paranoid enough to be swayed."

... Knowing what I knew, the chances were non-zero.

....

Side-Plot: Leon

I should not have gone to the stall famous for its grilled meats not matter how savory the smells were. It was just asking to run into the crown prince.

The crown prince who was currently dragging me away after shoving one of his meat skewers into my mouth to silence me.

After he dragged me to a desolate alley, he finally turned around to talk to me.

Not wanting to hear him out, I snarked first.

"You know, I find it more scandalous that you take a man into dark alley ways and stuff your meat into their unwilling mouths."

"... Bartfort... I can't fathom how you aspire to be a true gentleman when you say such crass things," Julius said with a stupefied look.

"I am merely stating that your attempt to ensure my silence is far more scandalous than having a classmate recognize you at the local establishment. It wasn't even as if I was going to blow your cover by talking to you."

"Except I wasn't trying to keep you from talking. It isn't as though people find my presence odd anymore."

"Oh? Frequent customer?"

"It is one of my favorites."

"Word of warning, don't be a regular. Go to several establishments with different specialties. Less chance of someone poisoning you if your habits are unpredictable."

"Stop. I know what you are doing. Stop distracting me."

"But it is sound advice."

"Bartfort..." Julius said with a chagrined expression.

"What is it?" I said impatiently as it was apparent he would not leave me be.

"How is it that you get along with Angelica so well?"

"... Is this small talk or is there some political bullshit going on that is forcing you to do this?"

"Is it so hard to believe I want to get along with my fiancée?"

"Yes."

....

AN:

1) Bit rusty since I haven't had time to write for quite some time. Hopefully this isn't too bad. It was surprisingly long despite the parity in detail.

2) I did pull a lot of the first part from chapter 1. It is not a bad end timeline with her reincarnating again. It is just a traumatic nightmare in which her past experiences are now overlapping with current faces.

3) Expanded on background details of what the royal court has to deal with now that Angelica broke the system. Basically ripple effects.

4) Mylene is noted to be pretty black hearted at times within canon. Her writing off the Redgrave's seems pretty inline with what she is willing to do.

...

Review Response:

Ominous442: Vince's desire to see his grandchildren on the throne is a pretty late detail.

Sperance: Except Angelica grievances are entirely unfair to Julius. She's holding his child self accountable for acts he has yet to commit or may not commit. To the majority of the people witnessing the situation, Angelica is in the wrong since she suddenly decided to not associate with the prince as a child. It looks like a child tantrum that she never grew out of. As for the Mylene statement, she is totally right in calling hypocritical since Angelica's stated reason for disliking Julius is a lack of effort yet she does not reach out. While we know the reason why, everyone else sees her holding Julius to a standard she will not hold herself to.

Guest: autocorrect is awful at times.

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NOTE :-

The Villainess Reincarnates by Iwasbored

Anime » Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs Rated: T, English, Leon fB., Angelica rR., Words: 33k+, Favs: 711, Follows: 904, Published: Jun 19, 2022 Updated: Jun 7, 2024.