I lived as I had always lived — I sought to earn her favor, just like I did with the Baron and my mother, never going against anything she said. Whatever Lady Katarina wanted to hear, or the objects she desired... I did all that, and never went against her in any way. I became what my masters wanted me to become, shaped by their desires.
As long as I did as I was told, Lady Katarina’s mood would slowly improve, and the days began to pass without any problems. After all, this was how I had always lived. The only thing that changed was the individual I served. All I had to do was become a new tool in the Claes manor.
However, following the impact to her head and her feverish slumber, the awakened Lady Katarina changed. She was no longer arrogant, and no longer selfish. She no longer sought praise from me, or words of approval. She climbed the trees and tilled the fields — a most unusual noble lady.
I no longer knew how to earn her favor, or how I should react to her actions. Having lived my entire life telling people what they wanted to hear, and being what they wanted me to me, I found myself at a loss — I had no real will of my own.
And so, as I remained lost in thought about how to interact with this suddenly changed Lady Katarina... I realized that I soon began to speak on my own accord. Although I no longer was full of praise for her, nor did I affirm everything she said and did, Lady Katarina was never cruel to me. I found myself slowly starting to respect her.
For the first time in my life, I received a birthday present. A sheaf of paper tickets with the words “shoulder massage ticket” written on them in somewhat messy letters. And wooden carvings of a strange, unidentified lifeform. All these were gifts from Lady Katarina, handed to me every year, and I kept all of them packed away safely.
The days I spent serving the unpredictable Lady Katarina were exhausting to say the least. However, compared to those fifteen-odd years that I spent living in that small house, this was something I could never have dreamed of — impossibly bright, vibrant, and happy days.
I want to stay by Lady Katarina’s side for as long as I can. I no longer remembered when I started thinking this way.
After spending a few years in the Claes family, a letter arrived from an individual who had not contacted me all this time — Baron Shelley. The letter was curt: “Your engagement has been arranged. Return to the estate at once.”
All the color drained from my face. Engagement...? Even though I was told that I am no longer useful as an instrument for political marriage because of the burn scars on my back?
Before, I would have rushed back to the estate immediately after receiving such a letter. I was just a tool. A tool that could not dream of going against its master, the Baron. However... I was no longer the girl I was before. I wanted to stay here.
This was why I had ignored the letter... until Baron Shelley himself showed up at the Claes manor. Seated in the room I was summoned into was Baron Shelley — seated and unchanged, looking exactly as he did all those years ago.
“I found an eccentric, you see. Someone who has interest in you, regardless of the damage. Since you did not seem to understand my summons, I have personally shown up, to bring you back, of course,” the Baron said, his twisted expression seemingly suggesting that I thank him for his efforts.
The individual that I was engaged to had many bad rumors swirling around him in noble society — a viscount with more lovers than one could count with both hands. Baron Shelley was certainly being paid a handsome sum to arrange such a marriage. But I knew I would never be happy in such an arrangement.
In fact, was it mistaken for a tool to think that it could ever be happy in the first place? A sudden chill came over my body, as if all the blood had been sucked out of it that very moment.
“Why do you dally? I have already spoken to Duke Claes. Make the arrangements now! We are returning to the estate,” the Baron said, seemingly displeased at my silence.
Ah... with this, it will all end. My happy days will be over, and I will become nothing more than a tool once more.
I want to stay here. I want to spend more time here, by Lady Katarina’s side...
And that was when it happened.
“Do excuse me.” With a prompt greeting and a knock, the Lady Katarina herself burst into the room in a huff. “You are Anne’s father, yes?” she said, directing her sharp gaze towards the Baron.
“...Y-Yes.” the Baron himself was at a loss, apparently surprised by the sudden entrance of this young girl.
“Please! Please rethink this whole affair about Anne’s marriage engagement!” Lady Katarina said, suddenly gripping me by the arm. “Please, I need Anne by my side, I absolutely do! I want her to stay! If you take her away... I won’t stand for it! I can’t!” she shouted, ignoring the Baron’s surprised expression as she said what she needed to say.
The sight before me was surreal — it was like was a spectator, gazing into a foreign world.
I could feel the heat of Lady Katarina’s grip. Slowly, the warmth from her hand warmed up my body.
I had lived all my life, simply pleasing my betters. It was here at the Claes manor, however... here by Lady Katarina’s side, that I first found my own will, my own voice.
Somewhere along the line, I had stopped being just a mere tool. No longer a tool, but just... just Anne Shelley. And even so, Lady Katarina said she needed me. That she wanted me by her side.
Before I knew it, the Young Miss’ warmth filled my entire being. I found that it warmed up my head, especially so. I desperately held back the tears that were threatening to spill forth from my eyes at any moment.
Due to Lady Katarina’s actions that day, the engagement itself was now called into question. A short while after this incident, Duke Claes somehow found out about the negative circumstances surrounding my engagement, and in turn called off the entire deal with the Baron’s family.
No words could describe the gratitude I felt for Duke Claes. In fact, the Duke himself even suggested an alternative. “If you would like, I could put the word out for a proper suitor — someone who would treat you well,” he said.
Even so, I chose to stay by Lady Katarina’s side. And so, I remained as Lady Katarina’s personal maid at the Claes family up until now.
Regardless of her age, the problems she causes, and her eccentricities, Lady Katarina attracts people to her side without fail. What exactly is it that pulls so many people to her...?
To tell the truth... I can answer that question easily myself. After all, I know better than anyone else could possibly know...
I was just a tool to be used, but Lady Katarina treated me, Anne Shelley, as a human being. I would never forget the warmth of her grip, or the words she spoke on my behalf that day.
I will definitely accompany her to the Academy of Magic in the coming spring. Although the Young Miss claims that she would be “Quite all right”... she could hardly put on her own dress correctly. If left to her own devices, her hair would be messy and undone — there is no way she would be quite all right, nor was this fitting for the eldest daughter of a duke.
“Of course I will be accompanying you to the academy,” I said, despite Lady Katarina’s stunned expression.
“But then, are you not of age for marriage, Anne? I don’t think I could possibly ask you to stay...”
It would seem that the Young Miss was even concerned about my age! Talking about weddings and such. I could not help but laugh a little. After all, I hardly had any desires or expectations for marriage. I only had one wish.
“If I were gone, Young Miss, where would you find someone who would take care of you? Of course I will be accompanying you to the academy.”
At my words, Lady Katarina herself started laughing.
Even if Lady Katarina did become queen in the future, and had to live at the royal castle with Prince Jeord... even if Lady Mary took her away to some faraway land. Regardless of what the future held, I would always be by the Young Miss’ side.
After all, this was where I belong
ed... and this was where my happiness was — standing next to Lady Katarina.
I only have one wish, My Lady. And that is to live on, always by your side.
Epilogue: From Me to You
After my birthday party ended, a semblance of peace finally returned to my surroundings. With all my party dress preparations and dance lessons done, I no longer had to keep up with them at a breakneck pace, and at last could take a breath of relief.
In fact, I had it in my mind to tend to the fields that I had left alone for quite some time — and till it well I would. For the first time in a while, I put on my overalls, and with my bandana and all, I walked out to the fields in full farming gear.
To prepare for this year’s summer harvest, I had intended to scatter the fertilizer that Jeord had given to me for my birthday. Keith was here as well, as I had asked if he could assist with the fertilizing. As we were about to get down to it, Jeord himself showed up.
“Hello, Katarina. I see you are hard at work today as well.”
“Ah, yes, Prince Jeord. Thank you for coming to my birthday party the day before, and for your birthday gift. I wanted to set about using the fertilizer you gave me immediately.”
“I see. I am glad that you were able to put it to good use so quickly. Well worth the effort to gift you what you requested, if I may say so... In truth, I had wanted to give you a dress, or perhaps an accessory you could wear on your person... but knowing you, Katarina, you would hardly accept such a gift,” Jeord said with a somewhat bitter smile on his face.
It was as he said. Originally, Jeord always wanted to send me a dress or some sort of accessory, but I always refused on the spot. My father, who loved me to bits, constantly showered me with dresses and accessories already — there was a small pile of them in my closets. Honestly, I felt like there were a few too many garments in my room...
If I were like Katarina from the original setting of Fortune Lover, I would have loved changing in and out of pretty dresses, sporting a new one each day. In fact, she would hardly mind having a surplus of dresses to choose from. Unfortunately, I was not quite the same as my game counterpart.
To begin with, I didn’t really like grand dresses of any sort — if only because they were so annoying to move around in. In fact, living life in tight-fitting, frilly, and restrictive dresses day in and day out was a terrible notion. I could not see it as anything but sort of twisted punishment game.
And anyway, I was mostly focused on my work in the fields, and had fitting gardening overalls for that. I had no need for the small mountain of dresses tucked away somewhere in my closet. I felt the same way about accessories as well. If I were to lose some expensive accessory while working in the fields, it would be quite the debacle.
Due to the reasons I had just described, I had decided to inform my close friends to not send me such presents. Jeord, of course, was one of them. He heeded my request, and presented me with the fertilizer I asked for instead.
“However, Katarina, you are already fifteen years of age this year. It is about time that your status is made clear to those around you. After all, you belong to me — perhaps I should send you some garments befitting your station,” Jeord said, seemingly lost in thought.
Garments befitting my station? Me belonging to Jeord? Hmm... what does he mean?
“I think everyone already knows that I am your fiancée, Prince Jeord...” In fact, word of it had spread so far that one would be hard pressed to find someone who did not know. But of course it would be as such — no point keeping me around if my existence could not be used as an excuse to deflect potential suitors.
“Perhaps it is so, Katarina. However, many are not quite convinced of the reality of it — regardless of their knowledge on the matter.”
I supposed Jeord had a point. I was not breathtakingly beautiful like Mary, and I had this villainess face of mine to deal with. I was not that impressive compared to the relatively high-spec individuals around me — hence the gossip. To be precise, gossip that said Jeord and I were hardly a match beyond our standing in noble society.
I, however, hardly wanted to challenge their perceptions, much less convince them. In fact, if anyone had wanted to take over my position as fiancée, I would have welcomed it wholeheartedly...
Even so, I couldn’t just tell Jeord to his face something like, “Being your fiancée is quite the bother. Could we change it up?” Instead, all I did was smile vaguely. It was with this very same smile that I turned to Jeord now, hoping to somehow resolve the problem.
“What exactly is it that you are doing...?” Keith said, coming between me and Jeord with quite the intense expression.
Hmm? Does he feel left out because I didn’t include him in the discussion?
“Hello, Keith Claes. To come between two who are engaged and interrupt their rendezvous... quite the tactless maneuver, no? And what is it with that intense expression of yours? Hardly fitting for your pretty face, Keith.”
“Unfortunately, Prince Jeord, it seems like the only one who thinks of this meeting as a rendezvous is you. To answer your question, I have adopted this intense expression in place of my Big Sister. After all, she has absolutely no sense of danger... especially when it comes to particularly nasty bugs.”
“A nasty bug, you say? I wonder who that could be?”
“...A most unscrupulous individual who engaged in most questionable acts in the middle of a dance party, Prince Jeord.”
“Hmm. Is that right? I, for one, have no idea who that could possibly be.”
“You dare say that with those very lips?!”
“But of course, Keith. After all, she is my fiancée. Exactly how questionable is it to leave your own mark on something that belongs to you?”
“And who is it that you say belongs to you?! Big Sister is still a fiancée at this point in time, nothing more!”
It would seem like Keith and Jeord have started a heated discussion in a subject matter that was foreign to me. Is this how it feels to be left out of discussions...? Hmm. Indeed, it is quite a lonely thing.
I suppose I should start working the fields on my own, then. Such were the thoughts that passed through my mind as I embraced my newfound agricultural exile.
“Lady Katarina!” Turning around upon hearing a familiar, bright voice, I caught sight of Mary and her vibrant smile. Following close behind her were Sophia and Alan.
“Hmm? Did you all decide to come visit together?” Although they were a common sight on the grounds, it was somewhat rare for my friends to visit in groups.
“Yes. I invited them, you see.”
“You did, Mary?”
“Yes. I had heard from Master Keith that some questionable events came to pass at the recent dance party. I felt that it would be prudent to strengthen our defenses — and there is strength in numbers, so I invited Lady Sophia. Prince Alan came too.”
What exactly happened at the party? I had no idea what they were talking about at all. To think that Keith would choose to not tell his older sister, but instead inform Mary about this whole development... ah, I really have been excluded, haven’t I? I suddenly feel... so lonely...
Also, Mary just bringing Prince Alan along like that for such a thing seems a little absurd... well, it seems like Alan himself doesn’t mind, so I suppose that’s all fine and good. But honestly... recent developments have really gone against what I knew of Fortune Lover.
“On another note, Lady Katarina. Did you enjoy the books that you have been gifted for your birthday?”
“Ah, that’s right. Lady Mary, Sophia, Prince Alan. Do allow me to express my heartfelt thanks for your wonderful gifts. The books were so interesting that I already finished one volume before I knew it!”
Alan, Mary, and Sophia had come together to select quite a few amazing books for my birthday. Mary and Sophia did most of the work, of course. In fact, Alan hardly knew what to send me each year, and before long had decided to simply follow Mary’s choice on the matter.
This year,
Mary had decided on a book as a gift, and had then apparently approached Sophia, who more often than not gifted me with a book each time. The two came together and had a discussion before choosing this year’s gifts — that was what I gleaned from the developments, at least.
I was more than satisfied, of course, to receive so many highly-regarded literary works as presents.
“I am glad that you are happy with your gifts, Lady Katarina. As I expected, something that remains in one’s hands is much more fitting as a gift. At least, when compared to something that simply disappears into the soil.”
“And would that be a jibe directed at me, Lady Mary Hunt?” Jeord, who had been locked in a heated argument with Keith mere moments ago, apparently decided to join this discussion upon noticing Mary’s presence.
“Oh, if it isn’t Prince Jeord. I did not quite see you there. I hope you are well?” Mary said, curtsying in an impossibly elegant way. As expected of Mary — truly a lady amongst noble ladies. I would do well to learn more from her.
Upon seeing her elegant greeting, even Jeord couldn’t help but break into a smile. “Ha ha. Surely you jest, Lady Mary. I heard you loud and clear. It would seem like you are here with the express purpose of disturbing my and Katarina’s private time.”
“Oh, was I a disturbance? Do pardon me. All I wanted to do was spend some pleasant time with Lady Katarina.”
“Lady Mary. Are you not my brother’s fiancée? Perhaps you should be sharing some pleasant time with Alan instead, no?”
“But of course! That is why I have invited Prince Alan as well. Appearances, yes?”
“Ah, Lady Mary. To think that you were so lovable in your younger years. It would seem that your personality becomes more and more... interesting, with each passing year.”
“Oh? It is an honor that you think so highly of me. However, I would still not be able to rival someone like you, Prince Jeord.”
My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!, Volume 1 Page 22
