"Villainess No More: The Flight from Fate Begins"

CHAPTER 7

Disclaimer: The image above is not my own. All credit goes to the original creator.

Link: https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/18155204741180509/

Chapter 7: "Heroine's True Colors"

"This time, it's your moment to shine, heroine. Let's see if you continue to disrupt my life," I thought.

The video displayed me and Lailiana, standing on a relatively deserted hallway corner.

"Um... Older sister, why are you looking for me?" She asked, her eyes glistening with a pitiable stare.

Sigh Must she play the victim? It's so exasperating! She truly is the embodiment of a naive, innocent character.

"Lady Lailiana, I simply wish to discuss your close association with those four high-ranking noblemen," Azele said with a trace of concern.

"Why? Is there something wrong with befriending them?"

"No, there's nothing inherently wrong with it. It's just that you're in the wrong environment for such associations."

"What do you mean?"

"Please remember, Lady Lailiana, you're not in the outside world; you're not among commoners. This is the noble realm. Here, people would easily mock you, criticize you, backstab you, and subject you to all sorts of cruelty. If you persist, it might tarnish your reputation. My intention is merely to offer some advice: conduct yourself with dignity and adhere to the proper etiquette. This world is vastly different from the commoner's realm; it's a realm of nobility."

"Why do you keep insinuating that I'm just a commoner? How can you be so cruel?" Lailiana's tears began to flow more freely.

The three captivated targets quickly turned their attention toward us. I refused to meet their gaze, my eyes fixed on the projector.

"No, I'm not suggesting that you're a commoner. I'm only reminding you that commoners and nobles have different worlds," Azele said, her gaze fixed on the floor, a wistful smile gracing her lips. It appeared she was recalling something from her past.

"When I finally left my father's estate and ventured beyond, I attended the commoners' grand festival. It was a revelation, the happiest moment of my life. Back then, I'd been confined at home, living a life with a facade, bound by rigid social etiquette. I was like a puppet, under my parents' control in every aspect. But that night at the festival set me free, an unforgettable experience."

In the video, Lailiana rolled her eyes while listening to Azele.

"That night opened my eyes to the stark contrast between commoners and nobles. I couldn't help but envy the carefree joy and genuine smiles of the common folk. Living as a noble felt like a prison, suffocating, with no freedom. While not every noble may feel this way, I certainly did. It seemed like every aspect of my life had been preordained from birth. I felt like a lifeless doll, bound to smile and exude perfect nobility, even in the face of gossip and criticism. It was stifling! I understand you can't truly fathom this as a commoner, free to pursue your desires. That's why I urge you to exercise caution within the noble circle. It's not to be taken lightly," Azele concluded, her smile sincere.

"Lady Lailiana, I hope you understand this. If you want to survive in the noble circle, you mustn't compare it to the world of commoners. It's a perilous realm. I sincerely hope you won't lose your freedom." As Azele took a step back from the heroine, they heard a footstep. Before Azele could even turn her gaze toward the source of the noise, Lailiana suddenly slapped herself and broke into tears.

"Older sister, why do you persist in tormenting me? I know you resent me for being abruptly brought into your life by our father. I know you resent me because of the crown prince. I apologize for intruding into your world." She continued to mutter words that Azele couldn't quite comprehend.