Villainess Reform Project

Don't Punch The Protagonist

"Then what exactly did you mean?"

I didn't mean to be so harsh, but it was getting closer and closer to the time of the entrance ceremony's end. I needed to be able to focus on the event and see if it went differently from the original and this side character, I mean person, was preventing that.

"I just meant that you seemed more like a noble than someone of common birth..."

"I see. Who might you be?" I will fully admit I forgot her name. She was just so boring as a side character I forgot her existence. I'm sorry random maid.

"R-Rachael Jones. Personal maid of Earl Millstone's daughter, Miss Carole Millstone."

So Rachael was her name. I thought it was a name that started with an R. Regina or something. At least she presented herself with her mistress' name proudly.

"I don't remember Earl Millstone having a daughter. A son, but no daughter." Guess I'll play dumb for a bit to see how this goes.

"W-well she was just found again a year ago. I don't blame you for not knowing my lady."

"Hm. Ava Simmonds. Personal maid of Duke Dubannes' daughter, Lady Ophelia Dubannes. I hope we can continue as acquainted peers."

Rachael obviously knew of Ophelia as her eyes went wide for a couple of seconds along with her jaw slightly dropping. I couldn't help but let out a giggle at her reaction, causing her face to go pink once more.

"You'll catch flies like that, Miss Jones."

She quickly shut her mouth at that and turned away from me, clearly embarrassed. What a first meeting that was. Just in time for it to finish too. Before any other servants could approach me to get connections for their masters to Ophelia (and me most likely), the door to the auditorium opened and noble children began to file out. There were other exit doors as well, which explained why Carole would ever bump into Ophelia in the first place. This was just the main entrance. I waited patiently for Ophelia to appear. At the sight of the black hair I had spent hours brushing to perfection, I stood up straighter and waited for her to catch sight of me. That was when I saw it, the flash of brown and Ophelia's figure appearing from the crowd. Here it comes.

Just like it depicted in the first book, Carole ran almost full speed into Ophelia and sent both of them to the floor with a loud sound. Just like I knew I would too, I almost ran to Ophelia's side with my long skirt picked up to assist her in standing once more. Damn me and my instincts.

"Young Miss, are you alright?! That was such a rough fall!" I was fussing over her just like usual. Brushing dirt off her uniform, checking over her for injuries. Just like a mother or worrisome housewife.

Ophelia smiled at me. "I'm quite alright, Ava. I'm more worried about her. Are you okay?" She asked Carole, eyes clearly expressing worry and a bit of annoyance. I looked at who would be the center of attention as well and couldn't help but silently sigh. Carole was just as pretty as the book had depicted her. Long-chocolate brown hair in braids, royal blue eyes, just a generally pure and innocent looking girl. Honestly, she didn't compare to Ophelia in any way to me. I was completely unaffected.

Is this what being desensitized means? Or perhaps I'm just not attracted to the pure type? They remind me of clueless kids so I feel a bit like a pervert. That makes sense.

"I'm okay! I'm so sorry for bumping into you!" Carole was quick to pick herself off the ground, blushing up a storm just like in the book. Rachael had come to her side as well, embarrassed for her master. I could understand. If my friend ever bumped into someone I was trying to be friends with while I was around, I'd die of embarrassment and then probably laugh at them.