.FAVTAS.(🔞)

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