Epilogue

After that, Father, with all the evidence of corruption and all his assets in my grasp, listened to everything I said.

He wore an expression that showed how deeply resentful he was, but protecting oneself above all else was the nature of magical kingdom nobles.

He surely wanted to avoid having tax evasion and bribery on a scale that would go down in history exposed to the light of day, losing all his status and fame, and being thrown into the magic prison.

I decided to have Father move toward abolishing the traditional heavy taxes within Lumiore County and putting the territory’s management on a sound footing.

“But to lower the tax amount that much…”

“Shall I release the hidden files?”

“…Understood.”

Even arrogant Father ended up like this.

I also corrected his attitude toward his subordinates and servants at every turn, and had him keep in mind the sensible conduct befitting a proud noble.

The ones most surprised by the change were the servants and the family.

The head chef in particular had apparently been overjoyed, saying, “Master said my cooking was delicious…!”

Though it was only the result in the end, being able to repay the servants who had worked for my family made me happy, feeling like I had done something good.

The money Father had hoarded was used for capital investment and job support in each territory.

Furthermore, I abolished tariffs between the territories and created trade routes.

By revitalizing trade, we would increase the production output of each territory.

Amid all that, the crops from Lineage that the villagers and I had grown in particular seemed to be earning a reputation for their fine appearance and high nutritional value.

In the magical kingdom’s agricultural circles, it seemed my name was gradually starting to become known as a bold up-and-coming farmer stirring up a new wind.

They said I had even been given cool epithets like The Expert Who Breathes Souls into Vegetables, The Artist Who Talks with the Soil, and That Dangerous One Who Clears One Hectare in a Day.

This too was surely a feat made possible by my overwhelming charisma.

My own talent was frightening.

Meanwhile, my name was also gradually becoming known in the underworld.

With the acquisition of vast funds, the scale of the agent team Vincent had created also expanded.

The former rioters had completely become full-fledged agents, and now they had turned into an intelligence organization that felt perfectly natural to call the real thing.

“Lady Mythia. This is the information on the duke who has been pressuring us. He is a major figure rumored to also serve as one of the top executives of the Council of Three Hundred—”

A report delivered in polished language.

(This person was saying stuff like “Hyahha!” not that long ago, right…?)

He was already a completely different person.

An agent like the protagonist of a spy novel, one you could present anywhere without shame.

(This was supposed to be make-believe… how did it turn into something this outrageous…?)

I could not help but be left dumbfounded by a situation I never could have predicted or imagined.

“To think you would even cause a change of heart in not only the Third Assembly but Count Lumiore as well… You truly never cease to amaze me.”

It was on one such day that the chairman of the extremely evil racist merchant company came to visit.

With his well-proportioned features and an attitude like a handsome prince.

It was as though he had mistaken himself for His Highness the Second Prince.

However, reality was harsh.

This man was not His Highness the Second Prince, who was rumored to perhaps actually be capable, but the chairman of a deranged racist merchant company.

(He is dangerous, so I absolutely do not want to get close to him…)

I somehow got through it with a social smile.

There were also things that did not go the way I wanted.

There is nothing in life where everything goes perfectly.

But that also meant there were joyful things too.

“Thank you for giving us work, Lady Mythia!”

The villagers who adored me.

It came through that they cared for me, and they always made me smile.

“If it is what Lady Mythia desires, we will show you that we can grant any wish. That is what we are here for.”

The former rioters who worked for me and loved pretending to be agents.

They were strong and smart, truly dependable partners in make-believe.

Above all, the faithfulness of the reenactment and their refined coolness brought me happiness and excitement.

“Operation Splendid Villainess is progressing smoothly.”

Ciel narrowed her eyes with a smile.

An important person who supported me from the closest place.

“Ah, Lady Mythia’s scent. Precious, beloved. Happiness.”

She sometimes muttered incomprehensible things under her breath, but that was probably because she was enraptured by the charisma of evil I possessed.

As always, my own talent was frightening.

“This is the information on the area around the noble we are targeting. I have examined it, so please review it.”

Vincent supported me at my side.

An adult, and a person more capable at work than anyone, yet one who had not forgotten a childlike heart.

He matched my perspective and went along with even my delusional make-believe games.

Though sometimes he was so amazing it surprised me.

Just who in the world was he…?

Could he perhaps really have been an agent for some country—or rather, surely that could not possibly be the case.

“I must not let myself be swallowed by these feelings… For a servant to harbor such emotions toward their master…”

Lately, he also seemed to have a few worries.

Being a villainess soft on her own people, I tugged on Vincent’s sleeve and told him, “I’d be happy if you talked to me about anything. I’ll always be on your side no matter what,” but

Vincent turned his back to me in silence, then seemed to be struggling with something as he murmured, “I will lose… I’ll end up losing…!”

He had said, “I’m fine,” so perhaps for now I did not need to worry?

Free and fulfilling days, and wonderful people.

The me of my previous life had always been all alone, and yet.

My lonely, stifling previous life, where I watched the expressions of those around me, read the room, and lived while suppressing myself.

But now, I was surrounded by so many people.

(Mother, are you watching?)

And all of that was thanks to Mother, who protected me that day.

Mother, who, just like the me of my previous life, suffered within the stifling noble society and spent each day enduring it.

“No matter what happens, you will absolutely be all right. You may do whatever you want. You may say whatever you want. No matter what anyone thinks of you, there is no need to care. I will always be on your side.”

The words I received that day I still keep carefully tucked away deep in my heart.

“Thank you for being born. I love you.”

I had to use this life dearly to the fullest for Mother’s sake as well.

Treasure the present, and listen to the voice of my heart.

Even in a tainted world, I would live cheerfully and positively.

Because I believed that, as her daughter, that was the greatest way I could repay Mother.

“Would this angle be best? Or perhaps this sort of direction.”

In front of the mirror in my room, I practiced movements befitting a villainess.

My height, having grown just a little more than before.

I narrowed my eyes at the effect of the thick-soled heels I had newly bought.

(I have taken yet another step closer to the perfect villainess.)

Letting out a little huff, I gracefully stepped into a dance.

“That’s right, then turn once here—”

It was just as I was trying out a cool movement I had thought of.

My ankle bent with a sickening twist.

“Whoa.”

Losing my balance, I fell face-first onto the floor.

“Oof.”

Holding my aching forehead, I rolled on the floor.

(Gnngh…! Why did this happen…!)

My vision warped with tears.

The usual me would probably have burst into tears, crying, “Cieeel! Mr. Heel bullied meee!”

But today, I was able to endure it.

I stood up on my own and wiped my eyes.

Somehow, I felt as though I had become just a little more grown-up.

There were things I could not do, and things that did not go well.

But I could not let myself be discouraged.

(I’m going to become even cooler than I am now!)

A new life where I did what I wanted, the way I wanted.

Every day spent chasing what I loved was overflowing with moments so happy that even my fantasies could not keep up.