Ryoko never expected to wake up in a lavish room with gold trimming, goose-feather bedding, and a silk canopy. Everything was strange, way too strange for her. She was used to the cold streets, hiding in the sewers, and searching for her next purification.
"The Young Miss woke up!" a voice exclaimed suddenly, and the room that she was in suddenly bustled to life. People surrounded her with happy expressions and tears running down their faces.
Only Mother had reacted that way with her, but now Mother was... No, she wouldn't cry because it accomplished nothing. Still, she had no idea who the people around her happened to be.
"Leonora!" a woman, probably in her mid-thirties cried out, arms wrapping around her as sobs filled the air.
Not knowing how to react, she just let her arms lay by her side and expression remained stiff. Finally, the person who had called her 'Leonora' pulled away with a worried look. "Sweetheart?"
"Who is..." Ryoko struggled to finish the sentence by how dry her throat was, "Leonora?"
The woman's purple eyes turned teary once more due to sadness. "Dear, she doesn't remember us... She doesn't-"
She turned to the man beside her, burying her face in his chest as her body wracked with sobs again. The man, who had dark purple hair and amber eyes just solemnly held the crying female.
Finally, she tried to sit up and get a better look around. There were several other people there wearing clothing that matched the stereotypical description of a maid and butler while the other two were wearing much more expensive clothing. Just by the way their clothes were tailored and the jewels decorating them, she could tell how wealthy they were.
"Young Miss, "a maid begged, hands gripping at the comforters, "You're Leonora De Viona Wynard, sole daughter to the ducal house of Wynard, daughter to Duchess Celestina and Duke Ernest... Do you really not remember?"
The tone was so pleading, so hopeful that whatever was heard was wrong.
Still, Ryoko wasn't one for liars, "No... I don't."
"Call the doctor, " the man ordered, and that was when she assumed that he was the Duke, who had the most authority over the household.
"Right away, Lord, " a butler answered before leaving through the magnificent double doors.
Looking to the woman, he escorted her out of the room before telling the other servants, "You should all leave my daughter for now... It is tough on us, but it must be hard for her to understand all of this. Just give her some time to process all of this."
They all nodded and left right behind the Duke, leaving Ryoko to her own devices. She couldn't fathom why they were insisting her name to be Leonora. How could someone possibly mistake their own daughter too?
Getting up, she found that the room was rather huge, much bigger than what her almost adult self could've imagined to just be her bedroom. Finally, she stopped before the mirror, eyes widening as she looked back at the girl that clearly wasn't herself.
It was impossible for someone to have deep purple hair such as the person she saw, it was too cartoonish and unnatural. Her hair before had been brown and eyes also the same. She blended in just like many of the people of Japan, yet this girl stood before her and it definitely didn't look dyed.
Not only that but the girl was short like a child and still had the baby fat to show for it. Ryoko was almost an adult... Not anything like the girl she was looking at in the mirror. However, the girl had an uncanny resemblance to both the Duke and the other woman, assuming that she is the Duchess of the household.
Having a subject crossed upon back in her own world, Ryoko could only cut her rationalizations down to 'isekai', though it wasn't very rational to think of, to begin with. She wasn't like the others that lead utterly normal lives only to die tragically or the occasional assassin or medical genius.
Why would she, of all people, be reincarnated into the body of the child that she now resided in? She wanted to see the purified form of her Mother up in Heaven and be praised for all the work she had done. Ryoko wanted to be scolded for some things that she couldn't do in the end.
However, she was now stuck as Leonora, her closest confidant and aide now missing and without her familiar scissors. Checking the room top to bottom, she had concluded that the scissors did not travel with her, but with her time trying to find it, she unconsciously accommodated herself to her room.
From the gaudy dresses in her wardrobe to the hundreds of priceless jewels that laid upon her desk, she had inspected them all. Still, she didn't remember who she was in this world nor any of the memories that would usually come with. Ryoko... Leonora only drew up blanks.
She had to get used to her name... but it didn't actually feel that hard. Mother was a part of Ryoko and now without her, she didn't feel like the same person. Taking up the new identity as Leonora filled that hole and helped her start anew.
Leonora would become the Apostle of Judgement in this new world. She wouldn't make the same mistakes as Ryoko did.
Peeking through the doors that her parents walked out from, Leonora slinked down the hallways, trying to remain undetected. Though she seemed to be well-liked in the mansion, she didn't want to deal with the hassle of meeting the other staff.
She didn't know how the old Leonora previously acted, and habits that she had back as Ryoko wouldn't make sense to have as her new self.
This was another chance for her though. This time she had a do-over to protect her parents from the evils of the world. She'd use life and limb to slaughter anyone in the way.
After all, she found that pure people can be tainted by the corrupted people if they're around them for too long, even if they aren't directly involved. That was more than enough reason to continue her goals.
Hearing footsteps nearing her, she slipped through the nearest set of doors, quietly closing the door so it wouldn't slam. Taking a deep breath, she knew that she needed clues on who she was.
Still, Leonora of the past hadn't kept a diary or journal, so she couldn't act generally like her. The best way for her to comprehend the complexities of Leonora's old self was to search and look for clues.
Of course, what she had stepped into was none other than a library, not as grand as Leonora would've imagined. However, with the sole desk in the corner, she was led to believe that it was a private library, completely separate from the main one.
Brushing her hand over the books, she read the titles in amusement. From history to economics to even magic, texts about them were shelved in high bookcases, filled to the brim. With the thin layer of dust on top, she could conclude that people weren't usually in the room, even the maids.
Grabbing basic books on history, nobility houses, and etiquette, Leonora shuffled back to her room. She hadn't forgotten to grab a couple of maps on her way out.
This was just the basis of her plan, building a solid foundation in the noble society to the point where no one would expect her to be behind so many murders. That way she wouldn't be caught and imprisoned for her crimes.
Returning to her room, she hid the books under her bed to avoid any suspicions and climbed into bed. Her father had called in the doctor, so she would assume that he was arriving shortly. The moving of the sheets to hide the book, not to mention the speed that the door would more than likely be opened at... She'd be caught red-handed in the midst of hiding the book.
The gold-trimmed clock on her nightstand ticked in its carefree way and she began to grow more impatient. What could be taking so long? She could've been nose-deep in a book by then, trying to soak up the contents so she could be accepted, be normal.
Finally, the door slammed open harshly and banged into the wall. A man rushed to her side, already grabbing her wrist and checking her pulse, not even hesitating for a second. Had she not been anticipating his arrival, she would've slashed him albeit she currently didn't have her scissors.
He proceeded to check her eyes and temperature before he extended his hand that had all of a sudden had a yellow glow to it. Healing magic, she supposed from all the cliches that she knew of. It was always either green or yellow. Yellow, whether it be gold or a lighter shade, had always been used as the symbol of light power or the priesthood. However, the man in front of her didn't seem to be a part of such an organization.
"I've checked all that I can, " he stated bitterly with a bit of frustration, "Everything is in working order, nothing wrong at all but... the Lady somehow has amnesia."
Her father and a couple of other servants trailed behind him.
"Is there anything that you can do?" the Duke asked desperately.
"This is not caused by magic and healing magic is totally uneffective in her case, " the doctor informed, "If I were to say anything, the memory blockage is her doing because she doesn't want to remember anything. Was there anything tragic that happened to the Lady before she fell unconscious?"
"I can't think of anything, but the only thing that I've announced is her engagement to the prince of Idalia, Crowned Prince Alastair."
It was as though a dam had broken and an onslaught of memories that she had never had before made themselves known in her head. She keeled over while sitting up in her bed, holding her head because of the pain that came with.
Now Leonora knew exactly where she was. The name that she had thought to have never heard of before in her life was actually from an otome game that she had played during her middle school years. It was just a way of escape, something that she hated herself for doing. Ryoko couldn't face reality back then, but Leonora could.
Now she was the petty villainess, more ridiculous than any of the other villainesses to grace the otome industry. She, Leonora De Viona Wynard, was engaged to a prince of a neighboring country at a young age, but she had for a long time been infatuated with the crown prince of her nation, Prince Edgar.
She neglected her duties as fiance to another prince and went around following Prince Edgar, trying to appease him in hopes that he would fall for her and break off the engagement between her and the other prince. Prince Alastair lived in a more militaristic country, making it seem even more unsuitable for her.
Actively, she tried to make a fool of herself to the nobility of Idalia, not realizing that the engagement was purely political. Frustrated, her anger turned to the heroine who becomes close to his highness and the people surrounding him. Her jealousy fueled her bullying and harsh actions before she is finally condemned and killed in the end.
It was a fitting end for a foolish girl.
However, the Leonora of now wouldn't end that way because she wouldn't make the same actions. She wasn't an idiot, so just sticking to her plan was just enough to avoid her death.
Actually, her engagement to Prince Alastair was a godsend, to where she can strengthen her own body and techniques to fit in into their society when they marry.
However, it was still best to feign ignorance of the memories that she gained and the realization of the world around her. It was the best way to excuse her own personality change since the previous Leonora was selfish, bratty, and greedy. Despite that, the people in the manor still loved and cared for her, which only boosted her ego and arrogance.
"What's wrong?!" the Duke exclaimed, rushing to her side.
"My head was hurting, " she mumbled, still having a lingering throbbing in her head, "But it's better now."
His amber eyes scanned her with such affection and worry that she almost felt sick, even fearful of the emotion that welled up inside of her. No one had ever looked at her in such a way at her for her except for Mother. It had been a while to see it right before her eyes though.
Turning her head away to face the window, she glanced around the garden that could be overlooked from her room.
The Duke sighed, rubbing her head and tousling up her purple hair, "If you are truly traumatized by something, I would rather that you be happy... As long as you are happy, your mother and I will be happy, your brother also."
That was also true, she had an older brother in the knighthood training to be a part of the royal army, specifically the Special Battalion that only consisted of the strongest knights.
With a forlorn look on his face, he and the doctor both left, their spirits low since the news now had to be brought to her mother.
Reckoning that she would be alone for a while longer, she slid off her bed and sat on the floor, her back now propped up against the side of her bed. Leonora's arm reached out for one of the books, deciding that the first one she grabbed would be her first read.
Although she had regained the memories of the bratty villainess, they didn't do much help whatsoever in debuting into the noble society or helpful information. From all of the doting, she had barely even learned basic etiquette. The only things she knew were table etiquette and how to curtsy. After that, all the other lessons taught to her were neglected.
Once she pulled out a history book, she knew that she also needed a journal and the atlases that she had tossed underneath. Understanding territories and lineages would only help her increase the way others viewed her intellectually.
With that, she began to write down families she heard of there, what they did, whether they still existed, what magic typically runs in their family, their territorial reach, crest, wealth, power, title, family tree, strengths, and weaknesses. Not everything was cut and clear in the books, but she could draw her own natural conclusions from the text.
Just like before. She had to watch other people and study their habits and actions to lessen the bullying and actions she received. Everything was just a mind game.
Everything still is a mind game.
After finishing the book, she began to brush over her notes, trying to memorize as much as she could to hopefully not make mistakes anytime in the future.
With a knock at the door, she threw the finished book back under and dove under her covers. The doorknob gently turned and the right door creaked open. A maid made her way in, bowing right in front of her.
"Master wishes that you come down to the Dining Hall for your meal and have been sent to help you with whatever needs that you ever."
Leonora nodded and quickly waved at her attire, "Send the other maids in to help me get dressed... please."
The last part was bit out, even sounding unsure. Usually, nobles never thanked their own servants as it was their duty to come to beckoning call and heed every word. However, she had standards of formality.
The maid glanced away for a moment before bowing once more. She scurried away to bring more maids and helped with everything. Leonora didn't have to do a single thing except say a couple words and point.
Sorting out a 'nice' evening dress out of the hundreds, Leonora managed to walk out in something decent and not just pure jewels and vanity.
"Please lead the way, " she told the maid, lingering back a few steps to not indicate that she knew where she was going thanks to the memories.
The life that she led as Leonora then began to be consistent at that point. What began as an unfamiliar environment quickly became accepted as her new home. It wasn't hard and better than the sewers and abandoned houses she slept in.
She would soak up all the knowledge that she could get her hands on like a sponge. At social events that she had to attend for the sake of appearances, she quickly tried to show off a different, milder attitude. Alas, the kids her age didn't take it too kindly when she approached them.
The old Leonora was certainly a menace, not even managing to gain a single friend at parties or even villainous lackey until she was much older. Those who were seemingly close to her were just parasites wanting to latch onto the power of her Ducal name.
Still, she had to be tenacious to start her plan of helping the pure ones before they become corrupted.
The room that she took the books from was actually her brother's private library which wasn't used anymore since he was away at school. Why the etiquette books there was questionable, but she would rather not ask such useless questions. She could read the books, good assets for the future, so there was no need to ponder.
However, as young children are easily enamored by the idea, she became fascinated with the term 'magic.'
There were all types ranging from the normal elements: wind, fire, water, earth, and lightning to abnormal magic types like spacial, metal, dark, and light. Yes, the basics of what was usually written in any fantasy, magical setting, but what interested her more was her own attributes.
In-game, she had obviously inherited the element that ran through their veins, water. Every single one of their descendants starting from the founder had that type. Of course, people aren't limited to just one type and she had happened to inherit spacial magic.
Spacial magic was deemed useless though and made Leonora an even bigger laughing stock in the noble society. People who had it only could use the 'storing' part of the ability, but since the size was based on mana pools only nobles could make use of it... but why would a noble carry anything on their own?
No one had even branched off of it and considered moving through space such as 'teleportation' because such an idea hasn't even existed yet.
What about her water magic? Though it wouldn't look like it, Leonora originally showed great talent with water, but neglected her own training because she grew arrogant in her skills. As a result, she fell behind on many examinations. She couldn't even produce pure water, a basic skill that only required a bit of refinement.
Still... Those types of magic were very useful to her.
Where could Leonora hide the bodies?
In her storage.
How could she control an enemy's movements?
By using their circulation of blood.
What else could she do beside purify the water more?
Acid, poison... Just change the chemical formula a bit. Water was in so many things after all.
Yes, this was all just a step. Leonora wasn't going to get caught nor was she just going to lurk in the shadows. She was going to take a step with a bright smile on her face, the same smile that the corrupted will see before she cleanses the world of their existence.