Rae's complexion instantly paled upon looking at the hostess' face. An internal scream was released, echoing in her throat. If she's a novel character, she'd surely be the villainess! What is this ominous aura around her?
Little did she know, the woman she's being terrified of is actually her best friend in her previous life. Mina possessed the body of the villainess, Rozan Veriche, while she possessed the body of the heroine, Loraine Duerre Escliffe. What if these two found out that they were reincarnated as those characters into the crappy novel they didn't even finish?
Rae frightfully mustered a smile on her lips, thinking that Lady Rozan would feel offended by the expression on her face. Mina, on the other hand, was truly shocked when Rae made that face. Why every time she looks at someone, they'd cower in fear? For the past two months, Mina had a hard time conversing with others without making them scared or uncomfortable.
Am I really a villainess? Then who's this villainess I possessed? Mina sighed in her mind.
Nonetheless, she greeted the invitees with a ceremonial face. "Pardon my tardiness. Something came up that needed my attention." Mina bowed her head curtly, her face solemn.
"Iyaya~ we've been warmly attended by the servants, Lady Rozan." Juliana, the only red-haired in the group, smiled at Mina who was somehow relieved in return.
"Thank you then." Mina said curtly, gripping the fragile handle of the teacup with ease. She then formally greeted the ladies one by one.
Apparently, this small gathering among the ladies of high standing serves as an opportunity to improve her reputation. Rozan Veriche is a candidate for the crown princess seat, after all. In the novel, she became the crown princess, however, the crown prince, who is the male lead of the novel, has loved someone else.
You know what happens after? The very expected ending of every bad guy- death by the hands of the people they loved. Yep, Rozan was killed by the very man she loved after she attempted to murder the heroine. What a clichè ending, author~
Thankfully, the exchanges during the tea party sailed smoothly. Mina tried her best not to intimidate anyone. Meanwhile, Rae put on her best smile while thinking of going home.
Unexpectedly, someone opened up the topic regarding the crown princess seat. Mina, being one of the potential crown princesses, was taken aback by the sudden steer of conversation. Everyone looked at her with expectant eyes, to which she responded with a reluctant smile.
Crap.. this again..? She should've known. Ladies in this era have nothing to do but stick their noses on someone else's business. Although she was asked politely, it's still uncomfortable for her.
Mina sighed, then smiled. "Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not going to pursue the seat anymore." She doesn't even dream of being an empress! How can a 18 year old high schooler rule a country, when she only knows academic stuff from the present? She'd never aim something high!
Disappointment was painted on the faces of the invitees, with the exception of Rae, who simply nodded in understanding. From a reliable source, she heard that Lady Veriche is actually a spoiled brat who has created way too many scandals in high society. Everyone says she's not an appropriate candidate, if not for her family's vast wealth and influence.
Well, it seems the subject herself realized this, good for her~ Rae placed her lips on the rim of the teacup, inhaling the soothing fragrance from it.
Rae silently applauded Mina for her decision, while everyone else was saddened by her decision. Giving up doesn't necessarily mean a loss. A wise person knows to give up when someone is a better fit for the place they're vying for. Both Rae and Mina picked up on that as they progressed.
While everyone else prepared to leave, Rae walked up to Mina, who was still seated on her seat. The fear she had before could no longer be traced to her features.
"Thank you for inviting me, Lady Rozan." Rae bowed her head slightly. "I hope you'll be forever happy with the decision you made. Palace life, after all, is a restraining one."
Mina, hearing those words, cheered up. She somehow remembered her best friend back then. How is she now? Did she survive the collision, or did she die along with her?
Upon remembering her best friend, Rae, Mina smiled melancholically. "Thank you, Lady Loraine. Fortunately, it dawned on me while I still had a chance to back down."
Rae nodded, "Giving up doesn't necessarily mean a loss, and you're wise to realize that yourself."
As if she's struck by lightning, Mina fell silent. Those words… Rae said those exact words before. Mina looked at Rae with widened eyes, an idea forming in her mind. Could it be.. Rae? The lady in front of her right now?