In the dimly lit prison room, a frail young girl lies on the cold, unforgiving ground, her emaciated body a stark reflection of her profound lack of strength. Her clothes hang loosely from her thin frame, and her disheveled hair falls in unkempt strands around her face, serving as a silent testament to her dire plight and the harsh conditions she has endured.
The shadows in the room seem to deepen as her despair grows, enveloping her like a heavy shroud. As she hears the approach of several footsteps echoing ominously in the corridor, she wearily shifts her tired eyes toward the entrance, her heart racing with a mixture of fear and resignation.
Her gaze is weary and hollow, reflecting the suffering she has endured and the painful wound that mars her fragile body, a constant reminder of her torment. Each sound of their footsteps sends a chill down her spine, amplifying her sense of dread.
"What's with that look?" one of the newcomer's sneers, his voice dripping with contempt as he steps forward, a cruel smirk playing on his lips.
"It's you who did this, isn't it? A cunning fox like you is never to be trusted," another adds venomously, his eyes narrowing as he takes in her pitiful state.
"Ha! Do you think a lowly creature like you can take our princess's blood? Dream on," the third scoffs, his hateful eyes branding her as a virus that must be eradicated, a blight on their existence that warrants no mercy.
"Get ready; in two hours, it will be your execution time," they declare with cruel indifference, turning away without a glance back, leaving her in a suffocating silence. She remains silent, tears welling in her eyes, yet a bittersweet smile graces her lips at the thought of what is to come.
Exhausted by life and the cruelty of everyone in it, she longs to escape to a brighter world, a place where she can have a warm family, enjoy precious moments with friends, and truly live without the weight of despair.
"Dear God, in the next life, please value my existence more than this one," she whispers, her voice barely audible as her strength continues to fade, each word a fragile plea carried into the void.
Her eyes grow heavy, the darkness creeping in, and she feels herself slipping away—she was dead before her execution could even begin. Such a kind soul, trapped in the role of a villainess, condemned by circumstances beyond her control.
This life was coming to a close, and she wondered if God would hear her wish. All she desired was for at least one person to care for her, mourn her death, and acknowledge her existence.
Did anyone truly care? Would she be remembered, or would she fade away into nothingness, just another lost soul in a world that had turned its back on her?
.....
"It's me!!!!!" A girl lies on her bed, phone in hand, absorbed in her favorite novel. She cries and shouts as she reads.
"Huuu huuuu!!..... Why? hu..huu... Even though she's a villain, she didn't want to kill the princess; haaaaaaaaah..... she just retired on her own!!!"
"So, she has to die as a criminal for something she didn't do," Maki, a high school student, continues to cry and complain about the story.
Wiping her tears, Maki sits at her desk, where a computer awaits. She searches for something and spots a news article. Clicking on it, she discovers information about the novel's author.
"H-home!???? ...."
Her eyes dart across the screen as she furrows her brow in confusion.
"Ehh? There's no author named Elly!... But why her novel... eh!" Maki mutters to herself, bewildered.
Hours pass, and she remains fixated on her search, still unable to find any details about the author. Finally, in the morning, she uncovers the author's address.
"Okay! I just want to know the end of the novel," she thinks, questioning her own bravery.
Maki, having moved to Kyoto while her family lives in Okinawa, misses them dearly. Her mother is a farmer, and her father is a fisherman; despite their small family, they share a warm bond, and she often feels homesick.
Determined, she sets out to find the author's address, which requires a nearly five-hour train ride from Kyoto to snowy Hokkaido.
Upon arriving at the train station, she checks her phone for directions.
"Oh! So far from here. Should I walk or take the train again? .... Hmmm ...." She pauses in the hallway, contemplating her options.
"Okay, just a two-hour walk; it's easy," she decides and continues on her journey.
After almost two hours, she reaches her destination, only to discover it's not a house but a grand mansion. Maki's eyes widen in awe at the sight. Suddenly, the gate opens, and a maid appears to welcome her inside.
The entrance hall was expansive, with a high ceiling that seemed to stretch into infinity. Crystal chandeliers hung above, their prisms scattering light like tiny stars dancing in the air.
Maki's breath caught in her throat as she admired the artistry of the marble floors, their intricate patterns telling stories of a bygone era. As she stepped further inside, the maid turned to her with a soft smile.
"If you'll follow me, Lady Maki, Lord Drachenstein is expecting you in the drawing room." Her voice was gentle yet firm, guiding Maki along the polished wooden staircase that spiraled elegantly upward.
''La... Lady?'' Maki exclaimed, her face a mix of surprise and confusion!!
A maid smiled and continued on her way as Maki silently rolled her eyes to take in the beautiful surroundings.
Each footfall echoed softly, mingling with the distant sound of a piano. Maki felt as if she were traversing through a portal into another world, one where reality blurred with dreams.
The air was fragrant with a hint of lilacs, seemingly sourced from the meticulously arranged bouquets that adorned every corner. Upon reaching the drawing room, the maid gestured gracefully towards the door.
"Please, enter," she said, her voice a melodic whisper that set Maki's nerves at ease. Maki took a deep breath and pushed the door open.
Inside, the drawing room was a symphony of opulence. Plush armchairs with golden threads awaited her, and walls lined with bookshelves hinted at countless tales waiting to be explored. A grand fireplace crackled cheerfully, its warmth embracing Maki like a loved one after a long absence.
In the center of the room stood Lord Drachenstein, a tall figure with an air of quiet authority, his silver hair glinting like polished metal. He turned to Maki, a welcoming smile gracing his lips.
"Ah! Welcome to my humble abode." His voice was deep and resonant like thunder rolling over distant hills.
Maki stood frozen, her heart racing as she stepped further inside. She felt an inexplicable draw toward him as if the very essence of the mansion thrummed with a connection meant to be uncovered.
"Ahhh! Yes, thank you," Maki exclaimed, glancing around and sensing that her expression amused the Lord.
"Please, let us share a cup of tea," he continued, gesturing towards a small table set elegantly with delicate china. "There is much to discuss, and perhaps tales to share."
As Maki took her seat, she sensed something extraordinary about this encounter—a thread of destiny woven into the fabric of an evening that had yet to unfold.
"Do you wish to become Lady Evalyn?"