The Villainess’s Guide to Winning the Male Lead

“But still, it’d be exciting if Anais got involved with various men—just thinking about it is thrilling!”

It seemed they wished for Anais to be a heartbreaker. I wasn’t sure if I could do it. I was already struggling to charm Bates alone.

‘By the way, Selena and Bates must have been shocked too.’

It would be shocking to witness someone die right in front of them, especially for the tender-hearted Selena.

Eventually, everything would have to be restored. But how? I felt overwhelmed.

The fan meeting, though short, ended on a warm note.

“Come hang out again next time.”

“That means I have to die again.”

“Haha.”

Isaac laughed off the response. The angels were blissfully unaware of my dilemma over the 20,000 points.

Poppopo, OnlyFinley, and PleaseShakeACarrot helped with the cleanup. They almost took care of everything.

After leaving the cafe, we walked along the road against the backdrop of the setting sun.

“This is fun! Shall we hang out again tomorrow?”

“I have to work overtime tomorrow.”

“I can stick around as a guide next to sister―”

“I’m jealous―!”

I smiled, listening to their conversation. Truly, they were angels with big hearts.

“I appreciate the sentiment, but I have to go back tomorrow.”

“So soon?”

“I’ve been here for two days already. The sooner I return, the better I can manage the situation.”

“Well, you suddenly died… It’s probably best to go back before things escalate.”

“But it’s a pity― who knows when we’ll meet again!”

“You can always watch the broadcast.”

“Sure, Anais is great, but it’s fun hanging out with Heo Jiha like this.”

OnlyFinley hugged me tightly, making a sad face.

I felt a bit sad too, having finally taken a break, but it couldn’t be helped. I had points to gather. How could one only experience the good in life?

The three angels escorted me to my doorstep.

After hours of chatting, I was definitely drained. It seemed best to rest well today.

* * *

“Did you rest well?”

Gabriela asked me that.

Not ‘how was the fan meeting?’ but ‘did you rest well?’

“So, is that why you told me to stay for a few days?”

“Yeah. The manager said so. You looked really tired.”

No wonder. Normally, leaving this room was forbidden, but they allowed me to roam freely, which was odd.

Thanks to that, I did rest quite well. While living as Anais, I always felt like I was on stage, but this time, I truly rested as myself.

“Try to cut back on broadcasting every day too. You’ve been pushing yourself too hard.”

“Yes…….”

I thought all I had to do was collect points by broadcasting daily, but it seems that has brought on some pressure. I’ll have to take regular breaks from broadcasting moving forward.

“Are you all set to return?”

“Yes.”

“Good, then.”

Gabriela gave me a slight smile.

“Let’s get back to it.”

And then the scenery before me changed.

When I slowly opened my eyes, I was, as expected, in the temple. There was no one around.

I thought about turning on the broadcast out of habit, but decided against it. It seemed better not to until I had a grasp of the situation.

‘I’ve been away for about 3 days, so the same amount of time must have passed here.’

My body was clean, as if it had been well taken care of in the temple. I was dressed in different clothes.

Just as I was considering calling someone, the door opened and Shailo entered.

“Lady…!”

Shailo called out to me, seemingly surprised.

Then he hurried over to me.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes. I don’t feel any pain at all.”

“That’s a relief…”

Shailo looked genuinely relieved.

I asked him about something I was curious about.

“Was I reborn this time too?”

“No. This time, we had no choice but to revive you using divine power. Your body was discovered by several people.”

“Is that even possible?”

“It’s usually impossible. But I believe it was made possible thanks to Venecia. It required much more effort than rebirthing you. Reviving a body that was nearly crushed is quite a task.”

Indeed, the clergy must have gone through a lot to restore a body in such a state.

I offered my apologies.

“I’m sorry. It must have been very hard for you all.”

“It’s not me you should be thanking, but Lady Selena. She took care of everything.”

Selena? Surprised by this unexpected information, I was at a loss for words.

Not long after, Selena rushed in through the slightly open door.

“Lady!”

Selena looked as if she might burst into tears at any moment.

I had just woken up. How did Shailo and Selena know to come right away?

“How did you know to come?”

“Davi told me! Are you feeling alright?”

Davi, the saintess. It seems she received some kind of oracle that I had woken up. I don’t know how Davi knew I was awake without even starting a broadcast.

“I was so worried. I thought something terrible had happened…”

Terrible indeed. If I were a normal person, I would have been dead.

“I’m fine. You took care of me all this time, didn’t you?”

“Of course, it’s what I should do. If only I had been more careful…”

“It was my own reckless decision to run off, you don’t need to feel guilty. Thank you for taking care of me.”

I said, gently stroking Selena’s hair.

Selena’s face crumpled as if she was about to cry and then she hugged me tightly. The sound of her sniffling indicated she was crying.

During the 3 days I enjoyed my break, the people here were incredibly worried. I should have returned earlier. Regret filled me too late.

“Can I move around now? I need to go back to the Duke’s residence.”

“Yes, you have fully recovered.”

“Oh!”

As Selena and I were speaking, she seemed to remember something suddenly.

“Finley is coming soon.”

“Finley?”

“Yes, he said he was worried about my lady…”

It wasn’t about me, was it? Maybe he was worried about Selena. A reasonable suspicion.

“I’ll then send a message to the Duke’s residence. Please wait a moment.”

Considering there were quite a few people at the Duke’s residence who were worried about me, it seemed Shailo was going to pass the message on my behalf.

Shailo left the room, and it was just Selena and me left.

“Is Anna safe?”

“Miss…”

Seeing me inquire about Anna first, Selena’s eyes welled up with tears again.

Why is she crying again? Confused, Selena sobbed and said,

“Even after getting so hurt, you’re still worrying about Anna first… You are too kind, miss…”

It was only natural to wonder if someone who had saved your life was safe. It seemed Selena viewed me as too kind.

“Anna is safe. She returned to the Duke’s residence first.”

“That’s a relief. What about Bates?”

“Knight Bates is currently at the temple. He may be under house arrest…”

Since he failed to protect me. As a guard, it was as if he hadn’t done his job properly.

Bates was skilled, but his ability to make quick decisions was lacking. The fact that I noticed the danger to Anna before he did proved that.

‘But house arrest seems too harsh.’

It was me acting recklessly that led to the injury, it seemed unfair for Bates to suffer for it.

Selena continued to look at me, her face filled with worry.

I impulsively said to her,

“Selena, how about you just call me sister from now on?”

She had done so much for me. It felt right to grow a bit closer.

Selena’s face showed surprise at my suggestion.

“Can I really do that?”

“Of course.”

“That’s… “

Selena hesitated, then with a flushed face, she spoke,

“…Sister.”

It seemed like a big step for her. I smiled to acknowledge her courage.

“Let’s go see Knight Bates.”

“Are you sure you don’t need to rest more?”

“I’m completely fine. Can you take me to where Knight Bates is?”

“Yes…!”

Selena confidently led the way.

It seemed a room had been prepared in the temple for Bates to stay in, and we arrived at the door.

Selena knocked, but she let me enter alone, giving us privacy for the conversation.

The room was much smaller than those in the Duke’s residence. Bates was there, in his usual neat uniform.

Bates looked surprised for a moment when he saw me but then quickly regained his usual composed demeanor.

“…Are you alright?”

“Yes, thanks to you.”

“Thanks are not necessary. I couldn’t do anything.”

Was he feeling guilty? I knew he had been trying his best as a knight. At the time, he was even attentive to the smallest details of my well-being.

I waved my hand dismissively.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ve fully recovered. Can you tell me what happened at that time?”

Selena seemed like she might cry when talking about the incident, so I hadn’t asked her. But Bates was calmer, so I thought I could get a proper account from him.

I wanted to know what had happened, as I went straight to the Celestial Realm and didn’t know the details.

Bates recounted the events.

“When the accident happened, naturally, people around were shocked. There was a lot of blood, enough to make everyone believe you had surely died.”

That was understandable. Being hit by a carriage, how could one survive?

“Lady Selena took Anna back to the Duke’s residence immediately, and I transported you to the temple. Since then, the clergy have been focused on treating you.”

Hearing that made me worry.

That would mean everyone realized I was dead.

‘If they think I came back from the dead, it could cause a big issue.’

The clergy might not care, but if others found out, it would be a serious problem. My worries grew.

Perhaps noticing my concern, Bates added,

“You don’t need to worry. I was the only one who moved your body. The others didn’t notice.”

“Oh, that’s a relief…”

…Relief?

It wasn’t really a relief.

“Body?”

The way Bates so naturally referred to it as a “body” made me look at him closely.

Chapter 22

Bates responded impassively,

“I’ll keep it a secret too.”

“But why aren’t you surprised?”

I asked, bewildered. Bates remained unfazed.

“Your Highness must have your reasons. I won’t pry further.”

Could he really let it go just like that? His composure left me perplexed.

‘He might be the strangest person here after all.’

That was a worrying thought.

“Well, I appreciate your discretion.”

For now, I decided to trust Bates. I had no choice but to believe him.

“Let’s return to the Duke’s residence now.”

“Are you sure you don’t need more treatment?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Really.”

I had to reassure him of my wellbeing multiple times.

“Finley is coming too. My younger brother.”

“Your family must worry a lot about you.”

“Seems so.”

Given Anais’s history of mischief, it was no wonder the entire family was concerned.

Led by a clergyman, I headed to where Finley was said to be. He must have arrived already using a teleportation scroll.

We reached a familiar reception room where Selena and Finley were already waiting.

“……!”

Finley stood up upon seeing me. His expression was a mix of relief and anger.

“You…”

“Is ‘you’ all you have to say now? Where are your manners?”

“Is this really the time for jokes?”

Finley marched over, looking like he might grab me by the collar any second.

“What were you thinking doing something like that?!”

“I had to save someone.”

“It was just a commoner child!”

“Just a commoner child? I’m a bit disappointed in you, Finley.”

No matter what I said, Finley seemed just distressed.

Biting his lip, Finley turned away.

“…Please, I’m begging you, can’t you just live a normal life?”

“Finley…”

Selena tried to calm him down, but Finley didn’t stop, his voice filled with frustration.

“I never said anything when you caused trouble or bothered others. But is it so hard to take care of your own life?”

“I’m fine now, aren’t I?”

“Is that your response?!”

“Finley, don’t be too harsh.”

Selena struggled to calm Finley down.

At her words, Finley sighed heavily.

“I can’t do this. I’ll stay at the Duke’s residence for a while.”

“Why?”

“What do you think? Obviously, because of you!”

Finley exclaimed, clearly exasperated.

Though he blamed it on me, his real concern seemed to be for Selena. In the original story, he was infatuated with her, so it was hard not to be suspicious.

After leaving a message for Shailo, we boarded the carriage.

It was time to return to the Duke’s residence.

* * *

The first person I sought out upon my return was Eric, to check on Anna’s condition as well. Normally, it would be proper to visit Kabir first, but since he probably wasn’t interested in me, I didn’t bother. If he was curious, he’d summon me.

As soon as I entered, I saw Eric and Anna.

“My lady!”

They exclaimed in unison. It was almost comical how well these siblings matched each other.

Anna immediately burst into tears.

“Don’t cry, Anna.”

“But… because of me, you…”

If this incident caused her trauma, that would be a real concern. I stroked Anna’s hair to reassure her.

“As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters.”

I said with a smile, wanting to comfort her.

“…….”

I felt a gaze and turned to see Eric looking stupefied.

“Is that her?”

Finley, who entered a bit later, asked, looking at Anna.

“Don’t scare her.”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“Your expression looks frightening.”

“What can I do about the way I look?”

Watching our friendly exchange, Anna stopped crying and even managed a laugh.

“…….”

Finley quietly observed Anna. It was clear he found her adorable in his own way.

“Eric, how long do you have to stay in the hospital? Why don’t you just get treatment from a priest?”

“What? Me?” Eric was startled by my question.

Why was he so surprised? During my brief time in the Celestial Realm, these kids seemed to have changed.

Eric awkwardly scratched his neck.

“I’ve recovered, but they say rest is important. But now that you’re back, I plan to return to duty by tomorrow.”

With Bates likely facing disciplinary action, we’d need someone to fulfill the role of a knight.

Eric was supposed to be meeting with Kabir at that moment. The outcome was predictable. Failing to protect me, he’d receive the treatment he deserved.

Maybe I’d get a new knight, but with twelve hundred points at stake, I wasn’t keen on that.

So, for the time being, I decided to share Eric as a knight with Selena, just as Bates had protected both Selena and me.

It seemed I’d be spending some time with Eric again. With that in mind, and to tease him a bit, I said lightly,

“Looks like we’ll be stuck together again. Are you prepared?”

“…It can’t be helped, I suppose.”

His response was disappointingly bland.

That’s no fun. My expression showed my disappointment, and Eric looked puzzled.

I used to enjoy teasing him, but since the accident, he’s become too dull.

“I’ll go greet His Grace the Duke first. Don’t get into any trouble while I’m gone.”

“Why do you say that as if I’m the one causing problems?”

I couldn’t help feeling a bit wronged.

After Finley left the room, and things settled down a bit, I took the opportunity to turn on the broadcast.

[PleaseShakeACarrot donated 1,000 points!]

– It’s Nuna!

[L Loading donated 500 points!]

– Are you not hurting anymore? 

[asdf donated 1,000 points!]

– Hi

Messages of greetings filled the numerous donation windows.

This is why I broadcast. A content smile naturally formed on my face.

“I’m heading back to my room.”

“What about dinner?”

“I’m good.”

Right now, updating my viewers was more important than having a meal.

I quickly returned to my room.

While chatting with my viewers in the empty hallway, I ran into someone in front of my room.

“……?”

It was Kabir.

Finley had gone to meet him. Why was he here?

“Hello?”

I greeted him kindly, but Kabir just looked at me disapprovingly.

Why is he like that? I blinked at him, prompting Kabir to speak.

“I thought you’d at least show your face.”

Ah, is he sulking about that? I thought he had no interest in me, but it seems he expected at least a glimpse.

“Were you worried?”

“Do you think I wouldn’t be?”

“That doesn’t seem like you.”

“What do you know about me?”

I know quite a bit. Having read the original story, I was well aware of at least the main characters, Selena and Kabir.

Kabir sighed deeply.

“Please refrain from reckless actions in the future. It would be inconvenient for me too.”

I had wondered if Kabir might be the assassin, but it seems that’s not the case. Sorry for suspecting you, even for a moment.

Despite not thinking we were that close, sharing dinners seemed to have brought us closer.

I looked intently at Kabir and said,

“Your Grace, do you want to be friends?”

“Excuse me?”

“Friends.”

“I didn’t ask because I didn’t hear you.”

Kabir looked utterly flabbergasted. Watching me cross line after line, and now suggesting friendship. It was understandable that he was astounded.

“We look out for each other, share meals together. Sounds like friends, right? Besides, we’ll soon be family, so why not start by being friends?”

It did make sense to get closer to the male lead. Having grown as close to Selena as to call each other sisters, I wanted to establish a similar bond with the male lead.

“Do as you wish.”

“Great, looking forward to it.”

“…….”

Kabir’s reaction was somewhat reserved, but establishing a friendship with him was another step in navigating this intricate web of relationships.

Kabir seemed incredulous at my casual manner.

“I didn’t permit you to be informal.”

“Well, you can permit it now. Use it too.”

“‘You?'”

Is he a stickler for formalities? I remembered Kabir was older than me. Anais and Selena were in their early 20s, and Kabir was described as being older.

But I couldn’t call him Oppa, could I? I boldly met his gaze.

“…Fine.”

Kabir finally dropped the formal language. I smiled brightly.

“See, doesn’t it feel closer just talking informally? It’s nice.”

“I’m not sure about that.”

Kabir remained typically brusque.

He was always indifferent, but his reaction this time showed he was worried about me.

“…This is the first time I’ve had such an informal conversation.”

Kabir didn’t have friends, so he wouldn’t have had the occasion to talk like this.

“So I can visit you anytime now, not just during dinner, right? Since we’re friends.”

“Why does it lead to that conclusion?”

“Because we’re friends.”

“No need to emphasize it.”

“But we are friends.”

“Annoying.”

Kabir’s true feelings finally slipped out.

“I’m only working when you visit.”

“I’ll just chat on the side.”

“That’s a distraction.”

“It won’t be a distraction.”

“Do you think that makes sense?”

Even I had to admit it didn’t. But now that I brought it up, I had to push it through.

“Ah, do whatever you want.”

Kabir said, his voice laced with irritation. Anyway, I got the chance. An opportunity to get closer to my future brother-in-law.

Now I just had to gently nudge him to get closer to Selena. They weren’t close yet, anyway.

My broadcasting motto might be ‘if you’re going to mess things up, do it properly’, but I didn’t want to meddle too much with the main characters of the original story.

“Friends, handshake!”

I cheerfully extended my hand. Kabir looked at me as if I were absurd, but then he took my hand.

At least he didn’t seem to hate it.