My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!, Volume 1

by Satoru Yamaguchi

  On another note, the current romance novel I was infatuated with was quite something else — a story about a devilishly dashing count and his romance with a younger girl.

  The Count was so incredibly breathtaking that he charmed both men and women alike — but he instead falls in love with a normal girl living in a small town. It was a sweet story of love and romance.

  I had, of course, started reading this novel under Sophia’s recommendation. The Count in question was an incredibly beautiful youth, with jet-black hair and eyes.

  “Actually... I noticed that the Count looked like my brother, and so I ended up liking this series...” was what Sophia told me, albeit in whispers.

  “My opinion may be biased... he is my brother, after all...” So said Sophia, seemingly embarrassed at the notion. The more I read this novel, however, the more I noticed the similarities.

  Although Jeord, Keith, and Alan were all handsome in their own right, Sophia’s brother, Nicol, was quite... different, in his aura and charms. His doll-like features, smooth, black hair... and then there were those eyes of his that had a mysterious ability to draw one deeper and deeper into his gaze.

  If he continued to age in this fashion, I could definitely see him becoming that very same alluring Count in my novel, bewitching both men and women alike.

  However, there were still too many unknowns with regards to Sophia’s brother, Nicol. Come to think of it, it was written in Fortune Lover’s manual that Nicol had the most common sense amongst the rest of the game’s potential romantic interests.

  In addition, he was also the older brother of one of my beloved friends... I wanted to get along with him very much. However, Nicol was a man of few words. When he did speak, the conversation would often end in one or two phrases.

  Due to the fact that my surroundings were often busy and bustling, the naturally quiet Nicol hardly had a chance to speak with me much, if at all. Be as it may, his actions communicated his love for Sophia, and he even put up with all our antics — Nicol was a very good brother indeed.

  It was not difficult to understand why Sophia would look up to such a brother. In fact, if the rumors were to be believed, Nicol excelled in both academics and the sword — a high-spec character, just like Jeord and Alan.

  If the opportunity comes to pass, I really want to speak more with Nicol... Not long after I had this thought, said opportunity presented itself to me.

  “If you would like... we could have a reading session at my humble abode...”

  Day after day, I had pestered Sophia about her books, as I really wanted to see them! So she eventually invited me over. I couldn’t help but feel that I had coerced her into doing it, maybe just a little...

  “Really?! Can I really come?!” I exclaimed, jumping up and down for joy.

  Sophia simply smiled at me, while Anne’s eyebrows furrowed, occasionally twitching. “Madam would be most displeased to see you behave as such, Young Miss...”

  And so it came to be that I paid the Ascarts a visit at their home. Although I was mainly there to go through Sophia’s books and talk about novels, I also hoped to speak with Nicol.

  It was important to get to know him a little better, especially with how Sophia looked up to him. Steeling myself, I made up my mind to get more than two phrases out of Nicol on this visit.

  Eventually, the promised day came to pass. Eager to get my hands on Sophia’s prized collection, I hopped on the horse carriage bound for the Ascart family home. Naturally Keith was with me as well, on account of me supposedly being the spoiled and socially inept daughter of the Claes family.

  Mother was worried as usual, giving me yet another warning as I left. “Do be careful, Katarina. And please, do not embarrass yourself.”

  How very like mother to say such a thing! I had been to many tea parties now, and even visited Mary’s manor several times. We were close. There were no problems, of course. Why would there be?

  Having finally arrived at the Ascart home with Keith, I found it not as big as the Claes manor, but it was clean, well-organized, and decorated in good taste. We were led by the servants to what seemed to be a reception area with tea and other offerings.

  Just as we were about to settle in, a couple entered the room: a most handsome man, with an elegant and dignified lady by his side. They seemed to be about the same age as my parents.

  I was expecting my friend Sophia, not this impossibly beautiful couple. This sudden development stunned me, and for a while I stared at them in awe.

  So... who exactly are these beautiful people? Just as that thought crossed my mind, the man turned to me, smiling brightly.

  “A pleasure to meet you. I am Nicol and Sophia’s father, Dan Ascart. This is my wife, Radia.”

  “Radia Ascart. A pleasure.”

  Having delivered their greetings, they both smiled gently, welcoming me into their household.

  What?! These are Sophia and Nicol’s parents?! As expected, they were formidably beautiful individuals.

  If this was the case... this must be the very sample same capable man who had taken on the position of chancellor, directly serving the king himself. The rumored royal chancellor.

  I turned to Madam Ascart to see that gentle smile still illuminating her features. Just like Nicol, Count Ascart had black hair. Madam Ascart was impressive as well, with her pale, golden-blonde hair and blue eyes. If I didn’t know any better, I would have assumed they were characters straight out of a fairy tale. As expected of Sophia and Nicol’s parents.

  Still stunned by their fairy-tale radiance, I continued staring at them both, mouth agape, until Keith gave my hand a slight push.

  “Big Sister... your greetings...” Keith whispered.

  That’s right! In these circumstances... right, a noble lady’s socially acceptable greeting...

  “...The pleasure is mine. I am Katarina Claes. Thank you very much for inviting me here on this day.”

  “I am her younger brother, Keith Claes. We are in your care.”

  As soon as I had delivered my elegant greeting befitting of a young noble lady, Keith followed up with his own.

  Yes. We did our introductions correctly. But what are Sophia’s parents doing here? My confusion was perhaps apparent on my face.

  “We had thought to greet you first — Sophia and her brother have not been informed yet, you see. She is probably fidgeting up there in her room, waiting for you as we speak.” Count Ascart provided a quick answer to my unspoken question.

  “Is that so...” While I now knew why Sophia’s parents were here, this was the first time someone else’s parents had come in person to greet me. I couldn’t help but feel nervous.

  While I had been to Mary’s abode several times, her father was often busy, and as such was often not at home. In fact, I had not seen him ever since that very first tea party I attended.

  Going to a friend’s home to play was nothing new to me — but having their parents show up to greet me was. Nervous, I clammed up, standing stiff like a board. Madam Ascart, however, elegantly and slowly approached me.

  “I have heard many things about you from my daughter, Lady Katarina. Ever since she met you, Sophia has been so happy... Thank you very much,” she said, before holding out a hand.

  Now that I could see her up close, she really was quite the beauty. Her features also resembled that of Sophia’s... or was it the other way around? Reaching out nervously, I took her outstretched hand in mine.

  “I am most grateful as well. I greatly enjoy speaking with Lady Sophia. I would be glad if we could continue getting along from here on out.”

  In truth, I had been able to live this fulfilling romance novel life of mine largely thanks to Sophia. If I had not met her, my life would not have been enriched with these wonderful stories. Of course I would want to continue being friends with her.

  Upon hearing my words, Madam Ascart, who really did look like Sophia, squeezed my hand somewhat tightly. “I am really, really glad... that Sophia has a wonderful f
riend like you.”

  And with that, Madam Ascart and the Count both bowed their heads. “I would like to thank you too. Lady Katarina Claes... thank you. Truly.”

  “Eh...? Ah, yes, thank you too, yes...” My nervousness peaked — to think that this beautiful couple would bow to me, of all people! I was now flustered, panicked. I had wanted to part ways with a dignified greeting, but with this, all of my efforts were wasted!

  Even so, both Count and Madam Ascart simply continued smiling at me warmly, paying no heed to my panicked flustering. What gentle, kind parents!

  And with that same welcoming smile, they left the room, telling that they would soon fetch Sophia. Even their exit was a thing of beauty. I couldn’t help but sigh as my eyes followed them out of the reception room.

  ...How could anyone not be nervous in their presence? Well... in any case, I suppose it’s a good thing that I’ve been welcomed into their household.

  Perhaps it was more difficult for me to leave a good impression, as opposed to, say, a normal person. This villainess face of mine was to blame. Any attempts to smile elegantly may become a villainous, or even an evil smile instead. The possibility of such a thing happening was high.

  In fact, that was exactly what happened during that tea party at the castle when those children all scattered as I descended from the tree. One look was all it took! What a sad memory...

  Once the Ascart couple were out of earshot, I leaned in, whispering to Keith. “What beautiful, gentle parents Sophia has!”

  “It is as you say, Big Sister,” Keith agreed, smiling as he did so.

  “If only mother were like Madam Ascart! She should be a little calmer, don’t you think? All that frowning and getting mad does no favors for her appearance...”

  “...Big Sister. I, too, think that mother would very much like to live peacefully...” Keith said, looking at me with a strangely sad gaze as I complained about how our mother was not at all like the kind and beautiful Madam Ascart.

  What does he mean? I stared at Keith, a blank look at my face. My brother, however, merely sighed in response.

  At that very moment, Sophia entered the room. Following close behind her was Nicol, as expected. Sophia’s breaths were somewhat irregular, and her cheeks were flushed with a slight tinge of red. On the other hand, Nicol, who had probably traveled at the same speed, hardly seemed winded at all.

  “Welcome, Lady Katarina!” Sophia said, with her flushed cheeks and slight smile. Ah, Sophia. Cute as always.

  As usual I had a lot of fun talking with Sophia, as well as looking through the Ascart family’s study with its amazing collection of books and tomes. Amongst them were many stories that Sophia had read. It was truly a delight for me to go through them.

  Things were different, however, due to the fact that Keith’s presence meant that Nicol was not as isolated as he was before. Now presented with a boy around his age, even the infamously silent Nicol would have a few things to say. While they were not as vocal as Sophia and me, a few glimpses revealed that they did have some conversation amongst themselves.

  Enjoyable time passes all but too quickly. Although my academic and etiquette lessons felt like an eternity, the time I spent with Sophia seemed to pass in an instant, as if time itself had sped up. While there were still many things I had wanted to do, staying too late would infuriate Mother, who had instructed me to not inconvenience my hosts.

  Hugging books that I had borrowed from Sophia close to my chest, Keith and I packed up, getting ready for the journey home. It happened as we were about to say farewell to the Ascart siblings.

  “Oh no! I left the book I’d recommended to you in my room, Katarina...” Sophia exclaimed, a little more shocked than she should be.

  “Ah, that book we were talking about just now, right?” It was, as Sophia said, the top book in her recommendations list. She had spoken of it passionately in the study — and perhaps in her passion had forgotten to take the book with her as she saw us off.

  “Yes, that book. I apologize... I will go fetch it right away.”

  “It’s quite all right, Sophia. Maybe I can borrow it next time?”

  Sophia seemed ready to dash off back into the study at any moment. “No, it really is an amazing book... I do hope that you can read it as soon as possible...! Please, it will just be a moment.”

  Saying so, Sophia turned, rushing off in the direction of the study. Noble ladies in dress did not do much in the way of running, of course, but she did set off at quite the pace.

  Seeing Sophia take off like that reminded me of a friend in my previous life, Acchan. If Sophia had known me back then, we would surely have read manga together, watched anime, and maybe even played some otome games. Ahh... I have really great friends.

  As I saw Sophia off, Nicol, who had been silent up until now, suddenly turned to me. “Lady Katarina Claes. Allow me to thank you once again for being friends with Sophia. I am grateful from the bottom of my heart.”

  Come to think of it, I did want to speak with Nicol today... That thought was all but forgotten as I lost myself in the Ascart family’s study, however, buried amongst talk of books and novels with Sophia.

  But now... this is a good chance! With this, I would be able to speak a little with Nicol.

  “No, the pleasure is all mine... In fact, I am grateful that Lady Sophia would be friends with someone like me. Actually... your parents both said the same thing...”

  “My... parents?”

  It was then that I realized I had forgotten to tell Nicol and Sophia about our short meeting with their parents.

  “Yes, they took the trouble to personally show up at the reception room prior to your arrival. They are truly wonderful parents.”

  “...Is that so. Thank you, Lady Katarina,” Nicol said expressionlessly. And with that, the conversation was over.

  While this was the longest conversation I had ever had with Nicol Ascart, this was also hardly a conversation at all! What exactly did Keith say, for Nicol to have responded to him as much as he did?

  I would like some of Keith’s conversational talent. Maybe just a little bit of it. Or is it because they’re both boys? In any case, I have to see if the conversation can be revived...

  I need some sort of topic... Yes! Maybe this is it! This is the place to utilize all my knowledge from my past life! I’ll show him all of my seventeen years of wisdom! I’m not willing to lose to Keith any longer.

  Something... something to continue the conversation. I racked my mind and plumbed my memories. And then... Oh wait. What about that granny next door who would talk to me for thirty minutes or more whenever she caught me?

  That’s it!! That’s the thing! That neighbor of mine was a conversational expert, with the power to prolong the most mundane of conversations. Now is the time to channel her power...!

  Yes, in fact, there was that one phrase that she was so fond of using, over and over again...

  “You really are blessed, Master Nicol, to have such amazing parents, and a cute younger sister.” I followed up on my statement with a full-faced smile, just like that old lady had done.

  That granny would change up her phrase when faced with a different member of our family. For instance, she would tell my father what a lucky man he was, to have married such a beautiful bride. Once this phrase had been uttered, my father was as good as gone for the next thirty or so minutes.

  Yes. A complete reproduction of that talkative granny’s words. However...

  “...Blessed...?” For some reason, Nicol’s demeanor suddenly changed completely.

  “Eh? Um...”

  “...Do you truly think... that I am blessed?”

  Although Nicol’s face was still as expressionless as ever, something about it was... different. This sudden change in him scared me. No, it terrified me.

  I’ve really done it now, haven’t I? I had somehow selected the wrong phrases, the wrong words...

  “I do think that you have a wonderful family... um. Was I perhaps... mi
staken in any... way?” I stuttered, delivering my words slowly and apprehensively.

  Nicol stared into me with those black eyes of his — so intense was his gaze that I could feel holes boring through my being. Holes! And then...

  “...No. No, Lady Katarina. You are not mistaken at all. I have two respectable, wonderful parents, and a gentle, cute younger sister. Yes... I am truly blessed,” Nicol said, as if pleased. And then... he smiled.

  I had known Nicol for a few weeks now, but never once had I seen him smile. I had heard from Sophia that her brother did not, in fact, usually smile very much at all.

  But Nicol was now... smiling. Smiling, like as if he were truly happy. Although he was already beautiful in his own right, that heartfelt smile on his face seemed to amplify that beauty several times over.

  It was as if the alluring Count himself — that very same one from the novel I liked, had appeared before me, bewitching smile and all. To think that Nicol was really the alluring Count all this time...

  Predictably, I clammed up, frozen solid. It was Sophia who freed me from the Count’s curse — hugging the book that she had brought like it was some sort of treasure. “Lady Katarina... here. This book!”

  I had finally broken free of the Count’s spell, all thanks to the cute book-hugging Sophia. Turning my head slightly, I saw Keith, who was also rooted to the spot. Nicol, on the other hand, had gone back to his usual emotionless self.

  This is bad! My lovable adoptive brother has been charmed by the alluring count’s power! Although I don’t want Keith to fall in love with the protagonist, him falling for another boy is a little too dangerous! If this goes on, my treasured adoptive brother may go astray!

  After gratefully accepting the book from Sophia, I strategically positioned myself between Keith and Nicol all the way to the horse carriage. We waved our goodbyes and boarded, and soon left the Ascart family home behind. And on the way back...

  “...To think that Nicol really was the alluring Count himself all this time... will I be able to protect Keith from his clutches from here on out...?”