I Want a Happy Ending Even as a Villainess

Chapter 10

Early in the morning, as I was idly spending time in the garden, Ellie approached me with a silver tray. On the tray were a few elegant letters and a letter opener.

In most households, it was an unspoken rule to place letters in the bedroom basket. But the fact that Ellie didn’t do this meant she was starting to feel more comfortable with me.

“Thank you.”

I said with a light smile, and she smiled back.

As expected, the letters were invitations to various parties. I had a vague feeling that such events would start happening around this time.

‘It’s about time to start making public appearances.’

After her coming-of-age ceremony in the original story, Lilith had attended every party she could, as if making up for her time confined in the palace.

That must have been the case even before I took over her body. My refusals and seclusion had likely disrupted that flow.

The timing was perfect. The fact that the noblewoman had disappeared for nearly two months would surely make many people curious.

At such a time, presenting myself as polite and normal a few times should definitely get people talking.

‘Besides, I want to make friends!’

The spring days in the empire were too lovely to be cooped up in the mansion. I wanted to go on picnics, try boating, and have leisurely tea parties with friends.

“The Grandel family, huh…”

I picked up one of the many invitations. I had vaguely heard of the highly reputable marquess family. It would be a great opportunity to showcase my normalcy among the high-ranking nobles who would attend.

Moreover, the invitation, which appeared to be written by the Marquess herself, was full of genuine affection toward me. It was clear that she sincerely wanted me to attend, not just out of politeness.

“Well, Miss…….”

“Hmm?”

“Are you really going to that party?”

“Of course, why?”

Ellie hesitated at my question. The maids cleaning the garden corridor nearby also began to glance around nervously. There was a strange atmosphere among them.

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

Her evasive answer was unsettling. I considered pressing her for more information but decided against it, not wanting to scare her.

I couldn’t afford to lose the goodwill I had painstakingly built up.

Was something going on? I racked my brain with my limited knowledge of this world, but no answers came.

* * *

It had been a week since my last volunteer work at the temple. I had almost decided not to go again, but I couldn’t pass up the divine opportunity to get closer to a holy knight. So, here I was again.

‘I arrived an hour early.’

Worried that I might get stuck in traffic again, I had hurried, but now I was way too early. 

Despite Ellie’s fussing and warnings about being careful as she tried to hold me back, there was still a long time left before the volunteer work started.

‘Maybe I should take a look around the temple…’

I thought about going to the orphanage early, but decided to explore the temple instead. Last time, I had been too focused on finding my way to properly look around.

‘……Am I insensitive to safety’

Suddenly, the thought of recent accidents popped back into my head, and I glanced around at the temple’s exterior. There were still many knights guarding the temple and people coming to seek blessings. 

Protective magic circles, which looked like defensive barriers, were drawn everywhere. Priests who were said to heal even severe injuries in an instant walked the halls. Palium Temple was a place where anyone could feel safe. 

Following the crowd, I entered the prayer room, where rows of pale gray columns stood in a line. Above them, the arched ceiling soared to a neck-craning height. 

The prayer room was dim and serene, with only sparse, faint candlelight, making it hard to believe it was morning. 

The black benches were neatly aligned, leading to the end of the path where the intricate stained glass added a touch of brilliance to the tranquil space. 

People were quietly seated in long rows of benches, perhaps waiting for a priest to arrive. With nowhere else to go, I decided to join them and offer a prayer for fun. 

But then I noticed a familiar figure in the back row. White hair was common enough, but the build and the atmosphere he exuded reminded me of the person I met at the village library. 

However, I wasn’t entirely sure since we had met in a dark place that day. I discreetly moved closer to confirm his face. 

The icy expression and the sky-blue eyes that didn’t shine even in the light—it was indeed someone I knew. 

“Mr. Librarian.”

Feeling a sense of relief at seeing a familiar face in an unfamiliar place, I greeted him. But my voice echoed louder than expected, and I quickly covered my mouth with my hand. Looking around nervously, I was relieved that my voice didn’t seem to have disturbed anyone. 

“The book you recommended last time was—no, I mean, it was really interesting.”

I whispered just loud enough for him to hear. Only then did he look directly at me. He seemed to want to say something, but I quickly gave a polite bow and turned to find a seat further ahead. 

At least, that was the plan until he grabbed my wrist and sat me down next to him.

‘You want me to sit with you?’

Startled by the sudden gesture, I widened my eyes, but he showed no reaction. He sat there with his legs crossed and arms folded, looking bored. He didn’t seem to be here by choice. Leaning in slightly, I whispered,

“What brings you here?”

“I come here every day.”

Really? I stared at him in disbelief, and he narrowed his eyes as if my attitude annoyed him. 

“You don’t look very devout.”

“Neither do you.”

His retort made me chuckle. I didn’t look as intimidating as he did, after all. 

As we whispered, a middle-aged priest entered the prayer room and cleared his throat a few times to get ready. I stopped chatting and straightened my posture.

As the candle holders were lit, the room brightened a bit, and the priest began to recite a prayer solemnly. I clasped my hands and gently closed my eyes, just like everyone else. I had only one wish to make here.

‘Dear God, please let me have a happy ending this time.’

Three deaths are more than enough. Four would be too cruel. It hurts every time I die. And please, stop making me restart!

“What could you be praying so fervently for?”

A voice echoed in my ears, and I opened my eyes with a start. Looking around, I realized that the prayer time had ended and half of the people had already left.

“Oh, just wishing for some future happiness,” I replied, shrugging my shoulders to brush off the question.

We got up and walked out of the prayer room. Our conversation was light and trivial, about how business was going, the book I had borrowed, and what I should read next.

As we approached the temple entrance, I saw a familiar figure not far away.

“Sir Lake!”

I called out cheerfully, excited to see a familiar face after a long time. But the bright smile on Lake’s face vanished the moment he saw me. The librarian beside me let out a small scoff.

‘Did I do something wrong?’

I quickly checked my clothes and the neatly tied hair, but everything seemed fine.

“Um… Librarian, I should get going now.”

Sensing it was time to leave, I bid him farewell.

“Librarian?”

Lake’s expression was far from friendly.

“Does the priest still enjoy playing tricks on people?”

“So the pretty boy became a holy knight? This place must be really lacking in talent.”

Their words were sharp, and the air between them crackled with tension. Caught in the middle, I felt a wave of dizziness wash over me, not understanding why they were acting this way.

The term “pretty boy” could be said to Olivia, the daughter of a count’s family, so Lake might have heard it before. But still…

“Priest?”

I elongated the word in disbelief.

I was already surprised that he was a librarian who visited the temple daily, but a priest? The same type I saw in the prayer room earlier? The kind who prayed, served the temple and the people, used holy power when needed—really?

“You didn’t know? This man is…”

“Let’s stop there.”

The librarian—no, the priest—cut Lake off. His tone made it clear he wouldn’t tolerate another word.

While Lake might not, this man certainly looked like he would cause trouble. As the atmosphere grew more hostile, I tugged the priest’s sleeve twice, signaling him to stop.

“I’ll see you later, then.”

The white-haired priest said this before walking out of the temple.

Once the priest was out of sight, Lake let out a sigh. He looked troubled, rubbing his forehead before extending his hand to me.

He had already returned to his usual demeanor, his eyes curving into a gentle smile.

“Is his identity supposed to be a secret?”

I asked as I placed my hand on his arm, and we walked down the temple steps together.

“Not really.”

“You don’t seem to get along with him, do you?”

“We’re not on good terms, but that’s not the issue.”

Lake hesitated for a moment, unable to continue.

I wasn’t going to press him if he didn’t want to talk, but I was curious. Lake wasn’t someone who would be easy to dislike, which made it all the more puzzling.

“I think he was just jealous because I seemed close to you.”

“Huh?”

I blurted out, confused. Of course, Lake’s words were just his guess, but…

“I haven’t even known him that long.”

“Hmm…”

He pondered for a moment before continuing.

“Maybe you met him a long time ago and don’t remember?”

It was a plausible suggestion. If he had met Lilith, not me, that could be the case. But since I wasn’t really her, I couldn’t know for sure.