Chapter 1

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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 1
Chapter Title: I'm Tired of Everything
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I stood before people who were like ghosts from my past.

In truth, they were far too brilliant to be called mere ghosts.

“Marso.”

At the sound of my name, I lifted my gaze like someone waking from a dream.

His golden hair was as beautiful as a sunlit jewel, yet strangely lifeless.

Ryan Stregen, the man who, as the male lead, was destined to have it all.

His blue eyes, like a dark abyss, were fixed on me.

“…I never truly knew you.”

Hearing the regret in his voice, I laughed in disbelief.

*It’s not like you ever wanted to.*

If they had only treated me like a person after I’d changed, I wouldn’t have turned my back on them so completely.

After all, I had genuinely tried to build a good relationship with them in this new life.

“I believe I made myself clear from the very beginning.”

I spoke coldly, staring at the man before me.

The prince destined to command this empire, and the man who once harbored a one-sided love for the heroine, Reshuan.

Though not anymore, of course.

“…Lady Marso.”

As Ryan faltered, Kaysen, who had been standing beside him, stepped forward. Wary of even the slightest contact, I stepped back.

“And you’re no different.”

I replied coldly, rebuffing Kaysen. Kaysen’s hand, which had been reaching for me, fell limp.

The situation was absurd, with both of them staring at me with the pitiful eyes of lost puppies.

And who was it that let things get this far?

Who was the one who deserved to look so pitiful?

“Now… you don’t have to shut yourself away anymore.”

Ryan, who had been standing there as if at a loss for words, spoke in a tender voice.

I could guess what delusion Ryan was laboring under.

A rumor had spread that I’d first shut myself away because his words had hurt me. A similar rumor went around during my second seclusion, so he must have thought I was pining for him.

‘It’s not like the world revolves only around them.’

I recalled what they had said to me in the past.

“I think I’ve given you enough warnings. This won’t end with just words anymore.”

“If you dare to tarnish Reshuan’s name again, I will stake everything I have to bring ruin to your family.”

The two men who came to warn me away from Reshuan were busy threatening me that day, as always.

It was no use telling them I wasn't bullying Reshuan anymore, or asking them to observe the interactions between us for themselves.

Because my actions were always interpreted as some kind of scheme to undermine her.

Because no one cared about the truth—that Marso was trying her best to get along with everyone.

I told them time and time again.

“I was only trying to look out for Reshuan.”

I explained until my voice was hoarse and tried to prove through my actions that I had changed.

But that day, I had finally grown tired of it all.

So I bid farewell to them, and to the original story.

“Very well. From now on, I will stay at home.”

With those words, I abandoned the last shred of hope I had for them. And I actually began a reclusive life, shutting myself up at home.

“I’m sorry for not believing you back then.”

But this wasn't out of any affection for them.

I raised a hand to cut off Kaysen, who was continuing on in his own earnest voice.

“Kaysen, I think you’re misunderstanding something.”

I stepped in front of him and continued, my face expressionless.

“My shutting myself away back then wasn’t for you or the prince.”

“…Pardon?”

I drove the point home to a bewildered Kaysen.

“I simply wanted my own time, free from the tiresome rumors and the sight of your faces.”

“…”

“Don’t flatter yourself into thinking you hold such a significant place in my life.”

“But you went into seclusion after that, too, didn't you? How do you explain that?”

Ryan said, as if protesting.

“That was also for myself. Sir Kaysen should know.”

At my words, Kaysen seemed at a loss.

An awkward silence followed my response. I blinked, then sighed.

Ryan always acts as if something terrible will happen if I don't love him.

‘Isn’t it better if I’m not clinging to you?’

*You hated me, didn’t you?*

I think we’re done talking here.

I was just about ready to head back to the main square where the festival was starting.

“You were gone so long, I was worried.”

A voice like gentle sunlight rang out as a cloak was draped over my shoulders.

“…Darcy.”

*I thought you’d be busy right now. How did you know I was here?*

My surprised tone was brief; I was speechless as I met his gaze.

His mismatched eyes shone as if inlaid with jewels.

He was a man as beautiful as a flower in full bloom.

He smiled, tidying his silver hair as it fluttered in the wind.

“It’s a festival for you. We should go back.”

His eyes, focused solely on me, acted as if the people I had just been talking to weren't even there.

“That man…”

The moment an incensed Ryan reached for his sword hilt, a pistol appeared in Darcy's hand, aimed instantly at Ryan.

Darcy, who didn't even seem to glance sideways, was aiming precisely at Ryan's temple.

“Sir Darcy!”

While Ryan froze, Kaysen shouted loudly. But Darcy's eyes remained fixed on me.

He asked me with a face as innocent as a child's.

“What should I do?”

His sweet, beautiful voice melted like candy.

“What you want is what I want.”

I was the sole focus of his mind and senses.

“Because this is the weapon you conceived for me.”

“…”

“I’m alive thanks to you.”

*I can give you the world.* Watching Darcy whisper words that were anything but a joke, I recalled our first meeting.

The good fortune that had suddenly appeared in my life, just when I thought I would live in seclusion forever.

***

Today's pointless argument was no different from any other.

“Do you think insulting and humiliating her will make you look more attractive?”

“Lady Marso, you don't deserve to be loved by anyone! How dare you try to belittle her!”

The sharp shouts made my ears ring. It felt as if a volcano had erupted nearby.

Watching the enraged male leads, I narrowed my eyes. I wondered if the truth even mattered to them.

There was a rather large contradiction in their words.

I have never insulted the heroine, Reshuan.

I merely corrected her table manners, as she still held on to her commoner habits. I thought it was better for her to be corrected by me once than to have people whispering behind her back.

I wondered if a simple kindness shown to someone unfamiliar with noble etiquette warranted the male leads storming in to threaten me.

Especially since I knew Reshuan herself had been genuinely grateful and would have said as much.

But it was clear that to everyone else, my actions didn't appear that way.

Because ‘Marso,’ the character I had possessed, was the villainess.

The same went for the rumor that I committed evil deeds because I wanted their love.

Their visiting my mansion now would surely become part of that rumor, blowing it even more out of proportion.

A headline like ‘The Prince and the Captain of the Knights, Enraged by Marso Etoile's Wickedness, Dispense Justice Once More...’ would be the bare minimum, I was sure.

The book I'd been transmigrated into was a romance fantasy novel titled , a feel-good story that chronicled the life of a heroine who, after living an unfortunate life, comes to be loved by everyone.

This world revolved solely around the heroine, Reshuan, and her happiness was everyone's greatest joy.

But if she were only ever happy, the story couldn't progress. Her denseness was added for this very reason. A heroine who was too perceptive might interfere with the events involving the male leads.

So the author created another character to give the kind heroine, Reshuan, some trials.

A third party. The one person in a novel where everyone loves the heroine who despises her: the villainess, Marso Etoile.

‘Marso’ was the only daughter of the Marquis Etoile family, a girl who had an elegant appearance and everything she could ever want. And she had a one-sided love for Prince Ryan, her childhood friend.

Ryan was the only man that Marso, who had never failed to get what she wanted, was cautious around.

Prince Ryan, a fitting match for the girl who had everything.

Marso hovered around him like a young girl in the throes of her first love. Hoping that one day, Ryan would come to like her.

Of course, that never happened.

Because one day, Ryan fell in love at first sight with Reshuan Epekel, who appeared like a comet in the Epekel marquisate.

Ryan, who had always been indifferent, if not cold, to Marso, was different in front of Reshuan.

The same went for Reshuan's grandfather, Marquis Epekel, and the second male lead, Kaysen. Everything was easy for the heroine.

One can imagine what a thorn in the side such a Reshuan was to Marso.

Although she was a marquis's granddaughter, Reshuan had been raised as a commoner and had many shortcomings.

Moreover, Marso had already made her debut in high society and was making a name for herself.

Marso used these points to torment her.

When I possessed her body, that was the exact situation I was given.

It could have been a grim situation, but I thought that perhaps this was a chance given to me.

Separate from the fact that Marso was a villainess, she was surrounded by people who wanted to befriend her.

I, who had died a pointless death in a traffic accident in my previous life, could have a new beginning.

Isn't that how it goes? Even in novels, when the villainess changes, the people around her are bewildered but happy. I'd read about the process of a villainess's reputation changing more than once or twice.

As an avid reader of romance fantasy novels, I firmly believed that a good life would follow the villainess's rehabilitation.

“I think I’ve given you enough warnings. This won’t end with just words anymore.”

…My ass. Looking at the male leads, who looked ready to put a sword to my throat, I realized what an idiot I'd been!

Life was reality, not fiction, and people were harsh.

I barely managed to pull up the corners of my mouth into a smile.

“I was helping her because I thought the servants might gossip behind her back. Neither of you would want that, would you? And I spoke in a whisper. Lady Reshuan even smiled and thanked me.”

It was true. Pretending to offer her some food, I had discreetly whispered to her that her fork placement was against etiquette.

“Her existence alone is valuable, so she doesn't need to change. What needs to change is your insolent attitude.”

…*Why don't you save such heartfelt confessions for Reshuan? Don't waste them on twisting my intentions.*

“His Highness is right. I love her just the way she is!”

Wow, seriously. I'm so done with this shit.

It was time to end it all.

“Yes, it was all, aaaall my fault. I will repent for the rest of my life and live without ever seeing Lady Reshuan again.”

I'm tired of everything now.

“How is that even possible? You're a marquis's only daughter.”

I spoke calmly to the two dubious-looking male leads.

“I just have to stay home, don't I?”

It was a perfectly clear solution.

So clear it made me regret all the time I'd wasted until now.

Yes, being transmigrated as the villainess of a ridiculously wealthy family must have been a divine revelation to live as a shut-in.

“…What?”

“Exactly what I said.”

And so, I decided to put my plan into action.

To live cooped up at home, spending money like crazy