Chapter 12

Eleonora waited in the entrance hall of the main house for her father, stepmother, and half-sisters, who were heading to the ball together. However, she was an outsider in this ducal family.

She was more radiant and beautiful, wiser, and quieter than anyone else.

Dmitry, the current Duke of Purpureus, was originally the third son and not raised as an heir. Moreover, being the youngest and pampered, he dropped out of the academy and spent his time traveling both domestically and abroad.

Dmitry is now the head of the ducal family because the eldest son fell ill and the second son died in a war. Clearly not suited to be the head of the ducal family, Dmitry was made to marry a well-educated woman, as his mother—Eleonora’s grandmother—was deeply concerned. This woman was Eleonora’s mother, Emilia.

Despite the family's financial difficulties, Emilia came from a prestigious family and was raised strictly. She was married to Dmitry against her will.

Emilia, who took charge of the ducal family in place of her incompetent husband, received a harsh education from her mother-in-law. Her husband did nothing and even had a mistress. Even after her mother-in-law’s death, Emilia could not forgive her.

Emilia’s short marriage was far from happy. Even after her death, she was not remembered.

The small portrait of Emilia, which was supposed to be displayed in the hall, had been removed, and everyone seemed to be forgetting her existence. Eleonora, determined not to forget, stared at the spot where the portrait had been.

"You look like a streetwalker, standing there dazed."

Her stepmother and half-sisters mocked her red dress, which was popular among prostitutes, and Eleonora was truly exasperated.

(This red dress wasn’t prepared by me. Besides, why would a noble lady know about the fashion of prostitutes?)

However, no matter what she said, it would be futile, and it took her time to speak without a dialect, so she sighed, hiding her mouth behind a fan.

(Really, what a hassle. I don’t even want to go. It would be much more fun to play properly!)

Eleonora, with a troubled look, got into the carriage with them. As they passed through the noble district on the outskirts and entered the capital, a large castle came into view. This castle, where the ball was to be held, was the residence of Emperor Alexei.

(No matter how many times I see it, the castle is huge!)

The castle, located on a hill in the center of the capital, was not a white castle but a sturdy, gray stone structure that was originally a fortress. For several generations, the emperor had lived not in this castle but in a palace slightly outside the capital, which had a vast garden and was much more modern, luxurious, and ornate than the old castle.

"Mother, if we could, I would prefer the palace. This castle is so eerie."

"Yes, indeed. In the past, balls were held daily at the palace, but since the change of emperor, such evening gatherings have stopped. The anti-emperor faction is being executed one after another. What if Sophia is chosen by the terrible demon emperor?"

The father joined in the conversation.

"Ha ha ha. There’s no need to worry. Our Purpureus ducal family is a pure emperor supporter. A charming girl like Sophia would surely win over the demon emperor."

"Yes, Sophia would be a suitable empress."

Eleonora knew that her father, Dmitry, had not become an anti-emperor supporter because he did nothing and thought of nothing.

The anti-emperor nobles, being more capable than Dmitry, had become greedy. They intended to make the emperor a puppet, but were defeated by the current emperor.

(Still, is this family okay? When speaking about the emperor, you must use the honorific 'His Majesty.' His name is Alexei Grakies Vilides, 27 years old. He’s ten years older than me.)

As Eleonora gazed out the window, Dmitry spoke to her. When she looked at him, he was frowning and had his arms crossed.

"Eleonora, never do anything to hold Sophia back. You really look just like your mother, with the same hair and eyes, and you are a truly detestable and unpleasant existence."

'That woman' refers to her mother, Emilia. They never called Emilia by her name.

Eleonora nodded silently.

The carriage then entered the castle.

Thank you for your attention.

On August 26, the second volume of the book "Reiko no Fugiri ~I Was Called a Villainess, But I’m Just a Poor Girl~" and the first volume of the manga adaptation (by Otakumi-sensei) will be released by KADOKAWA.

If you are curious about the story, please start with the manga.

You can read the latest chapter for free on Young Ace Up!

https://web-ace.jp/youngaceup/contents/1000138

Thank you very much!

The manga is really interesting!

Even if you hesitate to buy the novel, the manga might be more accessible.

(By the way, it might be difficult to purchase the second volume at bookstores. If you are considering buying it, online shopping is the most reliable option.)