"Is this really where you’re supposed to be?" The icy gaze pierced the girl standing before her. But in the next second, those same eyes softened, their clarity mesmerizing.
At Liana's birthday banquet, the abruptness of this moment left everyone around stunned. However, as soon as they saw the person behind the act, their faces relaxed with an expression of understanding.
But Liana herself froze in place.
Her long platinum hair cascaded down her back, following the curves of her body. Her pale skin, like polished jade, carried a faint blush.
She wore a black gown accented with white, its sheer fabric revealing her elegant neckline and the delicate curve of her collarbones. Her slender, porcelain legs were encased in black stockings that shimmered faintly.
In her hand, she held a wine glass, the liquid within dripping from its rim.
Standing before her was a blue-haired girl drenched in wine—clearly Liana’s doing.
The cold liquid trickled down the girl’s hair, sliding along her neck and flowing over her snow-white skin.
Lowering her head, the girl bit her lip nervously, clutching the edge of her dress. She had no idea why the evening's star, Liana, had suddenly turned on her.
Those who were familiar with Liana, however, were hardly surprised.
She was the classic spoiled noblewoman, using her status and whims to bully others as she pleased.
But at this moment, Liana was far more confused than anyone else present.
What’s happening? Why am I here? What’s going on? Noblewoman? Engagement?
Memories began to flood into her mind.
She had transmigrated into a novel as one of the villains.
Liana Venus. Blonde hair, violet eyes. The eldest daughter of the Navis estate in the Lisat Kingdom. With her parents away on long-term duties, her care had fallen to her aunt, Countess Ruth.
Originally, Liana had been the first in line to inherit the family title. But because she lacked magical abilities, the succession had passed to her cousin. This engagement, presented as a means of "protecting her," was anything but.
The original Liana had believed it wholeheartedly, but the transmigrated Liana knew better. Her inability to use magic was thanks to her "kind aunt," who had secretly sabotaged her. And this so-called engagement was just a scheme to marry her off to some distant relative—her uncle.
Years ago, her father’s younger brother had died for the family, and out of respect for his sacrifice, everyone had bent over backward for Countess Ruth.
Everything Ruth did was to ensure her own son became the primary heir, eliminating Liana as a threat in the process.
Though she was a villainess, her demise hadn’t come at the protagonist’s hands. Instead, she had been locked in a dungeon by Ruth and tortured to death.
The thought of her grim fate made Liana frown slightly. Her fingers traced the rim of her glass, and a bead of sweat ran down her temple.
No way was she going to die so miserably. She was determined to survive, wear beautiful dresses, and welcome her parents back home.
"What’s your name?" Liana asked, looking at the timid girl before her. She couldn’t recall seeing this girl in the original storyline. At least she wasn’t one of the protagonist’s harem, so perhaps a small gesture could smooth things over.
"Loraville Calipot."
"...!" Liana froze on the spot.
Loraville Calipot? One of the protagonist’s harem members?
Liana quickly scanned the room, searching for the protagonist but seeing no sign of him.
Looking down at her hand, she noted the absence of a ring. This must mean the storyline hadn’t started yet—there was still hope.
Liana’s gaze returned to Loraville. This innocent and pure girl would somehow transform into an assassin within two years.
But there was an even bigger issue now: she had accidentally provoked one of the protagonist’s harem members.
To avoid being turned into a puff pastry, she absolutely had to stop this engagement.
For now, she couldn’t openly oppose Countess Ruth. To avoid catching the protagonist’s attention, she needed to handle her earlier actions toward Loraville with care. She had to pamper her, send her back happy and unharmed, and ensure neither the protagonist nor Loraville bore a grudge.
"Loraville, is it? What a lovely name," Liana said, lifting the girl’s chin gently.
"A cute girl like you shouldn’t be wearing such cheap clothes. You deserve something far more beautiful." She raised her hand. "Take this young lady to my room and help her change. After the banquet, I’ll have a proper ‘chat’ with her."
Loraville hesitated. Could it be that Liana had spilled the wine by accident?
But no matter how she looked at it, it had seemed intentional...
"I understand," the servant replied with a slight bow. "Please, follow me."
Those unaware of the truth thought Liana was being kind-hearted. Those who knew her true nature, however, feared for Loraville, wondering what torment awaited her in Liana’s room.
But the current issue wasn’t resolved yet. The real challenge was about to begin.
Liana turned her gaze to her fiancé, Kalen Laurent, the young master from the neighboring Laurent estate.
Not only was Kalen despicable and lecherous, but he was also one of the villains. Even if he had been a kind and virtuous protagonist, marrying him was out of the question.
After all, Liana had originally been a man. There was no way she’d marry a man—absolutely not!
Kalen stepped forward, stopping in front of Liana.
This banquet wasn’t just to celebrate her 14th birthday but also to announce their engagement. That was why so many nobles had been invited.
After the earlier commotion, everyone’s eyes were now back on the pair.
If not for the lace gloves she wore, the sweat on Liana’s palms would have been visible.
Kalen knelt down, pulling a ring from his pocket, and with a gentlemanly flourish, asked, "Liana, will you be my wife?"
Liana’s lips curled into a peculiar smile. "Kalen, the purpose of today’s banquet is to announce something... not just to you, but to everyone here."
"Oh? And what might that be?" Kalen replied, smiling as if he hadn’t a care in the world.
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The truth was, he really had no idea what was about to happen. No one did.
"I’m terribly sorry, but I’ve come to realize something. I prefer girls over boys. After all, when I tease them, when my fingers graze their skin, they make such adorable expressions and such delightful sounds. I absolutely love it."
"So no, I refuse your proposal. The one I like... is girls."