Chapter 3

Episode 3

As Zylith arrived at the grand dining room, her steps faltered at the sight of her supposed family. The Grand Duke, now clearly identified as Duke Adrian, sat at the head of the table, radiating authority even in his casual posture. Beside him sat her older brother, a boy with striking silver hair and almond eyes that mirrored their father's.

Zylith hesitated, bowing stiffly before taking a seat. The grandiosity of the setting only made her more self-conscious. The polished silverware, crystal glasses, and porcelain plates felt too pristine for her clumsy modern hands. What are the rules here? she thought. Do I wait for someone to speak? Or should I just eat ? She decided to follow Duke Adrian's lead and picked up her fork only when he started eating.

The room was quiet, save for the faint clink of utensils on plates, until the Duke broke the silence.

"So, about yesterday," he began, his voice steady but curious, "what exactly happened? Why did you hit yourself with a tray?"

Zylith froze, feeling the weight of his gaze. Her mind scrambled for an excuse. "It was just… a morning motivation thing," she blurted out, plastering an awkward smile on her face.

Her brother, Thane, chuckled softly, clearly amused by her poor attempt at covering up. The Duke, however, didn't push further. He simply gave her a long look before nodding.

"Take better care of yourself," he said, his tone light yet firm.

"Yes, sir," Zylith replied, avoiding his gaze.

The Duke leaned back in his chair and turned to Thane. "Thane, take your little sister to the city today. Let her get some fresh air. Staying cooped up in the house is clearly messing with her head."

Zylith huffed, her cheeks puffing slightly in indignation, but her eyes widened at the Duke's teasing tone. This wasn't the cold and aloof Grand Duke she remembered from the novel. This was a softer side of Duke Adrian, one that clearly adored his children.

Wait a minute…The pieces suddenly clicked into place. Duke Adrian—Selena's adoptive father! If this really was the same world as No Breakthrough , then Zylith was… her stomach dropped. Zylith, the antagonist.

Her thoughts spiraled as she recalled the details of the novel. Zylith was one of the minor villains who tormented Selena, the protagonist. Later in the story, she was married off to a wealthy but cruel baron and died miserably of illness.

"AAAAAAAAAA!" Zylith screamed, springing to her feet, her chair scraping loudly against the marble floor.

"What's the matter?" the Duke asked sharply, his brows furrowing in concern.

"I… I'm just excited! Haha!" she said, forcing an awkward laugh as she sank back into her seat. Inside, she was screaming. A villain? No way. No, no, no, no! Her denial was quickly crumbling under the weight of the truth.

"You must really want to go out," Thane remarked, his almond eyes narrowing slightly in amusement.

"Then let's conclude breakfast here," the Duke said, his tone calm but final. "Thane, take her now."

Zylith nodded stiffly, barely processing the words as she followed her older brother out of the dining room.

---

The ride to the city was nothing short of torture. The carriage's constant jolting made Zylith's stomach churn, and by the time they arrived, her face had turned a sickly shade of green.

"Are you alright?" Thane asked, his voice laced with amusement as he stepped out of the carriage.

Zylith shot him a glare, clutching her stomach. "Do I look alright?"

"You look like you're about to throw up," he said, chuckling as he helped her out of the carriage.

The city was bustling with life, a sharp contrast to the serene luxury of the Duke's estate. Merchants shouted to advertise their wares, children ran through the streets laughing, and the smell of freshly baked bread mingled with the scent of flowers from nearby stalls. Zylith's initial nausea was quickly replaced by a sense of awe as she took in the vibrant sights and sounds.

"This way," Thane said, gesturing for her to follow him. A pair of guards trailed behind them, keeping a watchful eye on the crowd.

As they strolled through the busy streets, Zylith's eyes were drawn to a small food stall. The tantalizing aroma of grilled meat wafted toward her, and her stomach growled loudly, betraying her.

Thane raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Hungry already?"

"Shut up," Zylith muttered, walking toward the stall. The vendor, a cheerful older man, greeted them warmly.

"What can I get for you, my lady?" he asked, bowing slightly.

Zylith stared at the assortment of skewered meats and vegetables, her mouth watering. "I'll take… uh…" She glanced at Thane. "What do you recommend?"

Thane shrugged. "The lamb skewers are good."

"Then two of those, please," Zylith said.

As the vendor prepared their order, Thane leaned against the stall, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. "You seem different lately," he said casually.

Zylith stiffened. "Different how?"

"More… unpredictable," he replied, his tone unreadable. "It's not like you to scream at breakfast."

Zylith laughed nervously, waving a hand. "I'm just… trying something new?"

Thane didn't respond immediately, his gaze lingering on her. "Well, whatever it is, just don't get into trouble. Father will have my head if something happens to you."

"I'll be fine," Zylith said, accepting the skewers from the vendor. She took a bite, savoring the rich, smoky flavor. "Mmm, this is amazing!"

Thane chuckled, shaking his head. "You're such a child sometimes."

"Better than being a boring adult," Zylith shot back, sticking her tongue out at him.

As they continued to explore the city, Zylith couldn't help but feel a mix of dread and determination. If she really was the villain in this world, then she had to find a way to change her fate. No way am I dying sick and miserable. I'll rewrite this story if I have to.