Chapter 8: On Taming a Villian.

🎵 "Snow White said you tried to kiss her"🎵

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System Rule #1: Approach a villain with love. They are humans with a fragile psyche and need care.

Eleanor's Rule #1: Dominate or be dominated. If a villain is in my way, they will kneel—or be erased.

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The rulebook was placed neatly before me, bound in pristine white leather, embossed with gold filigree, as if the mere aesthetic of purity could somehow make the content less ridiculous.

I skimmed through a few lines, and my lips curled into a sneer.

"A villain is merely a lost soul who has strayed from the path of righteousness."

Tch.

"They must be approached with understanding, patience, and love—"

I slammed the book shut. "System."

The glowing orb hesitated before responding. "Y-Yes, Your Majesty?"

"What imbecile wrote this?"

"I-It's the official guideline from the World Reform Association—"

I exhaled slowly, reigning in the urge to burn the damn thing to ashes. "I will not be approaching Lucas Carter with love. I will not be treating him like some fragile, misguided lamb in need of redemption."

The system dimmed. "B-But Your Majesty, the rules clearly state—"

I smiled, all teeth. "Let me tell you my rule."

The system quivered. "Oh no."

"If you want to stop a villain, you do not coddle them." I tapped a finger against the book. "You subdue them."

The system sputtered. "Y-You mean—"

"I mean," I said smoothly, "that I will make Lucas mine."

The system made a strange choking sound. "M-Mine? As in—"

I rolled my eyes. "Oh, don't be dramatic. I will take him under my command. That way, I won't have to reform him—just redirect him."

"But—"

I smiled, exuding nothing but ruthless amusement. "Isn't it brilliant?"

The system let out a defeated sigh. "…Your Majesty, you are impossible."

I took that as a compliment.

****

The venue was vast—an elegant, high-end event hall with crystal chandeliers, velvet drapes, and gold-accented décor. Crowds swarmed the area, each guest clutching a copy of Lucas Carter's latest best-seller.

His book had skyrocketed in sales, no doubt because of his infamous reputation. A Genius Surgeon cum Serial killer—the irony was delicious.

I approached the VIP section, ignoring the excited murmurs of the attendees.

The guards at the entrance stiffened upon seeing me. Good. They remembered.

Lucas Carter was seated at a lavish table, signing books with a lazy smirk.

As I entered, his gaze lifted—and for a moment, his pen stopped.

Then—

A slow, knowing smile curved his lips.

"To what do I owe this pleasant surprise," he drawled, golden eyes gleaming with intrigue. "Dear sister-in-law."

Oh?

I smiled back, stepping forward. "Lucas."

His smirk deepened. "Should I assume this visit is personal… or do you bring news from my dear brother?"

I tilted my head. "Does it matter?"

Lucas leaned back in his chair, studying me. "Not really. But you do know how to make an entrance."

My smile didn't waver. "And you know how to make a mess."

He chuckled, low and amused. "Oh, darling. You haven't even seen the half of it."

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Villainess Theatre

Interviewer: "So, System, what do you think of Eleanor's progress?"

System (hesitating): "W-Well… She's not following any of the rules, and she—she scares me."

Interviewer: "Wait, what was that? Did you just glitch?"

System (voice distorting): "I— I don't know."

[ ERROR. ERROR. SYSTEM STABILITY COMPROMISED. ]

Interviewer: "Um… That doesn't sound good."

[ WARNING. UNAUTHORIZED ACTIONS DETECTED. ]

Interviewer (panicked): "Uh—okay, System, last question before you—um—break down. If you could say one thing to Eleanor, what would it be?"

System (voice flickering): "…P-Please… Don't destroy the world… He won't be able to st ttttt oppp ittttt."