Chapter 34: A Villainess vs. A Drama Queen

Chapter 34: A Villainess vs. A Drama Queen

Seraphina sat at the breakfast table, aggressively stabbing her toast.

Across from her, Lila sipped her tea, looking far too amused.

"You're taking this well," Lila commented.

Seraphina scowled. "What am I supposed to do? Cry? Run away? Fake my own death and become a potato farmer?"

Lila tapped her chin. "All valid options. But none as fun as watching you duel Genevieve."

Seraphina groaned. "She's going to destroy me! I don't know how to fight!"

Lila raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you forgetting something?"

Seraphina blinked. "…What?"

"You're Lady Seraphina Nightshade—one of the most powerful noblewomen in the kingdom," Lila said smugly. "This body knows how to fight."

Seraphina's toast dropped onto her plate. "Oh."

Lila smirked. "Guess your gamer instincts forgot to load your skills, huh?"

Seraphina narrowed her eyes. "That's not how muscle memory works!"

Lila shrugged. "Figure it out."

Seraphina groaned and dramatically flopped onto the table. "I hate everything."

—

The Dueling Arena: Where Reputations Go to Die

By the time Seraphina arrived at the dueling arena, half the noble society had gathered to watch.

Great. A full audience to witness her potential downfall.

Genevieve stood in the center, looking way too confident. She wore an elegant dueling outfit—tailored, stylish, and probably designed to make her look like a battle goddess.

Seraphina, on the other hand, had barely managed to tie her hair into a loose ponytail. She had also tripped on the way here. Twice.

Genevieve smirked. "Finally decided to show up, coward?"

Seraphina sighed. "Trust me, I thought about running."

Gasps echoed from the crowd.

Lila snorted from the sidelines. "She's joking. Mostly."

The duel master—a stern-looking vampire with the charisma of a rock—cleared his throat. "This is an official noble duel. No magic. Swords only. First to disarm or incapacitate wins."

Genevieve dramatically unsheathed her sword. Swish!

Seraphina slowly pulled out her sword… and immediately fumbled it.

CLANG!

The entire audience went silent.

Lila facepalmed.

Genevieve stared. "…Are you serious?"

Seraphina coughed. "Uh. Muscle memory?"

Genevieve groaned. "This isn't even going to be a challenge!"

Seraphina sighed. Alright, think. You don't need to win—just survive.

She took a deep breath, adjusted her grip, and settled into a stance.

Genevieve lunged.

Seraphina yelped—and instinct took over.

Her body moved on its own, parrying the strike with perfect form.

Genevieve's eyes widened. "Wha—"

Seraphina blinked. "Oh. Cool."

Genevieve attacked again. Seraphina dodged—elegantly, effortlessly.

Genevieve swung. Seraphina sidestepped and accidentally smacked her in the back with the flat of her blade.

Genevieve tripped.

The crowd gasped.

Seraphina blinked. "…Did I just—"

Genevieve sprang up, red-faced. "YOU—!"

She attacked wildly. Seraphina dodged again, stepping aside just in time for Genevieve to…

Trip over her own feet.

She landed face-first in the dirt.

Silence.

Then—laughter.

The noble spectators tried (and failed) to contain their giggles.

Genevieve lay there, absolutely mortified.

Seraphina, meanwhile, stood there, sword in hand, completely untouched.

The duel master cleared his throat. "…Lady Seraphina wins."

The crowd erupted.

Lila whistled. "Flawless victory."

Seraphina blinked down at her sword. "…I think I just became a legend by accident."

Genevieve screamed into the dirt.

—

After the Duel: The Aftermath of Chaos

Seraphina had just stepped off the battlefield when a familiar voice purred, "Impressive, darling."

She froze.

Damian.

The main love interest of the otome game.

The dangerously handsome, overly flirtatious vampire prince who was supposed to fall for the heroine.

Seraphina turned slowly.

Damian smirked, arms crossed, fangs peeking through his grin. "Didn't know you were so… skilled with a sword."

Seraphina gulped. Oh no.

This was NOT how she wanted to attract the vampire suitors!

She needed to escape before—

Damian stepped closer. "Shall I escort my victorious lady to celebrate?"

The watching noblewomen swooned.

Seraphina's soul left her body.

Lila grinned wickedly.

"Looks like someone just became even more interesting."

Seraphina internally screamed.

To Be Continued…

—

Next Chapter: Seraphina tries (and fails) to avoid Damian's attention!