faeni

I did nothing with my entire life. Literally nothing. Then I died — not saving a cat from a tree heroically, not even struck by Truck-kun — but of a heart attack caused by a BL manga confession scene. Pitiful? Perhaps.

When I begged for a second chance, the gods listened. Or at least, they jeered at me. Instead of returning as a mighty sorcerer or a spoiled heiress, I found myself as a young woman with awful vision in some obscure nobleman's manor house.

My eyesight is so poor I can hardly recognize faces. I trip, blink, and consistently confuse people with chairs (and vice versa). But here's the kicker: I've been reborn as the young stepmother of a future villainess — a child who will grow up to be the "evil empress" in a bestselling romance novel that I used to detest.

And so, with only my half-working eyes, shreds of memory, and sheer obstinacy, I'm going to do something — anything — other than waste this life. Whether that is steering my evil stepdaughter, making it through treacherous noble schemes, or just learning how to walk straight without crashing into a wall.

I've got my chance now. And this time, I won't let it slide through my fuzzy fingers.

The Blind Stepmother Of The Villainess

Charlotte woke to the scent of freshly baked bread and tea. She stretched out her little arms over her head, Biscuit's soft hair stroking her toes. She peeked at Alexendra, still softly snoring, one hand caught up in Charlotte's hair.

She rolled over onto her side and discovered the marquis seated in the side chair, book clutched in his hand but eyes gazing calmly at Alexendra's face, a tenderness there that he never exhibited to anyone else.

If she was to keep them together forever, she had to have a proper plan. Something grand. Something memorable.

She slid quietly out of bed and padded across the room, Biscuit following faithfully behind her. Down the hall, she held a finger to her lips, reminding Biscuit to be still (although he, naturally, was more interested in breakfast).

She went to the little writing desk and picked up the largest piece of paper she could find.

No more sad dreams. No more empty halls. We remain together forever.

Biscuit (major muscle and adorableness)

Extra-strong glue (to "lock" doors if needed)

Ribbon (to "tie" Papa and Mama together if they get crazy thoughts about leaving)

A big picnic basket (because Mama always gets hungry)

She wrote desperately, her handmoving quickly, her lettering large and wobbly, each letter brimming with childlike determination.

Hide all the horses and carriages so nobody will ever be able to get off the estate.

Bake "forever cookies" and have them swear to stay if they eat one.

Make Mama and Papa swear on the moon.

Tie ribbons on each door so no one can slip out.

Ambush group nap with Biscuit as watchdog.

Charlotte clicked the pen against her lips. She nodded definitively. Ideal.

Just then, Biscuit bumped against her leg, whining gently. Charlotte looked down and laughed. "You're right, Biscuit. We should try the glue first."

She skipped down the hallway, ribbon streaming behind her like a comet.

By the time Alexendra fully awakened, she staggered dazedly into the hallway to find Charlotte halfway through tying pink ribbons onto every doorknob in view, Biscuit walking along beside her with a ribbon on his ear.

"Charlotte?" Alexendra's voice shook with shock. "What in the world."

Charlotte whirled about, eyes sparkling. "Mama! You're awake! Good. I have a very important errand today. You and Papa must swear never to depart. Ever!"

Alexendra stared at her, dazed, then let out a whoop of laughter that bounced through the hallway.

The marquis materialized behind her, widening his eyes at the mess of ribbons and the glue pot precariously sitting atop a stool.

Charlotte puffed out her cheeks. "Don't you dare laugh, Papa! This is serious!"

He hid his mouth with his hand, an odd shiver in his otherwise cold demeanor. Then he sighed, coming forward and kneeling so he was at her eye level.

"Alright," he said softly. "We promise. We won't leave you."

Alexendra, laughing still, took a step forward and mussed Charlotte's hair. "Cross our hearts. Now… what's the next step in your master plan, commander?"

Charlotte's face lit up right away, her entire body radiating like she had a little sun inside her.

"Next… forever cookies and a moonlight oath!" she shouted, pumping her fist into the air.

That evening, after feasting on slightly charred "forever cookies" and reciting a goofy "oath" beneath the stars, the three of them (and Biscuit) tumbled together in a laughter-twisted heap upon the garden blankets.

For once, Charlotte's crazy scheme didn't seem like trouble. It seemed like a vow — spun in sugar, starlight, and the biggest, loudest, happiest kind of love.

The Eternal Lock Plan