The Villainess And The Heroine

Diana Alasmira, the female protagonist of the game that had somehow become my reality. 

My heart sank like a stone dropped into still water.

Of all the days for her to appear, it had to be today—the day I had so carefully orchestrated for Serena and Hector to spend time together alone. 

Following closely behind Diana was a woman whose regal bearing immediately also took attention. Lydia Alasmira moved with the practiced grace of nobility, her emerald gown rustling softly against the marble steps. I recognized her instantly—the same woman I had glimpsed with the Queen just a week prior, though seeing her up close revealed the striking resemblance she shared with her daughter. The same aristocratic nose, the same intelligent eyes that seemed to take in everything at once.

Was Diana's appearance today truly a coincidence? I wondered. Or was this some cruel twist of destiny designed to complicate everything I'd been working toward?

The dread that had been gnawing at my stomach since morning now bloomed into full-fledged panic. The worst possible love triangle was about to form right before my eyes—Serena, Hector, and Diana, all in the same place at the same time. In the original game, this dynamic had spelled disaster for everyone involved.

I stole a glance at Hector, and my worst fears were confirmed. His eyes had grown wide with what could only be described as wonder, completely transfixed by Diana's presence. 

This is exactly what I was afraid of.

Diana possessed a natural charisma that Serena, for all her royal training and inherent sweetness, had yet to develop. Where Serena could be reserved, wary almost distrustful, Diana radiated confidence and warmth that drew people to her like honey draws bees. 

The cruel mathematics of the situation played out in my mind: Hector hadn't seen Serena in several months, giving their connection time to cool. If Serena could have played her cards perfectly today, she might have rekindled whatever spark existed between them. But with Diana's sudden appearance, that delicate opportunity was already slipping away like sand through an hourglass.

My chest tightened as I imagined the scenarios that could unfold. Serena and Diana had never been particularly close, despite their family connection. Their relationship existed in that strange middle ground between obligation and genuine affection—not enemies, but not true friends either. If jealousy began to poison Serena's heart, if she said something sharp or acted out in front of Hector...

She could lose him forever. 

And worse, she might start down the path that leads to becoming the very villainess I was trying to avoid.

The game's story hadn't even officially begun, and already I was worried about Serena turning into a villainess. 

"Oh, Hector! Is that really you?" Diana's voice rang out bright and melodious as she approached with a radiant smile.

Hector straightened almost reflexively, his posture shifting from casual to attentive in an instant. "Diana," he replied, and I didn't miss the way his voice softened when he spoke her name. "What a pleasant surprise to see you here."

"Mother had business with His Majesty," Diana explained, gesturing gracefully toward where Lady Lydia was already being escorted by a uniformed knight toward the castle's main entrance, "so I thought I'd accompany her. I never imagined I'd run into you though—what brings you to the castle today?"

The innocent question hung in the air, and I found myself holding my breath. How would Hector explain his visit? Would he mention that he'd come specifically to see Serena?

"I came to visit Princess Serena," he said simply, though I caught a flicker of something—embarrassment? uncertainty?—cross his features. "Perhaps you'd like to join us? I'm sure she'd be delighted to see you."

No, I thought desperately, she absolutely would not be delighted.

"I'd love that," Diana replied without hesitation, her smile growing even brighter if such a thing were possible.

As we began walking toward the garden, I positioned myself strategically ahead of them, ostensibly leading the way but really trying to gauge the situation developing behind me. Every few steps, I glanced over my shoulder with the practiced subtlety I'd developed during my time as Serena's butler.

What I saw made my heart sink further.

Diana was animated in conversation, her hands moving expressively as she spoke, her laughter genuine and infectious. She asked Hector about his studies, his family, his interests—all the right questions to draw someone out and make them feel heard. And Hector, usually somewhat reserved in social situations, was responding with an enthusiasm I'd rarely seen from him.

She's naturally gifted at this, I realized with grudging admiration. No wonder she becomes the protagonist.

Where Serena sometimes struggled to find the right words in the right situations, Diana seemed to navigate social interactions with the same ease that a fish swims through water. It wasn't fair, really—Serena had been sheltered, protected and pampered her entire life, while Diana had apparently been allowed more freedom to develop these crucial social skills.

The garden came into view ahead, and my stomach dropped as I spotted the carefully arranged scene I'd spent so much time preparing. The small round table sat beneath the shade of an ancient oak tree, its white cloth fluttering gently in the afternoon breeze. Two chairs—only two—waited beside delicate china and silver cutlery that sparkled in the dappled sunlight.

Serena was already there, seated with perfect posture despite the clear signs of impatience in the way her fingers drummed against the table's edge. A maid stood beside her holding a lace parasol to protect the princess from any stray beams of sunlight that might penetrate the tree's canopy.

The sound of our approaching footsteps caused Serena to look up expectantly, her expression brightening at the sight of Hector. "Hector!" She began, but the greeting died on her lips as her gaze shifted to the figure beside him. "And... cousin?"

I watched the exact moment when Serena's carefully prepared afternoon began to crumble around her.

"Serena!" Diana released Hector's arm and practically glided forward, reaching out to clasp Serena's hands in both of hers. "It's been far too long since we've seen each other."

Serena's smile became strained, though she maintained her royal composure admirably. "Yes, it has been quite some time," she agreed, though I caught the slight edge in her voice. Her eyes found mine over Diana's shoulder, and the look she gave me could have frozen fire.

Don't blame me for this, I wanted to protest silently. I had nothing to do with her showing up today!

"Mother had business with Uncle—with His Majesty," Diana explained, apparently oblivious to the tension crackling in the air. "I couldn't pass up the opportunity to visit you while I was here."

"I see," Serena replied carefully, her gaze flickering between Diana and Hector with barely concealed disappointment.

That's when Hector noticed the problem that was about to derail everything completely.

"There are only two chairs," he observed, his brow furrowing as he looked at the intimate setup I'd so carefully arranged. "Butler," he addressed me directly, "please bring another chair immediately."

The words hit Serena like a physical blow. I watched color drain from her cheeks as the reality of the situation sank in. She had spent days preparing for this moment—choosing her dress, practicing conversation topics, working herself into a state of nervous excitement about finally having time alone with the boy she clearly harbored feelings for.

And now, through no fault of her own, that precious opportunity was evaporating before her eyes.

The expression on Serena's face was transforming, and not in a good way. I could practically see the thoughts racing through her mind—Why does Diana always have to be so perfect? Why does everyone always prefer her company? Why can't I have just one afternoon with Hector without her appearing?

I had to do something, anything, to prevent this situation from spiraling into the disaster I could see approaching like a storm on the horizon. But what could I possibly say that wouldn't make things worse?

Then, to my complete and utter shock, Diana saved the day herself.

"Oh, that's very thoughtful of you, Hector," she said with a gentle smile, releasing Serena's hands and taking a small step backward, "but please don't trouble yourself on my account. You two should enjoy your visit together."

Both Serena and Hector stared at her in surprise, clearly not having expected this response.

"Are you certain?" Hector asked, and was that disappointment I detected in his voice? "You're welcome to join us, truly."

"I appreciate the invitation," Diana replied graciously, "but I've been looking forward to exploring the castle again. It's been so long since my last visit, and there are so many beautiful places I'd forgotten about." She turned to Serena with what appeared to be genuine warmth. "Would that be alright with you, cousin? I don't want to intrude on your plans."

Serena's entire demeanor shifted like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. The tension in her shoulders melted away, and her smile became radiant and genuine. "Of course! Please, explore to your heart's content." Then, in a move that surprised me with its calculated generosity, she added, "In fact, I'll have my butler accompany you. He knows every corner of this castle better than anyone."

"Huh?" The sound escaped my lips before I could stop it.

Wait, what? That wasn't part of the plan at all!