Life as a teenage baroness proved to be more boring than I thought it would be. My maids would wake me up everyday at around eight in the morning, I would get dressed and either work or have lessons. My studies consisted mostly of studying the arts and literature of this world, as well as foreign languages, some basic maths, economy and swordsmanship. Tsisana would practise every day for two or three hours. At first, I was afraid I would not be able to keep up with her training, but her body was more than used to it, and I learnt to enjoy it. Swinging a sword to and fro was liberating.

On the other hand, my work usually consisted of going through documents, signing them and overseeing my domain. I was also expected to go on a tour around the Zephyrine territory once in a while, to make sure my people’s living conditions were acceptable. As the original novel stated, these lands were part of a bigger Empire, however, as the Crown had consistently lost power over the last few centuries, each domain had gotten more powerful and independent. At the moment, the internal politics of the Empire was delicate. 

It was a sunny but cold afternoon. This seemed to be a common type of weather in this world. If one was out in the sun they would feel warm, but if they weren’t, they would feel cold. I was in my office going over some documents when I rang the bell, calling the butler. I thought some tea and lemon pie would be just perfect.

Basil Chambers had been the butler for the Zephyrine family for over 4 decades. He was a middle-aged man, probably in his fifties, but had an overall gentle and kind expression. He considered both children of the Zephyrine family, Tsisana and her younger brother Yue, to be as dear to him as his own blood relatives. When Boreas, the previous head of the family, was alive, he had been his confidant. If this world allowed a friendship between people of different social class, Boreas and Basil would have been the best of friends.

Basil came in with some refreshments. Not only did he bring the tea and lemon pie I had asked for, but also some ice-cream and a ham and cheese sandwich. This is the life I always dreamt of, I thought.

I ate everything as slowly as I could, savouring each piece I put in my mouth. As Sena, I was always either working or studying too much, and had little time and money to enjoy such treats. In this world, I did not have to worry about money, and neither my work nor studies were too difficult, so I took my time doing the things I liked. The fact that there were no smartphones was blissful. I did not have a boss but, if I did, they would not be able to contact me after working hours. Just the thought of it put a smile on my face.

Basil stood near my desk while I ate. When I was finally done, I noticed his eyes on Boreas’ painting that was right behind me. The office I was using now once belonged to Tsisana’s father and, for now, I had decided not to change how it looked.

“You seem to have something on your mind, Basil”, I commented.

“My lady”, he sighed, “is it that obvious?”

“It is Basil. Tell me, what weighs on your heart?”

“A few days ago the only thing on your mind seemed to be Bor… Baron Zephyrine and the Madam’s deaths. Now you seem to have completely forgotten about it”.

“I see… are you upset?”

“No… Well… I am surprised. Forgive me if I speak out of turn, but even to someone as lowly as myself their deaths were… odd”.

“I understand where you are coming from, Basil. You’re right… their deaths are indeed suspicious. It’s just… investigating it won’t bring them back”.

I saw the tears coming to his eyes. I believe he wanted to uncover the truth as much as the original Tsisana did, and he also wished for revenge. However, starting an investigation would only take me to that horrible fate. As much as the Zephyrine’s couple assassination had been unfair, I had no intention of dying a second time. Especially because of people I had never met.

“I see…” were the only words that came out of his mouth.

From Basil’s perspective, my behaviour was probably rather strange. Tsisana was obsessed with her parent’s death, but had suddenly stopped caring about it. From the memories that flowed in my mind, I had some idea of how this body’s original owner behaved. However, I spent my entire life as Sena trying to conform to social rules and to fit in with other people. I was never able to truly be myself, and that was painful. There was no way that I would waste the opportunity to finally be free, and rich.

Basil remained where he was, without moving an inch. He seemed lost in thought, so I asked:

“Is there something else?”

He quickly regained his composure, and replied: “Yes, my Lady. Your acceptance letter has arrived. From Carmella Academy”.

Oh shit, I thought. Carmella Academy was one of the most prestigious institutions in the Empire. Most nobles attended it for around 4 or 5 years. It worked in a similar way as universities did back on Earth, and had many departments to which students could apply to. It was also where the plot of Villainess Undone took place.

“Write a reply, please, Basil. Tell them I am withdrawing for personal reasons”.

“But, my Lady… It has always been your dream to go there!”

That was true. Tsisana had been awfully obsessed with swords and planned on entering the Swordsmanship Department. There she would meet great friends, have lots of fun, and go to prison and contemplate life’s misgivings while - possibly - drinking poison. I could never go there if I wanted to avoid such a fate.

“I have changed my mind Basil”.

“Will they accept it though? You ranked first place!”

“What can they do about it, Basil? It’s not like they can force people to attend their Academy. I am a young baroness with a little brother to look after. That should be enough reason for not going. Besides, what could they do? Beat me up if I don’t go?”

As strange as it may seem, that was exactly what they tried to do.