Although I Was Reincarnated As The Villainess Of The Otome Game I Was Playing, I Only Bought It For

Now that the food is ready, let’s turn to the person who worked her hardest, shall we?

“Ms. Ivy, are you enjoying this party?” I asked.

Today’s guest of honor was (probably) the protagonist of this world. Although she is a commoner, she’s become a Sacred Machine pilot.

Perhaps I’m thinking about my own position in this story as I look at the food I cooked with a troubled expression.

Originally, as the game was supposed to go, I’m the one who becomes her enemy (I think), that’s what a villainess is supposed to do.

I’m sure things won’t go as it did then. If the rival character becomes an ally from the start, the plot is bound to collapse quickly.

Therefore, let’s prevent my weakness of not knowing the original story by collapsing the original story.

Poor knowledge can lead to wrong decisions.

“Ye-Yes!” Ivy said.

She replies cheerfully but when you look at her expression… it seems like she isn’t enjoying herself at all no matter what angle you take.

Honestly, if you’re seen as some kind of bottom feeder during a party, it’s inevitable that at least one snide remark will come out, and if that happens, the atmosphere’s going to get worse.

So, because of that:

“Come with me for a moment,” I said.

I can’t let her stay in this place.

“… Ms. Ivy, do you not like this party?” I asked.

I take her away from the garden, or rather, inside a pavilion where the two of us would be undisturbed.

I’m curious about her not enjoying herself at this party. Maybe she can’t enjoy a noble’s party because she’s not a noble herself? Or maybe I have done something wrong, to begin with?

To be honest, I fear even more that my behavior was in the wrong, rather than some kind of bad air.

I am the Duke’s Daughter, slated to be the next Duchess.

I am the highest member of the aristocracy just below the royal family, which means I inevitably have the responsibility that comes with it.

In that light, you could say that if I party I hosted failed, it’s a disaster, even though there was no serious trouble.

Of course, that mistake alone will not cause you to lose your position as an aristocrat. Still, my reputation among my peers will go down. That will reduce my chances of getting help in case of trouble.

I don’t even know the fragments of the original story, but things almost never go well for villains.

Sometimes they’ll receive forgiveness, and sometimes they’ll be converted to the heroes’ side, but even so, it is usually inevitable they’ll have some sort of comeuppance. Sometimes their families will be killed or they’ll be punished for the consequences of their crimes so far.

We should at least make an effort not to go to that bad end, right?

All that said, if Ivy is dissatisfied with this party, I should improve everything I can.

I’m not going to say the protagonist is always right. It’s so common for them to get angry and cause a tragedy already.

However, most of the stories are the ones where the main character makes the final decision.

If you act for the hero’s side, at worst, you’ll die in a good way.

“Umm, I’m not complaining about the party…” Ivy said.

She spoke but she seemed to be struggling to do so. But, I understand it.

I can’t help but think she has a complaint.

“To be frank, you’re an ordinary person. But, you’re still a human being, one chosen to pilot a Sacred Machine,” I said. “I won’t tell anyone else about this and I will give you a hand.”

That is something to be respected more than a noble who’s done nothing to earn it.

“… I’ve got two complaints,” Ivy said.

So she did have problems, after all.

“… Is it the way that people who aren’t from the Academy look at you?” I asked.

Well, she is quite rare, isn’t she? I think the pandas at Ueno Zoo feel the same. No, I can’t speak for the emotions of pandas.

She’s a commoner, but she was selected as a Sacred Machine pilot and beat another machine piloted by an aristocrat. That is extremely rare indeed.

It’s because she has the talent to be the story’s main protagonist.

Compared to me, who is just the daughter of an aristocrat, her heroic power is so many magnitudes higher than mine that I couldn’t even see it.

“About that, well, you’re just going to have to get used to it,” I said. “You were born under a star that decided this was your life, but you can change your viewpoint. You see, the thing is–”

I should be able to change the way she looks at it.

“You’re just rare now, but if you can make a different title for yourself, the gazes on you will be different,” I said.

“Then how can I change it?” Ivy asked.

Of course, her question is justified. I would definitely ask that if I were in her position.

What I do know is this:

“Please, fight,” I said. “Fight, fight, and keep on fighting, show that you have the power that is absolutely stronger than the aristocrats.”

Power, that’s the answer. Violence, pure and simple, can sometimes easily overcome the doubts cast upon oneself.

“… Will you train me?” Ivy asked.

“Oh my, I already am training you, aren’t I?” I replied.

That was how I would answer her question. I’ll train her as long as she wanted to. It’s more fun to have as many strong opponents as possible.

“Ivy, you must be a star with your Sacred Machine, a shooting star with Messiah. A shooting star that everyone can place their wishes on.”

“To be a shooting star…” Ivy said.

“Remember, don’t think about the darkness. Shooting stars go out with a bang. That’s why they don’t stop and keep moving forward,” I said.

“So, what was your other complaint?” I asked later.

“Ah, the taste of your cooking is… um…” Ivy said.

… Ah, is that how it is?

“Not very tasty, you could say?” Ivy said.

“I’m going to learn how to cook,” I said.