I’m a Villainess, Can I Die?

Thus, my search for a hobby came to an end.
I found that painting suited me quite well, so I decided to make it my pastime.
Since I had finally found something satisfying, there was no need to continue searching for another hobby.

I set aside time to paint—one small canvas per day or sometimes every other day. While painting, I was surprised by how quickly time passed.
The paintings I deemed decent enough, I gifted to my family.
I remembered how my mother had once envied that bizarre doll I had previously gifted someone.

When I gave my paintings to my brother, mother, and father, they all covered their mouths as they accepted them.
Even though they were nothing but simple paintings on canvas, they treated them as if they were treasures of gold and jewels. I had to stop them from taking down the painting in the central staircase to hang my work instead.
"But no matter how I think about it, that spot is just perfect."

"Exactly. Selina, reconsider it once more."
"I did reconsider, and I still think it’s a bad idea."
During our family dinner, I firmly rejected my parents' continued insistence on hanging my painting in the central staircase.

Even if they were my parents, no meant no.
"She’s right, Mother. Father. No matter what, the central staircase is a bit much."
Normally, my brother would be eager to agree with our parents.

I chewed on a piece of meat and glanced at him curiously. He caught my eye from across the table and smiled.
He looked strangely confident, like he was pleased that he and I were on the same page.
But then I realized I had been mistaken. I had to bite down on my lips to keep myself from spitting out my food.

"If we hang Selina’s masterpiece on the central staircase, what if someone tries to steal it? And what if someone asks who the artist is? We’d have to say Selina’s name… That would be such a hassle for her."
"Oh my, you’re right."
"Ah… You’re right. I wasn’t thinking."
No, what exactly about this is ‘right’? I pressed my napkin against my lips and finished chewing my food.

While I was too busy eating to speak, my family continued to analyze my artwork, attaching all sorts of strange meanings to it and showering me with praise.
At this moment, I had apparently become Van Gogh, Monet, and da Vinci all at once.
By the time I finally swallowed my food, their conversation had concluded with, “Selina’s paintings are of national treasure quality.”

Having suddenly become a national treasure-level artist, I had no choice but to soothe my stomach with a sip of cold water.
"Selina, tomorrow at noon, the madam from Rose Velvet Salon is coming, correct?"
"Yes. She’ll be arriving with Lady Vivian."

My mother’s hand froze for a moment before resuming its natural movement. She probably recalled that Rose Velvet Salon was where I had escaped last time.
"I see. It’s good to spend time with ladies your age."
My father pretended not to notice anything and spoke casually.

I nodded along.
"By the way, the founding ball is only two weeks away. Aaron, shouldn’t you start preparing your attire?"
"Oh, I’ve arranged to have my outfit tailored with Princess Ariel, so I’ll be visiting the palace the day after tomorrow."

"Oh my, really?"
At my brother’s words, my mother’s eyes sparkled like a young girl’s.
She must have found the idea of lovers getting matching outfits to be very romantic.

My brother and the princess wearing matching outfits… They were a well-matched pair, so I was sure they’d look great together.
That reminded me—I needed to decide on a dress.
It would be my first time getting a dress tailored since arriving in this world.

At Aaron’s engagement ceremony, I had no time to get one made, so I wore something from my wardrobe. And during Vivian’s garden party, I had run away from the salon, missing the chance to get fitted.

The next day, shortly after lunchtime, a lively guest arrived in my room.
"Lady Selina! It’s been so long!"

Vivian, her voice chirping like a bird, grasped my hands tightly and shook them up and down with enthusiasm.
Pinned to her chest was the brooch I had given her, displayed as proudly as ever.
"Yes, Lady Vivian. It has been a while."

I responded appropriately and then turned my gaze behind her.
This translation is the intellectual property of .
Madam stood there with a stiff expression, watching me intently. When our eyes met, she quickly averted her gaze.

After the incident, I had sent Madam and the attendant a handwritten letter along with a small gift.
At the time, my health had prevented me from leaving the estate, so that had been the best I could do.
"It’s been a while, Madam."

"Ah… Uh… Yes. L… Lady Selina."
Madam stammered, clearly nervous. Vivian glanced between us, then grabbed Madam’s arm and pulled her closer to me.
As expected, she was as quick-witted and proactive as ever.

"Madam was very worried about you. Right, Madam?"
"Ah… Yes. H-how is your health?"
Honestly, in an incident like the one that had happened, Madam would have been the one to take full responsibility.

It was a noble-exclusive salon that operated on a reservation system, and yet a noble lady had disappeared without them noticing.
Realistically, it wasn’t the salon’s fault that I had run away, but this was a world with a strict class hierarchy—if you were told to take the blame, you had no choice but to do so.
Lamenting the absurdities of society, I lightly placed my hand on Madam’s arm.

She flinched but hesitantly looked up at me.
"I’m truly sorry about what happened, Madam.
I ran off to explore the plaza, but I ended up causing you trouble."

That was the explanation I had given her in the letter.
I had told her that I had changed into different clothes and left through the back door to explore the plaza alone, but my health worsened, so I returned straight to the ducal estate.
So, Madam should have already known that.

At my apology, she swallowed hard. She seemed to be trying to determine if I was being sincere.
"You did nothing wrong, Madam. I’m the one who caused unnecessary worry. I’d like to continue getting along with you. Will you accept my apology?"
I had tried my best to sound as gentle as possible, but my voice remained as flat as ever.

Yet, even that seemed to be enough to move her.
Madam stared at me blankly for a moment, then nodded vigorously.
"Of course, Lady Selina."

I wasn’t sure exactly which part of my words had swayed her.
Maybe it was me saying she wasn’t at fault. Or maybe it was the fact that I was the one apologizing. Or perhaps… it was my desire to maintain our relationship.
If I had to guess, it was probably the last one. After all, Madam immediately brightened and began flipping through a catalog with excitement.

"The founding ball is a formal event, so extravagant dresses are in high demand. Embroidered with radiant threads and adorned with lace and ornaments."
The dresses illustrated in the catalog were dazzling beyond belief. The golden gowns shimmering on the pages made it hard to know where to focus.
Honestly, they all looked the same to me. I hadn’t bought many dresses before, so I had no idea.

While I was trying to play a game of ‘spot the difference’ between the nearly identical gowns, Vivian, who had been studying the catalog intently, pointed at one.
"I think this one would suit Lady Selina beautifully."
I braced myself and turned to see what kind of dress she had chosen.

Surprisingly, I liked it.

Maybe it was because I had been staring at nothing but gold dresses, but this one felt more subdued in comparison.
It was a deep blue fabric embroidered with golden floral patterns, layered with white lace. It seemed like it would complement my hair color well.

As I nodded, Vivian clapped her hands joyfully. She was always so expressive.
"Oh my! Lady Selina, it will look absolutely stunning on you. And as it happens, we have it here today… Would you like to try it on?"
"Yes! Please do!"

Madam and Vivian both beamed at me eagerly.
Honestly, trying on dresses was a hassle, but since they were so excited, I reluctantly nodded.
Just as Jane hurried to help prepare the dress, a familiar knock sounded at the door.

It felt oddly familiar.
A knock, a recognizable sound—what was it this time?
Jane turned toward the door, then glanced at me as if asking what she should say. I waved a hand, signaling that I would handle it myself.

Jane nodded brightly and continued arranging the dress.
"What is it?"
I cracked the door open slightly and peeked out. From inside the room, I must have looked ridiculous, but I didn’t want the guests to see Lukas.

Something told me that if he appeared now, it would lead to unnecessary complications.
Lukas raised a brow at my {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} half-hidden figure, then smiled lightly.
"That’s quite a unique way to greet me."

"It’s not a greeting. I have guests right now."
"I know. That’s why I’m here."
With that, Lukas reached out, grabbed the door, and smoothly pushed it open.

Maintaining his usual composed expression, he greeted Vivian and Madam with perfect courtesy. The two women, however, were frozen, staring at him blankly.
Their dazed expressions already gave me a strong sense that something was about to become a hassle.
"I apologize for the sudden visit, Madam, Lady Vivian."

He bowed slightly as he spoke, his tone polite.
Vivian and Madam hurriedly waved their hands, clearly flustered.
"What is it?"

I leaned in close to his back and whispered.
Lukas tilted his head slightly to glance at me before turning forward again.
"I haven’t had time to get fitted for my evening attire due to my duties for the ducal house. If it’s all right, could I also get my tailcoat tailored today?"

So that was his reason for coming.
"Here?"
At my question, Lukas smirked and whispered back, just as I had.

"Yes, here."
I rolled my eyes.
Is this normal? Does someone just show up to a dress fitting and decide to get their own clothes tailored as well?

I didn’t understand it, but Vivian and Madam certainly seemed to.
The two of them blushed and stared at Lukas in a daze before flickering their gazes toward me.
"Well, I don’t mind, but today is supposed to be for Lady Selina…"

Madam spoke hesitantly.
Her tone and expression made it obvious—she wanted to be the one to handle Lukas’s attire.
Well, I couldn’t blame her. If someone as renowned as Lukas had his outfit designed by her salon, word would spread in no time.

It might even be better publicity than dressing a noble lady like me.
Honestly, I had no objections as long as neither of them were uncomfortable with it.
"Sure, I don’t mind."

"Thank you, Selina."
Lukas flashed a grin and quickly expressed his gratitude.