So, there I was, isekai'd into an isekai novel. Talk about a plot twist, eh?

The original work (the one the transmigrator had isekai'd into) was a clichéd rags-to-riches tale, centered around Theodora, the daughter of Duke Albertine. At the age of 5, she went missing, only to be rediscovered by her family 15 years later. Theodora had been betrothed to the crown prince since birth, but during her absence, her position as the crown princess had been seized by the conniving Rosalind Tenebris, who happened to be the daughter of a duke as well.

Theodora's unexpected return posed a direct threat to Rosalind's grasp on the crown princess title. Consumed by her own insecurities, Rosalind unleashed a relentless campaign of torment upon Theodora at every opportunity. However, to the astonishment of all, Theodora, with her unyielding kindness, chose forgiveness time and again, captivating the hearts of the nobles.

A few months later, Theodora crossed paths with the triumphant crown prince, who had just returned from a grueling 10-year-long war. Love sparked between them, and they longed to be with one another. However, their desire for togetherness was thwarted by the engagement that bound the crown prince to Rosalind. But, as if in answer to Theodora's fervent prayers, her brother William uncovered evidence against the Tenebris family, exposing their sinister involvement in her long-ago disappearance. As punishment, the emperor stripped the Tenebris family of their titles and banished them to a distant land. With the path cleared, the crown prince and Theodora soon joined in matrimony, forever etching their names in the annals of history as the empire's most revered rulers.

'I've provided you with a brief description of the original work. That was the story until the transmigrator took over the role of the villainess and altered the entire course of the narrative,' the System informed me.

Pondering for a moment, I asked, 'Why does it even matter if the transmigrator changed the story? It's not like anyone reads these old-fashioned fairy tales anymore.'

'Technically, this is not a fairy tale,' replied the System. 'The Grand Librarian, the owner of the original work, holds a profound distaste for anyone who dares to tamper with the essence of their beloved books.'

The mention of the Grand Librarian for the third time only fueled my curiosity further. Intrigued, I probed for more information.

'Could you tell me more about the Grand Librarian? I want to know what kind of employer I am working for.'

'I am unable to disclose further details,' the System promptly replied.

As dawn's first light streamed through the curtain cracks, I hopped out of bed, snuffed out the candle, and strutted over to the window. I threw open the curtains, reveling in the rosy, radiant glow.

But my peaceful moment was shattered when the doors to my room swung open with a bang. In walked a maid dressed in a long, black pinafore and white apron. She wasted no time turning my room upside down, searching high and low like a madwoman. Under the bed, in the closet, even outside the window—no stone was left unturned.

I silently observed the maid's frenzied activity, witnessing her wreak havoc in someone else's room. Despite being around my age, she was a foot tooler than me, her brown hair neatly tucked beneath a mobcap. Although unfamiliar to me, my host's memories swiftly triggered recognition—I realized that she had been my personal maid for the past two years.

After an exhaustive search, she approached me, her face etched with concern.

"What is the matter, Brett?" I inquired calmly.

"Milady, I rushed here after Brenda told me that she heard whispers coming from your room," she replied, her voice trembling slightly.

I called out to the System through my thoughts. 'I thought no one could hear you,' I remarked.

'...It was your own voice,' the system replied matter-of-factly.

'Oh.'

"No need to worry, Brett. I was just talking to myself," I reassured her.

"Wow, I had no idea you were a sleep-talker, Milady!" Brett exclaimed, her worry still lingering.

"I was fully awake at the time, Brett, not sleep-talking," I patiently clarified.

"Um, alright then. Now that you're up and about, shall we get you ready for the day?" Brett suggested, finally calming down.

Before I could respond, Brett scurried out of the room, only to return moments later lugging a basin of water. Another maid, Brenda, followed closely, holding a towel and soap in her arms.

After refreshing myself, I prepared to dress for the day. Brett, ever dutiful, opened the wardrobe (yet again!) and produced a yellow dress adorned with black ribbons. Assisting her, Brenda helped me slip into the ensemble.

Throughout the process, a tinge of embarrassment colored my cheeks. I felt like a helpless child, standing idly while the maids attended to my every need. Yet, this was the daily routine of Maxine, and probably that of every noble.

But something caught my attention. It was a deviation from what I had seen in those sappy romance fantasy comics—none of the maids attempted to squeeze me into a corset.

"Brenda," I began, "Aren't you going to make me wear a corset?"

With a chuckle, Brenda swiftly fastened the ribbons at the front of my chest and replied, "Oh, Miss, what on earth are you saying? Corsets went out of fashion more than a decade ago. Besides, Milady already has a lovely waist that needs no help from those contraptions."

"Is that so?"

After I finished dressing, the maids gently guided me to the plush stool placed before the grand ornate mirror. With meticulous care, they combed and brushed my hair, even though there wasn't much to work with. After tying it up neatly using a black ribbon, they applied a subtle touch of rose-tinted powder to my face, accompanied by a light sweep of pink lip balm. To accentuate my eyes, they delicately traced a thin line of brown eyeliner and added a hint of mascara for a finishing touch.

The young maids displayed a level of professionalism that was truly astonishing, especially considering their age. The makeup they applied brought out my host's naturally cute and innocent charm, but the blue eyes seemed to emit a hint of gloom, casting a shadow over my face.

"Hmm," Brett pondered. "We've been doing your makeup the same way every day, and it always suits you perfectly. But today, something feels off."

Brenda nodded in agreement. "You're right. Maybe we should try a different approach today."

"Agreed. Let's go all out and try something new," Brett declared.

The maids carefully studied my face, their eyes focused and determined. They gently wiped away the previous makeup and loosened my hair from its elegant updo.

Working in perfect harmony, as if they could read each other's thoughts, they began the transformation. A touch of pale foundation provided a flawless canvas, while a hint of warm gold eyeshadow gracefully traced the upper lash line. A dash of muted plum lipstick was carefully applied, bringing out an entirely new look. Brett skillfully wielded a curling iron, creating loose waves that gave my hair a slightly tousled, yet effortlessly elegant look. With a precise parting, she swept the hair up and secured it with an exquisite hairpin.

The results were astonishing. The new makeup brought out a kind of mysteriousness that complemented those dead, blue eyes.

"You both have quite the talent for this," I complimented, impressed by their skills.

"Thank you, Milady," Brett replied, beaming with pride. "We wouldn't have been hired to work in an Earl's manor if we weren't at least this skilled."

Brenda interjected, "Well, Miss, we still have an hour until breakfast. What would you like to do in the meantime?"

"I'd appreciate some solitude for a while. Please come and fetch me when it's time for breakfast," I responded.

"Very well," they replied in unison.

With a graceful bow, the maids exited the room, closing the door behind them. I walked over to the study table near the window, pulled open the table drawer, and retrieved a plain white sheet of paper and a feather pen from the inkwell.

It appeared that my transition into this new world was surprisingly seamless. Strangely enough, the maids hadn't noticed any discrepancies in my behavior, even though they could immediately tell that my usual makeup style no longer suited me. Moreover, the Maxine I remembered was an arrogant individual who viewed the maids as beneath her. Whatever the reason, this seamless integration had its advantages. If those who knew my host remained oblivious to the changes in 'Maxine,' I wouldn't have to waste energy pretending to be someone I'm not.

'System,' I called out in my thoughts. 'Tell me how the transmigrator altered the original story.'

'Just like any other transmigrator," the System responded. "Originally hailing from modern-day Korea, the transmigrator inhabited Rosalind's body a few months before Theodora's discovery. Determined to clear Rosalind's reputation as the villainess of high society, she introduced modern inventions, amassed a fortune, and even encountered the crown prince before the female lead. By saving his life during their initial meeting, she gained his gratitude. Despite Theodora's return to her rightful family, the spotlight never left Rosalind. Compared to Theodora, who spent 15 years with commoners and possessed rough manners, Rosalind exuded refinement and elegance. The difference between them was like night and day.'

The System continued, 'Meanwhile, the crown prince found himself drawn to Rosalind's other-worldly quirkiness and her unwavering sense of self. A series of events brought them closer, and eventually, they fell deeply in love, married, and embarked on a joyous happily ever after.'

'Other-worldly quirkiness?' I retorted, a faint smile playing on my lips. 'System, you do have a sense of humor.'

The System remained silent.

'In any case,' I spoke, attempting to alleviate the awkwardness, 'what is my role here?'

I already had a suspicion, but confirmation was necessary.

'Your mission,' the System replied, 'is to prevent the transmigrator from altering the original course of events and ensure that the crown prince and Theodora achieve their happy ending.'

I was right.