“Lovely Lady Macbelle” is a game. A very stupid game. I’ll never understand how it got popular. 

The MC is boring, and pretty much annoying most times, the male leads become stupidly possessive and ooc once they fall for the mc and literally the only sane characters are labeled as the antagonists.

The villainess was a duke’s daughter (so surprising, isn’t it?) and she was like, my favorite character. But of course, all the male protagonists were blind to her awesomeness and treated her like the devil. She was a dignified, elegant woman who knew her worth and boy, wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. That’s like, the tamest villainess out of ten stories.

Like, it’s not like she did anything too bad towards the fl. She just advised her to be cautious since her actions could be prejudicial to her father’s name (and they were, marquess Macbelle was always asking his daughter to behave more like a lady and less like a fool), and she didn’t say it lightly because:

1- It wouldn’t match her personality.

2- Mc is not a damn child or some commoner adopted by the marquess. She was 19 and raised in high society.

Ok, she does go for a violent approach after the mc tries to ruin her business, but what did you expect?

But still, the villainess dies at the end, of course. Or that’s what I heard. I hoped for some development, but it got ridiculous, so I dropped the game after chapter 67.

Since I’m talking so much about the villainess, you may expect me to have awakened in her body after a tragic death by some car, and be about to flip all the tables.

Well, some tables I’m gonna flip, cause there’s no way I’ll live the same way the main character did! Ugh!

***

Looking in the mirror, she’s astonishing, I’ll admit that. A cute face with round glittery blue eyes and long golden waves falling down on her shoulders. Pale and smooth flawless skin with reddish cheeks and a pinkish mouth. The type of girl I would have flattered on social media.

I don’t like being her, tho. So many years to accept my own beauty becoming useless… I miss my curly brown hair, and my bright pink streaks… I liked my moles and beauty marks too. And my long gel nails! Seriously, this is the most stressful day of my life.

How am I going to survive without my phone? My series, novels, comics, fanfics!

Ok, ok, breath. I should be grateful that the age gap between me and the mc is just two years. Lack of maturity shouldn't be a problem. With that history, too…

I looked at my reflection once again, my eyes still wet and swollen from all the crying.

Let’s recall what I know: this is a game. I remember who I was and my skills, but I can’t seem to remember anything about my relatives or friends. I remember the whole game lore, which is surprising. There’s a pink, glittery system window telling me “Objective: get ready for the spring ball!”.

So, this is the first episode of the game. The spring ball, held by the imperial family to celebrate the long awaited spring. Almost all nobles will appear at the ball, and every person in the kingdom will be present in the closing event outside the castle, three days from now.

I got up from the dressing table and opened the small closet- or wardrobe, whatever old nobility called this-, looking around. 

Y'know? From the dress mc- I’m wearing now to the ones being held here: ugly.

It’s not bad enough to be considered an eyesore, but it’s not a tiny bit appealing. Fancy enough, as a part of nobility must be, but no sauce.

The dresses could be fit for someone who has only eyes for the price tag and not the taste. Colors lacking in life, innumerous bows which are much bigger than what they should be and I can’t say I like the shaping of the dresses. Basically Christmas trees.

God, what am I going to wear?

Taking some of the clothes away, a particular pink dress caught my eye.

Made of a smooth fabric with silk flowers adorning the collarbone and going down through the diagonal of the upper front. Little pearls dyed green made leaf patterns on the fluffy skirt, and there was a rose patterned lace gracing its end.

“Oooh, this is it!” There even were some cute heels, same shade as the dress, right below it. I got rid of the green dress I was wearing right away and tried it on.

One word: perfection. 

I rushed back to the dressing table, making a half up-do, locking a bun with a flower accessory and some petal pins in my bangs, slipping beside my face, the others waves free in my shoulders. I opened a drawer and retrieved what seemed like jewel boxes.

Pearl earrings now hung in my ears and an enchanting rose gold choker, with cute pink jewels decorating the middle laid in my neck.

My face looked even cuter now, with the nice clothing, but make-up is a must do.

The jewel boxes went back to their drawer, and lipsticks, eyeshadows, blushes and such took their place.

By the time I was done, someone knocked on the door.

“My lady, it’s already time for the ball.” The voice was firm and low, like the voice of a mature older woman.

“Come in.”

A maid came in, dark hair fitted in a tight bun, with some streaks coming down to address the right side of her face, a dark long dress and a simple three layer pearl choker making her attire.

Of course, it was my lady-in-waiting, Clement’s cool beauty made her very recognizable. She’s the daughter of a count, and my best friend since early age, despite her being three years older.

“I suppose I will never be able to understand why you insist on getting ready on your own, my lady. You did very well today, however.”

Clement was a bit sassy, but did her job flawlessly. It’s really a pity she ended up being called a tyrant and sent away, she was so fun.

“Thank you, Clement! Dark colors suit you so well, you’re glowing!” I complimented her, trying to stay cheerful.

But also, she said that getting ready on my own is common behavior for mc, which is a relief. The thought of calling maids to dress up didn’t even occur to me. Never thought I'd say it, but thanks for being “not like other noblewomen”, mc!

Her amber eyes looked at me, sharply unreadable, and a faint smile tried to get to her lips. She lightly hushed me with her fan.

We quietly made our way into the carriage waiting outside the manor. Neither my father nor my brother go to this kind of event, considering it a burden. But they’re required at the closing event, so I’ll inevitably meet them soon. Wow, crying and dolling myself up really helped, all the stress is gone, even though I sense it won’t be long before it comes back.

A knight helped me and Clement into the carriage, and so our short journey began.

“Objective complete! +2 story points! + 5 reputation points for good taste!

Next objective: meet the crown prince!”

Of course. Mc has to meet Alexander Richmond-Montcroix tonight, as well Ophelia Delafontaine, the villainess.

Oh, f…

Me and my big mouth, the stress is coming back now.

***

Our ride was pretty much short, taking in consideration that both the manor and the castle are located at the capital.

The same knight helped us out of the carriage, and we gracefully walked toward the castle.

Big towers, made of pure marble, adorned with jeweled windows and flowers . The type of castle you would see in a fairytale, imposing yet delicately inviting.

Carved statues that lay near the breathtaking garden catched my eye, and for a second I wished to have been reborn as the second princess, if only to admire them every day.

Clement didn’t fail to notice my interest, and being an art major, started the topic.

“Statues of a morning tea.”

“Huh?”

“These are from a collection, made by a past top student from the Art Academy of Convallaria. She claimed that the inspiration for these pieces was a morning tea.”

She admired the statues a bit more, mouthing flatteries to the artist, while the Academy’s name remembered me of something. Convallaria…

Before I could ask anything else, my fan slipped out of my hand, and a knight promptly got it for me. Due to my earlier dolling up induced chill state, I didn’t even catch a good glimpse of his face.

If I hadn’t seen the game images with the male leads, I could think my very knight was one of them. He had such a cute face, and lovely dark brown curly hair. Tall figure with broad shoulders and a strong build. Really cute.

“Quick as ever, Sir Mackenzie.” Clement said behind me.

Ohhh, this is Sir Roger Mackenzie? Although he becomes a war hero and brings honor to the Macbelle house, he never got a face reveal, and I’m so mad they deprived us of this beautiful sight!

“Thank you, Sir Mackenzie!” Maybe it came off more enthusiastically than what I had originally planned, but still!

And he’s giving me such a lovely smile with dimples! That’s it, I’m ready for this ball now!

We quickly entered the ballroom, where our names were announced.

“Announcing Lady Varia Lily Macbelle, Lady Clement Whittaker and Sir Roger Mackenzie!”

I nearly ircked out loud, upon hearing such a ridiculous name. A sudden memory came to mind: if you wished to keep Mc’s original name, she would go by Varia Lily, an obvious reference to lily of the valley. I can’t decide whether I like the pronunciation or not…

Smile, Maddellein- No. Smile, Varia Lily, you’ll be alright, just endure this for a while.

Ladies and gentlemen immediately started whispering when I was announced, and the original script occupied my mind. Varia Lily comes with an expensive but awful dress to the ball (and trust me, it was disgusting) and when everyone trashes her for it she goes crying to the gardens, where she meets the crown prince, who not only consoles her but also falls in love at first sight.

Man, how cliché. I like it when it's well written, but that ep made me cringe so hard.

Anyhow, I will have to do it, won’t I?

Clement and Sir Mackenzie slowly walked behind me, as if waiting for me to decide who to talk to.

Ok, think. Making connections was an important part of the game, since you had to choose to either support the Emperor’s faction, or the Senate.

“Lady Macbelle, it’s been a while since I last saw your lovely face.” an older lady took two steps in my direction, letting me see her face. And what a face.

“Lady Lucille! Oh my, I’m honored to see you remember me!” 

Duchess Angela Lucille, a cold yet elegant woman with sophisticated looks and the finest of the fashion senses.

Perfect inside and out, she loved young ladies, and since her children are only boys (despite loving them, she really wanted a girl), when she becomes fond of Varia Lily later in the original story, all kinds of gifts, advice and love are delivered to mc. Goodness, I used to kick my feet whenever she appeared in game, she’s such a warm mother figure! You don’t often see them in games!

“Oh, dear, you’re so sweet. How could I forget someone as remarkable as you? If you allow me, where did you buy this lovely headpiece?”

Before I could answer a question I didn’t know, my mouth moved on its own. I felt only my vocal cords moving to produce the sounds, but I was not aware of what would come out of it. A terrifying experience, 0/10, would not recommend.

“It’s an heirloom from my mother. She received it as a gift from Father, when they got engaged. When I was a kid she used to put it in my head and call me a fairy of spring! Today, I decided to celebrate our good memories together as spring blooms once more.”

My voice was steady and cheerful, with no hint of the discomfort in my throat. Is the body trying to force the original script or something? Ugh, I hope not…

“Really? How lovely, my dear. I'm sure she's very proud of you, wherever she may be. Tell your father his taste for gifts is excellent.”

“+2 reputation for [Varia Lily] and +5 reputation for [Macbelle House]”

I ignored the window for now and focused on the conversation.

“Indeed. But enough about me, Lady Lucille. Your necklace is so stunning, I've been waiting to compliment it!”

Seriously, it’s so easy to please nobles when you used to be a fangirl rooting for their screen time. Amethysts were Lady Lucille’s favorite stone, and obviously it took the spotlight in her attire.

A complex dark blue dress graciously modeled in her slim body, fur coat held in her arms. Off the shoulder sleeves showing her long neck. The necklace was made of fine rose gold and used smaller jewels to draw attention to the big amethyst in the middle.

Her long straight hair falls on her back, bangs being braided behind her head, with a purple hydrangea pin on the right side of her braid. Sooooo gorgeous!!!

“You flatter me, my dear!” She gave a sweet laugh, and we spent quite a good time coming up with topics to chat, letting my companions introduce themselves and join us.

Suddenly, the system window started blinking threatfuly.

“Warning: meet the crown prince!

Warning: meet the crown prince!”

Oh, shit, alright! 

“The chat is nothing less than lovely, but I think I’ll head out for a bit to catch some air, if you’ll excuse me.”

After stopping Clement and Sir Mackenzie from following me, I rushed to the gardens, greeting a few nobles who came to talk with me.

My hands grabbed the door handle with a desperate grip.

A soft breeze made my hair flutter in a gracious way, instead of how it usually hit my face and got stuck in my gloss. Damn protagonists’ magic! Thank you!

More statues were present at this garden. This time, they were dancing ladies, happily circling styled bushes and seasonal flowers. A bandstand laid near, filled with more flowers. Tulips, to be precise.

“Warning! Meet! The! Crown! Prince!”

It got emotional now, huh?

Coming, goddamnit!