I Reincarnated as My Favorite Villainess Saint (Magic Marza), So I’ll Use Game Knowledge to Smash Every Doom Flag! - Chapter 12

My consciousness floated gently upward from the depths of deep slumber.

The first things I noticed were the soft touch of sheets enveloping my body and the warmth of sunlight streaming through the window.

My heavy, leaden body felt slightly lighter. It was a gentle sensation of recovery, like water slowly refilling an empty vessel.

When I finally opened my eyes, I was greeted by the sight of an opulent canopy and an intricately carved ceiling.

(The Ansbach estate)

That’s right. Claude had practically dragged me here, and then in the carriage I had.

“Lady Lydia! You’re awake!”

A maid waiting nearby noticed my awakening and brightened instantly. An unfamiliar face – she must be one of the Ansbach household staff.

“I’ll go inform Lord Claude immediately!”

With those words, she hurried out of the room.

Left alone, I slowly sat up. Though fatigue still lingered, I’d clearly recovered from that state of extreme exhaustion.

Before long, Claude came rushing into the room.

“Lady Lydia! How are you feeling?”

His face showed no signs of fatigue, only pure relief and joy. His expression left me slightly taken aback.

“How long was I?”

“Three days.”

“Three days?!”

I couldn’t help the undignified squeak that escaped me. Had I really been unconscious for three whole days?

“Please don’t worry. Our family physician said it was due to extreme magical depletion and exhaustion – nothing life-threatening.”

Claude let out a relieved sigh as he spoke.

“We’ve informed the Crescents through your maid that you’re ‘being treated as an honored guest.’ The palace has also officially announced that you’re recuperating at our estate due to illness.”

My eyes widened at his words.

So that condemnation spectacle had been completely swept under the rug.

“Prince Alphonse seems quite furious, though he can’t make any overt moves.”

Claude gave a slight smirk. His expression was more vibrant than I’d ever seen before.

I did it. My life-risking actions weren’t in vain. I’d avoided the worst outcome and truly gained the “time” needed to change the future.

As relief washed over me, sudden hunger struck. As if answering my stomach’s growls, a meal arrived – golden consommé brimming with chicken and vegetables. It looked gentle on the stomach.

I took a spoonful.

(So good!)

This must be what they mean by “deeply flavorful.” The sweetness of vegetables and richness of chicken stock slowly permeated my weary body. This was ducal sickroom food? Far more luxurious and delicious than the dinners I’d treated myself to on payday in my previous life.

As I drank the soup with gusto, someone knocked at the door.

“Lady Lydia, you have visitors!”

Elise burst into the room with a beaming smile. Behind her, for some reason, came Liner with an awkward expression.

“Lady Lydia, thank you so much!”

Elise, now looking completely healthy, handed me a colorful bouquet. Faced with such sincere gratitude, I could only nod and say, “You’re welcome.”

“And why are you here, Sir Liner?”

Claude glared at Liner with clear displeasure.

“None of your damn business. I’m just here to visit the Saint.”

Liner stomped right up to my bedside.

“Saint, you’re looking much better. Ansbach’s food seems halfway decent at least.”

“Of course. We have the finest chefs. Quite different from the jerky you gnaw on in your territory.”

“The hell did you say?!”

And they’re off again. Though probably not for my sake, sparks flew between the two. I watched the scene unfold like it was happening in some distant world.

The lonely villainess saint. Lydia, who was loved by none, ostracized by all, and fought alone. Now, people were beginning to gather around her. People who genuinely cared for and worried about her.

I gazed out at the beautiful gardens of the Ansbach estate.

(Perhaps I’ve avoided the destruction flags.)

But this situation represents a completely new route that didn’t exist in the game. What lies ahead? My game knowledge can no longer guide me.

Perhaps my true battle begins here. With a hint of unease but also firm hope in my heart, I took a deep breath in the gentle light – the first peaceful moment I’d had in what felt like forever.