—Crazy.
That single word echoed repeatedly in my head as I stared at my reflection in the two-meter-tall gold-framed mirror before me.
Perfectly wavy, golden-blond hair that looked like expensive silk. Clear, deep-blue eyes as sharp as a dagger, appearing cold and untouchable. Flawless pale skin, and a Royal Academy Gown in black and gold that fitted... wait.
*Why does my chest feel a bit heavy?*
I reflexively cupped my own chest. Soft. Quite plush.
*Hold on. Hold on a second.*
"Why am I a girl?!"
My voice was melodious, delicate, and distinctly feminine. A voice that definitely didn't belong to a 24-year-old adult man who had just finished a web novel marathon before falling fast asleep last night.
Just as panic struck my brain, a translucent neon-blue screen suddenly appeared, floating directly in front of my face.
[System of Destiny: Active.]
[User: Rosel von Arcadelt]
[Current Role: Main Villainess (Female Antagonist)]
[World: 'Luna' Magic Academy — Academy Romance Novel]
I froze. Rosel? Rosel von Arcadelt?!
The wicked, arrogant daughter of Duke Arcadelt who, at the end of the original story, was exiled to the frozen borders for trying to poison the female lead!
"W-Wait a minute! Why Rosel?!" my inner voice screamed hysterically. "Besides, I'm a guy! Why transmigrate into the body of a villainess?!"
[System Note: Soul adjustment complete. Enjoy your role!]
Before I could curse this useless system, a chat window floating below the main screen began flashing rapidly. It was the *Reader Comments* screen connected to the system.
[User_OrangeCat]: "Whoa, Rosel the villainess finally shows up! Her character design is drop-dead gorgeous, too bad her brain is wired wrong."
[User_RoseFlower]: "I wonder when Rosel will start bullying Chloe? Can't wait to see Chloe get rescued!"
[User_YuriSimp]: "Wait, why was Rosel's expression so cute when she touched her own chest just now? Is this a sign the Rosel x Chloe ship is about to sail?!"
[User_OlympicShip]: "ROSEL X CHLOE ALL THE WAY! Author, please give us a Yuri version!"
My eyes widened as I stared at the comment section.
"What is this?! Why are so many comments pairing me with the female lead?!"
Chloe von Valois. She was the main protagonist of this novel. A girl from a low-ranking noble family who possessed rare healing magic, innocent, kind-hearted, and destined to be loved by the male leads—such as the handsome Crown Prince or the aloof Genius Magician.
*Why is there a sudden scent of Yuri in this comment section?! This is supposed to be a normal romance novel!*
"Lady Rosel? Have you finished preparing?"
A gentle knock on the door broke my daydream. A female servant in a neat uniform walked in and bowed. It was Anna, my personal maid.
"Yes, I'm done," I replied, doing my best to maintain the original Rosel's cold tone.
*Remember, Rosel. Stay calm.*
Even though Rosel was destined for ruin in the original story, I had no intention of following that path. This is an academy novel! As long as I don't look for trouble with Chloe and keep my distance from the main characters, my life will be safe, peaceful, and prosperous. I can just enjoy the luxurious life of a Duke's daughter.
Easy, right?
The first day at Luna Academy went just as expected. The grand hall was filled with young nobles exchanging social pleasantries.
I walked across the main corridor, letting my dress sway gracefully. Whenever I approached an important character, a special indicator above their head would light up, revealing their plot relevance and story status.
Standing near the hall's window was a handsome youth with silver hair and a sharp jawline.
[Primary Target: Crown Prince - Leo von Grandia]
[Plot Relevance: 95%]
*Ah, the Crown Prince.*
In the original story, Leo was an arrogant man who eventually fell for Chloe's kindness and hated me to death because I kept harassing Chloe.
*Great. Let's ignore him completely.*
I deliberately turned in the opposite direction to avoid eye contact with Leo. There was no reason to go near him. The faster I stayed away, the safer my neck would be from the gallows.
However, just five meters after I turned, a minor collision occurred at the corner of the hallway.
*Thump!*
"Ouch..."
A girl fell to the floor, her heavy textbooks scattering everywhere. She had soft, fluffy pink hair and clear emerald-green eyes.
Chloe.
*Of course. The universal law of romance novels: The female protagonist MUST bump into someone in the hallway.*
Instantly, the comment window in my field of vision exploded with a flood of messages.
[User_YuriSimp]: "DESTINED ENCOUNTER! ROSEL, HELP CHLOE FAST!"
[User_LocalObserver]: "Isn't this the moment where Rosel is supposed to sneer and step on Chloe's hand?"
[User_OlympicShip]: "Go Rosel, show her your tsundere charm!"
"I-I'm so sorry! It was an accident!" Chloe bowed deeply, her body trembling slightly. She clearly recognized the Arcadelt ducal crest on my chest and knew who I was—a feared villainess.
In the original plot, this was where Rosel would splash hot tea or berate Chloe mercilessly, prompting Crown Prince Leo to step in and save her.
But I was not the original Rosel.
*Forget that cheap cliché.*
I slowly knelt in front of Chloe. Without saying a single word, I began picking up the heavy books scattered across the floor, stacking them neatly.
Chloe looked up, her green eyes widening in absolute shock. "M-Lady Rosel...?"
"Next time, look where you are walking instead of stacking books past your nose," I said in a flat tone, handing the neat pile back into her lap.
I brushed my hands against my dress to dust off any invisible dirt, then stood up straight.
As my fingers accidentally brushed against Chloe's hand while handing her the books, a new window suddenly popped up directly above Chloe's head.
[Special Feature Unlocked: Reading the Female Lead's Hidden Thoughts!]
[Reading Chloe von Valois's Thoughts...]
*‘Lady Rosel's face... was so close... She smells like roses... She was the one who saved me from the other nobles' ridicule this morning... She's so elegant and kind...’*
*Wait. What?!*
I froze. The way Chloe was looking at me right now was definitely not the fearful gaze reserved for a villainess. Her eyes were sparkling, her cheeks blushed a bright pink, and she bit her lower lip shyly.
[User_YuriSimp]: "SEE! DON'T LIE TO ME, THIS IS DEFINITELY A YURI NOVEL!"
[User_OrangeCat]: "The female lead just got charmed by the Villainess! Bwahaha!"
[User_OlympicShip]: "Crown Prince Leo who? Never heard of him! The Rosel x Chloe ship has officially launched!"
"T-Thank you so much, Lady Rosel!" Chloe squeaked softly. "M-May I know your nickname...?"
I stood rooted to the spot. Cold sweat trickled down the back of my neck.
Why is the plot turning out like this?
Where is the Crown Prince who is supposed to come defend Chloe?!
Why is Chloe looking at me as if I'm her prince on a white horse?!
*Wait... don't tell me this really is a Yuri novel?!*