Akuyaku no Oujo ni Tensei Shitakedo Volume 1 Illustration

 

Akuyaku no Oujo ni Tensei Shitakedo Volume 1 Afterword

 Afterword

Nice to meet those of you for the first time, and greetings again to those familiar faces. I'm Kuroe Hayase.

Many of you might recognize me from "Shousetsuka ni Narou" or my personal website.

A heartfelt thank you for picking up "I Was Reincarnated as the Villainess, but the Hidden Character Isn't Hiding." It might be my second venture, but let's dive back into the world of print media together!

This work has seen daily updates for over six months, and I'm genuinely overjoyed and honored to see it transformed into a book. The illustrations of Lucienne and Lefebvre are simply fantastic!

Yes, cover and illustrations in an online novel!

That alone brings me an indescribable sense of delight.

Since the last novelization, quite a bit of time has passed, and I'm relieved to find that it wasn't a one-hit wonder. I even pondered whether I can now confidently say, "I'm a novelist." Receiving this kind of recognition is more than I could have hoped for.

But, I have to admit, the word "deadline" gave me a bit of a scare (laughs).

I felt a twinge of fear regarding the deadline; it had to be met without question, or I'd be in big trouble. While feeling the pressure, I diligently worked on each task, ensuring to submit ahead of the deadline each time. Deadlines are intimidating. They're not exactly heart-friendly.

Waiting anxiously every day for updates from the editor, working on the manuscript, responding - these hectic days may have softened the sharp edges of my mental state (laughs).

Akuyaku no Oujo ni Tensei Shitakedo SS2

 Digital Edition Bonus Short Story: A Day of Happiness for Lucienne

My day starts with Lulu's voice.

"Lulu, it's morning!"

I awaken to the soothing and unhurried sound. Opening my eyes, I find Lulu standing by the bed, leaning down to peek at me. Linnea has prepared a drink behind him, and Melty is drawing back the curtains in the room.

The morning sun casts a momentary golden glow on Lulu's soft chestnut hair. I cherish this fleeting color that gives his hair a hint of a chestnut hue.

"Good morning."

As I gaze at Lulu's hair, he gently reaches over to slip his hand under my back, prompting me to sit up. He must have thought I was still half-asleep.

"Good morning, Lulu. Good morning, Linnea, Melty."

"Good morning, young lady."

"Good morning. The weather is delightful today."

After exchanging greetings, Linnea hands me a glass.

It's filled with fruit-infused water.

I sip from the glass, return it empty, and then move to the edge of the bed. Lulu, who has been patiently waiting, extends his hand to wipe my face with warm water. Following that, Linnea applies a soothing lotion to my face. After washing up, I change into my clothes, with Linnea and Melty assisting behind a dressing screen. Lulu stays outside.

Akuyaku no Oujo ni Tensei Shitakedo SS1

 Special Extra Chapter: A Glimpse into the Future of the Three

"Today, let's make cookies!"

As time passed at the Fayette estate, I celebrated my ninth birthday.

...These four years have gone by so quickly.

From outings with Lulu to encounters with potential romantic interests—those are stories for another time.

I've also grown quite close to my older brother during these four years.

Today, in the Still Room of the Fayette estate, Lulu, my brother, and I gathered. Melty was there, as well as the head housemaid and a maid dedicated to the Still Room.

The three of us decided to make sweets together today.

Since my brother is participating in making sweets for the first time, we opted for simple cookies.

I wore a dress that was almost like a simple one-piece, while my brother took off his jacket and put on an apron.

My brother chuckled.

"Who would've thought I'd end up making sweets with Lucienne like this? If you'd asked me at the beginning, I couldn't have imagined it."

I nodded in agreement.

"Yes, I thought Dear brother really hated me at first."

Akuyaku no Oujo ni Tensei Shitakedo Chapter 17

 Adoptive Brother

Four days after reaching the mansion and falling ill,

Thanks to regular meals and bitter medicine, the fever had completely subsided, and the heaviness in my body had significantly improved. The doctor granted permission, saying, "Avoid intense exercise, but getting out of bed is fine." However, walks were off-limits due to the injury on my feet.

While the left shoulder still displayed bruising, it had become less painful, allowing more movement, thanks to the ointment. Confined to bed for all four days, my body had grown somewhat sluggish.

During this time, the maids Linnea and Melty bathed me without disturbing my injuries, uplifting my mood.

...Baths really are the best, aren't they?

My hair was silky and fluffy, and my skin was soft and supple. The dull color in my hair and skin was gradually returning to its original hue. Additionally, during free time, Lulu shared various things with me.

'Lucy, if you don't know about yourself, it might be inconvenient later.'

And so, he explained about myself.

My current name is Lucienne La Fayette. I turned five four days ago, on the day of the coup.

The coup was orchestrated by Marquis Bernard Fayette, who now became the new king, King Bernard Loire Fayette. I was accepted as the adopted daughter of the new royal family, the Fayette, and my status seemed to be that of the first princess.

By the way, female members of the royal family have 'La' before their family name, while male members have 'Loire.'

Akuyaku no Oujo ni Tensei Shitakedo Chapter 16

 Fayette's Mansion

Carried by Lulu, we arrived at a big mansion after crossing rooftops in town. As we silently landed in front of the gate, the guards were surprised and were ready.

Lulu adjusted her hold on me and said, "Wait, wait, I just brought Lucienne-La Fayette."

"They should have known this, though," Lulu added.

Lulu's hand touched my forehead, lifting it. The guards nodded, and the gate opened.

With a casual wave, she strolled through the gate, saying, "Thanks a bunch."

Approaching, the mansion was impressively large.

"This is the new home," Lulu announced, standing at the main entrance.

She grabbed what seemed to be a knocker and boldly knocked on the door.

From inside, a servant—probably a butler or servant in his fifties or sixties—opened the door wider.

"Welcome back, young lady. I've heard from the master. Please, come inside," he said.

Lulu, still holding me, entered the mansion.

Inside, the place was neat, without flashy decorations, giving off a sense of order.

Reincarnated Elf Chapter 42

 Reincarnated Elf (108), being looked down upon

The sword, forged by combining opposing forces of anti-darkness and light attributes, swung through the air without impact.

Effective against magical beasts, it proved futile against the demons.

Making eye contact with Gurgea, he propelled the large sword from his shoulder towards me.

No magical waves emanated from him or the sword, making it unusual.

"Nuaaah!!!"

The sweeping sword carried immense magical power.

My fragile sword couldn't endure the powerful physical attack, forcing me to absorb the incoming magical assault with my body.

"Non-incantation magic?" I muttered as the impact briefly lessened, only to find myself slammed into a nearby tree.

"To be unable to defend against magic is pathetic for the lower races," he sneered while mounted on the battle dragon, showcasing his formidable magical prowess.

The demon's horns towered over those of the villagers, suggesting formidable strength according to grimoire lore.

Gathering miasma, black lightning emanated from his massive horns, showcasing abundant magical power. With a sword taller than himself, he exuded an even greater sense of intimidation.