Reborn As a Self Proclaimed Villainess With Purpose

The Sister’s Approval

Ariella steps into the grand Varinthian manor, following a servant through the marble halls. The atmosphere is elegant but cold — very much like the duke himself. She’s still taking in the architecture when a blur of pastel blue rushes toward her.

A young girl, maybe fourteen, skids to a stop in front of her with sparkling eyes and a huge grin.

Girl: “You must be Lady Eveline!”

Ariella blinks, taken aback by the sheer enthusiasm.

Ariella: “I… am. And you are?”

The girl beams even brighter.

Girl: “I’m Elara! Duke Alistair’s younger sister!”

Ariella’s eyes widen slightly.

Ariella (thought): “Elara. The duke’s beloved sister. In the original story, she hated Eveline. But this time… she looks like she wants to adopt me.”

Elara grabs Ariella’s hands without hesitation.

Elara: “You’re so pretty! And your dress is gorgeous! And your hair— oh! I’ve always wanted to meet someone like you!”

Ariella stares at her, unsure how to respond to this sudden burst of affection.

Ariella: “You… like me?”

Elara: “Like you? I adore you! You’re exactly the kind of sister-in-law I wanted!”

Ariella nearly chokes.

Ariella: “Sister-in-law?”

Elara nods vigorously.

Elara: “Of course! You’re going to marry my brother, right? The whole manor is talking about it!”

Ariella glances around, half expecting the duke to appear and deny it.

He doesn’t.

Ariella (thought): “So the rumors spread fast. Typical.”

Elara loops her arm through Ariella’s and starts dragging her down the hall.

Elara: “Come on! I want to show you everything! Your room, the garden, the tea room— oh! And the greenhouse! You’ll love the greenhouse!”

Ariella allows herself to be pulled along, amused.

Ariella: “You’re very energetic.”

Elara: “I’ve been waiting forever for someone interesting to come here! Everyone is always so stiff and boring.”

Ariella laughs softly.

Ariella: “I can’t promise I’m not stiff, but I’ll try not to be boring.”

Elara stops walking and looks up at her with a serious expression.

Elara: “You’re not boring. I can tell. You have… spark.”

Ariella raises a brow.

Ariella: “Spark?”

Elara: “Yes! The kind of spark that makes my brother annoyed and fascinated at the same time.”

Ariella freezes.

Ariella: “He’s… fascinated?”

Elara nods confidently.

Elara: “He pretends he’s not, but I know him. He only gets that look when he’s interested.”

Ariella feels heat rise to her cheeks — not embarrassment, but amusement.

Ariella (thought): “So the cold duke is already paying attention. Good.”

They reach a beautifully decorated guest room. Elara pushes the door open dramatically.

Elara: “This is your room! I helped decorate it! I picked the colors myself!”

Ariella steps inside, surprised. The room is warm, elegant, and clearly prepared with care — soft blues, silver accents, and a balcony overlooking the garden.

Ariella: “It’s beautiful.”

Elara beams with pride.

Elara: “I wanted you to feel welcome. I know what it’s like to be judged unfairly.”

Ariella turns to her, expression softening.

Ariella: “Thank you, Elara. Truly.”

Elara hugs her suddenly, tightly.

Elara: “I’m so glad you’re here.”

Ariella hesitates for a moment, then gently returns the hug.

Ariella (thought): “In the original story, Eveline bullied her. No wonder Elara hated her. But this time… I won’t make that mistake.”

A knock sounds at the door.

Duke Alistair stands there, arms crossed, expression unreadable.

Duke Alistair: “Elara. You’re overwhelming our guest.”