The Female Lead Raised The Villain

Although Mary was vicious, no one dared to curse her.

Everyone endured her cruelty because she was the Princess of the country and had only a few days left to live. The Emperor, feeling pity for his ailing daughter, granted her every wish without question.

It was a book she had read countless times. She had memorized it so thoroughly that the contents of the novel seemed to unfold vividly before her eyes. 

However, now that she found herself living in a situation similar to the one depicted in the novel, it was not easy to think rationally. Resentment filled her heart, particularly toward her father, who had allowed events to reach this point.

‘So you chose to engage me to that ridiculous count,’ she thought bitterly.

With the Emperor’s permission, Mary had become engaged to Count Gray, and at that moment, she had felt as though she had  the entire world. With the joy of having him whom everyone coveted, Count Gray had skillfully deceived her with a façade of love. Blinded by his cunning performance, she had gradually gnawed down her life.

‘She doesn’t even realize who is strangling her like a fool,’ Mary reflected grimly.

Initially, she thought that avoiding him would make him understand, but she realized it was time to confront him head-on. Count Gray would never willingly let her go.

While staying in her room and adapting to her new reality, Mary began organizing her plans for the future.

First and foremost, she’ll take care of that trashy Gray. He would never be allowed to claim what rightfully belonged to her or ascend to the position of Emperor. 

If she had to die, then it would be on her own terms, not at the hands of others.

She resolved to live boldly until her final day, engrave herself in  people’s memories and die.

“So, Mary, I will take the reins from now on,” she declared resolutely.

After brushing her long silver hair carefully, she left her room. She shook her head slightly at the sight of the palace, which always felt foreign to her.

She felt like her previously sterile and colorless world now seemed vibrant and full of life. 

She felt alive.

Each touch, scent, and sensation filled her heart with a newfound sense of vitality.

“Ah, I am alive.”

Is it right that she’s alive?

Is it Mary or her who’s alive?

Questions that are not easily solved fill her head. Soon she shook her head to erase these useless thoughts.

She thought selfishly she was the one who was alive and bit her lips gently.

“It is windy outside, Princess,” a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Carl. So what do we do? I want to get some air,” she responded.

Carl, who had found her wandering, hurried over and blocked her path. Noticing her lightly worn clothing, he hurriedly averted his gaze and spoke nervously.

“Then please wait for a moment. I will fetch something warmer for you to wear.”

“No, I don’t want to be alone,” she said firmly.

She pitifully lowered her eyes and grabbed Carl’s arm.

Carl flinched at her words but remained cautious while he carefully tried to release her hold on him. 

She’s sure he was being considerate, likely because she’s about to get engaged. But was it appropriate for him to avoid her touch now? After all, he had grown accustomed to it over time.

Before falling for Gray, Mary had met many men and longed for love.

She hated being alone, Her greatest fear had always been being forgotten, neither was wrong nor was it right. Mary was just afraid.

“You don’t like me anymore?” she asked softly.

If others had heard her, they would have been outraged. After all, she was a woman about to be engaged. But it did not matter. She had no intention of getting engaged to Gray. 

She would not waste another moment on him. Perhaps Carl would be a better choice.

“…At least wear this, I will accompany you.” Carl said after a pause.

Carl didn’t answer her question. He just took off his outer coat and put it around her shoulder. She couldn’t help but feel amused by the situation.There are so many people who like Mary, yet she had chosen a man like Gray, why such a guy? She almost cursed out of her mouth without realizing it.

As they walked through the garden, she deliberately avoided places where Gray might be. Carl did not even question her decision or ask why she had chosen Gray instead of him. Perhaps he was too respectful of her choices, or maybe he loved Mary enough to let her be.

‘I’m sorry, Carl. You do not have the power to protect me,’ she thought sadly.

It was a harsh but undeniable truth. Perhaps Carl was aware of it as well, which was why he never demanded anything from her. He was firm even though she kept testing and shaking him around. 

‘You are such a fool,’ she thought.

Honestly, power and status didn’t matter to her. But what if she were to die? She has to endure it on her own then 

The day was cold and eerie, though perhaps it was her own discomfort that made it seem so. 

She despised the cold because it reminded her of her past self—weak and shivering. She doesn’t like it when her body shrinks.

Seeking warmth, she drew closer to Carl and smiled innocently.

“Princess, I believe it would be best for you to return inside.” 

“But it is not dark yet.”

“…Still,” Carl hesitated, trailing off. He moved slightly away from her and cleared his throat awkwardly.

Mary’s lips curled into a mischievous smile. What had she done after dark to make him react that way? His ears had turned a bright red.

“Very well. Let’s go inside.”

She stopped teasing him and turned back toward the palace. Behind her, Carl let out a sigh of relief. Pretending not to hear it, Mary walked ahead.