My Goal is "Serves You Right" desu wa!

"Raise your head. I'm praising you for being the first to rush over when you heard the scream! Um, look! I was thinking of asking Father to give you a special bonus, but I can't do that if I don't know your name, can I?"

"I-is that so, Ojou-sama…"

When she covered for herself like that, the maid looked doubtful but did raise her face.

"So then, would you tell me your name?"

"Yes. My name is Emma."

"Emma. I see, what a nice name."

Whether it was actually a nice name or not, Koleha praised her for now.

For the moment, she had no intention of punishing Emma. Doing so would bring nothing but fun, and no benefit.

(…Wait, did I just think that punishing her would be fun!?)

Koleha shivered. Her consciousness was being pulled by her body more than she'd expected.

"O-Ojou-sama? Are you feeling unwell…?"

"T-that's not it! Look, look, I'm in perfect health, desu wa! Oh-ho-ho-ho!"

Koleha suddenly started doing squats to show how healthy she was… but she ran out of strength around the third one. Having been raised in suffocating, doting affection, Koleha was quite frail.

(S-so weak! A weak Ojou-sama, desu wa!? … Doesn't this mean I can't even manage a dance!?)

No matter which of the three options she chose, this poor stamina was unacceptable.

Thinking so, Koleha decided to build up her strength.

"U-um, Ojou-sama? Are you well?"

"You don't mean physically, do you…?"

"… Perish the thought."

There was the slightest pause just now. She could have nitpicked that, but Koleha decided to prioritize building stamina over being petty.

She couldn't be sure her head was alright either, but she remembered from her previous life that muscles don't betray you. To do anything, you need the power to act — in other words, stamina.

"… Emma. I have a favor to ask."

"What might that be, Ojou-sama?"

"Would you prepare some exercise clothes? Something I can get dirty without worry."

"E-err. I'll check the closet."

"Yes. I'm counting on you, Emma."

Emma bobbed a bow and left the room.

Now then, she might as well decide on a course of action while she waited.

Koleha brought the three choices to mind again.

1. Avoid the engagement and never take up the villainess position.

2. Prepare with everything she had for the downfall to come.

3. Throw everything away and run.

(… Before anything, the last one is impossible.)

Throw everything away and run. If she did that, the Ojou-sama Koleha would probably die.

After all, she was such a beautiful girl. Even if she tried to blend in among the common folk, she'd be a prime target for kidnappers. She mustn't let go of her noble status that could protect her.

(… The first is not desirable, either.)

In that route, she wouldn't let go of her noble status, but it would be a life in the shadows. Why should I have to endure that? — She was likely being swayed by this body's thoughts, but any approach that felt like that kind of endurance would eventually become impossible. At the very least, it ranks low in priority.

(… Which leaves the second.)

If this went well, that was the best option. She could protect her status as a noble. It wasn't a plan that involved running away like first or last. It matched Koleha's temperament, too. If something was going to happen, better to act before being acted upon.

And above all—

"—Above all, it's exciting, desu wa…!!"

If it went perfectly, she could reverse the tables on those who were supposed to disgrace Koleha, and present them with the very bottom of misfortune as rightful just desserts. On top of that, she could secure a front-row seat of safety from which to watch her enemies dance in disgrace!

An enemy's misfortune is the finest entertainment!!

And her previous life's values agreed: "A 'serves you right' development is suuuuper fun!"

It had to be this.

Her aim would be "villainess." Not an evil young lady, but a villainess! Someone who looks bad at first glance, but is actually unassailable thanks to preparations: a practically innocent villainess!

It was the moment her previous self and the current Koleha clasped hands with a firm "grip."

"I've decided! I'll become the greatest villainess and deliver self-defense 'serves you right' desu waaaa!!! Oh-ho-ho-ho!!"

For the second time that refreshing morning, Koleha's voice echoed through the mansion.