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 very well 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 lovely 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 her nothing but fun — and no actual benefit.

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

Koleha shivered. Her consciousness was being pulled by this body far more than she had 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 demonstrate her good health… but she ran out of strength around the third one. Having been raised in suffocating, doting affection, Koleha was remarkably frail.

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

No matter which of the three options she chose, this pitiful stamina simply would not do.

Thinking that, Koleha resolved 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 accomplish 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 once more.

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.

(… First of all, the last option 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 must not let go of the noble status that could protect her.

(… The first option is undesirable as well.)

In that route, she would not have to relinquish her noble status, but it would mean a life lived in the shadows. Why should I have to endure that? — She was likely being influenced by this body's instincts, but any approach that felt like constant endurance would eventually become unbearable. At the very least, it ranked low in priority.

(… Which leaves the second.)

If this went well, that was the best option. She could protect her status as a noble. Unlike the first or last, it was not a plan built around running away. 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 turn the tables on those who were supposed to disgrace Koleha, serving them the very depths of misfortune as their rightful just desserts. On top of that, she could secure a front-row seat of safety from which to watch her enemies writhe in disgrace!

An enemy's misfortune is the finest entertainment!!

And her previous life's sensibilities agreed wholeheartedly: "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 villainous at first glance, but is actually unassailable thanks to thorough preparation: 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 a 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.