The Villainess Becomes Evil to Live

Original: 悪役令嬢は幸せになるために悪い女になる。

Title: The Villainess Becomes Evil to Live

Original: 悪役令嬢は幸せになるために悪い女になる。

Author: まぁ

Link: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n0522gu/

Summary: A girl interrupts the love affair between her sister and the crown prince, becoming a villainess to be happy.

---

Repeatedly, I’d be compared to her.

‘Why would such an unstylish and mediocre woman become the future queen instead of her prim and proper older sister?’

I thought the same.

Especially when I saw how gorgeous my sister was as she smiled and danced with him, wearing a nice dress that suited her well in the social circle.

When I looked at her, I became self-conscious.

Unlike my older sister, my curly hair was tied in an updo so I wouldn’t be unsightly as the future queen. Because of that, I looked just like one of those court ladies.

In all actuality, I’d like to follow the trend and let my hair loose, too.

Dresses that accentuated my body shape were also off-limits.

Instead, I was obliged to wear a dress that’d reach up to my neck, a cloth draped around my stomach, and a corset.

For that reason, people said I looked like a maid or a nun.

I couldn’t make friends with girls my age.

While I was busy with the crown princess education, my older sister—who was two years older than me—spread rumors that I was a rigid person at the tea party. I wanted to get along with her, but she refused.

My older sister and the crown prince were in love with each other. However, because she was sickly, she couldn’t become his fiancée. As a result, I was engaged in her stead. Nevertheless, their feelings for each other remained. She kept telling that story at the tea party.

As a result, many ladies sympathized with and supported my sister. In contrast, they saw me as a villain who interfered with their love.

I couldn’t deny that.

My older sister used to be very weak and would spend her time bedridden. Thus, the crown prince, who was the same age as her, visited her often.

From the moment they were born, they were supposed to be engaged.

But again, because of my sister’s illness, the role of the crown princess and the future queen fell on my lap.

The moment it was decided, my sister resentfully glared at me and spat some curses…

…In truth, I’d like to cry, too.

After all, who’d want to marry a man who’s in love with your own sister…?

I didn’t know why I had to suffer such hardships. Nevertheless, I had to study until late at night every day. Not only was I unable to make friends, but everyone also shunned me. Moreover, I also couldn’t wear my favorite style of outfit.

First and foremost, to marry someone you didn’t even like was outrageous.

How many times did my heart break?

But I had allies.

The queen was very kind and would always inquire about me whenever we met. I was truly fond of her. Because of that, I always looked forward to the crown princess’ education so that I could have a tea party with her.

If I married the crown prince, I’d become the queen’s daughter-in-law.

That was the only saving grace.

Prince Julian was also an ally of mine.

He was the distant sibling of the king and was five years older than me.

He’d always pamper me, making me wonder if that was how it felt to have an older brother. Before long, I found myself falling for him.

Julian would always praise me regardless of how dull and unsophisticated I looked. If I tweaked my hairstyle even a little, he’d immediately notice it.

In the past, things were different.

Although my older sister was number one, I remembered being loved and praised properly.

…I didn’t want to be his fiancée.

***

Then, the nightmarish way of life I had been leading ended abruptly.

I had a tea party with the queen. At the end of the meeting, I was told that the garden the queen had tended and designed was very beautiful and in full bloom. The queen invited me to see it with her.

Whenever I was with the queen, I was happy. I didn’t have to pretend to be someone else. Since I’d like to spend more time with her, I naturally obliged.

A problem arose when we delved further into the garden, where the colorful roses were in full bloom.

The queen was the first to notice that.

“—What kind of business do you have in my garden? What manner of foolishness is this? She isn’t even your fiancée. What are you doing when your fiancée is busy studying?”

My older sister was caught sitting on the crown prince’s lap.

The two paled instantly.

“Mother, forgive me for entering your garden without permission! But you see, I’ve always been in love with Dee! She’s the only one I’d like to marry. Now, Dee has recovered! I no longer have to be engaged with Lilithia!”

Not only that, but the crown prince also added, “Moreover, Lilithia isn’t good at socializing! On the other hand, Dee has a lot of friends. Surely, she’ll be able to lead high society. To have someone as beautiful as Dee as their queen, our people would surely be pleased!”

“You truly are a fool. You didn’t even try to discover why Lily couldn’t make friends. You’re also blind to her beauty. Most assuredly, you don’t know why she conceals her beauty in the first place. Even though it should be obvious… I shall inform His Majesty that you’d like to be engaged with Diaz instead of Lilithia. Just remember, there’s no going back.”

“—Mother! Thank you!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty! Now, Lulu and I can get married! How happy I am! Your Majesty, I swear I’ll support Lulu and become a splendid crown princess!”

“Well, is that so? Good luck, then. Let’s go, Lily, the air around here is foul.”

***

After that, I returned home and received a final clarification from my father.

Thus, my engagement became my sister’s.

As the future queen, my older sister was busy, so my maids were cut in half.

I had hoped that, at the very least, the maids considered me a friend. However, upon seeing how eager they were to serve my sister, I was left with an indescribable feeling.

For some reason, the remaining maids were very happy. They immediately bought many dresses, hair ornaments, and jewelry. They discarded everything I used to wear in the past.

***

Before I knew it, three months had passed.

Since my reputation was now tarnished, I took a break from social circles. I also received words of gratitude from my father and mother because I had worked hard until now. Then, when I was relaxing in my territory, I was invited to my sister’s engagement party. Apparently, I had to attend.

Since the dresses I used to wear up until recently had been discarded, I was at a loss. However, Julian sent me a dress and a letter, asking if he could escort me.

Because I had never worn such a dress before, I was embarrassed. Nevertheless, since my special someone had prepared it, I responded with excitement and looked forward to the day of the party.

***

-Crown Prince’s POV-

My engagement party with Dee was supposed to end on a cheerful note. After all, I had been waiting for that moment since forever—

—or so I thought… Until I beheld the figure of Lilithia, who came with Julian at the end of the party.

Everyone couldn’t take their eyes off her.

Beautiful, lustrous, golden hair that drew a gentle arc.

Dazzling, purple eyes that could be seen underneath the long eyelashes that tended to be lowered.

A perfect dress that suited her gorgeous body line…

Everything about her was beautiful.

It was as if the Goddess herself had descended.

I doubted my eyes.

…At that very moment, I fell for her. At the very first sight of her.

Is that Lilithia? No, it can’t be…

Lilithia was more subdued, while her style was more straightforward.

Who… Who is that?

Did she hide her beauty?

Crack!

When I turned to look beside me, the fan in Dee’s hand was broken.

Her face was horrifically distorted.

“…Dee?”

***

-Diaz’ POV-

I didn’t see this coming—!

Since I became the crown princess, I loosened my surveillance on Lilithia!

Lilithia had always been better than me—be it her looks, intelligence, or everything else!

Because of my sickly constitution, no one dared to compare us. However, my father, mother, and the queen must’ve noticed.

As if I’d let that happen! I’m supposed to be number one in everything!

The position of the crown princess is mine!

I won’t lose to Lilithia!

Hence why I told my loyal maids to serve Liliana. Seeing them sabotage her style, turning her into a dull and mediocre woman, felt good.

I almost got it all—!

How frustrating this is—!

Also… Why was Julian escorting her?

The icy nobleman who greeted everyone with coldness.

He didn’t even spare me a glance, so why!?

Why is she smiling while wearing matching colors with Julian!?

Unforgivable!

***

-Crown Prince’s POV-

“—I’d like to declare something.”

The king began to speak.

“Until now, we had planned to make the first prince, Lelouch, the crown prince. However, we’ll crown his brother, Julian, as the future king instead. The reason why I gathered everyone here today is for his coronation ceremony. Not only that, Julian and Lilithia of the Duke of Citrine are now engaged with each other. An engagement ceremony will be held at a later date. As for Lelouch, he shall marry Diaz and become the son-in-law of Duke Citrine.”

“…Father? Father!? Hold on!! What do you mean by that!?”

“Lelouch, everything is as I said. For a long time now, I’ve been trying to decide who’s more suitable to be the king between you and Julian. Unlike Julian, who has many achievements, you left many to be desired. From now on, focus on becoming a proper duke.”

Are you kidding me?

I, who’s supposed to be the king, must study to become a duke…?

I can’t get the throne or Lilithia…?

…I have nothing left.

***

-Diaz’ POV-

This is preposterous!

If Lulu doesn’t become the king, does that mean Lilithia will become the queen?

No way, I lose to her once again…

***

…Afterwards, Lelouch and Diaz were exiled from the kingdom for attempting to rebel against the Royal Family.

Because it still hadn’t resulted in any incident and they failed to gather any people, they were only sentenced to banishment.

Had they not done anything, they could’ve become a ducal family. However, after they were banished, they had no choice but to become commoners. Those two, who had never worked for a single day in their lives…

…Surely, they wouldn’t be able to live comfortably.

“What’s wrong, Lily? Are you gazing at the scenery?”

“Julie…? I’m merely gazing at the courtyard. Julie, do you think I’m a bad person? I knew everything. I knew that my sister was trying to ruin my life. I knew it and decided to take advantage of it. Otherwise, Lelouch would end up falling for me for real. However, because it’s Julie whom I favored, I took advantage of them. As a result, they ended up together, and the rest is history. I’m such a bad person, aren’t I? I’m sorry. Are you disillusioned?”

“As if that’d disillusion me. How long do you think I’ve been yearning for you? That villainous side of you… I love it, as well.”

“Thank you, Julie. I love you too.”

To be happy, a certain girl became a villainess and ruined the relationship between her sister and the crown prince.