The Villainess Refuses to Follow the Script-Chapter 10 -

If humiliation were an Olympic sport, Beatrice would have taken home the gold.

The duel disaster had become the hottest gossip in the palace. Everywhere she went, nobles were whispering. Some mocked her mercilessly, while others just seemed entertained.

"She fell before His Highness even swung at her."

"She actually thought she could fight? How embarrassing."

"She dodged, though."

"That wasn't dodging, that was falling."

Beatrice wanted to fling herself off a balcony. Her plan to stay invisible had officially died. She had become a spectacle, a joke.

And worst of all? Francois was still watching her.

She could feel his gaze on her every time they were in the same room. Like she was a puzzle he couldn't quite solve.

It made her uncomfortable, especially because she knew she was the only one he paid this much attention to.

She caught his eye across the banquet hall that evening. Beatrice immediately looked away.

Nope. Nope. Not happening.

She turned back to her plate, shoving food into her mouth aggressively.

"Beatrice, are you alright?"

Beatrice blinked, glancing at Johanna, who was watching her with wide, innocent eyes.

"Oh, yeah. I'm great." Beatrice forced a tight-lipped smile. "Nothing like being a kingdom-wide embarrassment to improve your appetite."

Johanna frowned, genuine concern in her gaze. "Don't say that. I think you were very brave."

Beatrice snorted. "Brave? I fell on my face."

Johanna hesitated, then said gently, "But you stood up again."

Beatrice paused.

That... was actually a surprisingly sweet way of looking at it. Unfortunately, the moment was ruined by Lila's sharp voice.

"She barely stood up again."

Beatrice sighed deeply. "And there it is."

Lila had been fuming since the duel ended. Beatrice could tell she was holding herself back from attacking her outright.

Instead, Lila flipped her hair elegantly and turned to Queen Cecile.

"Mother," she said sweetly. "Since the selection ends tomorrow, I think it would be fitting to have one final challenge."

Beatrice internally screamed.

Oh, for the love of—haven't I suffered enough?!

Queen Cecile raised an eyebrow. "A challenge?"

"Yes." Lila's eyes glinted with something dangerous. "We need to be absolutely certain that Lady Beatrice is worthy of standing beside my brother."

Beatrice choked on her drink.

"Excuse me?"

Lila smiled. "Why are you surprised? Since you've been so close to my brother lately, it's only fair to test your capabilities. You don't mind, do you?"

Beatrice stared at her. This girl is actually insane.

Johanna looked worried. "Lila, maybe—"

"Oh, don't worry," Lila said smoothly. "It will be something simple."

Queen Cecile looked amused now. "Very well. What do you suggest?"

Lila's smirk widened. "How about archery?"

Beatrice's soul left her body.

WHY. WHY MUST EVERYTHING BE PHYSICAL.

"Archery?" she repeated blankly.

"Yes. A single shot. All you have to do is hit the target."

Beatrice's brain short-circuited.

Okay. Wait. This... actually wasn't the worst idea.

Because unlike sword fighting, she had actually shot a bow before.

Not in a noble, elegant way, of course. But in a chaotic summer camp kind of way. If she could just pretend to be graceful while doing it...

This might actually be the one challenge she could survive.

Beatrice slowly smirked. "Alright. I accept."

Lila's confidence faltered for just a second.

Then she grinned wider. "Perfect."

The next morning, the final event of the selection was held.

The noble ladies were gathered in the royal gardens, dressed in their finest gowns, ready to witness the grand finale.

Beatrice stood at the archery range, gripping a bow. The target was farther than she expected.

...Okay. She might have been a little too confident last night.

The nobles whispered excitedly.

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"She agreed to this?"

"She must be desperate to prove herself."

"Maybe she'll surprise us."

Beatrice rolled her shoulders.

Okay. No pressure.

Just hit the target. Don't make a fool of yourself. And most importantly—

Don't miss.

She raised the bow, pulling back the string.

Silence filled the garden. Beatrice released the arrow.

Thwack!

The arrow hit just outside the center ring.

The crowd gasped.

She... she had actually hit it?

Beatrice blinked at the target. Then slowly turned to Lila.

Lila's smile was gone. Beatrice grinned.

"Oh, look at that," she said innocently. "I didn't fall this time."

Lila's eyes burned with frustration.

Johanna clapped excitedly. "That was wonderful, Beatrice!"

Queen Cecile hummed, looking thoughtful.

Beatrice stood straighter. This was it. The end of the selection.

All she had to do was smile, step back, and let Johanna win.

Then she could fade into the background, survive, and live a long, drama-free life.

The queen rose from her seat, and the crowd fell silent.

"The palace has made its decision," she announced. "After careful consideration..."

Beatrice exhaled slowly.

It was going to be Johanna. Obviously.

"...Lady Johanna Lockhart will be awarded the highest favor," the queen said.

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Beatrice nodded, relieved.

But then the queen continued.

"...And Lady Beatrice Da Ville will remain in the palace."

Beatrice froze.

What.

WHAT.

She whipped her head toward the queen.

"...I'm sorry, what?!"

Queen Cecile's calm gaze landed on her.

"Your actions have been... unexpected," the queen said slowly. "But your potential intrigues us. You will remain in the palace as a companion to the royal family."

Beatrice's soul left her body. Companion? To the royal family? As in, she still had to be around Francois?!

She snapped her head toward him.

Francois was staring at her. Again. His expression was as unreadable as ever.

Beatrice groaned loudly. This was not supposed to happen!

The palace selection was over.

But somehow, her nightmare was just beginning.