In the dining hall of House Wellington, "I heard that you're involve on preparing for these." Duke Wellington's voice echoed as he happily eats his breakfast. Aria felt a wave of dread wash over her as she nodded.
'I forgot the fact that Aria has a loving father despite being so wicked to Gaia and other nobles' she thought.
"That's very lady like, I want to cry," Duke Wellington said, a proud smile gracing his face as he watches his daughter's uncharacteristic behavior. Aria forced a smile in return, her mind racing.
"Father! stop it, please," Aria protested weakly, her cheeks flushing under his scrutiny.
"How can I stop; Lila has been praising you nonstop!" The Duke said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Aria's heart sank. A loving father is her weakness. Just like the duke, her father in her world was also loving. She can't bear to disappoint him that is why she overwork herself in the first place.
"Lila!" Aria called out, "Oops, sorry my lady, I'm out of here," Lila said with a wink before scurrying out of the room, leaving Aria alone with her father. The Duke looked at her with a knowing smile, his gaze filled with warmth and curiosity.
"HAHAHA! Anyway, I heard that you jumped from the balcony yesterday, are you okay?" The Duke asked with a chuckle. Aria's heart stopped for a second. 'I'm feeling guilty now.'
"I'm fine, Father," Aria said, her voice a bit shaky. "It was just a... misstep."
The Duke's expression grew serious.
"Missteps can be dangerous, my dear. You need to be more careful. You know the rumors that could arise from such an incident," he warned gently.
"But, I heard the crown prince was there to catch you," Duke Wellington said, a hint of a smile.
Aria's heart raced at the mention of the crown prince. She had to keep her father in the dark about her true intentions. "It was nothing, really," she said, her voice steady. "He just... happen to be there."
"Wait, the way you speak about him, did you finally hit your head and realize that he doesn't love you?" The Duke asked, his tone joking but his eyes searched hers for a hint of truth.
"Father! How could you say such a thing?" Aria feigned offense, her heart racing as she tried to navigate the conversation. "Am I not deserving for his love?" she asked, playing along with her father's tease.
Duke Wellington chuckled. "Ah, Aria, you know I'm just poking fun at you. But seriously, I do hope you're taking care of yourself. Just give me a signal if you're hurting, I can always try to cancel your engagement with the prince," he said with a wink. Aria felt a knot in her stomach loosen. It was strange, but she found herself missing her real father. The one who knew her heart and her worth.
'Aria, why did you let yourself be the villainess if you have such loving father? That is so fucked up.' she thought.
"I know father, I will," Aria assured, her voice laced with a sincerity she didn't know she could muster. "But I don't feel like I need to cancel it for the time being," she added, her mind racing with the implications of her words. She wants to stick a little bit longer with this role since she is also curious about how the story unfold.
'What do I do, curiosity kills the cat,' she thought.
"Well, it's nice to see that you hadn't done something terrible this time, to reward you for shedding a new leaf, I will grant you anything you want," Duke Wellingtons said with a smile. Aria's eyes widened at the unexpected offer.
"Anything?" she echoed, her mind racing with the possibilities. 'Recalling the book, the duke has always been so lenient with punishments and generous with rewards which may drastically affects the behavioral growth of the real Aria Wellington.'
"I don't really need anything. It's enough that you have returned home safe and sound," Aria replied, her mind racing with the perfect request that would allow her to continue her search for a way out.
"Oh my, I feel like I won lottery!" The duke said with sparkly eyes, can't believe his daughter's words.
"I'm so glad that you are more vocal with what you care my daughter, but always remember, as the heiress to the throne, you should show a bit more ambition," Duke Wellingtons said, his tone gentle but firm. Aria nodded, her mind racing with the perfect request.
'If he's pushing this much, I can probably say it, right?' Aria thought, her mind racing. She took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Actually, Father, there is something I would like," she began, her eyes on the plate in front of her. "I want to visit the plaza Miranda today on my OWN."
The Duke's spoon stopped mid-air. "Alone?" he asked, his brow furrowing.
"Yes, Father. I know it's unlike me, but I've had enough of the confinement of this aristocratic society," Aria said, her voice filled with a newfound determination that even surprised her.
"I need some fresh air, some time to think, some chance to feel commoner's life."
Duke Wellington eyes searched Aria's for any signs of deceit, but all he saw was a daughter desperate for a taste of freedom.
"Very well," he said with a nod, his expression a mix of pride and concern. "But you must bring Lila with you for protection," he added, his voice firm.
"Yes father, I understand," Aria said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Inside, she felt a spark of hope. The plaza Miranda was a place she'd read about in the novel, a place where the protagonist often went to escape the confines of the palace. Perhaps there she'd find a clue or a character who could help her die.
"If you'll excuse me, I need to prepare," Aria said, standing up from the breakfast table with a forced smile. Her father nodded, watching her retreat with a puzzled expression.
In her room, Aria quickly changed into a simple but elegant dress, suitable for a leisurely stroll in the plaza. Lila was already waiting for her, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "You really have changed, my lady," she said.
"It's been so long since you stepped outside! How about some glamour before you go?" Lila suggested, holding up a hat with a feather that matched Aria's eyes. Aria took it with a genuine smile, "no need, we are off to find a sorcerer or a fortune teller, not for a tea party," she said, feeling the weight of her words.
"But my lady, you should enjoy some shopping or perhaps take a stroll on the romantic spot of the plaza, it's perfect for a lady like you," Lila said, her voice filled with excitement. Aria nodded, playing along. She knew that Lila had no idea about her true intentions.
"Oh! Wouldn't some cupcakes sound nice, my lady?"
"Well, if you insist, Lila," Aria said, trying to keep her enthusiasm in check. The thought of spending the day in a place where she might find a way to end her story was hardly romantic. But she is thankful to the positivity that Lila has been exuding.
Lila came forward with the hat, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Perhaps, Lady Aria," she said with a knowing smile, "I feel like today is the day you'll find your true love's gaze upon you." Aria couldn't help but roll her eyes.
Love, right. If only she knew what I'm really after,' Aria thought to herself as she allowed Lila to place the hat upon her head.
"So, no need to rush my lady, there's plenty of time before the sun set," Lila said, adjusting the hat slightly. Aria nodded, feeling the weight of her mission pressing down on her. "Alright, let's go!" she said, her voice steady despite her racing thoughts.
---------The Goal is to Die-------------
Aria and her maid Lila arrived at the Plaza Miranda, the bustling heart of the capital. The vibrant marketplace was alive with the sounds of merchants calling out their wares and the chatter of townsfolk. Despite her grim objective, Aria couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement. This was a stark contrast to the stuffy halls of the palace and her own house.
with towering streetlamps infused with magical energy. Aria took a deep breath, the scent of roasting meats and freshly baked goods filling her nose.
The aroma was comforting, reminiscent of the street fairs she had attended in her own world. Despite the chaos, she felt a strange sense of calm wash over her.
'This is what it sounds like a real life,' she thought.
"Your Highness!" A young boy with a cart full of pastries called out, catching her attention. Aria's eyes lit up at the sight of the warm, flaky goodies. 'Maybe just one,' she thought, feeling a pang of hunger.
"Two strawberry tarts, please," Aria said with a smile, handing over the coin. The boy nodded eagerly, his eyes wide with awe. She couldn't blame him; the sight of a lady of her status in the marketplace was likely rare. She took the warm tarts, their sweet scent wafting through the air.
As they strolled through the plaza, Aria couldn't help but feel a sense of freedom she hadn't experienced since waking up in this world. The sun kissed her skin and the cool breeze played with her hair, making her feel alive. She took a bite of the tart, savoring the sweet, tart flavor. It was delicious, a stark contrast to the bitter reality she faced.
"Now that's a good tart! Lila, you should try one," Aria said, offering the second tart to her maid. Lila hesitantly took it, her eyes darting around the crowd.
"Don't be afraid, Lila," Aria said with a small laugh, seeing her maid's nerves. "We're just two ladies out for a walk." She took another bite of her tart, the sugary delight briefly distracting her from her mission.
"After this, let's look for a fortune teller or a sorcerer," Aria murmured, her eyes scanning the lively market.
"As you wish, my lady," Lila said, taking a bite of her tart with a nod. The sweetness seemed to ease her own anxiety a bit.
They wove through the crowded stalls, Aria's eyes darting from one to the next, searching for something that could help her find a natural death within the story.
'Maybe I could get lost in the forest, or trip and fall into the river,' she thought, her mind racing with grim possibilities.
Lila, seemingly oblivious to her lady's dark thoughts, pointed out various items that caught her eye. "Oh, my lady, look at this lovely necklace! It would look perfect on you," she exclaimed, holding up a delicate silver chain adorned with small crystals.
Aria nodded politely, her gaze lingering on the sparkling stones before she spotted a peculiar stall nestled between a blacksmith and a flower vendor. It was a small, dimly lit space, filled with various bottles of potions and dusty tomes. 'Could this be it?' she wondered, her heart racing with excitement.
"Come, Lila, let's visit the fortune teller," Aria said, her voice a mix of hope and apprehension. Lila's eyes widened with surprise, but she followed her lady without protest.
As she enters the shop, the scent of incense and aged parchment filled Aria's nose.
'Doesn't really feel like a fortune teller's shop, more like Antique shop,' she thought.
'There are a lot of strange things like this book, I wonder if I could find something here,' Aria thought.
"Miss, I wouldn't touch that if I were you," a raspy voice warned. Aria's hand hovered over an ancient-looking book. She turned to meet a pair of eyes of a wizened young man, about the same age as the young lady standing in front of him. His eyes gleamed with a knowing look as he took the book away.
"You seek an escape from your destiny," he murmured, his voice low and mysterious.
Aria's heart skipped a beat.
'How did he know?' she thought, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.
'God! How can this world full of handsome men- I mean full of mysteriousness?' She said in a hot seat when she realizes that the man can probably read minds.
"Yes, I know I'm handsome," the young man said with a knowing smirk, catching Aria off guard.
"But let's not get sidetracked. I can see you're in need of my services," he added, gesturing to the crystal ball on the table. Aria couldn't help but roll her eyes at his cheekiness, but she knew she was in the right place.
"First, let your maid go out for a while," the young man said, his eyes flicking to Lila, who was nervously eyeing the bottles of potions. Aria nodded, understanding the need for privacy.
"Lila, please wait outside. I need to speak with the fortune teller alone," she instructed gently. Lila looked at her with wide eyes before nodding and exiting the small stall. The young man leaned back in his chair, a knowing smile playing on his lips as he studied Aria.
"I'll give you a bit of a background about myself, Augustus Ferza," the young man said, as he motioned for Aria to take a seat opposite him.
"I'm not just a fortune teller, but a wizard of sorts, adept at reading the threads of fate." His eyes twinkled with mischief.
"So you can really read minds?" Aria asked, her voice tinged with skepticism. Augustus chuckled, his eyes never leaving hers. "Well, as long as the prospect is here at my domain, outside of this room, I can't say the same," he replied with a wink, setting the crystal ball into motion.
"It means you're a fraud," Aria said bluntly, her skepticism growing. Augustus's smile never wavered.
"My lady, in this domain, I am a fortune teller, outside, I am a wizard disguise as a commoner, I don't want to go around using my ability mind reading, I am not the kind of person to take advantage and be nosy about people's business. " he clarified, his voice smooth and unruffled, but you can see that his pride kind of hurt.
"Then fine, tell me about myself," Aria said, crossing her arms, her skepticism unwavering. Augustus leaned in, his eyes never leaving the crystal ball as it spun with a soft, mesmerizing glow.
"Of course, my lady or should I say poor outsider who found herself in a world of aristocracy and romance," Augustus said with a dramatic flourish, his eyes never leaving the crystal ball. Aria's jaw dropped.
'How does he know my real name?' she wondered, her heart racing.
"I see a woman, lost and desperate, seeking an end to her misery," he continued, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "But what I don't see is your fate as the villainess you believe yourself to be," he added, his gaze finally meeting hers. Aria leaned forward, her curiosity piqued.
"You're not of this world," Augustus murmured, his eyes searching hers. "Your soul carries a color that echoes of another life, another time. You're trapped in a story not your own." Aria's breath hitched as the reality of her situation hit her with full force.
"But fear not," he continued, his smile returning, "for fate is a fickle thing. It can be twisted, bent, and sometimes, even broken."
The words resonated within her, kindling a flame of hope she had nearly extinguished.
"So you mean I can die?" Aria asked, her voice hopeful. Augustus leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Not exactly," he replied, his eyes still locked onto hers. "But perhaps you can rewrite your own destiny."
Her heart raced with the possibilities. "I don't need that, what I want is death, not a new destiny," Aria said bluntly. Augustus's smile grew, showing a hint of admiration for her directness.
"Ah, but death is not always the escape you think it is," he said, his tone enigmatic.
"And if you think that death is a way to release your own soul from this world, you're mistake," Augustus said, his eyes twinkling with an eerie amusement. "Because the world will not let you go that easily."
Aria felt a cold shiver run down her spine. 'I can tell that he is not guessing these things blindly,' she thought. "How are you sure?" she asked, her voice quivering slightly.
Augustus leaned in closer, his eyes gleaming with secrets. "Because I've seen it happen before. A soul from another world, thrown into a storybook life," he whispered, his words sending a thrill through her. "Can't you guess it from my name?"
"Wait, what's your name again?" Aria asked, her mind racing. "HA! You're unbelievable, my name is Augustus Ferza, but everyone calls me Gus," he said with a dramatic sigh, as if he had heard that question a million times before.
"Now think, have you ever heard of a fortune teller with such a common name?" He winked at her, his expression a mix of amusement and challenge.
'Augustus Ferza,' Aria repeated, her eyes widening as she put the pieces together.
"Oh! You are the third male lead who is from another world and got trapped here!" Aria exclaimed, her eyes widening with realization and a hint of amusement. "But instead of being the hero, you ended up as a wizard and a fortune teller!"
Gus chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "It seems you've read too many romance novels," he said, leaning back in his chair.
"But yes, I am from another world, however, I don't quite get when you said third male lead, I am just me, a person of ordinary background who got stuck here."
Aria manages to recall the third male lead from the book she read before her real life's nap. "So, you're the one who's supposed to help the protagonist with her love triangle," she said recklessly.
Well, she isn't wrong about it. Augustus Ferza was a character written similar to what Aria experienced. But unlike Aria who really came from another world, he was a character written in that way. For what, as a plot device to guide the protagonist as well as to add comedic relief in the narrative as he is rather awkward than cool.
"Love triangle?" Gus said, raising an eyebrow, "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just a fortune teller trying to make an honest living, I don't have time to date." he replied, his tone playfully innocent. Aria couldn't help but chuckle.
"Well, at least you know exactly what I mean when I say love triangle," she said, her eyes gleaming with amusement.
"Now, aren't you really going to give me something that will give me the ability to die?" Aria asked with a hopeful smile, her voice filled with a hint of mischief.
"Ah, but that's not how fate's cookie crumbles, dear lady," Gus said, leaning back with a smug grin.
"But I can offer you something, here, this is an amulet of unluckiness," he presented her a shabby-looking amulet with a crooked smile.
"It's not the grand exit you're looking for, but I guess it'll make your life interesting."
"And how exactly will this... 'amulet of unluckiness' help me?" Aria asked, raising an eyebrow as she inspected the tarnished piece of jewelry. It looked more like something you'd find at the bottom of a forgotten treasure chest than a tool for shaping fate.
"It can give the one who wears it a lot of unluckiness, but in a way that's... unexpectedly lucky for a person who wanted to die," Gus said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. Aria stared at him, not quite sure if she should take his words at face value.
"So, you're telling me that if I wear this, I'll trip into a bush of poison ivy!?"
"You got it right! But let's not get ahead of ourselves, shall we?" Gus said with a laugh, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Because I can sense it's more like you'll trip into an adventure that'll make you question why you ever wanted to leave this place! HAHAHA!"
---------------------
'Wearing this amulet, I might find my way to end my life?' Aria said doubtfully, turning the shabby accessory over in her hands. It looked more like a prop from a play than a magical artifact capable of granting her wish.
"Well let's give it a try! What's the worst that could happen?" Aria said, trying to convince herself more than anyone else. She slipped the amulet over her head, feeling its weight settle around her neck with a clunk that sounded suspiciously like it might fall apart at any moment.
'Now, where is Lila?' Aria thought, looking around the bustling plaza. She had been lost in thought after leaving Gus' peculiar stall, the amulet of unluckiness bouncing against her chest with every step. She can't believe that the third male lead was introduce to her earlier than she expected, and she forgot that he is a wizard with a side job of fortune telling.
'Why is it so crowded here?' Aria thought to herself as she scanned the sea of faces. 'It's like looking for a needle in a haystack, except the needle is Lila and the haystack is full of people trying to live their lives.'
'Ehhh? Is this the Cupcake shop my maid told me about?' Aria murmured to herself, reading the sign with a mix of confusion and skepticism.
'This many people have lined up for cupcakes?' she thought, her nose scrunching up at the sugary scent that feels like heaven to Aria.
'However tasty it is, this will waste my time,' Aria thought, but the tantalizing aroma was too much to resist. She spotted Lila a few stalls down, her eyes wide and her hand hovering over a particularly fluffy pastry.
"Lila!" Aria called out, pushing through the crowd.
Then, her foot which is still recovering trip over a rock, and she felt like she was in slow motion as she stumbled towards the cupcake stand.
'Oh no, not in front of all these people!' she thought, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. But just as she was about to faceplant into a mountain of sugary goodness, a strong arm shot out and caught her, saving her from a very public pastry demise.
'Huh?' she thought, blinking rapidly to regain her composure.
Looking up, she saw a black hair with a set of dark black eyes, 'I know this man' she thought.
"Are you alright my lady?" a deep, yet soothing voice asked. She nodded, trying to play it off coolly.
'Damn! Why sir Kieran of all people?' Aria felt a bit of anger towards Gus's amulet already.
"That was close," Sir Kieran said with a chuckle, his grip on Aria's arm steadying her as she regained her balance. His eyes searched hers, a hint of concern etched into his handsome features. Despite her annoyance, Aria couldn't help but feel a sense of hope within.
'Maybe this unluckiness amulet is a fraud! Just you wait, tricky wizard!' she thought, trying to ignore the warmth spreading through her.