She Was Condemned as a Villain, But After Baking Bread She Changed Her Job To Become A Saint!?

Prologue

My heart pounded with anticipation.

Ah, this is it…!

The Royal Academy of Elysium’s graduation party. It was a  joyous occasion to celebrate the new beginnings of those who have completed their studies as students.

However, the heavy air that hung about was far from festive.

Despite the presence of not only the students but also the king and many nobles, there was an eerie silence that could be broken by the faintest of sounds.

I glanced around at the surroundings.

The pristine white walls adorned with intricate carvings, the marble floor polished to a flawless shine, the white columns decorated with rows of gold ornaments, and the dazzling chandeliers. The high ceiling, gracefully curved, was painted with beautiful spirits in exquisite brushstrokes.

Indeed, it was a beautiful grand hall that rivalled even that of the royal palace.

A smile almost escaped my lips.

It was the perfect setting for a ‘condemnation’.

“Avaricia Lastia Ashenford. If you have anything to say in your defence, I will listen, if only for the sake of propriety.”

The arrogant words were hurled at me. Just as scripted.

I took a deep breath and met the gaze of the crown prince standing before me—His Royal Highness Christian Earnest Elysium.

With golden hair like sunlight, bright gold eyes filled with strong determination, a straight, narrow nose, thin, well-shaped lips, and a slender figure he was an undeniably handsome man.

“Or do you intend to apologise?”

At those words, a wicked smile flickered across my lips.

“You jest.”

And then, with a graceful gesture, I brushed the raven hair that fell over my shoulders and narrowed my eyes further.

“What exactly should I be apologising for?”

His Royal Highness Christian gritted his teeth in anger.

Beside him, a woman stood.  Her eyes were filled with deep sorrow.

Her name was Alice Lumiere, the heroine of this Otome game, ‘Elysium Alice’.

She was petite and slender with straight, shiny chocolate-coloured hair. With her porcelain-white skin, plump cheeks, and rosy, small lips, she was the epitome of cuteness.

Even her slightly trembling hands and sorrowful expression were enough to ignite a strong desire for protection in any man.

Well done! As expected of the heroine! What a  perfect reaction without having to say even one word!

“Do you deny every accusation of discrimination based on social status, every vile insult that could make one’s ears bleed, and every countless act of appalling bullying that are detailed in the indictment?”

“No. But I was merely teaching you the difference between nobles and commoners. Is that not something that should be applauded?”

I smiled at His Royal Highness, who was glaring back at me with pure, untarnished hatred.

These words might sound like I have no regrets, but that’s actually the case. All I did—and all Avaricia ever did in the game—was to scold the heroine for acting as she pleased regardless of social status and to restrict her from doing those same things over and over again. It was a far cry from bullying.

The person who actually did any real bullying was someone who claimed that it was all in the name of Avaricia-sama—conveniently using Avaricia,  a.k.a. me, as a shield.

But there was no point in saying that.

I just held my head up proudly with the dignity of a noble as if I had done nothing wrong.

At my behaviour, His Royal Highness Christian became even more furious.

“Becoming my bride means becoming the queen someday. The people you despise and trample on are the people of this country! They are the people I must protect for the rest of my life!”

“And if you can’t even understand something so simple, you are not qualified to be my fiancée!”

Ah, here it comes! Finally!

My chest swelled with anticipation.

I desperately fought the urge to loosen my cheeks as I awaited his words.

And then His Royal Highness Christian looked around at the audience and proclaimed loudly.

“I hereby declare that I, Christian Earnest Elysium, have broken off my engagement to Avaricia Lastia Ashenford!”

Ugh…!

Ki…Ki…Ki…Ki…Ki…!

Yes, the engagement annulment is finally here!

Yet again, I desperately fought the urge to smirk and spun out the lines according to the script.

“What! Are you in your right mind? All this for such a… such a… such a… commoner worth less than nothing!?”

I pointed at the heroine with a trembling finger. The woman flinched and clung to His Royal Highness Christian’s arm as if scared.

“…Alice has nothing to do with this. This is about whether you are worthy of being above others.”

The prince embraced her trembling shoulders with a loving gesture and glared at me.

“Worthless you say? These are very people you should protect and cherish!”

His golden eyes blazed with fierce anger.

Alright! Let’s let him vent out  his anger and deliver the final line!

“How disgusting! I don’t even want to look at you! Leave this place now!”

Ki-taaa! I did it! I did it! I did it!

All that’s left is to be dragged out of this venue!

“Your Highness!”

I stretched out my hand as if wanting to cling to him. I was conscious of every detail down to even my fingertips, presenting myself in a way that looked beautiful in everyone’s eyes.

But my hand was grabbed roughly. I gritted my teeth and glared at the person who dared.

It was none other than His Royal Highness Christian’s aide-de-camp–Marquis Guilford Marx Alladin’s son. His sleek black hair laid over one of his stern and cold dark eyes. He was tall and had a well-built, lean physique. He had a strong sense of justice and never once tolerated injustice. He was a man of integrity who was expected to be the future commander of the Knights.

“–You are not permitted to approach His Highness.”

“Ugh…! Let go of me!”

“Come, I will escort you out!.”

I was dragged towards the door.

“Your Highness! You can not allow this! Your Highness!”

As if to live up to his words of “I don’t even want to look at you!”, His Royal Highness Christian turned his back on me and walked away without listening to my voice or my plea.

But I still shouted.

Because this is the last scene for the villainess of the Otome game – Avaricia.

“Your Highnessaaaaaaaaaa!”

I was dragged into the hallway and the thick door slammed shut in my face with a bang.

“…………”

I looked around to make sure no one was there before I clenched my fists tightly.

“～～～～っ!”

I… I did it! I did it!

I thought I was going to be in trouble for a while, but I managed to play the part of the villainess to the fullest!

This is the end of Avaricia’s role in the game. From here on, I should be able to live as myself.

I did it! I’m free!

I feel like I could give a triple cheer right now, but the ‘Condemnation Event’ isn’t over until I get home!

I quickly turned on my heel, raised my chin, and walked away briskly.

With my beautiful hair flowing in the wind and my heels clicking loudly, I made my exit like that of a true villainess!