[System Message: New death predicted, Countdown: 6:23:57:00]
Isn’t it too early for this?!
Evory watched the blood in her hand drip off of it; it slowly dribbled down her arm. The blood was unlike normal blood; it was thicker, the color black, and extremely cold. It chilled her arm and hand to the touch. Her hand and arm began to shake from the sheer chill it gave.
“Shit… is this really my blood?”
[System Message: Yes.]
Evory examined the older system message again. A week. That’s how long until she would die again. This blood was definitely a hint to why. Evory trembled in anger, she had just returned to life, and she only had a week left. She was instantly reminded of her place in the world, the way nothing ever went as she wanted.
Evory sighed and held her blood-covered arm far in front of her. She didn’t want to get any blood on the pale nightgown she was wearing. Evory stood up and walked towards the washbasin, scrubbing the blood off her.
‘This seems… a little suspicious’
The washbasins water had now become a diluted black. Not to mention, the water began to smell, presumably from the blood. Evory’s nostrils flared up, and she plugged her nose.
‘It even smells… this really isn’t normal. What is happening to this body?’
She glanced at the washbasin again,“...I’ll need to throw the water out somewhere.”
The bedroom door burst open.
“My lady! You’re already up, yet you still haven’t gone to breakfast yet?”
The angry maid gripped her arm and proceeded to drag her out of the room. Evory was taken aback.
“You haven’t even changed into a presentable outfit for the lord and young lord. How irresponsible…”
She kept chattering on. Was it normal for a young lady to be treated like this by a maid? Evory didn’t assume so, and a strange feeling inside of her assured her of that.
“... You’re lucky you have me, you know. Without me, you would’ve been sleeping still...”
Evory suddenly heard a familiar monotone voice.
[System Message: Skill ‘Noble’ has activated.]
“Stop,” Evory spoke without meaning to.
The maid stopped right in front of a big white door.
“...Excuse me?”
There was a moment of silence, and the maid was frozen.
“Are you deaf?”
‘...I didn’t want to say that, what’s going on?’
The maid’s face warped with shock, “N-No of course not!”
“If I’m not mistaken, you just insinuated that I was lazy. Is that really what a maid should be saying toward the one they’re serving?”
[System Message: Skill ‘Intimidate’ has activated.]
‘Skill?’
The maid quickly noticed the shift in her master’s behavior. She took on the demeanor of a servant again.
“... I’m very sorry, lady.” The maid bowed her head down slightly and hid her expression.
‘Is this what a true noble acts like…I didn’t want to say any of that, but I was right anyway.’
Evory scoffed, the fake apology didn’t matter to her. She could already guess the face the maid was wearing, the anger, humiliation.
“Don’t forget this; I could easily replace you. Let's continue then.”
The maid stared at her with a blank face, Evory let out a sigh.
“Are you going to go with me, or without me?”
Evory sincerely hoped the maid was going with her. Even though she had shown her disrespect, she knew her way around the mansion.
The maid unfroze from her apparent shock and waved her hands rapidly “Ah! No- it’s just that we’re already here… lady.”
“Ah.”
*****
Evory entered the dining room and saw a long wooden table with an older man at the head of the table and a younger, slightly less refined man to his right.
‘That must be Evory’s father and brother then… but why do they look nothing like her?’
Evory’s father had gray hair, with purple eyes. Her brother had light brown hair with the same bright purple eyes. Upon further examination, their eyes were both a narrower shape than Evory’s round eyes.
‘Compared to Evory’s red eyes…’
Her older brother looked at her and hid a twisted smile by wiping his mouth with a napkin.
“I’m surprised you would come here in such…” He looked her up and down, “attire.”
Hmm.
‘An older brother was never mentioned in the book…’
[System Message: Skill ‘Mind of Steel’ has activated.]
‘Another skill…’
“Yes… well, we’re family, so I assumed it didn’t matter.”
‘Why would there be rules on clothing in your own house… Besides, it’s just a nightgown.’
Evory’s brother looked her up and down once more, and narrowed his eyes. He was examining her new behavior.
“Lucas. You know her eccentricities by now, no need to make any comments.” Her father also wiped his mouth with a napkin.
‘What is this, a public shaming? I didn’t have time to get ready anyway…’
Lucas nodded and Evory simply scoffed. She moved to take her seat to the left of her father.
The plate in front of her had plain vegetables; she didn’t even have a glass of water. Evory glanced ahead and examined her brother’s plate. His had waffles on it, covered in a thick sweet syrup.
[System Message: Skill ‘Noble’ has activated.]
Evory narrowed her eyes at this and waved a servant over.
“Get me what he’s having.” Everyone in the room paused what they were doing.
“I-I’m sorry?” The servant shook like a leaf. Lucas smirked and glanced at her father in response.
“Do I have to repeat myself to every servant in this house before my message comes across?”
‘That seemed a little much-’
“I’ll pay for this mistake with my life!”
The servant got on his hands and knees, bowing to her.
‘What…’
Evory was stunned, she had only scolded him. Or the skill had scolded him. Anyway, why would Evory kill a servant? Was that a regular hobby she had before Ebony had possessed her?
Evory looked down at the servant and gently tapped his back.
“I wouldn’t go that far over one mistake… just get me some waffles, please.”
Evory let out a small sigh, how did the original Evory act in this house? Lucas looked her way with an apparent frown.
“Of-Of course!” The servant sped off quickly, grabbing her plate on his way.
The table began to eat once more.
‘I shouldn’t do anything like this again…’ Evory let out a small sigh.
“I thought you didn’t like waffles,” said her father.
Evory paused. She didn’t have the slightest clue what the original Evory enjoyed.
“...My tastes changed.”
“Hm.” Her father resumed cutting into his eggs and Lucas gave her a dirty look.
The breakfast was slow after that; the only somewhat interesting thing is when the servant went back in. When he entered the room again with her new plate, Lucas began staring at her. He was examining her, clearly questioning many things. In the end, he looked dissatisfied and glared.
****
Breakfast had ended.
A different maid was leading Evory to her room this time; she looked younger. The maid pushed Evory’s bedroom door open, “Call me if you need anything, lady.”
Evory nodded and the door was gently shut behind her.
‘That was really… too stressful. Has Evory always been treated like this?’
The breakfast with her family provided useful insight into her status in the home. Evory collapsed onto her bed, looking up at the ceiling. She began to organize her thoughts. Evory didn’t look like her family at all. There could be a reason she was mistreated after all... Is it possible she was adopted?
“Hmph.” Evory rolled onto her side. She needed to know more about the original Evory.
“System, is there any way to find out more about Evory?”
[System Message: Say ‘Status’ and everything about the Host and Evory can be found.]
“...Status.”
A slight chime was heard, and then a floating screen appeared in front of Evory.
—--------------------------------------------
Name: Evory Marina Blanchette
Age: 16
Titles: Villainess, Reincarnator, Favored by [???], Secret Patient, Contractor of Flames
Death Countdown: 6:22:54:32
Level: 1
MP: 100/100
Mana Core: SS [Blocked]
STR: 10 [F]
DEX: 15 [E]
INT: 25 [C]
Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
LUK: 1 [F]
VIT: 2 [F]
SP remaining: 0
Skills: Fire Monarch [SS] , Manipulate [E] , Intimidate [D], Noble [S], Body of Steel [F], Mind of Steel [C]
—--------------------------------------------
‘This is all so much. Let’s start with the titles…’
Evory tapped on one of the titles, and a closer menu with a description appeared.
[Villainess: Your villainous deeds have not gone unnoticed. A notorious reputation follows you wherever you go.]
Evory rolled her eyes; she could fix that. She just needed time… and by the looks of things, her time was quickly running out.
Evory tapped on the next title.
[Reincarnator: Pitied in your final moments with no one there for you, you were given another chance.]
‘I really dislike this one. It does give me some hint on my death, though.’
Evory glared at the title before moving on.
[Favored by [???]: Your soul has been favored by [???], you have been granted this system out of love.]
‘So this title gave me the system. This one is good, but who was I favored by?’
Next.
[Secret Patient: Not letting anyone know your sickly status, you confine yourself to your chambers, forever suffering alone.]
‘Hmm, slightly ominous. Also, it looks like Evory has been sicker for much longer than I thought.’
Evory tapped on the final title.
[Contractor of Flames: ??? ]
‘… It’s hidden. Anyway, this must be at least somewhat important for me not to be able to access it.’
Evory was curious.
“...System, why is some information hidden from me?”
[System Message: Some information is hidden from the host because of a lack of knowledge.]
‘This could make sense… I just need to confirm something.’
Evory rolled onto her back again, “System, if I learn more about this world or about Titles, will I be able to view the hidden information?”
[System Message: Correct.]
‘Hmmm, looks like going to Flaun Academy will help a lot then. If I can even make it there...’
Evory scoffed. Pushing past the hidden information issue, she examined the rest of her status.
‘It looks just like a game display… Level 1.’
‘Ah wait, if it’s like a game then I can level up and get better abilities. I’ll be able to protect myself.’
Evory then stared at her current abilities with a blank face.
‘This is all… trash. Especially this…’
[Mana Core: SS [Blocked] ]
‘I knew Evory had a great mana core, but why would it be blocked?’
Normally, someone’s magical abilities were based on their mana core. The smaller the mana core you had, the more inferior magical abilities you would have. Likewise, the bigger the mana core you had, the more pronounced magical abilities you would have. That’s why it didn’t make sense. In the novel, Evory was known for having a giant mana core but was barely able to use magic. She was even called a disappointment. It especially doesn’t make sense because of her mana core being [SS] Ranked. Her mana core shouldn’t even be blocked…
‘I’ll figure it out later, but first, I need to get my basic stats up and take a look at my skills.’
Evory’s eyes slid down to the bottom of the display and began to read her skills and their descriptions.
‘An [SS]?!’
[Fire Monarch: Fire bends its will to you and serves you as its temporary master.]
‘Isn’t this… really good?! But wait, why didn’t the original Evory use this in the novel?’
‘Evory could’ve been a very strong magical paladin with this, so why was it never mentioned?’
[Manipulate: You can turn any situation you want into a favorable one, using lies, or any other means.]
‘This was a common skill Evory would use in the novel. She would turn her bullying into a favorable situation for herself whenever she got caught. I have a hunch I’ll use it later on.’
[Intimidate: Use your status as a high noble to intimidate others]
‘Isn’t this just bullying… this seems useless.’
[Noble: The art of nobility has been engraved into your bones. When you are around others, no matter the status, you will act noble.]
‘This explains everything. My skill wouldn’t let me be mistreated by servants, so it took over.’
During breakfast, Evory’s body automatically knew the posture for sitting and eating. She also spoke with a practiced eloquence.
‘Definitely useful, I won’t have to learn any etiquette.’
[Body of Steel: Any knife/sword attack will not be able to hurt your body. Your skin will be as tough as steel.
MP Needed: 50 per use]
‘Why would Evory have something like this? The novel doesn’t mention Evory getting stabbed until the end of the book…’
[Mind of Steel: Any purposeful mental attacks don’t affect you. Malicious words do not affect you.]
‘Oh, this activated during breakfast…This is also something that the original Evory shouldn’t have. The original Evory was easily provoked and didn’t fail to remind others of their place.’
Evory’s eyes widened.
‘Could it be… Could some of these skills be based on my past life?’
‘That would explain the Mind of Steel…’
Evory sighed and looked at her basic stats again. The most worrying thing was her vitality. Typically in games, vitality represents how much health a player will have. This is especially important during boss sequences and such.
But… Evory’s was terrible.
[VIT: 2(F) ]
‘It doesn’t even have to tell me it’s an ‘F’ rank. I would’ve already assumed that.’
Hmm…
“System, is my vitality low because I’m sick?”
[System Message: Yes. A doctor is highly recommended.]
‘Looks like I’ll have to find a doctor, and the sooner the better.’
Evory sat up from the bed, and rang the bell, summoning a servant. The same young servant from earlier entered her bedroom.
“Yes, my lady?”
“Is there a doctor in this estate?”
“Ah.. yes, but why?” The servant paused, and then wore a face of extreme distress, “Could it be? Are you sick my lady?!”
‘She seems genuinely worried… does she like Evory? She could be useful…’
“No, I’m fine…” Evory paused, “You, what’s your name?”
The young maid brushed a short brown strand of her hair behind her ear.
“I’m Bella, my lady!” She said that softly, but with a little excitement. A slight flush appeared on her cheeks.
Evory continued, “Bella… help me get dressed. I’m going to get a checkup done.”
Bella’s face brightened, “Y-Yes my lady!”
****
Bella had dressed Evory in a simplistic but elegant red gown. It was a much better upgrade compared to her gray nightgown which she had been previously wearing.
“In here, my lady.”
Bella shuffled to the side like a baby chick and opened the door for her.
“...Thank you.” She whispered into Bella’s ear, and then entered the Doctor’s office.
Bella shut the door, and Evory looked around the room. It smelled of strong lemon, and there was no one inside. There were lots of cupboards, counters, and a few seats throughout the room. In the center, there was a desk, presumably for checking in.
‘I guess I should wait…’
A few minutes went by, with no one coming. During this time, Evory sat on the patient chair and simply gazed out the window to pass the time.
Finally, a tall and lean man with deep eyebags entered, holding a basket of bottled herbs. He was mumbling things to himself and set down things on a counter to the right of Evory. He swept his long pale green hair back and adjusted his glasses.
“Excuse me-”
He visibly jumped.
“Oh- Oh my! I am so sorry! I didn’t notice you in here; you see I can’t really see so it causes issues sometimes! What can I do for you? Oh wait, do you want tea? Oh no-”
Evory stood up, and dusted off her gown, “It’s fine.”
She looked him up and down, “Are you the doctor here?”
“Oh- the doctor? No! No- I mean I will be- Maybe- one day!” He chuckled, “Anyway, no-”
Suddenly, the door to the doctor's office swung open. A huge chunky looking man walked in with a prideful expression, twisting his mustache.
“Ah, Vince, what did I say about you talking in my office?”
The man glanced at Evory; a frown then became permanently attached to his face. He turned to Vince.
“Get some tea for our guest please…”
“Certainly! Right away!” Vince rushed out of the doctor’s office, leaving Evory and the doctor all alone.
Tick. Tick. Tick.
“I presume you’re the estate doctor, am I correct?” She crossed her arms.
Tsk.
“Yes. I’m the humble doctor here, what can I do for you, lady?”
“I’d like to request a check-up. I think I might be ill.”
He turned around and began to sort the bottled herbs, “That can’t be.”
Evory dug her fingernails into her hand.
‘That can’t be? He didn’t even check my condition.’
Her eyes bore holes into his back.
[System: Skill ‘Noble’ has activated.]
“Is it hard?”
He froze and turned slowly.
“What did you just say?”
Evory uncrossed her arms and gracefully sat back down on the patient chair.
Enunciating her words, “I said, Is it hard to do a check-up?”
The door flung open again, Vince holding a tea set. The tension between them dissipated slightly.
“...Of course not, lady.” He glanced at Vince and then gave her a bright smile. The doctor then sat in the doctor seat across from her.
Evory dug her nails into her hands again, she was being belittled over and over in this house.
‘How frustrating.’
[System Message: Mind of Steel has activated.]
“I-I-I am so sorry! I couldn’t find the tea set and I had to have a maid help me! Then, I got stupidly lost, and I had to run around looking for this room!”
The two looked at Vince struggle to set up the tea set and shakily pour them tea.
‘This guy…’ Evory rubbed her temples, and Vince served the tea to them both.
“Vince, you may go now.” She waved him off.
“O-Of course! Lady!” He then ran out of the room, off to who knows where.
****
Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick
The doctor let out an awkward cough.
“...So,” He set down his teacup, “What would you like the checkup on?”
‘He’s in such a rush…’
She silently sipped on her tea, opened her eyes, and said, “Everything.”
He stood up abruptly, “Everything?! What about my work?! I won’t have time to get anything done!”
“Just because you have power doesn’t mean you get to abuse it!” He scolded Evory.
Evory hated yelling. She set down her teacup and looked him dead in the eye.
[System Message: ‘Intimidate’ & ‘Noble’ has activated.]
“Is that so… My knowledge must be lacking.” Evory let out a small chuckle.
“I didn’t know a doctor could talk to a lady in that tone.” She sipped on her tea again.
“Y-You!” He pointed a finger at her.
‘Intimidate isn’t useless after all!’
“By the way… I thought it was common knowledge that a checkup was for everything. You seem to be in quite the rush.”
His finger began to shake.
“You- I’m an Earl! I also have power; you don’t get to force me to do what you want!”
‘All this over a small checkup…’
Evory let out another humorless laugh, “An Earl? Only an Earl?”
“Where on Flaun do you think you are?” She smirked.
‘This is the Blanchette Estate… A duke’s estate. Really, his stupidity even amazes me.’
“I am the daughter of a Duke and engaged to the 1st Prince. Who on Flaun do you think you’re talking to?”
He began to shake.
“Let me rephrase what I’m asking you… Who do you think I am?”
“You, you are…”
Evory smirked and began to sip on her tea again. She loudly clinked it back down.
“Earl, I am very forgiving, but don’t forget your place.”
She then sat up and began to leave.
“Wh-Where are you going?”
“None of your business, I’ll be coming back later. I hope you’ll have more clarity about your position by then.”
She gently opened the door and shut it behind her.
****
Shivers were sent down Evory’s spine.
‘It looks like I’ll need to find a new doctor… I don’t think he’ll forget how I humiliated him today. This skill keeps forcing me to stand up for myself…’
She glanced around the empty hallway. Bella wasn’t outside the door, and Evory had forgotten the way back.
“I should’ve called her…” She mumbled under her breath.
Suddenly, Evory felt her chest caving in again and felt a cough begin to build up. Her breath became more shallow, and Evory covered her mouth with her hand.
‘Not here! The blood that comes out is… ’
Evory frantically searched the hallway for an empty room. She spotted what seemed like a dusty laboratory door and flung the door open. Evory hurriedly closed it and then collapsed on the floor in front of it. Her head became fuzzy and her hearing gradually faded. The built-up cough released, and black blood was forced out of her body. She pressed both her hands in front of her mouth, trying to catch the blood and reduce any possible noise.
Fortunately, the coughs didn’t last as long and less blood came out. Evory was breathing heavily, attempting to catch her breath. She leaned against the doorframe. The sound made its way into the world again, and her vision cleared up.
“...Lady?! Lady?! Can you hear me?!”
Evory was alert and darted her eyes upward. It was Vince, the apprentice that wouldn’t stop talking in the doctor’s office.
“Lady?!”
He was staring straight at her; his eyes traveling to the thick and dark blood dripping down her mouth. Then, to the blood that got all over her now shaking hands.