I'll Become a Villainess That Will Go Down in History

While being held by Duke-sama, I looked up at the sky and squinted at the dazzling sun.

…It was so like Uncle Will to become a phoenix.

Please watch over me from the sky for a long time. I intend to pursue my dream without giving up until the end. I would fulfill my dream that was supported by you.

I told Duke-sama, “I’m, I’m all right now”.

I realized how weak my voice sounded, but I was happy that I was able to speak out.

It was a lie to say I was okay, but I couldn’t help but say it out loud. By saying it aloud and convincing my mind that I was okay, I could avoid any further distractions.

For me to be me, my heart had to be stronger.

Duke-sama looked at me anxiously, but then he slowly lowered me down.

I bowed politely to the coffin, putting all my feelings into it.

“You raised me with everything you had, and I will become your memento.”

The only thing I inherited from Uncle Will was becoming the person I was now.

I should continue to be a noble woman who remained unyielding in her beliefs.

I bowed for a while, then raised my head and turned around to face everyone. All the familiar faces were there.

Everyone seemed to have grown up somehow. Liz-san, in particular, seemed to have matured.

I noticed that my tears had stopped before I knew it. My heart still felt torn, and I could barely stand up, but I still wanted to be strong.

To not be ashamed to Uncle Will, and most of all, to be the person I wanted to be… I would wear any mask for that.

Everyone was frozen with their eyes wide open.

I didn’t know if they were surprised that I had two eyes or that I had returned to Duelkis Kingdom.

I smiled and said, “I’m home”.

It was the smile of a woman who had decided to live her life as a Villainess, who could still afford to smile even after the death of her loved one.

I did not know what punishment would be handed down to me for returning after being deported and being disrespectful at the funeral of a Royal family member.

But if I could leave even a small mark on everyone’s heart, it wouldn’t be bad.

“…Alicia!”

Gilles cried and hugged me.

“You came back. Thank you, I’m so happy that Alicia came back.”

Gilles hugged me tightly and I gently stroked his head.

Gilles had always been a mature boy with a good listening ear. I had never seen him cry like this, even though he had faced many situations where he could have cried.

“Gramps died…, what if Alicia disappears too…. I…”

Uncle Will’s death was not only hard on me.

Gilles was probably enduring it more than me. I could not believe that I thought that it was only me who was weeping…

“Thank you for coming back. …Welcome back.”

Oh, there was someone waiting for me all along.

Just one word, “Welcome back,” was all that was needed to save my life. My heart was filled with emotion, and I murmured, “Thank you”.

It was such a blessing to have a place to return to, wasn’t it?