BERTRANMIGRATED TO BE A VILLAIN IN THE NOVEL
CHAPTER 9

The most important thing in the aristocratic world was the possibility of connection. As the only daughter of the Grand Duke in our kingdom, my help is highly sought after. The nobles with children my age specifically tried to make their children my friends, and I welcomed the very lack of popularity in my past life. 

Social events, then, are very important, even among children. That is why I have a tea party, besides the fact that I enjoy sweets made by the cook. It was a valuable time to strengthen alliances and increase my influence in high society. 

"Hello! Welcome!" 

"Good afternoon!"

"Good afternoon. How was your trip here?”

As the host, I greet my guests with a bright smile and false pleasantries. They ate it all, praised my new jewelry and clothes, and how happy they were to be here. 

I knew that most of them would leave me as soon as my family lost strength, so there was no point in keeping too many people around. However, great things are still needed to show our status, and I like his attention. Moreover, even those who are not truly loyal can be useful, as I intend for our home to never fall. 

“Nona Annalise, Miss Delilah! It's so good to see you.”

Surprisingly, my best friend as the villain of the novel is my best friend. Funny how destiny works sometimes. 

“Nona Valentina! Missed you!"

"How are you, Miss Valentina?"

“I'm fine, thank you, Lady Delilah. Why don't we just sit down?”

In our kingdom, there is one grand duke and four dukes, ruled by the gand duke and the other duke. There were also some marches around the border, with marquesses. Later, there were a number of counties and viscounties ruled by count and viscount, and a few more barons ruled by barons. They were all followers of the royal family and the king, but that did not stop them from forming factions. It's not so clear yet, but by the time the novel begins, the royal family will start to conflict with our family, as we become too powerful. 

But now I just have to focus on my friends. 

"Miss Valentina, I embroider this handkerchief for you!"

"Beautiful! Thank you, Miss Annalise.”

Lady Annalise Tennesley was the daughter of a marquis. His family was totally loyal to Dad, and he was to me. I liked him, because even though he wasn't very smart, I knew he would follow me to hell and back. He never sold me at the end of the novel. 

As an antagonist, she is not very beautiful. But she looks good with her orange hair and bright brown eyes, and the serenity of a noblewoman. I saw that her embroidery was very pretty when she handed the handkerchief over to me. It was a rose-shaped emblem, the coat of arms of the Avington House. 

“Tea is delicious, Miss Valentina.”

“Thank you, Mrs Delilah. Dad has imported it from east.”

He is very intelligent and works hard, as an heir. However, he would betray me when our house lost all our strength. It made me a little cold, because I always thought of him as a true friend and confidant. I want to get him closer, and of course he won't be pushed that far in this life. She is beautiful but inconspicuous in a subtle way, with dark brown hair and inked green eyes. 

"Say, how incompetent is a knight for a woman to be killed by a demon?"

Those words sounded loud and clear, and all the conversations suddenly came to a halt. It came from a girl I didn't know, like a daughter of a lower ranked noble. Clearly, she was talking about Delilah's little sister, and even though she was just a child, she was clearly less educated than the rest of us. 

“How insolent!” myrag. 

I clutched the handle of my teacup, but stopped myself before I could throw it at him. That's what criminals will do, and I have to pay attention to my reputation if I want to change the novel. I don't like that my status doesn't allow me to do whatever I want anymore now that I know the consequences. 

"And which family are you from?" 

Lady Delilah took a sip of her tea and asked calmly. The girl blushed. 

“My daughter Viscount Munoz.”

“You should be more careful with what you say. The viscount business did not go well, and of course his daughter did not want to make him a powerful enemy. ”

It was like a room letting out a collective breath. Delilah has decided to mature and release him with a simple threat. Really, she's graceful. 

The viscount princess nodded and muttered an apology. Soon, he excused himself, perhaps realizing that he was no longer welcome. 

It made me think. This time, it was just the insensitive remark of a little girl. If a criminal openly tortured that saint, no status could protect him. I thank God that I got my memory back. 

Another idea came to me. Many sympathetic gazes were directed at Delilah, and the viscount princess had gained status as an outcast. If I could somehow slander a saint, or sacrifice myself, it could be beneficial. 

“To be honest, the dress she was wearing was itself a crime,” whispered Annalise. 

I laugh. "I know? That's exactly what I think! ”

Even Delilah smiled slightly. After all, right now, we are just children, no matter how mature. 

That's right, I can worry about the novel later. I really want friends in my past life, so I will cherish every moment. Something in me was finally intact, and I was very happy, just to be there. 

It feels so good to be with them, not alone, to have people by my side.