I fell for the regressed villainess at the academy (Chapter 1) (Patreon)

I redid chapter 1 because I wasn't satisfied with it. Usually, when I read a new story and it starts with a character just rambling inside their head, I lose interest. There's a big impulse for writers, including myself, to want to introduce the reader to certain types of information as fast as possible, which usually results in an initial infodump. Granted, that was only a small part of the first iteration, but I also wanted to show a more personal side of the villainess. I also wanted to change her name. And the title is still a WIP.

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Somewhere inside an old, shadowy manor, a door slowly creaked open. Casting a circle of light on the dark wooden floor, a middle-aged man carefully stepped inside, trying to make as little noise as possible.

Holding a tray in the other hand, his faded, grey eyes swept the small room, furnished only with a narrow bed, a table and chair. A little girl with black hair was seated in the latter, perhaps eight years old, staring out the single window at the silvery moon hanging in the sky.

“You’re still awake, my lady.”

Wearing a tired smile, the man slowly pushed the door closed before walking toward the table, setting the tray and lantern down. A plate, bowl and glass were placed on it, stacked with buttered bread and cold turkey slices, a single custard tart and some milk.

The little girl looked away from the moon, turning her head toward him. She had a pair of extremely eerie eyes; deep crimson, with sclera black as ink. Pretty as a doll with a pale, expressionless face, it made for an unsettling scene.

Strangely, the man didn’t seem disconcerted, returning her gaze with fondness.

“I know you haven’t eaten today, so I checked the kitchen for leftovers. It’s not much, but if more went missing, the cook would kick up a fuss.”

“…”

The girl lowered her head, looking at the food on the tray. Staring at it for a moment, she lifted a slice of bread with one dainty hand, taking a small bite. Slowly, one turkey sandwich disappeared, then the next. The tart was after that, and the glass of milk.

Her eating speed was extremely slow, taking nearly half an hour to finish. When she was done, she wiped her hands on the serviette next to her plate, her gaze returning to the man. Her pale, pink lips parted, speaking in a hazy, almost dreamlike voice.

“Thank you, Lucien.”

They were only three simple words, but the man’s face stiffened like he’d just heard something unbelievable. Touching his brow with a trembling hand, he stumbled backward, steadying himself against a wall.

“…I’m unworthy of your gratitude, lady.”

The girl looked at him intently, her eyes filled with some indescribable emotion.

“If it were anyone else in the manor, they would be unworthy. You’re the only person who’s truly on my side, Lucien.”

The man looked at her through a gap in his fingers, his expression twisting sorrowfully. Her words were clearly meant as reassurance, but to him, they seemed to be a dagger to the heart.

Lowering his head to hide his face, he spoke with a shaky voice.

“No. No, I failed you. If I were a better servant, you wouldn’t be suffering like this. I’m not capable enough-…”

Before he could finish, the girl got up, walking forward slowly until she stood in front of him. Reaching toward the frozen man, she carefully hugged him around the waist, her head barely reaching his abdomen.

“All this time, I thought you only pretended to care for me. I misunderstood your intentions, Lucien. I’m the one who should apologize.”

The man trembled faintly, one hand hovering in the air like he didn’t know what to do with himself.

“My lady, I-I don’t know what to say. It’s only normal for you to have felt that way. It didn’t bother me at all…”

He paused worriedly, not wanting to make her uncomfortable. However, when it became clear she wouldn’t let go, Lucien gently touched the top of her head.

“…but it isn’t like you to say such things. Why all of a sudden? Did something happen?”

The girl nodded slowly, rubbing her face against his stomach. When she spoke, her voice was muffled by the fabric of his shirt.

“I had a nightmare. It was so long, I felt it would never end. When I woke up, I realized that I made a lot of mistakes-...”

She hesitated before continuing, a twinge of feeling creeping into her usually monotone voice.

“…maybe if it were someone else, it would be fine. However, in my case, I can’t keep acting like a spoiled little girl.”

Lucien’s lips thinned, his face turning paler. Putting both arms around her back, he hugged her tightly. They stood like that for a while, comforting each other.

It was a while before he’d regained enough composure to speak.

“My lady-…”

“Don’t call me that. Use my name. You’re the only family I have, Lucien. You’re more of a father to me than that man ever was.”

Her sudden demand caused Lucien’s expression to change, shifting from more emotion to the next. Eventually he sighed, carefully rubbing her small back.

“You really are acting out of sorts today, Serana. Since you ate, I think it’s time for me to leave. You’ll probably feel better after a good night’s sleep.”

The girl nodded once, slowly pulling away until she was held at arm’s distance. After staring intently into Lucien’s eyes—his kindly grey ones meeting her haunting, crimson orbs—she turned around, padding over to her bed before slipping underneath the covers.

Watching as he walked to the door and opened it, Serana spoke with quiet intensity.

“I made up my mind. From now on, things are going to be different. Nobody will push us around anymore.”

Lucien turned his head to look at her, carefully balancing the tray in one hand.

“Don’t do anything rash. It’s best to just keep living quietly and not attract attention. Once your older, you’ll have more autonomy.

Serana didn’t reply, simply staring at him while pulling her blanket up to under her nose.

Lucien shook his head, sighing. After stepping outside, he carefully closed the door behind him.

“Sleep well, little princess.”

Listening as his footsteps receded, thumping dully against the hallway’s wooden floor, her eyes narrowed. When the sound faded into the distance, she whispered something unconsciously.

“I don’t want to cause trouble either, but if I don’t, you won’t even be able to watch me grow up…”

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