I am the Villainess

The next day, Sebastian heard about Daphne's behaviour toward the Crown Prince and was surprised. He had thought she would change her mind once she met him, but it seemed she was firm about cancelling the engagement. He glanced at Daphne, who was calmly studying the papers before her.

"Your Grace," she said, pointing at the map. "I think it would be better to lower the taxes on these farmlands." Her finger rested on a small village. "Here, in Hartheim."

"Why do you say that?" the Duke asked.

"Because Hartheim has always provided plenty of food and cash crops for the duchy," Daphne explained. "But the farmers are suffering under the weight of the taxes." 

She took a pen and wrote a number on the paper. "The village now has about three thousand people. Last year, it had over ten thousand. Most of them left because the taxes were unbearable. And while the money we receive follows the rules, in reality..." 

She leaned forward.

"You mean there are—"

"Yes. Middlemen," Daphne said firmly. "They buy crops from farmers at very low prices, then sell them in the cities for much more. They pay the required taxes to the duchy, but the extra profit goes into their own pockets. Meanwhile, the farmers remain poor."

"The middlemen have been around since the fifth duke," Sebastian pointed out. "How do you explain that?"

"During the fifth duke's rule, the economy was stable," Daphne replied. "But once trade with foreign nations began, this practice grew and started to harm the farmers."

The Duke sat back in thought. "So how do you plan to end this exploitation?"

"The only way," Daphne said slowly, looking up at the ceiling, "is to reduce the tax rate by ten percent. With lighter taxes, farmers will be able to travel directly to the cities to sell their goods. Right now, it costs at least five silver coins for the trip if they stay at an inn. With reduced taxes, that cost will drop to around one coin."

Sebastian raised a brow. "But will this not damage the duchy's income?"

"No," Daphne shook her head. "If farmers can sell directly, their income will rise. We will still receive ten percent from their earnings, but since their earnings will be higher, our share will also grow. And when the population returns to normal, the duchy will collect even more. That extra income can be used for the duchy's growth."

Sebastian nodded, clearly impressed. "You reason well. I will give this matter serious thought. You may go back to your studies."

"How did the meeting with His Grace go, my lady?" Ellet asked with a slight bow.

"It went fine," Daphne replied, pausing for a moment before glancing at her hands. "He said he would consider it."

Ellet's expression grew worried and a bead of sweat appeared on her forehead. "My lady, forgive me for asking, but is this not the first time His Grace has said that he would consider your suggestion?"

Wait a moment. Now that she mentioned it... Oh no! By God's grace! I had completely forgotten. I was not the side character or even the heroine of the novel. I was the villainess.

Daphne's thoughts ran wild as she jumped to her feet and began pacing. She had tried so hard to appear mature and earn the duke's favour to protect her own life, that she had forgotten how to react like an ordinary person.

I was a political science student with a minor in economics. Perhaps that explained why I had taken such interest in politics and taxation policies whenever Sebastian spoke of them.

"Ellet!" Daphne suddenly called out, her voice ringing loudly. Ellet assumed her lady had returned to her spoiled self as before, but she was mistaken. Daphne quickly steadied her tone.

No, Daphne. You must remain rational. You were an adult in your past life, and you are an adult now as well.

"Bring me a cup of warm tea," she said calmly.

Ellet nodded and hurried away at once to fetch the tea.

Daphne lay back on the sofa and pressed her fingers to her temples. She needed to rest for a while. Only after drinking this cup of tea will my mind start working again, she thought.

Before long, Ellet returned with a steaming cup and placed it in Daphne's hands. "My lady, your tea."

"Thank you," Daphne replied softly and took a slow sip.

"Ellet, you may continue with your duties. I would like some time alone."

Ellet bowed respectfully and left the room. When the door closed behind her, Daphne rose and moved to her desk. She picked up a feather quill and began writing down the names of the male leads from the novel.

The first name she wrote was Adrian Einar. He was the first to fall in love with Cordelia. He was also Daphne's executioner, a man who trusted Cordelia above anyone else. He carried the reputation of a tyrant, a title he inherited from his elder brother, the emperor of the Einar Empire.

Daphne drew a firm line through his name. You are no longer needed in my life.The engagement with you is already cancelled.