Page 128 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

But underneath the triumph, something else gnawed at her.

Millicent's words echoed in her mind: "You trapped him. Everyone knows it. You used a seduction spell. Got yourself pregnant. Forced the Duke into marriage with your scheming."

It was true.

Not for Carol—she'd never done those things. But Caroline had.

And Carol was living in Caroline's body, reaping the consequences of Caroline's actions.

Mochi and Shadow greeted her immediately, sensing her distress. Shadow whined softly, pressing against her legs. Mochi meowed and rubbed his head against her hand.

"I'm okay," Carol said quietly, kneeling to pet them both. "Just... thinking."

She stood and looked toward the corner where her companion sprites hovered.

Lumi floated near the window, her golden glow soft in the lamplight. Missy perched on the bedpost, her red-purple energy crackling with curiosity.

"You want to know, don't you?" Lumi said gently. "What really happened. Three and a half months ago."

Carol nodded. "Millicent said I trapped him. That I used a spell. Got pregnant. Forced the marriage." She paused. "Is that true? I know the basics from the game system, but I don't... I don't remember it. Not really."

"Because you're not her," Missy said, unusually serious. "You're Carol. The transmigrator. You don't have Caroline's memories—not unless you choose to access them."

"I can do that?" Carol asked.

"You're in her body," Lumi explained. "Her memories are still there, stored in this brain. You just need to focus. Concentrate on the moment you want to see, and the memory will surface."

Carol's stomach twisted with apprehension. "I'm not sure I want to see it."

"You need to," Lumi said firmly but kindly. "If you're going to carry this guilt, you should at least know what actually happened. Not the rumors. Not the gossip. The truth."

Carol took a breath and sat on the edge of her bed.

"How do I...?"

"Just close your eyes," Lumi said. "Focus on that night. The ball. Three and a half months ago. Let the memory come."

Carol closed her eyes.

At first, there was nothing. Just darkness and the sound of her own breathing.

Then, slowly, images began to form.

Colors. Sounds. Sensations.

And suddenly, she wasn't Carol anymore.

She was Caroline.

◆◆◆

Three and a Half Months Ago

The ballroom glittered with candlelight and jewels.

Caroline Holloway stood near the refreshment table, her emerald gown rustling as she adjusted her hair for the third time. Her heart raced with anticipation and nervousness.

Tonight. Tonight was the night.