Page 28 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

Carol felt her face heating up again. He'd been teasing her. The terrifying Duke of Death and Destruction had made a joke.

"You're blushing," Lumi observed. "Are you thinking about His Grace?"

"No," Carol lied.

"You're totally thinking about him," Missy said. "I can see it on your face. You've got that dopey look."

"I do not have a dopey look."

"Very dopey. Like a lovesick cow."

"I am NOT—" Carol stopped, took a breath. "Okay, yes, fine. He's attractive. Sue me. He's rich, powerful, handsome, and he wasn't actively mean to me at dinner despite the fact that I tried to poison him. The bar is underground, but he cleared it."

"That's actually kind of sweet," Lumi said.

"It's pathetic," Carol corrected. "My standards have been lowered by corporate trauma and survival instinct."

A familiar blue glow appeared in her peripheral vision. Carol turned to see the game interface materializing in front of her.

"Oh, good morning to you too," she said to the floating screen.

GOOD MORNING, PLAYER!

Daily Status Report:

Name: Caroline Holloway Vanthorn

Level: 10

Class: Unspecialized Noble

Stats:

● Water Magic: Level 5 (Beginner)

● Mind Magic: Level 7 (Beginner)

● Physical Combat: Level 1 (Pathetic)

● Social Skills: Level 3 (Formerly Terrible, Improving)

● Survival Instinct: Level 8 (Developed Through Trauma)

Status Effects:

● Pregnant (3 months): Stamina -10%, Emotional Volatility +15%, Glow +5%

● Married to Terrifying Duke: Stress +20%, Protection +50%, Luxury +100%

● Villainess Reputation: Public Opinion -80%

● Death Flags Active: Anxiety +40%

Current Titles:

● Duchess of Vanthorn

● The Hated Villainess