Page 92 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

"Thanks, Missy. Very encouraging."

"What? You had a TWO PERCENT survival rate! I was being realistic!" Missy grinned. "But you're proving me wrong. Keep it up and you might actually survive this whole thing."

"Fifteen percent isn't exactly safe," Carol pointed out.

"It's seven and a half times better than two percent," Lumi countered. "That's significant improvement!"

"And you've only been here seven days," Missy said. "Imagine what you can do in a month. Six months. A year."

Carol petted Mochi, who purred contentedly. Shadow stirred slightly, then settled back into sleep.

"I can do this," Carol said, more to convince herself than anything. "I can clear these death flags. I can build a real relationship with Caspian. I can make this work."

"Yes, you can," Lumi said firmly.

"Though it would be more fun if you caused a little chaos," Missy added. "Just saying. Everything's been very wholesome lately."

"I almost got killed by death flags," Carol said. "I think I'll skip the chaos."

"Your loss," Missy said. "But fine. Be boring and survive. I suppose that's acceptable."

Carol smiled and settled back into her pillows. Mochi and Shadow adjusted their positions to stay close to her, and she felt a wave of contentment wash over her.

Seven days.

Level 16.

One death flag cleared.

15% survival rate.

A husband who brought her puppies and made dry jokes.

Siblings who were starting to approve.

Staff who no longer flinched when she walked into a room.

Two adorable apex predators who thought she was their mother.

"Yeah," Carol said softly, closing her eyes. "I'm doing okay."

And for the first time since arriving in this world, she actually believed it.

Chapter 19

Stimulating the Economy

Carol had spent the morning after breakfast exploring more of the estate with Bea, discussing color schemes and fabric choices for the ongoing decorating project. By lunch, she'd made decisions on approximately seventeen different items and was feeling quite productive.

She was also feeling restless.

"I'd like to see the town," Carol announced over lunch, looking at Caspian. "The market, specifically. Are you free this afternoon to show us around?"

Caspian paused with his fork halfway to his mouth. "You want to visit Frostmarch town?"

"Yes. I've been at the estate for over three months and haven't seen anything beyond the walls." Carol smiled hopefully. "I'd like to see your domain. And I heard there are excellent shops."

"And food stalls," Bea added, clearly interested. "I've been told the northern honey cakes are exceptional."