After having another vexing round of conversation with AI500. Cecil learned the purpose of her role here, that she found utterly ridiculous.
[ 1. Experience the story and complete the plot holes that riddled the story everywhere. ]
[ 2. Change the fate of Cecil Lan. ]
There was no way that Cecil would want to experience the original fate of Cecil Lan anyway!
At least the main goal made her slightly happier.
[ 3. Help the protagonist avoid the canon ending. ]
Her rewards for completing these tasks would ensure that she would reincarnate and live a better life. She would even be rewarded with points that would help her with the journey in this world.
She could care less about making the novel better, as well as fixing its plotholes. The only goal stuck in her mind for now was to meet the protagonist, as a loyal reader of the novel and an ultimate fan of the protagonist, meeting him was her biggest dream right now!
Cecil hurriedly prepared herself to head down, finally deciding to grace the world of the "Path to the Supreme God" with her presence.
Hold on a moment, must I really put on a farce to maintain the original character of Cecil Lan?
Cecil paused in her steps, contemplating. She wasn't willing to do it, but if she had to stay in character to avoid suspicions...
[ A friendly note to Cecil Lan, even if you act out of character, many of them would only regard you as an insane person. No one will raise their weapons to kill you, do not worry]
"...how is that any better?" Cecil mumbled to herself, and she remained silent for a moment longer, finally nodding to herself as she arrived to a decision. "I will stay in character, and slowly change along the way. It isn't any better, but I dislike Cecil Lan anyway."
[ Another friendly note, please remember to recall the memories of the previous owner of this body. Enjoy your time here, Cecil Lan~ ]
Cecil grimaced at the "adorable" speech mannerisms of AI500 once more. She then processed those words, and nodded to herself, wanting to recall the memories when her door was slammed open.
She flinched back, startled greatly from her reverie.
"Cecil Lan, this is the final warning I am giving to you! Come down right now, and learn the lessons from me, or you can forget about stepping out from your room for two weeks!" A woman exclaimed in a shrill voice, and Cecil couldn't help wincing, bringing her head up hesitantly.
She stared at the woman before her, she was an exact replica of Cecil Lan, only that she looked twenty years older and her emerald eyes glared fiercely at Cecil.
Images flashed through her mind involuntarily, and Cecil recognised the woman to be her mother.
"Mo-mother?"
"That's right, I am your mother! For months, I've been patient, allowing you the time to understand that your mother wasn't a rich heiress, but a professional dancer that belonged to a renowned troupe," she placed her hand on her waist, donning a flamboyant dress. "And you not only rejected my passion, you even declined learning from me! You think I wouldn't know how you are looking down on this profession of mine?"
The hurt was evident in her voice, even her eyes were starting to look misty.
Another series of memories assaulted Cecil's mind. The original Cecil Lan in the novel, truthfully, looked down on her mother's passion of her previous occupation.
It was even stated in the novel.
Cecil Lan was an absolute beauty, but she had a nasty personality. There wasn't a single inch of good in her heart, and she was terribly spoiled.
Cecil couldn't understand the previous owner of this body. In the memories over the years, her parents, especially her mother, doted on her to the extreme. How could she treat them in such an ungrateful way?
Seeing that this gorgeous and kind mother in her memory was on the verge of crying, Cecil's heart softened. She immediately shook her head, and hastily threw out a pathetic lie.
"No, goodness no. Mother, you are mistaken. I was...busy!"
"Bu-busy? That you tossed me aside?" Cecil's mother sniffed, her sad voice made one rather sympathetic.
"I was too immersed with the erotic novels!" Cecil blurted out the first thing that came to her mind, her expression blank.
Her mother heard her words, freezing on the spot.
"..."
"..."
"...how many of them?"
"...five...?"
"..."
"..."
Cecil saw her mother's cheeks turning rosy, and she, on the other hand, struggled to maintain the blank expression. She decided to slap on a haughty look on her face, which she hope she really did, and decided to stick with her embarrassing lie.
"Are they...good?"
"Very." Cecil coughed out, comforting herself inwardly, that she wasn't actually the owner of this body.
"Where did you hide it?"
"My wardrobe."
"Let me see--"
Cecil stiffened, her steps brisk as she walked towards her mother. "I'll start learning today, mother. Let's hurry!"
Her mother instantly brightened up, grabbing her daughter's hand.
"Follow me, Cecil." she urged in a happy tone.
"Of course!"
"But it's a pity now." Cecil's mother sighed, shaking her head.
"Hm, what is?" Cecil tilted her head, puzzled. "That I only want to start now?"
The original Cecil Lan wouldn't have even touched or hear an inch of this lessons. Spoiled and unappreciative brat.
"That is one reason, the other reason is Hana. She started to learn from me a while ago, but she has...no talent. She has been waiting for you to start the entire time, so that she could accompany you. I haven't seen her for two days now, looks like she isn't coming over today either."
Upon hearing the name "Hana", Cecil was struck with another barrage of memories. The most recent one, left her in a huge shock and she went pale, her knees growing weak.
Cecil stumbled, and her mother, realising something was wrong quickly turned. She panicked, immediately going over to support Cecil.
"Cecil? What's wrong?"
Cecil looked at her mother, and she forced an apologetic smile on her face.
"Excuse me, mother. Just give me a minute, I'll join you later."
Her mother knew whatever this matter was, it must be urgent. "It's alright. I'll just leave the dress on your bed later on, just get dressed and meet me in the courtyard."
"See you later, mother." Cecil dashed off, and her mother looked at her disappearing figure, frowning to herself.
"...this child is awfully weird today. Did something happen? She would normally throw a tantrum if I told her to meet me in the courtyard for a lesson."
Cecil panted, standing in front of two oak doors and she rested her forehead on her palm, shaking her head. She was starting to wonder at which point of the story she has been transmigrated to, and she was hoping it would be at the very start.
Alas, the world isn't so nice.
She has read the entire novel thrice, and she could gauge at which point of the story she was at now. It was five days before Hana Katae, her best friend, would meet the love of her life, the protagonist.
This is where the bullying has already started...
Cecil mourned to herself, pushing the doors open quickly. The doors revealed a huge room with bookshelves that stretched all the way to the ceiling, numerous amount of books being stored in those bookshelves.
Cecil Lan, had selfishly locked her best friend in this room for two days, as that same best friend decided to abandon her accidentally while they were having lunch together outside.
The old Cecil Lan disliked having lunch alone, wherever and whenever. She was extremely petty and holds deep grudges against those who did her wrong.
Even her servants were afraid of angering her, or going back against her commands. Her parents would only listen to their dearest daughter, and assumed she never do any wrong.
"Cecil! You are here, what book would like to summarise today? I am already done with the previous one!" A demure voice announced cheerily.
Hana Katae, the hopeless best friend of Cecil Lan...and the constant damsel in distress heroine of the story...
Cecil lifted her head up, seeing a svelte red-haired woman similar to her in age, turning towards her as she placed a book back into the shelf.
Her soft, beady, blue eyes were slightly curved, an amiable smile on her voluminous, rosy lips. Her unblemished small, round face, along with her cute button nose were further enhanced by her pretty smile.
Her wavy, red hair cascaded down to her slender waist that was further accentuated by the sky blue dress she was wearing. Its design was similar to Cecil's dress, but it contained more frills, that had a darker blue that matched her dress.
Her porcelain skin contrasted against her features and the dress beautifully, giving off an ethereal feel.
Cecil felt herself smiling back unconsciously, the gentle sunlight shining down on Hana, as if highlighting her gorgeous features even more.
Hana Katae, even after being reincarnated as a human, she retained her goddess-like image.
The previous Cecil Lan knew how superior her best friend was, in terms of appearance. This made her particularly bitter and envious, as the previous Cecil Lan loved basking in attention.
"I am feeling bored actually...can I go out now?" Hana pouted, not looking like someone who has been sealed inside a room for two days.
Hana Katae, other than her flawless appearance and personality, had one major flaw.
She was a complete airhead.
Even if someone were to take advantage of her, she'll never know.
Cecil Lan loved taking advantage of her because of this. Everyone assumed they were the best of friends, when in actual fact, Cecil Lan was a back-stabbing two-faced woman that abused Hana in a subtle way.
Even her parents and Hana's parents couldn't see through Cecil's facade. They even assumed Hana was having an enjoyable sleepover at Cecil's house now, when Cecil had actually indirectly locked her up in the library due to her petty and ugly temper.
"Of course, Hana," Cecil stepped aside, gesturing her to the opened doors. "I apologise, I will never do anything like this ever again."
Hana blinked innocently, skipping towards Cecil. "What are you sorry for? I enjoyed reading those books, and the meals here in this house are great as always! I had fun! Sleepovers with you is fun!"
Cecil couldn't resist, reaching out to pat Hana on her head. Hana was surprised by this unexpected act of her best friend, giving her an adorable, puzzled look.
"Let's hurry. I have decided to attend the lessons from my mother, you want to see, didn't you?"
Hana brightened up, nodding her head vigorously.
Five days passed by quickly as Cecil began to immerse herself in her role, and recall the memories of the previous owner. Along with that were her lessons she had been attending faithfully.
In her life at the previous world, Cecil was someone of a poor physique. She had a weak heart and was constantly plagued by ailments. She could not enjoy life to the fullest, from the food she eats, the activities she does and even dolling herself up.
"Wonderful!" Someone exclaimed, as two different pairs of hands applauded.
Cecil panted, a gratified expression on her face as she brought her outstretched hand back. She was wearing a rose-coloured dress that emphasised on her lithe figure, along with a shawl of the same colour covering her bare shoulders and neck.
"After you are done with the basics, we can finally move on to the sword movements, and I'll make a special outfit, as the final reward."
Cecil gazed at her mother, patting the sweat away from her face. Seeing the proud look on her mother's face, Cecil couldn't help smiling as she nodded at her mother.
"Thank you, mother. I will treasure it."
Her mother was clearly touched by her words, caressing her daughter's cheek despite the stickiness from the sweat.
"I'm so happy, that you decided to give these lessons a try. I hope you understand, why your mother treats this as her passion."
"I can't lie, mother. This is exhilarating and somewhat fulfilling, I can start to understand your passion for this particular sword dancing movement."
However, Cecil knew her stamina was nowhere near her mother. Her mother had practiced along side her, guiding her along the way. Cecil was panting heavily while her mother was only panting slightly.
Her mother's dancing outfit was gorgeous with an orange tone. It was obvious how it was specifically tailored for her.
"That was absolutely wonderful, Cecil!" Hana hurried towards Cecil, the awe written all over her face.
Cecil and her mother chuckled softly at Hana, who resembled a lovely rabbit hopping about in glee.
"Alright, you two lovely ladies should head for lunch now. Your mother has to an important date with your father."
"Take care, mother."
They waved their goodbyes, and Cecil prepared to head to lunch with Hana. Cecil's mood was unusually jovial today, since it was the fated day.
The day where the heroine and the protagonist will meet...along with her as a cannon fodder villain.
[ Your first mission has arrived!
Mission #1: The fateful meeting!
Objective : Head down to the Plik and reenact the fateful meeting between the protagonist and the heroine.
Reward : 10 points
Failure of mission will result in a negative 10 points. ]
"Missing out on meeting the protagonist. No way in hell I'll miss it, AI500!"
[ Yes, after all, this is your favourite novel~ ]
Cecil gave up on insisting that this wasn't her favourite novel to the AI.
《 start 》
Vengeance.
But how can I accomplish that when fifty fragments of myself has been scattered around the four continents?
Though, there is something inside me saying it's possible now.
Is it because something has really changed?
Hana, is it really you?
Where are you?
《 stop 》