How I Swapped Places with the Villainess, Beat Up Her Fiancé, and Found True Love Vol.2, page 24
Table of Contents
Copyright
Character Page
Prologue
Chapter One: Death or Engagement
Chapter Two: To the Kingdom of Bragioga
Chapter Three: My Life as a Fox
Chapter Four: The Fox Girl and Her Familiar
Chapter Five: The King’s Brother and the Prince
Chapter Six: The Mighty Mages
Chapter Seven: The Divine Beast and the Holy Sword
Chapter Eight: The Founding Festival
Chapter Nine: New School Year
Epilogue
Side Story: How Much of This Is a Dream?
Other Series
How I Swapped Places with the Villainess, Beat Up Her Fiancé, and Found True Love Vol.2
BlueBlue
Translation by JCT
Illustration by Meiji Anno
Title Design by Arbash Mughal
Editing by Shana Vodhanel
Proofreading by Charis Messier and A.M. Perrone
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
How I Swapped Places with the Villainess, Beat Up Her Fiancé, and Found True Love Vol.2
© BlueBlue 2022
First published in Japan in 2022 by
Futabasha Publishers Ltd.
English translation rights arranged with
Futabasha Publishers Ltd.
English translation ©2025 Cross Infinite World
All rights reserved. In accordance with U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, email the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at the email below.
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First Digital Edition: January 2025
ISBN-13: 979-8-88560-160-3
Prologue
“HUH?” I asked, my thoughts halting as I peered into the puddle. “Why? What’s going on here? Is this how treasure chests are supposed to work? They’re called treasure chests because treasure comes out of them, right? Not even Pandora would believe what came out of this box!”
My reflection startled me so much that I could only crack jokes.
Meanwhile, Custode attempted to placate me in a nonchalant voice. “Now, now. Let’s take a few deep breaths and relax.”
However, his words failed to calm me down.
“But this is a hidden room!” I cried. “That’s super rare, isn’t it?! So the treasure should be super rare, too, right?!”
“In a certain sense, this could be classified as rare, don’t you think?”
“Please tell me you’re joking.”
“Afraid not,” Custode replied.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I groaned. “Transforming into this is supposed to be treasure?”
Custode shook his head. “Actually, the treasure is this right here.”
He held something in his arms while maintaining his miniature form. He’d taken the object from the treasure chest.
“What the heck is that?” I asked.
The glimmering silver sphere looked like a piece of solid metal. It was half the size of my current body. As I gazed at the novel object with wonder, I suddenly found myself floating in midair.
“How adorable!” Embert exclaimed.
The prince had been the one to scoop me into his arms. He had hearts in his eyes and vigorously nuzzled his cheek against mine.
Hey, stop that! You’re gonna make me go bald! I can feel steam rising from all the friction!
“This glossy, golden fur,” Embert cooed. “This cute nose and lovely, purple eyes. And finally, these large ears. Everything is perfectly adorable!”
That’s right. My name is Alexandra Vistriano, and I’d transformed into a small fox with a fluffy coat and large ears. Specifically, I was a fennec fox. So anyway, how did I end up here? Well, it all started when I received a letter of invitation from Princess Julietta.
Chapter One: Death or Engagement
THE Micheli Royal Academy of Magic had gone on summer break a week ago. Yesterday, I’d practically fled the capital to our family estate. My mother—who’d accompanied me here—sipped tea with a delighted smile.
“Thank goodness everyone recognized your engagement without a hitch,” she said.
You’re one amazing woman if you consider that a success, I thought while responding with a dry laugh. Personally, I was worried for all our lives.
Thus, I recalled yesterday’s events.
🦊 🦊 🦊
SHORTLY after the beginning of summer break, my mother and I received a summons to the castle. During the carriage ride there, my mother let out a disappointed sigh. “You should have dressed up more.”
She had a point. We’d been summoned to the castle to hear the announcement of Prince Embert’s engagement. His engagement to me. That said, I had no intention of dolling myself up and strutting in with a smug grin. My engagement to Embert would only be announced to a handful of key figures today. After imagining the backlash, my will to wear a nice outfit had deflated.
Before long, we arrived at the castle and were led into the audience chamber. Unease lingered in the pit of my stomach the entire time. That aside, a handful of people had already gathered in the chamber. Was it just my imagination, or were the king and queen grinning with excitement while sitting on their thrones?
Royalty usually arrives after everyone else has assembled, right? Why are they waiting for us with such giddy smiles?
My father stood behind the excitable king and queen, radiating a frigid aura.
How does he manage to be so terrifying and so dashing at the same time?
As that thought crossed my mind, a familiar voice called out to me.
“Oh, is that you, Lady Alexandra?”
The speaker was Lady Anegio. Like me, she was also the daughter of a duke. She wore a royal blue dress for this occasion. Furthermore, she wore an emerald necklace and earrings, the same color as Embert’s eyes. Her brunette hair had been tied up elegantly, and of course, she also wore an emerald hair ornament.
Before I could answer, Lady Palagani—another duke’s daughter—smiled at me. “We haven’t seen each other since the tea party, have we?”
Her dress sported a great deal of amber-colored lace. Though the designs differed from Lady Anegio’s, she also wore an emerald necklace and earrings. The ends of her straight, honey-colored hair had been curled into beautiful ringlets. In summary, both young women had chosen resplendent outfits. Their choice of clothing seemed directly proportional to their lofty expectations.
Finding myself at a loss for words, I only choked out, “Yes, it’s been too long.”
“Pardon me, but why are you here?” Lady Anegio asked me.
My facial muscles twitched.
Yeah, good question. Of course you’re wondering why I’m here. Still, I’m too terrified to admit, “Actually, I’m a surprise fiancée candidate!” to these pageant queens. I might as well be signing my own death warrant.
“Um, well…” I mumbled, unable to find the right words. “The royal family summoned me here because they have something to discuss, I guess?”
The two women smiled in response to my pitifully uncertain answer.
“Perhaps you were summoned here to serve as a witness,” Lady Palagani said. “Not only are you one of Embert’s students, but you’re also the daughter of a duke.”
Lady Anegio nodded in agreement. “I think so too. You must have been chosen as a representative of the academy.”
They’re completely off base, but what else are they supposed to think? Especially considering my choice of clothes.
I was wearing a simple, purple one-piece dress without any accessories. After all, I’d expected the other women to come here dressed to the nines. What horrors might have awaited me if I’d dolled myself up, too? Regardless, the other women didn’t comment on my clothes. Instead, both heaved a deep sigh while placing a hand on their chests.
“Can any of you understand how long I’ve waited for this day?” Lady Anegio asked. “I could hardly fall asleep last night because I was so nervous.”
“I could say the very same,” Lady Palagani agreed. Her catlike, almond-shaped eyes sparkled with joy. “I’ve been counting down the hours until this moment. My heart has been racing nonstop at the mere thought of finally standing beside the beautiful Prince Embert.”
Lady Anegio snorted. “My, you certainly live in a fairyland.”
“You’re the one who’s living
in a fantasy. I expect to see you bawling your eyes out when this is over.”
The battle between the two young ladies commenced once more, just as it had at the tea party.
Do I have to suffer through this again? I wondered with exasperation. Could I sneak out of here while they’re at each other’s throats, maybe? I inched backward, hoping they wouldn’t notice. Alas, fortune didn’t favor me.
“Is something wrong?” Lady Anegio asked.
Could you not turn those eagle eyes on me, please?
I deflected her question with a smile. “No, nothing’s wrong.”
A moment later, Lady Palagani wrapped her arm around mine. “Please stay close to us, Lady Alexandra. You’re our witness, after all.”
My path of retreat had been blocked.
Would someone please come to my rescue? Would Custode swoop down and crush this castle if I asked him to?
As I indulged in escapist fantasies, the door behind the thrones opened. To no one’s surprise, Prince Embert gracefully strode into the audience chamber. In the blink of an eye, Lady Palagani let go of my arm. She and Lady Anegio joined hands and squealed with delight. Back in Japan, people often forgot their quarrels when their favorite idol appeared on stage. At that moment, sharing their excitement and joy was all that mattered.
Speaking of which, I nearly squealed with delight upon seeing my older brother standing behind Embert. At any rate, the prince took center stage in front of the thrones. Was it just my imagination, or were the king and queen squealing with delight behind him? All the while, my father’s frigid aura intensified. That one definitely wasn’t my imagination.
Embert spoke in a resonant voice. “Thank you, everyone, for gathering here today on my behalf.” Everyone’s gazes had already focused on him, and thus, he continued his opening speech. “I have remained undecided about my betrothal for a long while. However, I finally found the young lady I wish to spend my life with.”
Cheers rose from the small audience as if a play had reached its climax. Embert was probably enjoying this, too. You couldn’t get more peaceful than our kingdom.
“Truth be told, I found her long ago,” Embert continued. “Nevertheless, I waited until she realized my feelings for her.”
At that moment, the two young ladies began shaking, overwhelmed with emotion.
“What a silly thing to say,” Lady Anegio said. “My heart has always been yours, Prince Embert.”
“Oh no,” Lady Palagani added. “If only I’d been more assertive, then I wouldn’t have kept you waiting, Prince Embert.”
Their words sent a shiver down my spine.
This situation is going to give me a heart attack. Gah, if only I could run away!
Despite my feelings on the matter, the excitement in the chamber only grew.
After a significant pause, Embert declared, “Well then, I’ll now make my announcement without further ado.”
As the chamber fell deathly quiet, Embert descended the platform with heavy footfalls. Of course, he headed straight towards me. Why did he look so needlessly cool while just walking? Anegio and Palagani flushed, entranced by the prince. At the same time, they straightened their backs and fixed their gazes on him. Neither young lady had the slightest doubt that he would stop in front of her. On the other hand, I shrank into myself, my fear growing with each step Embert took.
What should I do? What can I do? What’s my plan of attack? How am I supposed to take Embert’s hand with all this tension in the air? I’m seriously going to have a heart attack!
For some reason, Embert’s resounding footsteps stoked the fear within my heart. Were we shooting a scene for a horror film or something? As this nonsensical thought raced through my mind, Embert came to stand right beside Anegio and Palagani. While the prince stared into my eyes, the other ladies gazed at him from the side. As this scene unfolded before me, my terror reached its peak.
Yikes on a bike! I’ve gotta get outta here!
After taking a few steps backward, I turned on my heels and bolted.
Forgive me, Embert, but I’m not strong enough for this. I’ll make it up to you someday!
At that moment, Embert reached out to stop me from behind. One of his hands grabbed my right arm. His other arm circled tightly around my waist.
“Got you,” he said.
“Eek!” I yelped in sheer horror.
“Ally,” Embert said, his voice echoing from above. “Why are you running away from me?”
I was too terrified to meet his gaze. His oddly sweet tone only filled me with more dread.
“Um…” I responded. “Because I’m scared, maybe?”
Though I tried to play it off as a joke, my words didn’t have the intended effect.
“Well, if you’re so intent on running away from me…” Embert began, his lips quirking into a sinister grin. At the same time, he strengthened his grip around my stomach, pulling me into a tight embrace. My heart fluttered when I felt his warmth on my back. Leaning into my ear, he continued, “…then maybe I should lock you in a birdcage to make sure you stay put.”
His breath tickled my eardrums, sending a jolt of electricity straight down to my waist. “Eek!” I yelped again, my shoulders trembling.
“Heh,” Embert chuckled in sheer delight. “Perhaps you should refrain from making such adorable noises. I might lose control of myself.”
I couldn’t stop shuddering as Embert whispered in my ear. “Em,” I said. “Everyone’s watching.”
“Oh, right. I almost forgot.”
When I turned my head around, I found Embert’s grinning face right in front of me.
Yeah, he’s doing this on purpose. No two ways about it.
A moment later, an ear-splitting scream echoed throughout the chamber.
“Wh-Wh-What in the realm is going on here?!” Lady Anegio shrieked, her eyes bulging as she stared in our direction.
“This can’t be happening!” Lady Palagani wailed, disassociating from reality. “I must be having a nightmare!”
“What should we do, Em?” I asked. “You should probably explain the situation to them.”
“What need is there for an explanation?” he replied. “Everything is exactly as it appears, no?”
How can he just stand there with such a charming smile?
Though the current situation might have seemed disastrous, something even more terrible was about to unfold.
“Prince Embert,” Father said. “My daughter appears to be rejecting you.”
If a painter caught his visage in a portrait, it would be titled The Descent of the Demon King. He approached us with long yet slow strides, cutting a fine and terrifying figure.
“What’s this?” Embert asked, releasing me from his embrace and taking my hand instead. “Do you still intend to interfere in your daughter’s love life?”
“Interfere?” Father repeated, glowering at Embert. “You think that’s what I’m doing? I merely want to rescue my daughter.”
Embert laughed. “Whatever do you mean by ‘rescue?’ I can hardly wrap my head around what you’re saying.”
“It’s not the least bit difficult to understand. Based on my observations, my daughter is trying to escape from you. She appears frightened, no?”
Both men wore sinister smiles. All the while, the tension in the air crackled.
“She’s simply bashful,” Embert said. “Apparently, you don’t understand the hearts of young women, Duke Vistriano.”
“And you claim to understand them, Your Highness?” Father responded.
“Why, of course. That said, I have no need to understand any young woman’s heart but Ally’s.”
A storm is brewing! How do I stop these two?!
I looked around the room to find Mother. At some point, she’d moved beside my older brother Janus. Both were positively beaming at me. Yeah, neither had the slightest intention of helping out. As soon as I realized that, Father spoke up again.
“Tell me if you want nothing to do with Prince Embert, Ally. Your father will do anything to protect you.”
“Father…” I mumbled. My chest tightened as he stared at me, his expression stern yet dignified.
Meanwhile, Embert tightened his grip on my hand. “You love me, don’t you?” he asked, gazing down at me. “You can say it plainly. Don’t hold back just because your father is here.”
