The manipulative villain is back

"Ryuka Wan, today marks your end." 

Suzune declared, thrusting her sword into Ryuka's abdomen.

"You've miscalculated, Suzune. You'll rue the day you did this." 

Ryuka retorted, her eyes ablaze with defiance.

"No, Ryuka. Your fate is sealed."

With a swift, brutal swipe, Suzune decapitated her.

Those haunting memories still echoed in the depths of Ester's consciousness, as vivid as ever. The searing pain of steel rending flesh. The sting of utter humiliation. 

These emotions clung to her, leaving indelible stains on her soul that not even the gift of reincarnation could wash away.

"Has it really been years since that happened?" Ester wondered as she momentarily got lost in her past life as Ryuka Wan — Ryujin's female counterpart in another world. Their destinies were parallel, and their goals eerily similar. The storyline didn't deviate much from Survival Regressor, except for their genders.

Unlike Ryujin, Ryuka had never experienced love. To her, people were mere pawns in her manipulative games. She orchestrated every event and puppeteered every individual — until she met her grim ending. A cold blade pierced her heart, wielded by none other than Suzune.

Now, she had been reborn as Ester Wan, cousin to Ryujin Wan. Since her father held no significant sway within the powerful Wan family, Ester had no other choice but to serve as Ryujin's maid. Though her position came with certain benefits — like never fearing termination — she was still subordinate to everyone.

Well, everyone except Amanda, that is.

"Ester! Get over here this instant!"

Amanda's stern voice jolted Ester back to reality, shaking her from her reflections.

"Amanda-sama." Ester adjusted her voice until it was a calculated mix of deference and innocence.

"Where have you been, Ester? You vanished for hours." Amanda cut her off, suspicion clouding her eyes.

"I was visiting my cousin Ryujin, actually," Ester lied smoothly.

"Don't insult my intelligence. I've been with Ryujin all day, and you were nowhere in sight." 

"Tsk." Ester clicked her tongue in annoyance.

Unlike the rest of the household staff, Amanda held an advantage over Ester. As the Chief Maid, her standing was unassailable. 

If Ester's parents dared to clash with Amanda, they'd quickly find that they had picked the wrong battle. Not only was Amanda an exceptional employee, but she also had the trust of Alexia and Kenshin — more so than even Ester's father. Given the circumstances, a showdown between Amanda and Ester's family would undoubtedly tilt in Amanda's favor.

"Amanda-sama, speaking of Ryujin —"

"I didn't bring him up. You did," Amanda interrupted, fixing Ester with a stern gaze.

"Semantics. What I mean is that Suzune doesn't suit him. As a cousin who cares for him deeply, I've always thought you'd be a much better match!" 

(I loathe Suzune... not this version of her, perhaps, but I doubt she's any different from the one who killed me.)

Amanda hesitated, her cheeks flushing slightly.

"Me and Ryujin-sama? Engaged? Wait a minute, you're not going to divert my attention, Ester. You're still going to have to face the consequences."

Before Amanda could continue admonishing, Ester quickly pulled a photograph from her pocket and brandished it like a shield.

Amanda's expression softened almost immediately, a blush creeping up her cheeks. The photo depicted a young Ryujin in a sailor costume, looking adorable. It was the image that could melt even Amanda's disciplined demeanor.

"... Fine, I'll let it go this time, Ester."

"Of course, Amanda-sama, because you're so fair and just, aren't you?"

"And this photo... you're going to give it to me, right?"

"Amanda-sama, this photo is practically a treasure. I wouldn't give it to just about anyone, you know."

(Without this, what leverage would I have over her? I have other photos of Ryujin, but none have the calming effect this one does.)

Ester had tried other photos before, but they either made Amanda anxious or put her in a... different mood. Ester did not want to endure being pursued by an impassioned Amanda over a photograph. The sailor uniform photo was the only one that pacified her.

"But I want this one..."  Amanda's voice took on a whiny tone.

"Next time, Amanda-sama, next time. A woman of your caliber deserves nothing less than the best, no?"

Reluctantly, Ester handed over some other shots she had snapped of Ryujin during his training sessions.

"For anything more tantalizing, you'll need to part with some cash, darling."

"Ugh, Ester... my paycheck hasn't come in yet..."

(Ester POV.)

I finally shake off Amanda and reach my sanctuary — my room. I lock the door behind me and flop into my chair. "Ah, freedom at last. Now, where was I?"

Oh, right, Pedro, the little guy with a hero complex thicker than a fantasy novel. 

"I can't believe he swallowed that sob story hook, line, and sinker. What a rookie move!" I chuckle to myself. 

"Seriously, how did a chump like him ever take me down in another life? I must've been slacking."

Life's gotten a whole lot simpler this time around. I'm a nobody, laying low, hardly a blip on anyone's radar. 

"Ah, the sweet perks of reincarnating under the radar."

Mana's in short supply, but thanks to some private coaching from Ryujin, I'm somewhat much stronger. 

"At least this Ryujin's got some aesthetic sense. Not a bad looker."

(A|N: Like any good narcissist, the only person she would be interested in is herself… hehe.)

Now, about Pedro trying to swipe Ryujin's sword — this is just too good to be true. 

"He's got another thing coming if he thinks he's walking away with that blade."

Here's the kicker: I'll craft a counterfeit so convincing he won't know what hit him. 

"He'll strut into his next fight wielding my knockoff, and when it falls to pieces? Oh, the look on his face will be priceless!"

Leaning back, I cross my arms over my chest and sigh, satisfied. 

"I'll relish every second of his blunder. Let the games begin."

With that delicious thought, I kick up my feet and muse on how spectacularly Pedro's grand plan is about to backfire. 

God, I love being me.