47 - Transmigrated as the Villainess Fake Young Lady, Please Spare Me, Female Lead Sister

Title: Transmigrated Villainess Faux Heiress, Please Spare Me, Sister Protagonist - Chapter 47: Will You Measure Me for a Lifetime? Earlier... Clare’s body measurements were finally collected. When Laetia released her, it felt as though a millennium had passed. The system's subtitle compassionately inquired: [Detecting signal fluctuation from the host. Host, what's happening?] Clare leaned against the wall, her face flushed, panting heavily. Laetia walked over to the side, jotting down the corresponding numbers on parchment, her expression calm and collected, seemingly oblivious to Clare’s reproachful gaze. Inside her mind, Clare responded to the system, "Nothing, maybe I was so nervous that I died for a few seconds." [I recommend reporting to the etiquette instructor, saying the protagonist didn't measure you properly.] "...There's no need, really." Clare's eyes were utterly fatigued. "She measured perfectly." Indeed, perfectly. Measured with precision and vigor, thoroughly and intensely. Clare almost wanted to ask why she was so adept—is this really her first time measuring someone... With the measurements, of course. Laetia turned back, "Lady Clare, why are you still leaning against the wall? Are you alright?" Ah, my protagonist. Her gaze was so upright, so clear, so calm. On reflection, she really didn't act improperly. It was merely a bit close, the dim setting a tad ambiguous. Fingers occasionally brushed, skin occasionally touched, with some innocent contact, unintentional friction, and some soft whimpers Clare couldn’t suppress... That’s because...of ticklishness, yes. Certainly because of being ticklish, or maybe scared...the proximity causing startled, uncontrollable sounds when touched. And Laetia appeared so unperturbed, aside from her slightly reddened ears, it was hard to discern anything. She even seemed in a good mood, her favorability unchanged—like she was just completing the task Aurora assigned her. Looking at Clare in contrast, she was flushed, eyes unfocused, drenched in sweat, her legs nearly giving way... To be so rattled just by a measurement made it seem like she was the one with the problem. Something was off, why was she so embarrassed? Shouldn’t she just be a task-driven machine without emotions? Wasn’t the main storyline supposed to be about survival? Although since transmigrating, she's always been close to Laetia, but, but... ...When did she start wanting to be even closer... When measuring her waist, it was through clothing, yet Laetia’s fingers brushed Clare’s side. That light touch made Clare tremble all over... The room was dim, Laetia’s eyes even dimmer, only the faint glow of a floor lamp reflecting in them. Clare wanted to protest again, and then suddenly saw Laetia gently smile. When she smiled, the small, warm point of light seemed to ripple soft waves of warmth in her eyes, rendering her entirely gentle. It also accelerated Clare’s already racing heart from blushing embarrassment. ...As expected of the protagonist. Not only is she the center of this world and the powerful protagonist, might there be some alluring secret as well? Even before transmigrating, when just playing the game, Clare greatly admired the radiant Laetia... But now, that admiration might have materialized more. After all, even now with Laetia gone, her heart still throbbed noisily. Clare, engrossed in a certain subtle state, momentarily dazed and unresponsive. Laetia slightly furrowed her brows, "Lady Clare?...Low blood sugar again?" Simultaneously, the system prompt appeared: [Host, heart rate abnormal, body temperature abnormal.] Following this, a suspicious red-marked line appeared. [System's friendly reminder: Please properly portray the villainess, advance the plot, and avoid story deviation. Any violation detected will result in an electric shock punishment.] Clare snapped back to reality. She gazed at Laetia and detected a hint of tenderness and concern beneath the always calm and serene façade. ...Sigh. “I’m fine, Sister Laetia.” Clare shook her head gently, cleared her throat, and straightened her back. “—Do not underestimate the Grendel family’s lady. Rather, your measuring skills are truly lacking, taking so long!” Upon hearing this, Laetia seemed slightly taken aback for a moment, but quickly regained her composure. That trace of concern, like a pebble sinking into a lake, quietly vanished. Clare couldn’t help but feel a little sad about that fleeting warmth. A moment ago, despite the high tension from oxygen deprivation, she had a sudden epiphany, immersing herself in a rather shocking realization. Could it be: I’m craving the protagonist’s affection? Is the reason for this shyness because she likes Laetia? Is that why she’s embarrassed when Laetia gets close, why even a casual touch makes Clare blush and her heart race... No, no, it can’t be, right? How long has it been since crossing over? Their time together hasn’t been that long, at most, she doesn’t dislike her, maybe even has some fondness? Though thoughts of Laetia possibly leading her to the stake in the future add some unease and reverence to that fondness... But somehow, this dangerous feeling, perhaps, also seems quite exhilarating. After all, Sister is beautiful, has a great figure, and smells nice. Her personality is good and very upright, entirely meeting the standards for love at first sight. Moreover, everything that has happened since Clare transmigrated is related to her, and in the days to come, they’ll probably continue to intertwine, meeting the standard for love born out of prolonged interaction too... Even if it hasn't reached the level of liking yet, with more time, surely, she’ll grow to like her. Liking Laetia isn’t such a surprising thing. After all, Laetia is perfect; everyone in the game also liked Laetia... Laetia is beloved by all, except those intentionally designed as stereotype villains and antagonists. Unfortunately, Clare is now one of the antagonists. She’s among the few who shouldn’t like Laetia...or rather, isn’t supposed to. Thus arose a pressing question. —If she ends up liking her, then what? Could Clare’s psychological changes also count as plot deviation according to the system? At such times, the system suddenly using electric shock threats as a reminder—is this hiding the truth in plain sight... ...No, clearly the system can’t control my thoughts. Perhaps whether the plot deviates or not, the system determines that based on specific actions. As long as every action taken appears impeccable and flawless, maybe there will be no punishment. Clare fell into thought. So, for now, staying in this ambiguous state should be fine. The currently important strategy remains to complete the tasks without arousing the system’s suspicion while maintaining Laetia’s favor, avoiding the grim fate of the stake. Though the system mandates the narrative not to divert too far, if Clare’s feelings end up being considered a diversion... Clare suddenly felt like laughing. ...Hasn't it deviated right from the start? While pondering, Laetia finished noting down Clare’s measurements. She returned, handing the measuring tape to Clare, and said in a businesslike tone, "Now it’s time for you to measure me, milady." "Hmph, very well, Sister, stand over here properly, and I will show you what the noble way of taking measurements truly looks like." Clare crossed her arms at her waist, lifting her chin, deliberately adopting a fierce tone to dispel the system's suspicion. However, the lingering blush on her cheeks undermined any semblance of threat. Laetia, unfazed, gracefully stepped forward.