A Villainess's Struggles

It's exam period already.

I want to keep my high marks, therefore, I'm going to review my notes over and over again.

"Sister, why do you study so hard?" asked Richard.

Richard was sitting next to me in the living room. He was watching television while I was studying.

I picked up a cookie from the plate in front of me and took a bite.

"I guess you can say... It's self-satisfaction" I replied.

"Sister, I love you a lot but I sometimes find you weird" Richard said as he pouted.

"Richaaardddd!! You're so cuteee~" I said as I hugged him.

"And don't worry! Your sister is completely fine" I smiled.

"Richard, don't bother your sister when she's studying- rather, Natalie! Why are you studying in front of the television?" Mother shouted.

"Ah... Yes. Sorry mother, I'll return to my room" I replied.

I know that mother says this for my own good but it just makes me feel somewhat upset. I only studied in front of the television because I wanted to be with Richard... Sigh...

~~~~~

Currently, we're about a week away from doing our exams. The sixth graders this year will be graduating. The weird thing is, there are no sixth graders in the student council. Therefore, students can only see fifth graders like me running around the school.

Lately, lunch break is the only time that I can rest in.

"Hey, did you guys know that in our last year here, they will place us in classes according to our marks on the exams?" Olivia said.

"Eh?! Wouldn't that mean I'm going to be apart from you girls?" Anna frowned.

"It's okay Anna, as long as you put in some effort then we can be together!" Olivia smiled.

"Plus... I think all three of us will be separated next year. After all, Natalie's on a different level from us" Olivia said.

"Hm? No no no. I just study more than others. Like you said earlier, as long as some effort is put in." I replied.

"Natalie, remember not to overwork yourself. The incident from last time shocked us" Anna said.

"Yep, I won't. I promise" I smiled.

~~~~~

On the day of the exams, I was very nervous. I kept having thoughts like "Will I keep my top 10 spot?" or "What if I don't do well?" But, all those thoughts stopped the moment my younger brother cheered me on before I left the house. I will definitely maintain my high marks!

After doing the tests, I felt very relaxed. Honestly speaking, the exams this time weren't that hard.

Today was also a very special day. My family is planning to eat dinner outside today, and father's going to be there too.

He almost never eats with us but father probably decided to be eat with us today as I was entering my last year of elementary school.

Despite it being such a rare occasion, the only sounds I could hear while we ate together were the sounds of the cutlery and the chatters of the others that were around us. I could barely taste the delicious plate of food in front of me. I lifted my head up to look at my father. He had his work laptop near him while he ate dinner.

"Honey, please leave work for later" mother said.

"Oh... Sorry about that, just this one last page" father replied.

I sighed and looked towards my left where my younger brother was sitting. He ate his meal silently without an expression on his face.

"So Natalie, are you excited for your last year at WoodLily?" Mother said as she attempted to create conversation.

"Well, yes I suppose. I might miss it when I get to middle school though" I replied.

"About middle school, I'm planning to have you go to Nobleton Junior High. Many of my friends are sending their children there so I thought that you should go too" mother said.

Nobleton. Yes that's right. That's where all the main characters go for middle school. Looks like I have to be stuck with Henry and the others for my entire school life until university.

"That sounds fine mother" I said in response.

"Was school fun this year, Richard? You're becoming a first grader soon" I smiled at Richard.

"Yes sister. I've made lots of friends and I look forward to first grade" Richard responded.

"Richard. Before you know it, you'll be helping out with the company. Be prepared for it." Father suddenly said.

"H-Honey... Richard is still very young! Please don't talk to him about work when he's still so little" mother requested.

Father was silent after what mother said. Right after dinner, he drove back to his company. Richard didn't look very happy for the rest of the night. Mother was very worried for him.

Speaking of my family, I wonder how my mother got together with my father? I rarely see them interact with each other. What made them fall in love with each other? Or was it an arranged marriage? I wouldn't be shocked if it was due to how common it is in this world.

Again, today was another tiring day... I'd say that our family dinner was quite a mess. Father was working as he ate with us, Richard didn't look very focused, Mother was worrying about the silence and I was sitting in my seat awkwardly staring at my family members.

I wonder how my family from my past life is doing...?