The Villainess Turns the Hourglass - Vol. 3 Ch. 98

[MangaDex]

 

[catbot158]

I don’t why, but I keep thinking about Mielle’s death even months later. She was a cruel, arrogant, classist fool. She’s not even on par with some of manhwa’s most spiteful ladies, like Rashta from Remarried Empress or Sumin from Marry my Husband. She deserved all the punishments she got.
But when she finally got beheaded, I realized that as awful as she was, she was also the most pitiful character in the series. She was twisted by the nobles around her, manipulating her into being the prime example of a noble lady. She ended taking all the negative attributes instead and being stubborn until the end, because she only knew how to be what she was and nothing else. And all she did upon her death was smile and imagine a world where she could make a different choice, the path to real happiness.
I dunno, Mielle was a grade-A bitch, but she went out like an old snarling dog waiting for the sweet release of death. At least she’s free from her own depravity.

 

[Goyal99Raj]

I don’t why, but I keep thinking about Mielle’s death even months later. She was a cruel, arrogant, classist fool. She’s not even on par with some of manhwa’s most spiteful ladies, like Rashta from Remarried Empress or Sumin from Marry my Husband. She deserved all the punishments she got.
But when she finally got beheaded, I realized that as awful as she was, she was also the most pitiful character in the series. She was twisted by the nobles around her, manipulating her into being the prime example of a noble lady. She ended taking all the negative attributes instead and being stubborn until the end, because she only knew how to be what she was and nothing else. And all she did upon her death was smile and imagine a world where she could make a different choice, the path to real happiness.
I dunno, Mielle was a grade-A bitch, but she went out like an old snarling dog waiting for the sweet release of death. At least she’s free from her own depravity.

Definitely an interesting character. She never questioned the advice of those she trusted, and never let herself question her convictions. Even as her world fell apart, Mielle kept jumping from one sin to the next. You could call her a product of her society/upbringing, but she never took the responsibility to actually question her actions. Mielle turned off her brain and refused to hold herself accountable. A true noble to the very end.

I can't help but feel bad for Mielle, while fully agreeing with her death. But I think I would've said the same of Aria in her past life.

After all, pastAria tormented and viscously hurt her own maids and the people who tried to get close to her. She had people kicked out on the streets and tortured Jesse. And just like Mielle in her new life, though others may have manipulated pastAria, she chose to make her wicked decisions. At the end of the day the reason pastAria died was due to her own actions. presentMielle is very much the same.

 

[rkkn]

damn. I thought I would be disappointed when Mielle died, but that was actually a really good end.

my favorite character in this series. well said by those above.
I've read a lot of stories but never seen anything quite like this

 

[chairlight]

Mielle is such a tragic character. Because even with Aria intentionally drawing things out for more sweet revenge, it created numerous chances where she could've genuinely changed. And after killing her brother, she almost was on the cusp of it.

But instead she chose to double down on it, tragically, only perhaps at best having some clarity in death.

In a alternate world, Aria even out for vengeance, would've had mercy if Mielle would've repented and their relationship could've been repaired. She still would have to live with her consequences,but she could've lived a humble life.


Initially I really disliked Aria. She was vindictive and petty(though she had 100% justification)(I don't think it is right to punish someone for something they haven't actually done, especially without at least extending one last olive branch).(it is not completely unlike bullying the bully, 2 wrongs don't make a rignt)

But as time grew on Aria abandoned her proper plotting, and just focused primarily on amassing wealth and power to survive, rather than getting back. Letting Mielle and others dig their own holes, they could've easily avoided if only they repented.

Aria earned my respect as the series progressed, showing remarkable restraint. And then, even if it was expecting Mielle to finish herself off, Aria seemed to genuinely give her chances. Even egging Mielle on to "prank"(poison) Annie, seemed like it was pushing Mielle to a crossroads. One where Mielle could determine those actions are wrong, and not follow through. They may never repair the relationship between them(certainly there is negative obligation to even try), what Mielle already had done was way too much. But had Mielle turned her ways, it could've become a good conclusion where they come to a mutual understanding, where she lives a quiet humble life, and perhaps genuinely appreciates the chances.


In the end, I would still critique Aria in one way. Letting the Brother die like that, when she specifically was prepared to save a life, was ice cold, particularly because she was responsible for him being alive, and even being there to drink poisoned tea in the first place. She was the one who gave him a chance, and he genuinely seemed to accept it and was repenting. She literally had the ability to save him easily, but didn't, even after his and Mielles true colors were shown there. And Mielle still could've been beheaded for attempted murder.

It was like the ethical trolley dilemma, only the train is heading towards one person, and all the other person had to do is pull the lever and a life is saved for free.

It just would've been nice if one of the family could have properly changed their ways and live their life. Just like there can be life that is worse than death, a person living their life repentent can be better than death.

But in the end,it is great Aria can live a happy life. She certainly deserves it.

 

[erintem]

Definitely an interesting character. She never questioned the advice of those she trusted, and never let herself question her convictions. Even as her world fell apart, Mielle kept jumping from one sin to the next. You could call her a product of her society/upbringing, but she never took the responsibility to actually question her actions. Mielle turned off her brain and refused to hold herself accountable. A true noble to the very end.

in the end, I think it is because she never took responsibility or questioned anything that she can most be said to be a product of her society.

 

[Fyore]

It was really a nice ending. I would love to see a story when everything is working good between the two sisters

 

[Virtt]

This is very intriguing. I really despise Mielle. A self-centered entitled spoiled brat that she is, as her last actual words seen here are "I'm so miserable". I must say that I am really disappointed with the outcome. I hate the fact that she find solace in her death. It could be because of her sanity waning away that she's able to delude herself into a "future" in which she's experiencing happiness, but it doesn't sit quite right to me. The sole fact that she had a smile on her face.

As much as I'm disappointed, I don't think I will make a comment about it and will think of this as another villainess manwha. It's a series worth noticing. But God I wish Mielle suffer even in death.

 

[ia_zero]

I have mixed feeling about her death. she died happy and smiling clinging to her delusion of "what if" dreams. which is true to her character but I kinda want her to suffer after being exile with a hope that she's may or may not change. because letting her die like that is kinda make her getting a pyrrhic victory. she died but able to uphold her noble pride and make an impact to our MC.

 

[readermelanieoranna]

Honestly, I think they would've been great sisters if Mielle wasn't so evil/if Mielle didn't take the advice of the other characters.

 

[XenoTyphon]

This is very intriguing. I really despise Mielle. A self-centered entitled spoiled brat that she is, as her last actual words seen here are "I'm so miserable". I must say that I am really disappointed with the outcome. I hate the fact that she find solace in her death. It could be because of her sanity waning away that she's able to delude herself into a "future" in which she's experiencing happiness, but it doesn't sit quite right to me. The sole fact that she had a smile on her face.

As much as I'm disappointed, I don't think I will make a comment about it and will think of this as another villainess manwha. It's a series worth noticing. But God I wish Mielle suffer even in death.

Well, you might like her novel ending better where she's still struggling until the very end. Personally, I prefer the one we see here since it left a much deeper impact on me - finding solace in one's own delusion of "what could have been" is such a tragic end when you think of how a single gesture is all it takes to make or break a bad ending.

 

[XenoTyphon]

Mielle is such a tragic character. Because even with Aria intentionally drawing things out for more sweet revenge, it created numerous chances where she could've genuinely changed. And after killing her brother, she almost was on the cusp of it.

But instead she chose to double down on it, tragically, only perhaps at best having some clarity in death.

In a alternate world, Aria even out for vengeance, would've had mercy if Mielle would've repented and their relationship could've been repaired. She still would have to live with her consequences,but she could've lived a humble life.


Initially I really disliked Aria. She was vindictive and petty(though she had 100% justification)(I don't think it is right to punish someone for something they haven't actually done, especially without at least extending one last olive branch).(it is not completely unlike bullying the bully, 2 wrongs don't make a rignt)

But as time grew on Aria abandoned her proper plotting, and just focused primarily on amassing wealth and power to survive, rather than getting back. Letting Mielle and others dig their own holes, they could've easily avoided if only they repented.

Aria earned my respect as the series progressed, showing remarkable restraint. And then, even if it was expecting Mielle to finish herself off, Aria seemed to genuinely give her chances. Even egging Mielle on to "prank"(poison) Annie, seemed like it was pushing Mielle to a crossroads. One where Mielle could determine those actions are wrong, and not follow through. They may never repair the relationship between them(certainly there is negative obligation to even try), what Mielle already had done was way too much. But had Mielle turned her ways, it could've become a good conclusion where they come to a mutual understanding, where she lives a quiet humble life, and perhaps genuinely appreciates the chances.


In the end, I would still critique Aria in one way. Letting the Brother die like that, when she specifically was prepared to save a life, was ice cold, particularly because she was responsible for him being alive, and even being there to drink poisoned tea in the first place. She was the one who gave him a chance, and he genuinely seemed to accept it and was repenting. She literally had the ability to save him easily, but didn't, even after his and Mielles true colors were shown there. And Mielle still could've been beheaded for attempted murder.

It was like the ethical trolley dilemma, only the train is heading towards one person, and all the other person had to do is pull the lever and a life is saved for free.

It just would've been nice if one of the family could have properly changed their ways and live their life. Just like there can be life that is worse than death, a person living their life repentent can be better than death.

But in the end,it is great Aria can live a happy life. She certainly deserves it.

Tbh, I understand everything you said and mostly agree, especially with how Mielle is a tragic character, but only until the critique. However, that is a rant and a half, so I will leave it for later.

In a way, it is also a test for Mielle - one of those chances for change. What Aria suggested was merely unnoticeable food poisoning and some minor stomachache. However, putting the lethal dosage and even saturating it to the point of giving Cain literal instant death is all on Mielle. In fact, even Aria herself was surprised and appalled by what happened if you checked again for yourself on chapter 96.

Aria, having expected some level of poisoning, did immediately called out for a doctor to come. However, the poisoning was so severe that by the time help arrived, he was already dead. Our favourite villainess, despite having experienced decapitation due to Mielle's schemes, could still not expect the derangement and cruelty displayed here.

Had it been the suggested amount, Cain would still be alive with barely any immediate effect. A slightly higher amount would cause a stomach pain rightaway at most. Even the lethal amount, if it's just barely, would take long enough for the help stationed inside Aria's manor to still arrive in time and save his life. However, Mielle put too much that it became noticeable in a teacup, and instead of reflecting on her ways, decided to risk it all and hide everything in the teapot, which eventually caused the death of her own blood brother.

/rant/
In that situation, the only way to save Cain is to turn the hourglass, which is as absurd as it gets. If you are using the trolley dilemma, then at least attempt to make the accurate analogy - the train is not heading toward any random person but an old enemy that has caused trauma and pain. The defeated enemy may have accepted his fate, but whether he has repented is questionable, and he sure as hell has not redeemed himself in anyway. Furthermore, pulling the lever is not free but rather quite costly - becoming so fatigued that a whole day's rest is required and the track changes away from your planned destination, for what? So that an enemy can live on? He currently accepts his defeat, but what's to say he won't return to old ways when given the chance? And even if he had repented enough not to do so, had he redeemed himself for his past wrongdoings yet? And you expected a bona fide villainess to save such an enemy again? At the cost of her own health and plan? It was already generous enough to prevent his execution once, and that is purely out of pragmatic consideration rather any goodness of heart. Expecting a second time when it harms rather than helps her goals is just downright ludicrous if not borderline asinine. Unless there are sufficient reasons, Aria will not save Cain even if she saw him dying a dog's death on the streets, much less in this case where it messes with her plans and well-being to do so.

Additionally, do not forget that attempted murder is nowhere near as severe as murder itself, especially when it comes to family since a living Cain will pardon Mielle and attribute it to a misunderstanding to avoid giving his only sibling a death sentence, but a dead Cain by Mielle's own hand will get painted as an attempt on her liege as well, making it an unforgivable crime beyond salvation when combined with having previously paralysed her father amidst other allegations. If you still find his death regrettable, remember that his crimes of the current timeline are no less severe (participating in treason so he can imprison Aria and use her at his own discretion after assuming full authority of the Count). You can think of it as even though there is acceptance and the possibility of repentance, Cain still ultimately failed to redeem himself in Aria's eyes - the one holding judgement over whether he lives or dies. Saving a life does not make you responsible for it, especially when it's one you intend to reap later on. Cain has always been included in her kill list (others are just on her shit list), and he couldn't attain redemption within the given time limit, so death is the natural consequence. And even where Cain fails in his personality and morality check, it is still Mielle who drove the nails in both of their metaphorical coffins for having failed her checks.
/rant/

I just want to emphasise once again: acceptance is not repentance, much less redemption. Cain may have accepted his own fate, but that does not mean he wouldn't immediately jump at any given chance to fulfil his desire. Furthermore, Cain is also the one who directly took Aria's head in the past life and disgustingly lusted after her in this life. As such, even apathy is already the most generous treatment, so there is no way in hell she would stick out her own neck to save him, especially not out of good faith of all things. We are reading a villainess story after all, so I understand if you feel empathy and guilt for the collateral damage. However, it is honestly quite tame for the character trope (since she also has to maintain likeability as MC). Rather than a force of chaos, Aria acted more as a catalyst that allows good to bloom and evil to doom itself than anything. Anyhow, Mielle's death here is among my top 5 for having left such a deep impact.