Katarina Claes, the protagonist of "My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!", is a central character throughout the story. However, there is another protagonist in this work. That character is Maria Campbell, the protagonist of the otome game "FORTUNE LOVER"! Since the story revolves around Maria in the game's world, Katarina, fearing the doom flag, has naturally been wary of Maria's appearance since childhood. Is this Maria really a threat to Katarina? This time, we'll introduce this other protagonist.
What is Maria Campbell's background?
Maria is a girl who lives in a relatively rural area surrounded by farmland. Born into an ordinary family, she enjoyed good relationships with her friends and neighbors, leading to a happy life. But her happy times were shattered when she awakened to her magical powers. This magical power, rare among commoners, was so powerful that her mother suspected her of "infidelity with a nobleman," leading to false rumors being spread throughout town. This incident led to her father leaving home and her relationship with the townspeople deteriorating. Maria's children, who were her friends, began to distance themselves from her, and her mother's smile faded. After that, Maria was left alone, and no matter how hard she tried, she could never regain what she had lost.
Why Maria Was Able to Enroll in Magic Academy
If we follow the same path as in the game, Maria will become Katarina's rival? But her upbringing is the complete opposite. In this world, most people with magical powers are high-ranking aristocrats, so naturally, the magic academy Katarina will attend is a place for aristocrats. Maria Campbell, born a commoner, enrolls there for the first time in 10 years. Maria's magical powers are "light-element," the rarest and most powerful of all. This is why she's called "the most special girl in the country," and it's this background that led to her being admitted to the magic academy as an exception.
Surprisingly Tomboyish?
Maria appears quiet and beautiful. Her appearance perfectly embodies the saying, "When she stands, she's like a peony; when she sits, she's like a peony; when she walks, she's like a lily." However, Maria's inquisitive nature means that she gets lost soon after entering the school, wandering around the grounds. Maria's solution to the problem is similar to Katarina's: climbing a tree to look around. She eventually encounters Geordo and is rescued, but her reaction is quite flustered, unlike Katarina, who is confident even while climbing a tree in her skirt.
Maria at the Student Council
As a member of the student council, Maria is often seen preparing snacks and taking care of Katarina's personal needs in addition to her work. Even when Katarina spends her time hanging out in the student council room, she smiles and prepares sweets for Maria, and Katarina's appreciation for Maria skyrockets. Until then, Katarina only saw Maria as the "game's protagonist," but as they got to know each other, she began to see her as a kind and wonderful girl, and Maria became such a favorite that she could almost see angel wings on her back.
Away from the Student Council? Are You Surrounded by Enemies?
In the student council room, Maria enjoys a harmonious relationship with her peers as an excellent member, but once she steps outside, she's surrounded by enemies. The student council is an object of admiration for the students, and the noble ladies are not happy that Maria, a commoner, is a member. Maria is constantly harassed. In the game, the princes she is supposed to conquer, would come to her rescue and their relationship would progress... but in this world, Katarina steps in to help, shattering all those flags.
Is her baking skill at professional level?!
Maria, at Katarina's request, has made some homemade sweets. However, on her way to the student council room, she's confronted by some young ladies and the sweets are knocked onto the grass. Katarina dashes in and rescues Maria, picking up the fallen sweets and munching them straight into her mouth... They were so delicious that even Katarina, a young lady who has eaten many high-quality sweets, ranked them among her best sweets ever. Katarina ended up eating them all, and commented at the end that they were "as amazing as a pro."
Maria falls in love after being saved from a pinch by Katarina
Maria and Katarina had previously enjoyed a friendly relationship, but a certain incident brought them closer together. One day during lunch break, Katarina searches for Maria as she eats lunch. Katarina's knowledge of the game tells her that Maria is too shy to approach the dining hall where high-ranking nobles gather, and instead eats her homemade lunch alone in her dorm. Katarina finally finds Maria eating her lunch in the dorm, only to discover some young ladies attempting to harm her with fire magic. Katarina rushes to Maria's rescue and somehow manages to save her.
Katarina's carelessness causes the two to call each other "Maria" and "Lady Katarina."
Although they had been close, the two still called each other "Mr. Campbell" and "Lady Claes." However, when Katarina stepped in to help and accidentally called Maria, who was trembling and crying, "Maria-chan," Katarina changed from "Mr. Campbell" to "Maria." Maria, in turn, began calling her "Lady Katarina" instead of "Lady Claes." This moment marked a major change in Maria's feelings toward Katarina. When Katarina directly asked her, "Is there anyone you like?", she blushed and answered, "I have a crush on Lady Katarina."
Will Katarina's presence resolve Maria's parent-child issues?
"I want to see the big fields of a farm!" With that in mind, Katarina disguises herself and travels to the countryside disguised as the daughter of a merchant. On her way back, she discovers a small town. When Keith tells her that the town is Maria's hometown, Katarina is intrigued. Having heard that Maria visits her parents' home during school breaks, Katarina immediately decides to visit Maria's home without an appointment.
Maria's Mother and Catalina Meet for the First Time at Her Parents' Home
When Maria visits her home, she is greeted by a beautiful, fragile-looking woman: Maria's mother. When Catalina tells her she's Maria's friend, she shows a slight look of surprise and welcomes her into the house. When Maria returns a short time later, Maria and her friends begin baking together. Maria's mother watches them from a distance. As they leave, Maria's mother asks, "Please continue to take care of my daughter," to which Catalina immediately replies, "Of course," and for the first time, Maria's mother beams. From this moment on, the long-standing strained relationship between Maria and her mother comes to an end, and a warm atmosphere returns between them.
It turns out it was Catalina who rescued Maria from captivity!
Maria, who was the first to notice the student council president's dark magic and tried to question him about his true intentions, was captured by the president and imprisoned in a hidden room. Meanwhile, Katarina was also kept asleep by the president. However, with Sofia's help, Katarina woke up and ran to Maria. Upon finding Maria, Katarina embraced her tightly. The scene was a perfect match between hero and heroine.
Who did Maria ultimately choose?
Despite various plot variations from the game, Katarina somehow made it to the final event, "Graduation." In the game, Maria and her desired target sneak out of the party at this point, leading to confession time. As a result, Katarina clings tightly to Maria, desperately trying to figure out who it is. However, no matter how long she waits, he never comes... Growing impatient, Katarina asks Maria if there's a man she likes, to which she smiles and replies, "No." Then, Maria reveals to Katarina her "final words to the target she's betrothed to." Although Katarina herself is unaware of Maria's feelings, in the end, she is the one she chooses.
Summary of Maria Campbell, the Other Protagonist
So far, what do you think of Maria Campbell? As expected of the game's protagonist, she's a charming character, packed with protagonist qualities, just like Katarina. When watching the anime, be sure to pay attention not only to Katarina, but also to the other protagonist, Maria.
