A Strange But Effective Villainess Life - Chapter 168

—————

This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

—————

Side Story Episode 7
* * *
‘What on earth did I do wrong?’
Gisel had endured an exhaustingly tiresome afternoon. Rumors had spread throughout the Castle Town like wildfire—that Gisel had been tormenting Lady Kiana. Before long, everyone was gossiping about how she had dismissed Lady Kiana for not being a comrade-in-arms alongside Edmund, mocking her severely.
“Gisel… I didn’t think you were like this. I’m disappointed. You’re really awful.”
“Boasting about being a comrade-in-arms? Listen, anyone hearing this would think you’d fought in an actual war in the Capital.”
“Sigh, I’ve been in plenty of battles myself, but Gisel… isn’t it a stretch to call yourself a comrade-in-arms? We protected our own Domain, after all. Why are you taking credit against the Princess?”
“Are you jealously acting shamefully now because you used to like the Crown Prince?”
Gisel didn’t realize that conversations held in front of the Memorial Hall naturally carried all the way to the Town Square. Later, Kiana had casually mentioned something about “sound wave diffraction,” but I couldn’t understand what she meant.
In any case, the rumors of her misdeeds became increasingly sensational as time passed. By evening meal, it had ballooned into ‘Gisel was boasting about being a comrade-in-arms and tried to beat up the small and delicate Lady Kiana.’
Fernando’s reaction had been shocking too. Just days ago, hadn’t he stayed up late into the night having candid conversations with her?
“Gisel, you used to like Sezare… I mean, the Crown Prince, didn’t you? Everyone in this Domain knows that. But he’s coming with his fiancée—are you really okay with it?”
“Well, I think I’d be fine if she’s an admirable and strong woman I can respect.”
“How could you be?”
“I did like him, but honestly, my respect for him was greater.”
Fernando had come to find me directly and spoken so sincerely.
“What’s the difference between romantic love and respect?”
“Isn’t there a slight difference? There’s a particular image of His Highness that I truly admired, and if he weren’t like that, my illusions would shatter and I wouldn’t like him anymore.”
“An image you admired?”
“Yes. For example, someone who is clearly generous and magnanimous—like a natural ruler with a vast capacity.”
“…Hmm. True, no matter how much I resisted, he’d embrace me as if I were no match for him. I’ll admit that.”
“But if I still like him even though he’s not that image from my memories… wouldn’t that be romantic love? That’s how I distinguish between the two.”
“I see.”
That intimate conversation had been just days ago. Yet now he was showing such hostility—it was bewildering. Was this noblewoman really so worthy of love? Simply because she was small, cute, and beautiful? Because protective instincts just naturally welled up at the sight of her?
That very evening, a garden party was scheduled to welcome Edmund and Kiana.
“I’m so mortified I could die! Why am I being so tactless and awful? Huh?”
“Ugh… Gisel… You’re not in a position to boast about being a comrade-in-arms. Anyone would think you were a founding contributor… It’s embarrassing, so don’t say such things anywhere else.”
Having been scolded quite thoroughly by her parents, Gisel arrived at the garden party somewhat late.
Kiana was dressed in a beautiful evening gown, smiling elegantly among the guests as she clinked champagne glasses. The large checked ribbon on her shoulder was utterly charming.
She’d worn a checked dress yesterday too, and today was no different. The other noble ladies were already whispering behind her back: ‘Is checkered pattern the trend in the Capital these days? We should commission our seamstresses to make some.’
And Edmund, separated from Kiana, was mingling with Ranaq and the Knights of the Levin Domain.
“Well, Fernando is doing well enough. It doesn’t matter to me if he’s a bit disrespectful. Don’t worry about it.”
His manner was as languid and unhurried as always. Truly, that very image she had long admired and cherished.
“Honestly, as long as it doesn’t harm the Domain’s people, I think I could forgive almost anything.”
Gisel marveled once more at Edmund’s character. No matter how young Fernando was or how lacking compared to herself, such magnanimity couldn’t emerge without considerable composure. She found herself admiring that vast capacity once again.
“…Oh!”
Seeing Gisel enter, Kiana approached her with light, graceful steps. Her round, jade-green eyes curved adorably.
“I’d like to apologize once more, Gisel.”
“Yes?”
“I intruded earlier, didn’t I? I just wanted to help you, Gisel… I’m truly sorry for overstepping when I’m not even a comrade-in-arms.”
Gisel’s anger flared at the word “comrade.” She felt like she was developing a genuine neurosis. And it irritated her that everyone who had been beside Kiana earlier was looking at her with eyes that screamed, “What’s wrong with her?”
“You did well, Kiana.”
Even the Yellow Warbler perched on Kiana’s shoulder chirped approvingly.
“Losing is winning. Always apologize unconditionally to your opponent.”
She was receiving an apology, but with so many eyes upon her, something about it still irritated her. She wondered if Kiana was deliberately trying to humiliate her further….
“That’s enough. It’s fine.”
She didn’t want to say “I was sorry” in return. Gisel replied curtly and tried to leave, but Kiana didn’t step aside. She simply stood there smiling sweetly.
“Princess, would you move aside? I’d like to mingle with the others too.”
“Ah… Is it because I’m not Edmund’s comrade that you don’t want to speak with me? Ah, I understand… For someone who uses their body in combat, the word ‘comrade’ carries real significance….”
“Ugh, really! Just stop it!”
Gisel was deeply irritated by everyone hearing that word “comrade.” She felt certain they were all mocking her behind her back. So when she finally lost her temper and tried to push past Kiana’s shoulder to leave, something happened.
“Gisel!”
Someone suddenly shot to their feet with a sharp cry.
“Stop it! Enough! Don’t be disrespectful to the Princess!”
It was Fernando. Edmund’s eyebrows, who had been watching from a distance to protect Kiana, furrowed slightly.
And a brief silence fell.
“…My Lord?”
Finally, Kiana blinked and asked.
“Why are you… doing this? Do you perhaps like me?”
At that question, Fernando’s breathing became ragged. His face flushed crimson. Not only Gisel but everyone around them stood slack-jawed.
Time passed, but Fernando said nothing, only his lips trembling.
‘Ah.’
Gisel’s mind raced quickly.
‘…Could it be that ever since he heard the news of the engagement, he’s been so restless? And the way he came at night and asked me those strange questions… But when did the two of them even meet?’
Kiana seemed to be meeting Fernando for the first time.
Kiana sighed and shook her head, saying,
“My goodness… It seems to be true. Did you fall for me at first sight? Because I’m such a beautiful and adorable Princess?”
“That’s not it.”
At those words, Fernando asked in a voice that seemed on the verge of tears.
“Senior, you really don’t remember me? Truly?”
And immediately after, there came a sharp clang. It was the sound of Edmund dropping the wine glass he had been holding.
“Senior.”
Kiana’s face showed she still had no memory of it, and Fernando took a deep breath, clenched his fists, and spoke.
“Come to me instead.”
“…What? What did you say?”
“Rather than a fiancé who brings you into his domain and then leaves you alone like this, come to me.”
Watching Kiana’s casual speech slip out naturally at the word “senior,” Fernando continued with determination.
“Because you’re my first love!”

—————

This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

—————