After deciding on a change of plans, Avril smiled like a villainess.

“Of course. I chose a hairstyle that would especially be popular with brothels and aristocratic men. As a villainess, I hope I was of some use to all of you.”

Even though she had no idea what sort of hairstyles were trending in those places.

But on a closer look, Avril thought that the hairstyles of the women here were similar to those worn by the mistresses who lived in the annex of the Duke of Lancester.

The place was dimly-lit, so she was sure she could get away. To carry out her plan, Avril needed to convince them that she was on their side.

“Hmm. How clever of you. You don’t seem like an ordinary young lady.”

“I told you so, didn’t I? She’s a notorious villainess.”

As Kathy proudly explained to the old woman, one woman boldly raised her hand.

“U-uh, well…”

“Huh? What is it?”

“Well, that villainess said that if I were to be sold to a brothel, I—”

…?! Wait a second…

Avril’s eyes went wide as she wondered what was going on. Nevertheless, the old woman and the woman continued their conversation without paying any attention.

“Is that true?”

“Yes, I told her I didn’t want to… Yet she said that if I style my messy red hair like this, it’d look a little better. But I don’t want to be sold to a brothel in a foreign country…”

Then, the woman covered her face with both hands.

Didn’t Avril and that woman have a friendly and fun conversation when styling her hair? Avril didn’t recall saying anything about selling her to a brothel?!

Why would she lie about that…?

Avril was confused for a moment, wondering if she had done something to offend that woman. But then, another possibility occurred to her.

Maybe… she understood my intentions and is playing along?

Then, another woman meekly raised her hand.

“Me too! She said this hairstyle is what the noble playboys like… It’s cute, but… I don’t want to be sold to them…”

She also covered her face with both hands, except there were no tears. Then, one by one, hands were raised.

“I was also given a hairstyle that’s popular in high-class brothels. I want to cry.”

“Look at me. Doesn’t my hairstyle look like a hostess’ at the end of an alley?”

“I was also given a hairstyle that old lechers like… I already told her I didn’t need it… Hic.”

E-everyone… your acting skills are astonishing.

The women were all saying, “I was given a hairstyle that would fetch me an exorbitant price by Villainess Avril.” Kathy, who was listening to them, seemed extremely proud.

“Told ya. This girl is on our side. It’s okay, she’ll be of use to us.”

“Hmm. I get it. Your name’s Avril, right?”

“Yes, I’m Avril the Villainess.”

She raised her hand again and smiled. The old woman stared at Avril from top to bottom, then pointed at Lynn.

“I order you to look after this child. Go through that door to the back room and calm her down. Don’t try anything funny, though. All the goods here are hostages.”

The old woman banged her gun against the stack of wooden boxes. Tension was palpable among the women, but not a single one panicked.

Everyone… It seems that when Lynn spoke to the old lady, they realized we were up to something. Despite their fear, they’re trusting us with their fates… All I did was talk to them while styling their hair though…

The feelings of the women who had been trapped for a long time were conveyed to her. It was touching to see that they were still holding on to that last ray of hope.

—I absolutely can’t fail.

With renewed resolve, Avril showed her villain smile.

“I understand. I’ll take Lynn out for a bit. I’ll come back once Lynn has calmed down.”

“Yes, do so.”

The door to the back of the ship was unlocked at the old woman’s command. A bad woman with a gun opened the door and urged Avril and Lynn to pass through.

“Lynn, I’m going with you.”

“? Hm? Really?”

Actually, I was going to entrust Lynn with a letter and ask the engineers to stop the ship, but luckily, I’m being allowed to go with her.

Avril slipped her hand into her skirt pocket, gripping her necklace. It was a keepsake from her grandmother, embedded with a padparadscha sapphire. Dylan had retrieved it for her.

She usually kept it safe, but since this was their honeymoon, she brought it with her for some reason.

Avril was glad she had as she walked through the door.

---

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***T/N: At first I thought it was the most expensive necklace she accidentally purchased back then…

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