Once the exam was over, there wasn’t much to do until the results were announced. For Avril, all she could do was reinforce the fact that she was “visiting as a villainess.”

Corinna was a villainess who was only interested in nightlife. However, among the many books I read to study being a villainess, there were many clever and intelligent villainesses.

Dylan had also said, “Since you’ve advanced to the National Exam’s main examination, it’s only natural to act as the latter.” At the same time, he also gave her the option to spend the rest of her time not doing anything more. However, they were on a precious mission in a foreign land.

She wanted to give it her all until the end.

Thus, that night, Avril was escorted by Dylan to a pub in the castle town. Despite being called a pub, the building it was located in was once a historical mansion that had been renovated. As a result, most of its clientele was upper class, with only few commoners.

The pub that appeared at the end of the stone-paved road had brick walls illuminated by square-shaped lamps. The cheerful voices coming from inside piqued Avril’s curiosity, as she wasn’t used to such amusements.

“Other than that masquerade ball, this is my first time coming to a place like this…!”

Avril couldn’t help but feel gleeful. Dylan smiled wryly, and brought his index finger to his lips. The gesture enforced the feeling of a secret outing. Acknowledging her own inexperience, Avril’s head bounced up and down.

Having rumors spread that I came here will be enough for today. There’s no need to stand out.

She had attended a masquerade ball and the parties on the Victoria before, but this was her first time visiting such a casual place. Not knowing how to behave, she had no choice but to follow Dylan’s lead.

“Lawrence told me to come to this place if we ever hit a dead end. Our stay in the Kingdom of Claughton is almost over, so coming to visit it at least once before we leave wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

Avril again quickly nodded at his words.

Certainly, as this is a place where nobles gather, opportunities to break through difficult situations can be found here.

Although there was no longer any need to gather information, she was still delighted at being able to come here in the end.  With such thoughts in mind, she stepped into the store. The hustle and bustle of the street disappeared in an instant. With just one step, she was enveloped in the scent of tobacco and sweet perfume.

As they proceeded further inside, the gazes of a dozen or so customers chatting inside turned towards them. Those eyes which seemed to be appraising them were slightly uncomfortable.

It only lasted for a few seconds before everyone returned to what they were doing.

Gentlemen were playing board games, a man and woman at the counter were speaking with their faces close together, and a group was exchanging lively arguments at a standing table.

While Avril felt a bit uneasy in this unfamiliar world, Dylan and Chris led her to a seat further inside. There was no hesitation in their movements, they provided her with a natural escort.

Co-Corinna played around in places like this too…?

She felt so out of place that her legs felt like they were going to give. She wanted to express her respect for her stepsister who boldly played around in a world she knew nothing about.

Dylan and Chris, who had guided her, seemed accustomed to pubs. She felt pathetic for desperately resisting the urge to look around.

Just as her shoulders unintentionally drooped, a wineglass was set in front of her with a clink.

“— I got tired of waiting.”

Avril’s eyes widened at the rough fingers on the stem of the wineglass and the all-too-familiar voice.

This voice…!

Before Avril could confirm who the voice belonged to, Dylan responded with an exasperated tone.

“So, you were here after all. I had a feeling that might be the case.”

“That’s my line. There’s no way the special envoy sent under Lawrence’s orders wouldn’t be informed of this shop’s existence.”

The man who answered with such calm wasn’t dressed in his usual formal attire. He wore what looked like a ready-made frock coat, giving him a casual impression.

While he blended into the space quite well, his unique aura couldn’t be entirely concealed.
Just like them, it was clear he was making an effort not to stand out.

“What should we call you here?”

“Let’s see… How about Reed? My usual name would stand out too much.”

This person is…

As Avril listened to the two of them talk, she gulped nervously.

The one who answered Dylan’s question—
was none other than Listeard Kunzendorff, the king of the Kingdom of Claughton.

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