The four of them, Dylan, Chris, Avril, and now also Listeard all took their seats. Listeard immediately said, “This one is on me,” and seemingly ordered everyone’s drinks.

While feeling grateful, Avril casually looked around the restaurant again. Within that dim lighting floated the scent of political and romantic maneuverings, making her heart race.

At the edge of the floor, she saw a person who seemed to be Listeard’s bodyguard. Even he could blend in with the establishment.

“—So, Mr. Reed, you come here often, then?”

“Yes. It’s easier to gather information in places like this.”

From what he said, this pub seemed to be one Listeard’s regular shops. He’d been a frequent visitor since before ascending the throne, and apparently had even brought Crown Prince Lawrence of the Kingdom of Branville Lawrence here before.

Just hearing that story made her realize that this visit to the Kingdom of Claughton was a meticulously crafted plan by His Highness Lawrence.

His Highness Lawrence said that His Majesty Listeard was a very troublesome man and that the negotiation had reached a deadlock. However, considering His Highness Lawrence’s attentiveness, I feel that the truth is different.

It seemed as if Lawrence wanted to make it seem like Listeard was forced to act due to pressure from a foreign country. This speculation matched with Listeard’s behavior at the tea party.

When she reflected on how this visit involved actions that could help the closed-off and stalled future of the Kingdom of Claughton, all the bizarre oddities surrounding the visit suddenly made sense. Avril nodded her head in agreement, saying, “I see.”

“I’ve seen you, the one known far and wide as a wicked woman, here once before as well.”

“…!”

A very bad comment was sent flying at her. Listeard had to be referring to Corinna, after all.

“We-well, I’m a wicked girl who loves the nightlife. Whenever I come to a foreign land, I alwaysmake a point to visit places like this. Even during my stay two years ago, I had the pleasure of entertaining myself with some of the gentlemen here.”

“Lawrence’s taste in women sure has changed. I thought he preferred women with more composure, the kind who wouldn’t let men anywhere near them.”

!? That’s exactly right…!

She thought she’d gotten past it, but Listeard was too sharp.

In fact, Alexandra, who perfectly fit that preference, was Lawrence’s actual lover and the one who would become the crown princess. For him to know his tastes, the two had to be quite close.

“My beloved Lord Lawrence seems to like many different types of women.”

“…I see.”

From Listeard’s expression, Avril could tell what he was thinking, Isn’t a swing in preference like that too extreme? The fact that he was questioning it that much, but not asking anything directly, made him all the more terrifying.

At that moment, Dylan, who apparently couldn’t bear to keep watching any longer, came to her aid.

“I was the one who introduced her to His Highness Lawrence. She may not have been his usual type, but it seems he quickly became enamored with how she captivates those around her.”

“I see. So that’s how it is. Oh, my younger sister seems to also really like this evil woman. She has a portrait of her hanging in her room.”

Strictly speaking, that too is Corinna.

Thanks to Dylan’s assistance, Listeard was convinced for now, but her wicked stepsister was attracting way too much interest from the neighboring country’s royal family. Avril pressed her lips shut and held herself back from saying anything. At that time, Listeard’s expression seemed to relax just a little.

“I’m asking this not as the sovereign of a nation, but as Emilia’s older brother.”

“Yes.”

“Why did you come to this country? Who exactly are you?”

“!”

She never expected a question that would strike at the core of the matter there of all places. Yet although the question could sound like an interrogating, it didn’t feel that way at all. His voice as he asked was surprisingly clam. The question was more like one meant to determine whether she was worthy of being his sister’s friend.

With that thought, the anxiety and fear she had felt a moment ago quietly melted away.

…That’s—

She recalled the three months she’d spent in the Kingdom of Claughton. Although the latter half was mostly spent studying for the exam, when she looked back on those days, the words that came out were without any lies or pretense.

“I came to this nation for a vacation. It became a truly refreshing rest for me.”

“That’s the official reason, I believe?”

As expected, the fact that someone playing the role of a villainess went on to take the National Exam is what bothers him…!

It seemed that Listeard, with his sharp insight, wasn’t easily deceived. Such was to be expected of someone who ruled a country at a young age.

Before Dylan could assist with his smooth tongue, Avril gave a gentle smile.

“I truly came for the sake of a vacation. Thanks to this country… I’ve had some wonderful encounters. I was also given great sources of inspiration that made me feel I want to strive forward from here.”

Meeting Anastasia, reuniting with Lynn, and many other things came to mind. On the surface, she had been playing the role of a villainess to gain mining rights from a neighboring country, but in reality, it had been a very enrichening stay.

She had been able to see that Anastasia loves Dylan. Lynn, despite still being a child, spoke of wanting to help others, which moved her. The villa at the foot of the Greenie Mountains, though tinged by Corinna’s influence, was a wonderful place to stay and she made friends with some foreign girls in a village they passed on the way back. Emilia earnestly supported her brother. And by taking the National Exam, Avril had even been able to experience a semblance of having attended an academy.

No matter which moment she thought back to, her days were so fulfilling they didn’t feel like they could have all happened in only three months. She was filled with a sense of satisfaction.

“When I think about it, it was quite an enjoyable vacation.”

It was so much fun, she couldn’t stop the words flowing from her heart.

“…I’m glad to hear that.”

Avril expected him to press her further, but to her surprise, Listeard just smiled. Apparently, the image of a villainess accompanying a delegation and enjoying herself privately lined up convincingly with the supposed purpose of the trip.

Phew. Thank goodness.

With that completed, she reached for the cocktail glass in front of her to quench her thirst. The moment she made to grab it, Listeard snatched it away.

“?!”

“Here, some apple juice.”

“?!”

“I feel like I’m here with my younger sister. You’ll drink this.”

“?!”

What in the world is going on?

Avril was an adult, and although her tolerance wasn’t high, she could still drink alcohol. Above all that, she was a villainess. She wanted to protest, but Dylan and Chris watched without saying a word. In fact, they looked amused.

Which meant, in order to avoid upsetting Listeard, quietly drinking the apple juice might be the correct course of action.

Just as His Highness Lawrence said, His Majesty Listeard is rather hard to grasp. He is a mysterious man indeed…

The apple juice was placed before here so quickly that she had no choice but to bring the straw into her lips.

The sweet and refreshing aroma of apple filled her mouth. Delicious. Perhaps she had been too tense, but she had finished even the last drop before realizing it.

Having finished taking the National Exam, Avril indulged in a brief, pleasant moment of peace.

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