“Are you feeling alright? Did you sleep well last night? What about your meals? Are they satisfactory? Aren’t you cold? I’ll have extra clothes spread over your bed.”

The moment their eyes met, Dylan launched a barrage of questions one after the other. Avril couldn’t help but smile wryly.

“I’m not inconvenienced in the slightest. It’s very comfortable here.”

Dylan spoke to her in a very polite manner, while Avril responded in a wicked manner. This was because of the individual Dylan had brought along.

“Avril Allingham, you truly are like a child. The man rumored to be you lover greatly worries about your daily necessities, does he not?”

“…Well, ah, even among lovers, you should know that there are many different kinds.”

Clearing his throat with a light cough, the one who had spoken in that quiet voice was none other than His Majesty King Listeard.

While Listeard had been unable to ignore the appeals of his close advisor and issued an order for Avril to be detained, he seemed unconvinced with the situation had developed. Thus, he issued an order for the situation to be thoroughly investigated.

Of course, this was on the premise that no wrongdoing had taken place. Naturally, Alois seemed dissatisfied that such an order had been issued.

“Alois is incredibly stubborn. That man is the root cause behind the push to exclude foreigners and those connected to them. Simply regarding how things unfolded this time, there are too many unnatural points.”

“Despite that, why does someone of your stature place such great trust in him?”

Listeard responded to Dylan’s direct question with a sardonic smile.

“It was thanks to Alois’ efforts that I was elevated this position. Just because he’s no longer needed doesn’t mean I can so easily cast him out. Should I misjudge the timing, it could spread the seeds of rebellion.”

“The support from the nobles during the recent ceremony appeared quite impressive. Is that still not enough?”

“…No, my foundation is still lacking. But right now, as it is convenient, I shall make use of the villainess. You intend to demand something outrageous once your position as the top examinee is assured, don’t you?”

“…”

As he was right, Avril quietly averted her gaze. Listeard’s knowing smile, however, deepened.

“Jewels, a historical book from the kingdom, or perhaps a special fabric that’s popular with tourists and has a waiting list ten years long? What do you desire?”

“…”

She couldn’t say anything yet.

In truth, she wanted to request the rights for redeveloping the mine, but for some reason, Listeard came to have misunderstood her and concluded that Avril was a strange, and even childish, girl for a villainess.

In fact, the other day when they happened to meet at the pub, she was treated to apple juice. All she could do was shake her head at being treated like a child.

…I thought he was very perceptive, but could it be possible he hasn’t realized my goal? Perhaps he overheard me repeatedly say that I like expensive things when I first arrived? That might be the cause… No, wait, is this a good thing or a bad thing…?

She couldn’t even determine that much.

Nevertheless, one thing was for certain: Avril was a proper adult woman, and she was Dylan’s wife.

“Your Majesty the King, I am a villainess, so I will not be satisfied with any ordinary reward. Once my passing with the highest honors is assured, I shall speak with you regarding what I desire.”

When she showed her villainess smile, Listeard burst with laughter for some reason.

Did I say something strange? Was my expression weird? Or perhaps, both? She wanted to ask him, but as expected, she couldn’t act in such a way to a king.

Playing the villainess in front of His Majesty the King is difficult. For some reason, I always end up being laughed at like this…!

Just as she was about to puff out her cheeks, Dylan gently embraced her shoulders. It was an action permitted precisely because he was thought to be her third lover.

Seeing that, Listeard gave a wry smile and said, “Your tastes are unusual. No, perhaps all the men smitten with her simply like girls who are… childish—no, young and eccentric.”

Dylan, however, casually ignored the remark.

The masterful way with which he ignored Listeard left Avril wide-eyed. More than a verbal rebuttal, his way of expressing displeasure sent a chill deep into her chest. Regardless, Listeard didn’t seem offended in the slightest.

As was to be expected of Dylan, the man closer to her country’s crown prince than anyone else and has had a special relationship with him since childhood. He clearly knows how to handle royalty. How reassuring.

“More importantly, Lady Avril. We came here today for a reason.”

“?”

“For now, let’s go see the guestroom where Lady Avril had been staying. It’s been locked since the day the results were announced, and no one has been allowed entry. All your belongings have been brought here, but just in case we would like to ensure nothing has been forgotten.”

She caught on.

His Majesty the King doubts Sir Alois’ allegations, while Sir Alois wants to frame me for a false crime. If so, the reason for opening the room now…

A light smile came to Avril as she realized the true intentions of Dylan and Listeard for visiting her.

“Might I ask for a moment of time? I need to make some preparations.”

This time, Listeard didn’t laugh.

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