The next day, on the second day of Avil’s stay in the Kingdom of Claughton, she received an invitation that made her uneasy.

Her presence was requested in a secluded place within the royal palace immediately after breakfast. All throughout that room, jewels, dresses, paintings, sculptures, and various works of art were on display.

I’ve seen the lace used in the dresses displayed over there before. If I’m not wrong, they were woven in a great country across the sea. It must’ve been expensive! The necklaces and rings lined up on the table are also unbelievable—why would they leave those out in the open right there?! Why was I called to this room…?

As she grimaced, not understanding the situation, Chris, who had accompanied her, gave her some advice from behind.

“This appears to be the private chamber of Her Highness Emilia, the king’s sister. Please prepare to be a villainess.”

“Understood.”

I see, I need to get serious…

At the same time, she remembered something.

Now that I think about it, I interrupted Lady Emilia’s greeting in the audience hall yesterday…! Talking as I pleased like that was a major breach of etiquette. But I guess it can’t be helped, I’m a villainess after all.

Maybe she got summoned there to be reprimanded. She felt sorry for her unladylike manner, but she did it with Alexandra in mind…

Thankfully, King Listeard didn’t get angry, so she thought it worked out, but it seemed that she was mistaken…

Anyway, once Her Highness Emilia arrives, I’ll apologize right away.

Recalling Corinna’s sulky expression, she practiced apologizing in a foul way when the door from the back of the room opened.

“I apologize to have kept you waiting.”

Emilia, who had a coughing fit in the audience hall yesterday, entered.

Emilia was still a teenager, about ten years younger than King Listeard. Her beautifully curled black hair fluttered as she walked, making her look as adorable and charming as a doll.

However, her expression as she walked toward Avril was a bit tense from nervousness. She did have to excuse herself early yesterday, her poor health coupled with having to appear before such a villainess meant such was only natural.

Rather, as the younger sister of the king, her willingness to properly lecture a villainess who came from a foreign kingdom was amazing. She was a paragon of royalty.

I shall show respect to Her Highness Emilia for her courage in trying to punish a villainess, and accept all criticism I may receive. After all, such was my behavior yesterday…

As Avril resolved herself to meet Emila, the princess’ fiercely burning eyes took on a strange hue.

“Villainess Avril…!”

Avril thought she heard Chris burst with laughter from behind her.

“Huh, y-yes?”

Avril, who’d been expecting a severe reprimand, spoke in a silly voice.

Then, for some reason, Emilia, who’d been standing with dignity just a moment ago, collapsed in front of Avril. Her pale, delicate hands were on the floor, and she couldn’t get up.

She’d been standing there just fine until a few seconds ago, so what on earth had happened?

“Your Highness Emilia. What’s the matter? Ah, perhaps you’re still feeling unwell? Please wait, I’ll call someone right away!”

As she hurriedly tried to leave the room, her hand was grabbed by someone. When she turned around, she found out that it was none other than Emilia.

“V-Villainess Avril is here…!”

Emilia drops to the floor and cries her eyes out without an ounce of hesitation to watching eyes.

This… is a paragon of royalty?

—wait, what in the world is going on?!

Avril, unable to comprehend the situation, looked around. Then, she noticed a woman who seemed to be Emilia’s maid at the back of the room. Help me with this!

“Excuse me! Her Highness Emilia isn’t feeling well and can’t stand up! Would you give me your assitence?”

“…”

The maid shook her head with a refined smile. Her attitude was one of gently watching over the princess. What did that mean? Since Avril had no choice, she decided to ask Chris for help.

“Chris, Her Highness Emilia needs help.”

“Lady Avril, how about helping Her Highness Emilia to the sofa? There seems to be something interesting—no, there seem to be some special circumstances”

Special circumstances…?

No one wants to help me at all.

Avril could understand why the princess’ maid being cold toward her. She was a villainess. However, never did she expect to be abandoned by the dependable Chris!

Filled with doubt, she tilted her head.  That was when Emilia, who looked ready to crawl on the floor, called out to her in a weak voice.

“Please don’t call anyone… If you do that, I’d end up in the infirmary and lose all my time with Lady Avril…!”

“…Hm?”

No matter how Avril thought about it, she was completely perplexed by a string of words she had no doubt she had misheard

Uhm… first of all, what do you mean by time with me?                   

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