The duration of their stay in the Kingdom of Claughton was set to last approximately three months from when they first arrived.

Since it was a country where diplomatic envoys rarely came and went, various inspections and meetings were scheduled.

“Today, Lord Dylan will attend a tea party with His Majesty the King, while I have been invited to Her Highness Emilia’s chambers in the afternoon.”

As Avril confirmed the day’s schedule over breakfast in the dining room, Dylan made a request.

“Speaking of which…Avril, could you also attend the tea party with His Majesty the King?”

“! Of course. But… why?”

She was delighted at being able to accompany Dylan to the tea party, but for an “infamous villainess” to be invited, there must’ve been a reason for it.

According to Lawrence’s request, the role of the villainess appeared essential for this negotiation. She wondered if this could be related. As Avril tilted her head in thought, Dylan, looking hesitant, placed his cup on the saucer.

“Some concerns have arisen regarding this plan. We need to reconsider how to proceed. I want to reassess whether there’s truly no way to handle the redevelopment of the mines and the borrowing of certain rights through conventional means. I’d also like to hear Avril’s opinion this time. Hence why I’d like for you to attend.”

“I see. Understood.”

She had no doubt that the reason why Dylan hurried to return alone from the orphanage yesterday was connected to this.

Does Prince Lawrence intend for me to befriend Lady Emilia and ultimately persuade His Majesty the King…? Although a plan like that seems too vague… or rather, it seems unnatural to send another out for such a task…

There were many things she didn’t understand, but she was there as a villainess. She had to behave accordingly.

“Lord Dylan, I’ll do my best at today’s tea party!”

With newfound determination, she spoke with enthusiasm, only to be met with an indescribable, “S-sure…” that echoed throughout the foreign dining room from Dylan.

******

Avril decided to wear a dress befitting of a villainess for the occasion. The colors were a bit bold, but the design itself wasn’t too revealing.

It was nothing like the outfits Corinna wore on her secret outings at night. Instead, this particular dress had been carefully chosen by Alexandra— the one who had crafted Avril’s persona into the perfect villainess. As such, there shouldn’t be any problems.

For her hair, she asked Grace to curl it into elaborate twists. Upon seeing her reflection, she felt she had never before appeared this villainous. Dylan also complimented her. So, she had no doubt her image was perfect.

Today’s venue was the lavish courtyard of the royal palace. A tea table had been prepared just outside a nearby room. It was a pleasant location surrounded by seasonal flowers and trees. Waiting for them with warm smiles were King Listeard and his younger sister Emilia.

“Lady Avril! This way, this way! Please, have a seat!”

“Thank you very much for the kind invitation.”

“As I heard Lady Avril would be attending, I decided to join as well. What kind of tea would you like? We have almost everything you could think of.”

“How truly generous of…”

Avril was suddenly realized something just before she could finish speaking.

Lady Emilia believes I’m a villainess, a mix of myself and Corinna of two equal halves. Which means…

Along with a polite greeting, she needed a bit of selfishness. Recalling Corinna’s selfishness at the tea parties, Avril searched her memories for an appropriate example of her “villainess whims.”

Corinna never caused full-blown commotions at tea parties she was invited to, but she could be quite spectacular within the Allingham estate.

Which of Corinna’s whims were the most memorable? There are so many to choose from!

“…have the tea snacks remade if not to taste… had ten different kinds of tea brewed, took a single sip of each, none were acceptable, requested Father’s brandy instead…It was a lovely sunny day, inebriated by noon…”

“““?!?!”””

The atmosphere in the courtyard froze.

Chris, who was standing behind Avril, swiftly stepped forward to give her a handkerchief. She wondered if he was implying that she should cover her mouth. In other words, that could only mean…

I was speaking my thoughts out loud, wasn’t I?

“From, ‘have the tea snacks remade,’ onwards,” Chris whispered.

“Ah, T-thank you…”

Avril paled and pressed the handkerchief to her lips, but it was far too late. Emilia, eyes shining, rang the small silver bell on the table as if she’d been waiting for such a moment.

To Avril, it sounded like a summons from hell.

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