I Became the Villain’s Master - Chapter 112

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Chapter 112

Where did this sudden talk about children come from? Determined to steer the conversation away from this dangerous territory, I quickly changed the subject.

“Oh, right, Mary. Where are you staying these days?”

“Huh? Sir Kiris prepared a room for me.”

“Really?”

“He said since I’d be attending to you, it would be best if I were close by.”

“Are you sure everything’s alright here?”

“Yes, Miss. I have everything I need, and it’s wonderful. I can’t believe you’re so worried about me… You truly are an angel.”

“Don’t be silly. It’s only natural for an employer to care about their employee.”

“Oh my… Miss Rosette….” Mary’s eyes welled up, her face shining with emotion.

“A lifetime contract!”

“Kiing!” Startled by the sudden noise, Snow, who had been sleeping soundly, let out a grumpy sound.

“Oh dear! Snow, did I wake you?” Mary cooed, fussing over the fox. Finally finding some peace, I picked up the newspaper lying in front of me.

‘I’ve been meaning to catch up on current events, but it’s been so hectic lately.’

It felt like it had been ages since I last relaxed with a newspaper.

‘Keeping up with the times is important too.’

My eyes widened as I took in the bold headline. It was about Duke Eckart, a frequent subject in the newspapers these days.

‘Duke Eckart, Leader of the Noble Faction, Declares Political Neutrality.’

The Duke, who had been the head of the anti-Imperial faction, was now choosing to remain neutral. It meant he would not be getting involved in the ongoing political turmoil. With the Emperor’s health declining, it was a move that could easily escalate the chaos, but I understood his reasons.

‘The novel mentioned they stayed neutral.’

Everything they did was for Aria. Aria, the Empire’s hidden princess. Only the Eckart family knew the truth for now, but secrets had a way of getting out. And with the Emperor in such a precarious state, they had to be even more careful.

‘They do love Aria dearly.’

Both Terrion and Duke Eckart. They both genuinely cared for and loved Aria. A warm feeling spread through me as I read the newspaper report. It seemed some remnants of the original story still remained. I had thought the plot had completely derailed when Kiris, the supposed antagonist, showed no interest in Aria, the female lead, and instead relied on me.

‘Terrion’s back, too.’

And tucked away in the corner of the last page, a small article announced that Terrion had returned from his monster subjugation mission.

“Miss Rosette, did you hear? They say the Holy Festival is coming soon,” Mary said as she brushed Snow. Just as she said, further down the page, there was an article about the upcoming festival.

‘It’s finally happening!’

The Holy Festival! It was one of the events I had been most looking forward to from the original story. It was where Terrion, fresh from his monster hunting expedition, and Aria would make their first official public appearance together since the founding ceremony.

‘It’s like a hunting competition.’

The Holy Festival, organized by the Imperial family, was a way to give thanks to the God Moreus for protection against monsters. Monsters would be released into the forest near the Imperial Palace, and whoever caught the highest-level monster would be declared the winner. The prize? A single wish granted by the Emperor.

‘And that’s where the female lead gives the male lead a handkerchief, making his heart flutter.’

It was also the event that sparked the romance between the two in the original story.

“You’ll be attending the Holy Festival, won’t you? I’m sure Sir Kiris will want you by his side!”

“Do you really think so…?”

“Of course! You were his partner last time, weren’t you?”

“Well, yes, but the Holy Festival is invitation-only.”

Mary shook her head at my hesitant words, pulling something out from her pocket.

“Sir Kiris gave me this earlier. He said to give it to you.”

“What is it?”

Taking the offered item, I let out a small sigh. I had a sinking suspicion… It was an invitation.

‘But I thought only nobles could attend the Holy Festival…’

It seemed my family’s downfall didn’t pose a problem. This time, my name was printed clearly on the invitation.

– Rosette Cernia

“Kiing!” Just then, Snow, still drowsy from its nap, stumbled over and nuzzled against my leg.

[Humans sure do come up with strange customs. Why can’t they just pray to God at the temple?]

With a wide yawn, it promptly fell back asleep.

“Snow must be exhausted. It has been so sleepy lately.”

“You’re right. Anyway, the Holy Festival isn’t far off.”

“I’m sure Sir Kiris will take care of all the preparations! Oh, how romantic.” Mary clasped her hands together, her cheeks flushed. I met her enthusiasm with a cool gaze.

“Goodness, your excitement is blinding.” I had encountered a significant dilemma. The thought of attending the festival as Kiris’s partner set my heart racing, and the prospect of seeing him in such a grand setting made it hard to think straight. Still, the chance to witness Aria and Terrion’s blossoming romance firsthand was exciting.

“I should start making Kiris’s handkerchief today.”

“I’ll help you, Miss Rosette!” It was tradition to give your partner a handkerchief before embarking on a hunt. Rolling up my sleeves, I decided it was time to put my skills to use.

‘Time to show them what Aunt Celia had taught me!’