When the Villainess Died, the Male Lead Went Crazy - Chapter 149.1

“This…”

“Do you like it?”

Anais chewed the flower that Phileal had pushed into her mouth. It tasted like mint, and surprisingly, it was quite pleasant. After drinking, chewing the flower seemed to ease the light buzz she was feeling.

“It’s delicious.”

When Anais said that, Phileal gestured to a servant nearby. The servant brought over several more white flowers on a tray and placed them in front of them.

“Hmm? Why are that servant’s eyes red?”

“Ah, that’s my second-in-command.”

“Your second-in-command? Why is he dressed as a servant?”

“I thought I might need him, so I had him dressed and gave him some work.”

Anais was unsure whether she should be upset that Phileal had disguised a palace servant or just let it go. Seeing the confusion on her face, Phileal immediately explained.

“The reason for the disguise was that I intended to use his eyes.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well….”

Phileal paused, noticing the change in Anais’s expression as it shifted into one of business-like focus. He then took her hand and spoke softly.

“I’m sorry. I should have asked first. I acted on my own judgment.”

“It’s fine. But eyes? What do you mean?”

“Priests can share their sight with the gods. But I didn’t want to share what I saw with Re, so I had my second-in-command do it.”

He tightened his grip on her hand. Anais, looking down at how tightly he was holding it, smiled.

“Phileal, ask me first next time. It’s not like I’d say no.”

“You’re right. Even though I knew that, I still did this. I’ll make sure next time, you won’t have to make that face again.”

Phileal, looking at her nervously, saw her expression soften and breathed a sigh of relief.

“What about Lilith?”

“She’s probably in the meeting of the gods.”

Lewarren, who had been listening to their conversation, gestured forward to change the subject.

“Looks like it’s time for the dancers from the Kingdom of Rolandias.”

Anais showed curiosity when she heard the name of the desert kingdom. Soon, male dancers appeared and began to dance.

They were only wearing pants, and their muscular chests and dark skin were incredibly captivating.

“Wow, their eyes…”

Anais froze for a moment when she made eye contact with the dancers. Their eyes weren’t as bright as Kylian’s but seemed to be a mix of brown and gold. It was fascinating that they all had the same eye color.

“Their eyes are so beautiful.”

“You were staring at their eyes?”

Lewarren chuckled softly as he watched Anais, who was more focused on their eyes than the topless men dancing.

“Aren’t weapons prohibited in the banquet hall?”

“Those are for the performance. They’re not real swords.”

Anais was entranced, watching the dancers twirl their swords. Soon, the courtiers began to take notice of the Empress’s fascination.

Kylian, who had been watching Anais, also turned his attention to the dancers while deep in thought. Seeing Anais’s expression, he felt miserable.

Kylian had always felt uneasy whenever Anais briefly looked away. But now, seeing her looking at men who shared the same eye color she had once praised, he couldn’t just stand by and watch.

“Well, if they’re that beautiful, maybe I should bring one or two closer.”

“Haha, should I ask them to dance next to me?”

“Go ahead.”

Anais laughed heartily at Lewarren’s words, playfully teasing him. Kylian knew she was just joking, but he couldn’t suppress the jealousy stirring.

If only she would look back at him once. But, until the dancers from Rolandias finished, Anais didn’t glance in Kylian’s direction.

His heart felt like it was trapped in a small, cold cage, heavy and suffocating.

And so, he could only watch Anais for the rest of the banquet.

* * *

“Tonight’s dream is the last.”

“I see.”

Lilith, who had just returned from the meeting of the gods, looked extremely tired.

“I’m so tired.”

“You look at it.”

Anais gently stroked Lilith’s head as she snuggled against her. Since she maintained her female form when with Anais, it didn’t feel strange to be this close.

“Tomorrow I want to be your partner for the banquet too.”

“Then I’ll have three partners?”

“Well, the priest who follows me becomes Lady’s Anais’s partner, so it’s unfair if I can’t attend.”

Anais couldn’t help but laugh at how uncharacteristically whiny Lilith sounded.

“Huh? Lady Anais.”

“Alright, let’s do that.”

Anais thought it wouldn’t make a difference if there was one more partner.

She hadn’t paid attention to Kylian during the entire evening, so she didn’t even remember how he was doing.

Back when she worked as the Young Duke, she never had the chance to enjoy a banquet, only dealing with the late Emperor’s business. She had never experienced a New Year’s celebration this leisurely before.

Perhaps that was why everything felt so new. She found it interesting to learn about the various cultures of foreign guests she had only seen as diplomatic representatives, and she enjoyed conversing with them.

“If I turn into a cat, will you take care of me?”

“Suddenly?”

Anais was startled by Lilith’s random question.

“You’re having strange thoughts again, Lady Anais.”

“Haha, the banquet was just so fun.”

“I saw. You seemed to have a great time even without me.”

“Well, you’ll be with us tomorrow. Let’s enjoy it.”