The Baddest Villainess Is Back - Chapter 46
Rattle.
“A maid, alarmed after checking her room, brought the news…”
Arma, about to rise, glanced at the Emperor and hesitated.
The Emperor’s eyes narrowed slightly at the subtle movement.
‘Aha.’
The Emperor sipped his wine, a silent laugh in his thoughts.
‘This will please Cily.’
He thought of his hidden jewel, whom he planned to visit soon, and spoke slowly.
“Father, I must go…”
“My youngest, stay a bit longer. I’m bored and need a drinking companion.”
Arma laughed awkwardly, detecting the mirth in the Emperor’s voice.
***
“There’s surprisingly little information.”
Roxelyn murmured softly after hours in the imperial library, her eyes tired from reading.
The world she knew had changed, and she regretted not studying the latest political and cultural developments of Kaluta before her trip.
Her knowledge of Kaluta’s culture and traditions was almost non-existent, relying only on hearsay.
‘It’s almost like gambling.’
Comparing what little she found, it seemed similar to her world.
‘Time has flown.’
Roxelyn glanced out the window, realizing it was already dark.
Having skipped lunch, she stretched and stood up, returning the books to the shelves.
Thump.
The library door, thought to be closed, suddenly shut again, and someone grabbed Roxelyn’s shoulder.
Her eyes widened slightly.
About to swing the thick book she was holding, thinking someone had grabbed her from behind,
“My lady…! You were here.”
“…Third Prince Arma?”
Roxelyn paused at the sight of the young man with a thick gauze on his cheek.
“What brings you here…?”
“You suddenly disappeared, so everyone is searching for you. I found you here while I was searching too…”
Arma spoke with a reddened cheek and a smile.
“Everyone is in chaos. Especially the Duke and Young Duke Bellion—they thought you’ve been kidnapped, or that you’ve mysteriously disappeared. They’re turning the palace upside down…”
His voice trailed off, making Roxelyn pause.
Surprised by the unexpected revelation, her eyes widened.
“They turned it upside down?”
“No, not to that extent yet.”
Roxelyn caught the subtle nuance in Arma’s response. It wasn’t to that extent yet, but it was almost there.
“…I apologize. I didn’t mean to cause trouble. I lost track of time reading.”
“Of course, my lady. I’m glad you are safe. I’ll send word right away.”
He reassured her, but she caught a faint whiff of alcohol.
“Did you drink?”
“Yes. His Majesty… asked me to join him. Does it smell?”
Arma looked worried, burying his nose in his sleeve, taking a few steps back as if afraid to let the smell reach her.
Roxelyn shook her head gently.
“No, that’s not it.”
“In that case, my lady.”
In the dimly lit library, lit only by candles, Arma was quite close.
“Yes.”
Arma hesitated, his lips moving but no words coming out. Roxelyn shrugged and spoke first.
“Thank you for looking for me. I should leave before causing more trouble.”
She thought of her father, who visited her room at least once a day, and frowned.
Her father, with his fragile mentality, didn’t seem likely to be in good condition.
‘…Fragile mentality.’
The thought made her smile a bit.
Her father always felt immense and terrifying.
Hard to approach, and frightening.
‘He might be on the verge of another outburst.’
…Was not the impression anyone would have of him.
“I heard you were selected for the Kaluta delegation. Could I… join you?”
Arma’s voice stopped her as she was about to leave the library.
Roxelyn looked at him, a bit confused, then shook her head.
“No?”
That was unlikely.
She answered shortly and left the library.
