This Three-Year-Old Is A Villainess - Chapter 186
Time flew by like an arrow, and already a month had passed.
The ducal castle was bustling for the first time in a long while.
It made sense—today, all the second and third generations of the Astra family had gathered.
Not to mention their attendants and employees tagging along, so naturally, there was an enormous crowd!
There was only one reason for the gathering of both the second and third generations.
While I had been announced as the top scorer of the annual exam, the official rankings had not yet been released.
‘The second generation is all on edge because today’s the day the third-generation rankings are revealed.’
I leisurely observed the tense expressions of the second generation.
‘This is the luxury of a victor!’
The third generation may still be young, but Astra is a society of hierarchy.
Naturally, the rankings of the third generation would also affect the standing of the second generation above them.
The direct members of the family, as well as their retainers, couldn’t help but take an interest.
Today was practically the day they could objectively assess whether the family they served was a prized gem or just a shiny disappointment.
Above all, the platinum medal awarded to the first-place winner was not only an honor, but the prize itself was astonishing.
‘The prize is really the best part…’
I thought of the prize with an ecstatic expression.
Whoever received the platinum medal could come and go freely throughout the lands of Astra.
Not only that, but the allowance that came with it was incomparable to what the other third-generation members received.
‘The allowance given to the medal recipient can’t even be called an “allowance” anymore.’
It was said to rival the personal funds of a moderately sized fief, so that says everything.
That incredible platinum medal with all those benefits…
‘Is hanging right around my neck!’
Clink, clink.
The medal made a melodic sound as it brushed against the accessories attached to my outfit.
With every step, the beautiful medal swayed on my chest.
I gently ran my fingers over the intricately carved patterns on its surface, smiling with satisfaction.
I felt proud.
Though, of course, it wasn’t the medal itself, but the benefits that came with it.
‘Honor is useless.’
What really matters is the money and the perks.
I grinned as I thought to myself, ‘How should I take advantage of these medal perks?’
However, there were people causing an even bigger fuss about the medal than me.
It was Deianira and Riantine.
“Wow, wow! It’s a platinum medal. It’s always been with Selene or Blitzen!”
“I, I want to see too! Wow, look at how it shines. It’s so different!”
“It really is. But… it looks better on you than it did on Selene or Blitzen, Erylotte.”
The two of them chattered excitedly at my sides, unable to take their eyes off the medal.
“One day, I’ll wear a platinum medal too!”
Riantine clenched her fists in determination.
I chuckled, finding her resolve adorable.
It was endearing, knowing how hard Riantine worked.
“Yeah. You’ll wear one next time.”
“Of course.”
We chatted as we walked down the corridor side by side.
That’s when we heard it.
Another voice, separate from our chatter, echoed down the hallway.
From just around the corner, we could hear people arguing.
“Hold on.”
“Huh?”
“Shh.”
At my words, the two of them closed their mouths.
Now, the voices became clearer.
“I’m telling you, it’s tough right now. I already said I’d pay you back soon if you just wait a little longer.”
“Of course, I trust you. But please understand our situation as well. We can’t hold out much longer…”
“Even if I want to give it back, I don’t have anything on hand right now. You can check for yourself. Do you think I’d refuse to pay if I had it?”
“Do you really intend to pay us back? You said you’d return it in just two weeks, but it’s been six months now.”
Hmm. This definitely sounded like a money problem.
As we drew closer to the corner, the voices became even more distinct.
“What are you trying to imply? Are you saying I’m avoiding my debt? Are you insulting me?”
The one who had borrowed the money shouted.
But thanks to that outburst, I knew for sure.
They’d hit the nail on the head.
They had no intention of paying back.
People who are guilty always lash out like that.
But the other person cowered and stammered.
“I was just asking. You keep saying it’s difficult, and we’re struggling too…”
“That’s because our Selene didn’t win the platinum medal this time─!”
A high-pitched, agitated voice rang out.
It was sharp, as if the speaker was extremely annoyed.
“I understand, but…”
“Enough! I can see how much you’re looking down on me!”
Before we could even catch our breath, a woman appeared from around the corner, huffing in anger.
Finally, her face came into view.
‘If she’s talking about Selene, then it’s obvious who this is.’
It was Aunt Bastina, Selene’s mother, who had nearly always secured first place in the rankings.
Then, Bastina’s eyes met mine.
