This Three-Year-Old Is A Villainess - Chapter 210
“It’s Conrad, sir.”
“Come in.”
Conrad entered and quickly handed a letter to the Duke.
“What is it?”
“The location for this year’s Festival of Abundance has been decided as Astra Manor.”
Viscount Debussy quietly set down his teacup.
It sounded as if there was a faint clink coming from somewhere, like the clear and crisp sound of peace shattering beautifully.
The return of hellish overtime was upon them.
* * *
The next day, at the ducal castle—
“Did you hear? This year’s Festival of Abundance is going to be held at Astra.”
At Deianira’s words, I quickly lifted my head.
“The Festival of Abundance?”
“Yeah!”
The Festival of Abundance is when the royal family holds a ritual to pray for a bountiful harvest.
The location for the festival changes every year.
‘And this year it’s going to be held at Astra?’
It was a surprising decision.
Under normal circumstances, Astra wouldn’t host the festival until after Dahlia arrived.
Riantine propped her chin on her hand and said,
“It’s a good thing. The area that hosts the Festival of Abundance usually has a bountiful harvest the following year.”
That’s mainly true for regions that rely on agriculture.
‘Our main focus is commerce, so it doesn’t really… huh?’
As I thought about it, I stiffened.
The imperial family was coming to our manor to pray at the altar?
‘Alexis!’
I quickly closed my notebook and jumped to my feet.
Deianira looked at me with wide eyes.
“Erylotte, are you leaving already?”
“Yeah!”
Deianira looked quite disappointed.
We used to see each other every day, but ever since I moved up to the advanced section, we could only meet two or three times a month.
And that was only during brief breaks between classes.
Riantine nudged Deianira, who was sulking.
“Focus on your studies. You have a test this evening.”
“…Fine.”
“If you end up last place again, you know you’ll be sent back to the intermediate section, right?”
When Deianira pouted her lips, Riantine promptly shoved a book into her hands.
‘Riantine really takes good care of Deianira.’
“If you’re not there, no one wants to team up with me!”
“That’s because Riantine’s blessing isn’t very useful for practical training…”
“What did you say?! Kyaaah—!”
…Well, in any case.
It’s nice to see them taking care of each other.
I bid farewell to the two of them.
“See you later.”
“Alright.”
“Bye, Erylotte! Take care!”
After receiving their goodbyes, I hurriedly left the education room.
I pulled out the communication stone I had put in my pocket, just in case.
As expected, there were frantic messages coming in.
‘It’s Lady Gonalon!’
After glancing around, I quickly moved to a quiet spot.
Only then did I connect the call.
[What should we do? Imperial Consort Othellia is planning to visit Astra Manor!]
Lady Gonalon’s urgent voice came through the communication stone.
“I heard.”
[You won’t let ‘that child’ run into her, right?]
“I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen. But there’s something I need to confirm.”
[What? Even with everything going on, you’re trying to use me again…?]
“If you invest in the Agis County this time—”
[Alright, I’ll hear you out.]
She sure changes her stance quickly.
‘But it’s a good thing she’s quick-witted.’
“Who exactly is coming this time? Is Imperial Consort Othellia the only member of the royal family attending?”
[Imperial Consort Othellia, the First Prince, and Her Highness Anatoli (the former emperor’s daughter and the emperor’s younger sister), will be attending.]
I closed my eyes tightly.
‘This is bad.’
I was hoping the Empress Dowager would come.
If Alexis and the Imperial Consort ended up meeting, she might have been able to help.
But there was no one in this group of imperials who could hold Imperial Consort Othellia in check.
“Understood. Keep me informed of the situation.”
[How long do you plan to keep using me? By the way, you’re serious about the Agis County, right?]
“Have I ever given you incorrect information?”
[…No, you haven’t. I’ll keep you updated.]
After ending the call, I headed out of the mansion.
But I didn’t go to the carriage station.
‘Because I have this now!’
The <Teleportation> blessing stone.
Lysmond had given it to me.
He said I could use it to travel hundreds of times within Astra Manor.
I passed through the second gate, where there were no wards, and clutched the <Teleportation> blessing stone.
Then I channeled my magic into it…
Flash!
My vision went white, and I felt as if I was floating.
And a few seconds later, I arrived at the base of the Egret Mercenary Corps.
‘It still looks like a prison here.’
Even though I’d removed the sign that said ‘prison’, it still had a creepy atmosphere.
Shaking my head, I started walking towards the building.
But there was a deep tree root right where I stepped.
I stumbled, losing my balance.
‘Ugh! I’m going to break my nose!’
I tightly shut my eyes, but then someone grabbed my arm and pulled me back.
“Careful, you’re going to fall.”
Startled, I turned around to see a familiar face.
Neatly groomed black hair.
Eyes as blue as the deep, serene sea you might find on a deserted beach.
Now in his adolescence, he had grown significantly taller.
A deepened voice, roughened by puberty.
…It was Alexis.
