This Three-Year-Old Is A Villainess - Chapter 225
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I diligently walked around the ducal castle, gathering rumors.
Of course, people whispered about me openly, not even bothering to hide it.
They pointed fingers, saying I was desperately trying to win back the Duke’s favor after the incident with Ragon.
The looks from those around me were cold, though they’d give me awkward smiles whenever our eyes met.
‘Because of these brothers.’
I glanced at Lysmond, Balzac, and Joshua, who surrounded me with grim expressions.
“I told you, I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not!”
“Right. At least for now.”
Balzac and Lysmond’s words made Joshua nod as well.
“Wouldn’t it be best to stay in the jurisdiction? You haven’t even attended all your classes this month.”
“I’m not coming here because of classes.”
“That’s why I’m saying it.”
It was rare for Joshua to be so stern. He was often strict with others, but always as gentle as a spring flower with me.
‘It’s because he’s worried about me.’
Given the tense atmosphere, it was understandable.
Just then, my cousins approached from the opposite side of the hallway.
Geoffrey, along with his little sycophants, Adam and Fabio.
Geoffrey grinned, shrugging his shoulders.
“I knew it. From the moment you started trying to tame that monster, I figured something like this would happen.”
“Quite the mess, huh?”
“Right. Uncle, our aunts, and all the relatives are in an uproar.”
“Oh, could it be that the prince’s illness was due to the monster’s influence? That would be hilarious.”
They seemed too engrossed in their gossip to notice us.
Balzac stood slightly to the side, then stomped his foot down lightly in front of Geoffrey.
“You want to see what’s truly hilarious?”
“B-Balzac.”
“It’s been a while since we’ve done any direct training, huh? Is that why you’re running your mouth again?”
“W-What did I say?!”
It seemed Geoffrey thought this incident had significantly damaged the reputation of Daymond’s jurisdiction. That’s why he could act so cocky in front of us, despite usually cowering like a mouse before a cat.
“If you mess up again, it won’t just be your little sister in trouble—you’ll fall out of Grandfather’s favor too!”
Joshua’s mouth curved into a smirk.
“Even if he’s disappointed, he won’t discard us. We’re far more useful than someone like you.”
“W-What did you say?”
“You want to test it? Let’s see if you’re abandoned when Balzac beats you within an inch of your life and hangs you out to dry.”
Geoffrey’s face turned pale.
As he flinched and tried to back away—
Swoosh!
Lysmond activated his blessing, blocking Geoffrey’s path from behind.
“Geoffrey.”
“W-What… enough with the threats…!”
“Don’t make me cross the line.”
“……!”
Lysmond was the most talented of the third generation, incomparable to the likes of Geoffrey.
Even the calm Lysmond, who rarely lost his temper, seemed intimidating, and Geoffrey was completely terrified.
“I… I have classes, so I’ll be going!”
And with that, he fled.
Adam and Fabio quickly followed suit, running after him with their tails between their legs.
The three brothers, who had been glaring fiercely, turned their gazes to me.
“Erylotte, let’s just go.”
“Yeah, let’s leave now.”
“It’s best for you to get some rest.”
I shook my head.
Leaving now wouldn’t resolve anything.
“I’ll be fine if I spend a little time alone. People eventually get tired of gossiping.”
“Erylotte…”
The expressions on my three brothers’ faces weren’t good as they looked at me.
“Well, I’ll be off now. I’m going for a walk!”
I smiled, waved to them, and headed toward the lakeside by myself.
After some time had passed…
A rustling sound was accompanied by the approach of a dark smoke.
Whoosh—!
The black smoke whirled fiercely.
I smiled affectionately and reached out my hand.
“Have you been sulking because I left you alone for too long, Ombre?”
Ombre coiled around my arm like a vine. Somehow, he seemed even clingier today.
“Are you lonely without Ragon too?”
Ombre and Ragon were close. Typically, monsters don’t just dislike humans—they’re not fond of other monsters either. But Ragon was so gentle that he never minded when Ombre bothered him.
It made sense that Ombre would be down, with his close friend away.
“Well then, show me now, Ombre.”
The moment Ombre melded into my gaze, an unfamiliar scene unfolded before my eyes.
