Chapter 228: Chapter 228

On a warm and pleasant afternoon, four attractive young men and women were peacefully enjoying tea together.

Just as two of them were about to reveal their feelings to each other, they were interrupted. Yes, it was the entrance of the villain. Well, in this case, whether or not she’s truly a villain is a bit questionable.

After all, she is the legitimate fiancée of the man who just confessed his feelings. In this case, the moral high ground is hers. Clearly, this is a cheating scene. It’s just… her personality is rather problematic.

“Prince Lenanino, why are you enjoying tea with a woman other than your fiancée?”

A stunning beauty with perfectly curled golden ringlets and sharp, upturned eyes—an archetypal villainous noble lady—stormed over to her fiancé, the first prince, eyes even more fierce than usual.

“Garnet, I don’t recall summoning you.”

My brother, unflinching, replied in a displeased tone.

“I am your fiancée. I was raised and trained in the castle for my future role as queen since I was a child. The castle is practically my home. There’s nothing strange about me being here.”

“Don’t be absurd. Even if you say ‘since childhood,’ our engagement was arranged only three years ago, and only because Duke Grandi forced it. And have you even received a proper queenly education? I heard you dismissed your tutor again. How many does that make now? It doesn’t look like you’re serious at all.”

Even though she caught him “cheating,” my brother stood firm and tried to talk her down. Very princely of him. Honestly, kind of cool. In my past life, when I caught my girlfriend cheating, I just slunk away. Total opposite now, huh? But still, in this country, it’s rare for someone like her—she doesn’t back down at all. That’s the villainous noble lady for you.

The tension between them made Allie and the Saintess tremble nervously. Yeah, makes sense—any ordinary, kindhearted lady would be scared stiff in this situation.

I hugged Allie to reassure her. I’m sorry, but I can’t take care of the Saintess. Or rather, I shouldn’t be taking care of her in this scene. But am I the only one who can stop this?

Even the servants couldn’t hide their panic as the two continued arguing. Brian shot me a look that said, “Do something.” No, no, even I would need some serious guts to step in here.

“Prince Yumanova! This is all your doing, isn’t it?!”

Suddenly, the villainous noble lady spun around, her hair flying and her expression like a demon, glaring straight at me.

“I heard you were the one who organized this tea party. And yet you invited the Saintess and not me, the fiancée of Prince Lenanino—what were you thinking?”

Ahh, so that’s how you’re playing this.

Yes, I did organize this tea party, so the guest list was based on my decision. She assumes I’m trying to pair up the prince with the Saintess.

By blaming it on me instead of her fiancé’s feelings, she can convince herself she’s not being neglected by him.

But seriously—what would I even gain from doing that? That’s a huge stretch.

Well, she’s been antagonizing me from the start, so this kind of accusation isn’t surprising.

“Alright, let’s all calm down. Lady Garnet, would you care for some tea?”

I stood up and positioned myself between her and the prince.

“I would never drink tea with commoners.”

Lady Garnet looked down on the Saintess with open disdain.

The Saintess trembled. Seriously… this woman.

“Garnet, she’s a Saintess recognized even by the Church. That’s disrespectful. Apologize!”

“I won’t bow to a thief.”

“Hey, hey, calm down, both of you.”

I hold back my brother, who’s making a clatter and trying to confront the villainess. I give the villainess, who’s turned away with a huff, a look like she’s a troublesome child. What to do about this, huh?

“I—I have prayer time soon, so I’ll just…”

The Saintess tried to excuse herself, but the prince grabbed her arm. “Wait!”

Hey now, just let her go. Poor girl.

“Ilmiese, there’s no need for you to leave. The one who should be leaving is Garnet. She wasn’t invited here. What right does an uninvited guest have to act like she owns the place?”

“Just now, Prince Yumanova invited me to tea. I am a guest.”

Oh, come on, how is this my fault!? I looked to Brian for help, but he just covered his eyes with his hand. Don’t you dare bail on me now!

With a sigh, I pulled out a chair that one of the attentive attendants had prepared and gestured for Lady Garnet to sit.

“Yes, yes, I invited her. So let’s all calm down. Saintess, I believe there’s still some time before your prayers. Please, why not have a sip of tea?”

“I refuse to drink with commoners.”

“Then please leave. I organized this tea party. I’m in charge. If you don’t like the way I do things, you’re welcome to go.”

At my firm tone, Lady Garnet grimaced but reluctantly sat down.

I placed her between me and my brother—no way was I letting her sit next to the Saintess.

My brother still wouldn’t let go of the Saintess’ arm, and she shrank back awkwardly.

Everyone was tense as a maid refreshed our tea. I let out a deep sigh. Man, I’m exhausted. And it’s not even over yet—this is just the beginning, huh?

Suddenly, a plate of cookies appeared beside me.

“Please have some, Prince Yuma. I chose something even someone like you, who doesn’t like sweets, might enjoy. Sweet things are best when you’re tired.”

Allie's warm smile genuinely soothed me. Thank goodness you’re here. Though… you did just say I looked tired. Oh, Lady Garnet is glaring at us.

Lady Garnet finally noticed Allie and looked down on her, too. Don’t you give her that look. I was annoyed, but kept a neutral expression.

“She is my fiancée, Lady Alteria Hwant, daughter of Count Hwant.”

“I am Alteria Hwant. Pleased to meet you.”

When I introduced Allie, Lady Garnet hmphed and sneered.

“My, Prince Yumanova really is quite the womanizer. Oh, and don’t call me sister-in-law or anything like that. You’ll probably be tossed aside soon enough.”

…Huh? What the hell is she saying? You’re in the middle of a massive fight with your fiancé—do you really think you’re going to be my sister-in-law at this point?

I narrowed my eyes and was about to speak, but Allie tugged my arm. Allie?

“Well, thank you for the warning. Prince Yuma really is kind, isn’t he? He treats women, his attendants, and even commoners equally. I find that very admirable. And he doesn’t seem the type to get bored easily. I’ve heard he still treasures a music box he bought long ago. I hope I can become someone as precious to him as that music box.”

Allie smiled sweetly, leaving everyone speechless.

She’d taken the insult of “womanizer” and spun it into a compliment about kindness. Then she took “you’ll be tossed aside” and countered with the metaphor of a treasured music box. And finally, she topped it all off with the cutest little request to be cherished like one.

OH MY GOD SHE’S SO CUTE.

Never in my past life had anyone said something so adorable to me. It hit me so hard. I was actually trembling.

I couldn’t help but take both of Allie’s hands in mine.

“Ah, Allie, you’re truly adorable. I’ve always wanted to protect you, but now I genuinely want to cherish you. I want to keep you in a treasure chest and admire you. But that would take away your freedom, so instead, I promise to respect your wishes and treasure you always.”

“Hehe, I’m happy to hear that.”

As we smiled at each other, the villainous lady, clearly no longer entertained, stood up abruptly, making the chair clatter loudly.

My brother frowned, but Garnet glared right back.

“Mind your own business. I’m leaving!”

And just as loudly as she arrived, she stormed off. Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs novel⚑fire.net

Allie's complete victory!