I Became the Villainess’ Daughter – Chapter 65

“Really? You can come?!”

—Yes, I’ll definitely come.

Sitting in the living room, I couldn’t contain my excitement and practically bounced in place.

I was on the magic stone necklace call with Thea for the first time in a while.

Time had flown by, and before I knew it, the Rose Festival was already tomorrow.

Because the festival was open to everyone, including outsiders, I had called Thea, remembering his previous promise to come visit. Thankfully, he agreed without hesitation. Not only that, but Eit and Eveharun also said they’d come to the festival. Thanks to that, this year’s festival was shaping up to be really fun.

The Rose Festival lasted for three days. Since it was a collaborative event with the city of Lebecam, the academy opened its doors to all citizens for the three days, and anyone could purchase items created by the students.

It was the first festival, and since I had entrusted my own magical potions to the student council’s booth, I was especially excited.

“I’ll even be selling the potion I made this time, so you have to come see it!”

—Of course.

Even through the magic stone, I could feel Thea smiling.

Still, being a member of the student council meant I had plenty of work during the festival. Solti’s earlier persuasion sounded more like a formality; I began to suspect she had picked me simply because there was no one else available. (Maybe it was half and half.)

The student council members had been handling paperwork and planning discussions well before the festival began, and during the festival, we had to participate as active council members.

Even today, on the morning of the festival, I had to report to the operations headquarters.

“This is exhausting…”

As I walked slowly, Elia tried to cheer me up. She didn’t have much to do, so she had been helping me throughout the schedule. That’s why she was treated almost like an honorary member of the council.

“Hehe, cheer up. It’s only the first day.”

“That’s the saddest part…”

As we walked through the academy, colorful balloons were suspended in the sky, probably held in place with fixing magic. Blue rose petals, crafted by the alchemy students, were scattered on the untouched red carpet, and club booths were set up along every alley. A few early-rising students wandered around, admiring the roses in full bloom throughout the town.

When we arrived at the student council room, not everyone had gathered yet. Solti was busy handling the remaining paperwork on one side.

“Oh, you’re here?”

“Hello, Lady Solti.”

“Nice to see you, Lady Solti…”

“Yes, right. Princess Laila, could you take a look at this?”

Without a moment’s pause, Solti handed me some documents and explained them.

“…So for this event, we’ve allocated this much of the budget for fireworks.”

“I see.”

As Solti and I talked, the clinking of dishes came from one corner of the room. Turning my head, I saw Elia preparing something.

“Elia, what are you doing?”

She smiled brightly at me.

“Oh, I’m making tea. Others will be here soon…”

“Thank you, Elia.”

“Oh, you’re welcome. You can use these leaves. The rose black tea we’re promoting as a souvenir will be on the table along with syrup.”

“Yes!”

Elia cheered. She seemed very proud to be able to help.

Not long after, the student council room’s door opened, and ten people had arrived.

“Is everyone here?”

Once everyone was seated, Solti, as usual, shot sharp eyes over her glasses. Elia poured the rose tea for everyone and quietly took her seat. Steam rose from the freshly brewed tea.

I looked around.

It was a gathering of truly notable people: Student Council President Ray, Solti, Elia, me, Lucran, Raon, and a few other students.

Solti handed out a printed sheet to everyone.

“You are all gathered here to explain today’s festival highlight: the ‘Rose Vote.’”

“Rose vote…”

I thought I saw Obern mumble something. Solti nodded.

“Yes, the ‘Rose Vote.’ It’s for selecting the Rose Queen and Rose King. This afternoon, the students will vote themselves. Student council members, including me, President Ray, and Princess Laila, will assist with the vote.”

Solti continued to explain.

Throughout the day, candidates would roam around Lebecam promoting themselves. The more promotion they did, the higher the chance of receiving votes, so active self-promotion was recommended.

Anyone could be a candidate, but barring any natural disasters, voluntary withdrawal was not allowed.

The selected Rose Queen and King would gain honor and be the stars of the first day’s festival highlight, the ‘Rose Ball.’ After that, the stage would continue with performances and fireworks.

“Voluntary withdrawal is not allowed…”

I saw Lucran muttering beside me. Since he disliked troublesome matters, he probably wanted to back out, but the rules didn’t allow it.

Candidates for Rose Queen included me, Elia, and Solti.

One of the other two candidates was a cute second-year girl with long blonde hair, but her tightly closed lips made her look determined. The other had brown hair tied high and appeared very energetic.

Candidates for Rose King included President Ray, Lucran, Raon, Obern, and one I didn’t know.

‘Was his name Chamber…?’

Being a third-year with whom I had little interaction, I hadn’t really greeted him. His sharp eyes and overall cold aura were noticeable.

‘Anyway, the Rose King and Queen will be chosen from this group, right?’

While I pondered who might be selected, Elia timidly raised her hand.

“Um… if there’s a tie or a natural disaster, what happens…?”

Solti’s sharp gaze turned to her. Elia stiffened. Adjusting her glasses, Solti replied,

“In case of a tie, a revote will be held. If a natural disaster prevents a candidate from participating, a new candidate will be selected immediately. The Rose King and Queen seats cannot remain empty. Is that clear?”

“Ah, yes… thank you.”

“All explanations should be done now.”

After Solti finished, someone reached for the tea on the table. It had cooled slightly and was perfect to drink. Others followed suit.

I stared at the pink tea.

It was the Lebecam special rose tea, being promoted as a festival souvenir.

I didn’t dislike rose tea, but this morning my throat felt scratchy, so I didn’t feel like drinking it.

A few others seemed to think the same. Lucran and Solti didn’t drink either.

The tea was a beautiful pink, with a subtle silver sheen.

‘The aroma is really nice.’

It smelled amazing. Elia must have real talent for making tea. I nodded in silent approval. Others had either finished their tea or taken only a few sips.

“Then, let’s disperse… Raon Youngsik?!”

“…!”

Suddenly, Raon staggered as he stood. Surprised, I grabbed his shoulder.

“Ra-Raon?”

“….”

Dizziness? Had he fainted without me noticing? I was flustered, watching him.

He steadied himself with my help.

“…Raon…?”

“…Princess Laila.”

I cautiously called his name.

Something was off with Raon; his eyes were half-lidded.

Looking at me with those unfocused eyes, he spoke seriously.

—In hindsight, it was the phrase that foreshadowed all the chaos to come.

“I love you.”

“…?!?!?!?!?!?”

“Wha-what…?!”

Did Raon eat something wrong?

Or had I eaten something wrong and my ears were deceiving me?

No, maybe this is a dream…

As I indulged in my own disbelief, Raon shouted again, louder this time.

“I love you! I like you!”

“Raon?!”

Beside me, Lucran let out a bitter chuckle.

“Too many assignments and stress drove him mad… poor Raon…”

But that wasn’t the only problem.

A soft touch landed on my shoulder.

“P-President Ray?!”

President Ray was standing there, looking at me.

“Your eyes seem even more beautiful today.”

His green eyes were as serious as could be.

“What do you say? Our kingdom doesn’t yet have a queen candidate…”

“…?!”

“If it were you, you’d be most welcome.”

He produced a large bouquet of red roses from his chest.

‘With a prince like this, the future of Siwin Kingdom is… wait, no, that’s not it…’

“Step aside.”

Someone blocked President Ray.

Morning sunlight cascaded over his smooth bronze hair.

Obern Molbe. A normal reaction could be expected from him.

I sent him a look, silently asking for help, and he suddenly knelt before me.

“….”

I had no words left.

“My heart raced the moment I saw you. I now realize my heart belongs to you.”

“…Uh, how many times have we even met…?”

“The number of meetings doesn’t matter. What matters is that I want you now.”

He looked at me with a desperate gaze.

“Please… be with me…”

“Wait!”

A youthful voice cut between me and Obern.

“I have something to say too!”

He clenched his fists. Blonde hair, cat-like eyes—Chamber, the third-year senior I had seen earlier.

Blushing deeply, he seemed unsure how to express himself.

“…Princess Laila!”

“Y-Yes…?”

“I-I… like….”

I roughly understood his meaning and stared at him, bewildered. A confession from someone I’d just met today?

“No, I go first!”

Raon, feeling ignored, intervened.

“Talk to me too.”

President Ray needed no introduction.

Obern, looking at me with desperation…

“Princess Laila…”

Chamber, blushing furiously, also stared at me with intensity.

A cold voice suddenly cut through.

“What on earth are you all doing!!”

I looked at her as if a savior had appeared.