Chapter 5
‘Huh?’
This is the first time Mom and Dad called me to the office. I’m always the one who goes to them.
Serina stared at her parents blankly.
“Serina, we plan to bring Princess Helia here soon.”
“Huh? Really? But the engagement ceremony hasn’t even happened yet.”
“These days, it’s common to live together before the engagement. You’re a kind and smart child, so you’ll understand and get along well, right?”
Aura spoke gently, trying to calm her, knowing how stubborn Serina could be.
‘Already?’
Her plan to defeat her in high society as a villain and a bad sister-in-law was ruined.
A question mark appeared in Serina’s mind.
But after thinking for a moment, it turned into an exclamation mark.
‘Wait! No. This is actually better! I can break the engagement even faster!’
If it happens sooner than expected, that’s even better!
Besides, I’ve prepared everything perfectly!
Hiding her true thoughts, Serina smiled brightly.
“Of course! I’m kind, so I can get along well with Princess Helia! I’m already looking forward to it! I’ll go back to my room now!”
Alright! The project to become a villain worse than the “Little Villainess” begins!
Serina left the office, happily swaying her body.
“…Serina seems happy? And she’s even using polite speech?”
“Maybe she’s finally maturing. Sigh… I’m glad I don’t have to scold her like last time.”
Unlike the confused Aura, Nereus felt relieved.
He didn’t show it, but he had been worried since the library incident.
He was afraid Serina might start to dislike him because of it.
No one would ever imagine it.
That Nereus—the “deep sea” himself—was a fool who couldn’t handle his own family, especially his daughter.
It was a secret only the Eustine family knew.
* * *
<Plan to Become a Villain Worse Than the “Little Villainess”>
- A villain quietly separates their enemy at the beginning.
→ Stay right next to Brother so they can’t be together! - A villain uses others to bully without getting their own hands dirty.
→ Pretend it’s just for getting closer. - At the final moment, a villain doesn’t care about others and bullies directly.
→ Use my amazing abilities!
Unlike others, I have two attributes—water and wind!
And I can even use simple magic without chanting! (That’s a secret.)
“Perfect! As expected of me!”
All that studying paid off!
Hehehe. Come quickly, Little Villainess.
I, the greatest actress and ultimate villain, will deal with you!
Serina smiled wickedly as she finished her new plan.
* * *
A few days later.
The long-awaited day finally arrived.
“I hope she comes quickly so we can have fun together!”
Serina hid behind the second-floor railing, giggling.
At that moment, noise came from outside, and the sound of a carriage stopping could be heard.
She peeked down into the lobby.
The large white arched door opened with a heavy sound.
A girl walked in.
Even though she was young, she had an elegant and mature aura.
Golden hair shining in the light.
Sharp, cat-like eyes with ruby-red pupils.
Pale, smooth skin like a sculpture.
Delicate and beautiful features.
It was Helia Impelis—the imperial troublemaker known as the “Little Villainess.”
“Wow……”
Until now, Serina thought her mother—with white hair and golden eyes—was the most beautiful in the world.
But now, her mouth fell open in amazement.
‘That’s the Little Villainess?’
She looks more like a saint or an angel.
Maybe you really can’t judge people by their appearance.
Serina tilted her head.
At that moment, her family greeted Helia.
“Princess Helia, welcome to the Eustine residence.”
“Princess, it’s been a while. Serina is probably still sleeping… please understand.”
“Nereus, Aura, it’s good to see you again. Thank you for your kindness.”
Helia greeted them perfectly, like she stepped out of a manners book.
“Helia, welcome. I’ve been waiting for you.”
“Hello, Lakus.”
Helia and Lakus greeted each other comfortably, like old friends.
‘Brother… you’re already that close with her?’
Serina stared at them.
At that moment, Helia noticed her gaze and looked up, smiling beautifully like a doll.
‘Wow… she’s pretty.’
Ah! Wait—she noticed me staring!
Startled, Serina quickly hid.
‘No. That’s just an act!’
I must not be fooled!
She’s pretending to look harmless so people lower their guard.
She’s not an easy opponent.
Maybe even harder than the villains in novels.
Serina shook her head strongly.
‘Now that I’ve confirmed my enemy… it’s time to start the plan.’
Since they look close, I need to stick to Brother even more!
Serina quickly ran downstairs.
“Brother!”
“Serina! You’re awake? Princess Helia is here. Come, say hello.”
Serina pretended to be shy and hid behind Lakus.
Then she peeked out and greeted softly.
“Hello… I’m Serina Eustine.”
“Haha, you’re acting shy today. Maybe it’s because she’s so pretty.”
Lakus joked to lighten the mood.
‘What? Brother, are you flirting in front of me?’
Serina glared at him and pinched his side.
“Serina, what’s wrong?”
“Brother, remember you promised to play with me today?”
“Ah, did I? Helia, do you want to join us?”
‘Huh? Why didn’t you even ask me?’
Serina pouted and glared at him.
“Lady Serina, may I join too?”
Helia came closer and gently asked at her eye level.
It looked just like how Lakus approached Serina when she was upset.
‘Ugh…’
This makes it hard to refuse.
But if I don’t refuse, my plan will fail!
…Wait, why do I feel so many eyes on me?
She looked to the side.
Her parents—and even the servants—were watching her expectantly.
‘Seriously…?’
Feeling pressured, Serina reluctantly nodded.
* * *
‘Somehow… I ended up bringing the princess into my room.’
I don’t like letting her into my personal space filled with my favorite things… but for the plan, I have no choice.
Seeing her quiet, Lakus asked:
“Serina, what should we play?”
‘Hmm… I need something where I can leave her out.’
Ah! Playing house!
I can control roles and create distance!
Serina smiled proudly.
‘But what role should I give her?’
She looked around.
Then she saw a dog doll next to Tosoon.
‘A dog?’
Yes! That’s perfect!
I can separate her from Brother and bully her subtly!
Excited, Serina stomped her feet.
“Let’s play house!”
“Sure. Helia, are you okay with that?”
“Yes, anything is fine.”
Now that Helia agreed, Serina smiled slyly.
‘I must choose the roles!’
She quickly raised her hand.
“Can I decide who plays what?”
After Helia nodded, Lakus patted her head.
“Okay then…”
“Serina will be the mom, and Brother will be the baby like always! And… Princess Helia will be…”
She pretended to think.
“A dog! How about being a dog?”
“…What? A dog?”
Lakus looked confused.
“You’re giving Helia the role of a dog?”
“I’ve always wanted to raise a big dog like this!”
(Actually, I prefer small puppies…)
She spread her arms and smiled.
Lakus looked troubled.
“Serina… she’s still a princess. That role isn’t appropriate. I’ll be the dog instead. Let Helia be the baby.”
“But you said I could choose!”
Serina puffed her cheeks.
Helia, who had been watching quietly, spoke.
“Lakus, it’s okay. I don’t mind being a dog. It sounds fun. Lady Serina, I’ll do it.”
“Really? Thank you, Princess!”
Serina quickly accepted before she could change her mind.
“Helia, are you sure?”
“Of course.”
Lakus confirmed again.
‘Huh? She’s helping me?’
I don’t like her pretending to be nice… but that doesn’t matter right now!
The plan is more important!
Serina’s eyes sparkled.
‘Ah! I also need to control the flow.’
She cleared her throat.
“Then we will now begin the first-ever house play with the three of us! Just follow my lead!”
Serina proudly declared the start of the game.
