Chapter 05
‘Huh?’
This was the first time Mom and Dad had called her to the study. Usually, she was the one who went to them.
Serina stared blankly at her parents.
“Serina, we plan to invite Princess Helia here soon.”
“Huh? Really? But the engagement ceremony hasn’t even happened yet?”
“These days, it’s common for children to live together even before an engagement. You’re a kind and smart child, Serina. You can understand and get along well, right?”
Knowing how stubborn Serina could be—even though she’d been quiet lately—Aura explained gently, trying to soothe her.
‘Already?’
She had planned to meet her in high society and defeat her as a villainess and an evil sister-in-law, but the plan had collapsed.
A question mark appeared in Serina’s mind. After thinking for a moment, the question mark turned into an exclamation point.
‘Wait! No—this is even better. I can break off the engagement faster!’
Sooner than expected is good! More importantly, I’ve prepared thoroughly until now!
Hiding her scheming 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! Then I’ll go back to my room now!”
Alright! The ‘become a villainess worse than the Little Villainess’ project starts now!
Full of excitement, Serina swayed cheerfully as she left the study.
“…She seems happy? And she’s even using polite speech, which is unusual.”
“Maybe she’s matured a bit. Haa… It’s a relief we didn’t have to scold her like last time.”
Unlike Aura, who was confused, Nereus felt relieved.
He hadn’t shown it, but he had been secretly anxious ever since scolding Serina over the study incident.
He worried she might end up disliking him because of it.
No one would ever imagine it.
That the fearsome ‘Abyss’ Nereus was a complete fool when it came to his family—especially his daughter.
It was a secret only the Eustine family knew.
<‘Becoming a Villainess Worse Than the Little Villainess’ Project>
- A villainess subtly isolates her enemy early on.
→ Stick right next to Oppa and leave no chance for the two of them to be alone! - A villainess makes others act for her, keeping her own hands clean while bullying in ways that look harmless.
→ I can pretend it’s just to become closer. - When the final moment comes, the villainess openly bullies without caring about others’ eyes.
→ Let’s use my amazing abilities.
Unlike others, I have two attributes—water and wind!
And I can cast simple magic without chanting! (This is a secret.)
“Perfect! As expected of me!”
All that studying really paid off!
Hehehe. Hurry up and come, Little Villainess.
I, the great actress and ultimate villainess who will make the world cry, will take you on!
With an evil grin, Serina completed her new plan.
A few days later.
The long-awaited day finally arrived.
“I hope she comes quickly so we can have lots of fun together!”
Hiding behind the second-floor railing, Serina giggled.
Just then, noise erupted outside the mansion, followed by the sound of a carriage stopping.
Peeking her head out, Serina looked down at the lobby.
The large white arched doors opened with a heavy sound, and a young girl walked in.
Despite being a child, she carried an elegant, mature air.
Golden hair reflecting the light.
Sharp, cat-like eyes and ruby-red pupils.
Pure white, sculpted skin and delicate, beautiful features.
She was Helia Impellis, the imperial troublemaker known as the ‘Little Villainess.’
“Wow…”
Until now, Serina had thought her mother—with her white hair and golden eyes—was the most beautiful person in the world.
Her mouth fell open in awe.
‘That’s the Little Villainess?’
She looks more like a saint or an angel. You really can’t judge people by appearances.
Serina tilted her head in confusion.
Then her family welcomed the princess.
“Princess Helia, welcome to the Eustine mansion.”
“Your Highness, it’s been a while. Serina seems to have overslept… Please forgive her.”
“Yes, Lord Nereus, Lady Aura. It’s been a long time. Thank you for your consideration.”
Helia bowed perfectly, as if she had stepped straight out of an etiquette book.
“Helia, welcome to the Eustine family. We’ve been waiting for you.”
“Hello, Lakus.”
Helia and Lakus greeted each other casually, like old friends.
‘Oppa is on informal terms with the princess? When did they get that close?’
Serina stared at them intensely.
Then Helia noticed her gaze, looked up, and smiled beautifully—like a doll.
‘Wow… she’s pretty.’
Ah! No—she noticed me staring!
Startled, Serina quickly ducked back.
‘No, that’s just an act!’
Don’t be fooled! She’s pretending to be harmless to lower my guard.
She really is a tough opponent. Maybe even harder to deal with than the villainesses in novels.
Serina shook her head firmly.
‘Now that I’ve identified my enemy, shall I begin the operation?’
Since she looks closer than expected, I need to stick to Oppa even more tightly.
Determined to secure Lakus first, Serina hurried downstairs.
“Oppa!”
“Serina! You’re up? Princess Helia has arrived. Come on, say hello.”
Pretending to be shy, Serina hid behind Lakus, then peeked out to greet her.
“Hello… My name is Serina Eustine.”
“Haha. You’re acting shy today. Maybe it’s because she’s so pretty.”
Lakus joked to ease the atmosphere.
‘What? Oppa, are you flirting with the princess right in front of me?’
Serina shot him a shocked look and pinched his side.
“Serina, what was that?”
“Oppa, you remember you promised to play with me today, right?”
“Ah, did I? Helia, do you want to play together?”
‘Huh? Why are you deciding on your own without asking me? What’s with you today?’
Pouting, Serina glared at Lakus.
“Miss Serina, may I play together with you too?”
Helia approached Serina, lowering herself to her eye level and asking gently.
It looked just like how Lakus approached Serina when she was sulking.
‘Ugh…’
This makes it hard to refuse. But if I don’t refuse, my carefully planned strategy will collapse!
But… why do I feel such a sharp stare?
When she looked to the side, her parents were staring at her with sparkling eyes. Even the servants were watching.
‘This much pressure…?’
Feeling overwhelmed, Serina had no choice but to agree.
She lowered her head and nodded.
‘Somehow, I ended up bringing the princess into my room.’
I don’t like bringing the princess into my space, which is filled with only things I love! But if I want to carry out my plan, I have to endure this much.
Seeing Serina standing still, Lakus asked,
“Serina, what should we play?”
‘Hmm… I need a game where Helia can join, but I can still isolate her.’
Ah! House play!
Depending on the roles, I can create distance—or subtly mess with her!
Thinking of the setup, Serina felt pleased.
‘But what roles should I give?’
She alternated her gaze between Lakus and Helia, then looked around the room.
Her eyes landed on a puppy plush placed next to Tosoon.
‘A dog?’
Yes! This way I can separate her from Oppa and subtly bully her!
Finishing her imagination, Serina bounced on her feet.
“Let’s play house!”
“Sure. Helia, is house play okay with you?”
“Yes. I’m fine with anything.”
With Helia’s agreement secured, Serina grinned slyly, excited to execute her plan.
‘I absolutely have to assign the roles myself!’
She quickly raised her hand.
“Can I decide who plays what?”
After confirming Helia’s nod, Lakus smiled and patted Serina’s round head.
“Then… like always, Serina is the mom, and Oppa is the baby! And Princess Helia is…”
Serina pretended to think deeply.
“A dog! How about Princess Helia being the dog?”
“Huh? A dog? You want Helia to play a puppy?”
Lakus asked again, wondering if he had heard wrong.
“I’ve always wanted to raise a dog this big since I was little!”
‘Actually, a small puppy would be better.’
Serina spread her arms wide and laughed casually.
Lakus looked troubled. Gently, like he was soothing a child, he tried to persuade her.
“Serina, Helia is still a princess. Giving her a dog role might not be appropriate. We only need one dog, right? Oppa will be the dog. Let Helia be the baby instead. How about that?”
“Tch. You said I could decide the roles. This makes it meaningless.”
Serina puffed up her cheeks and stuck out her lips.
As Lakus stared at her, Helia stepped forward.
“Lakus, I don’t mind being the dog. It actually sounds fun. Miss Serina, I’ll do it.”
“Really? Thank you, Princess!”
Afraid Helia might change her mind, Serina hurriedly thanked her.
“Helia, are you really okay with this?”
“Of course.”
Lakus confirmed once more.
‘Huh. What’s this? The princess is helping me?’
I don’t like how nice she’s acting, but that doesn’t matter right now! The plan is what’s important. I want to start playing house already.
Serina’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.
‘Oh right. If that’s the case, I need to lead the game too.’
That way, I can control the flow!
Before anyone could interrupt, Serina cleared her throat loudly.
“Then, starting now, the first house play with the three of us begins! Just follow my lead!”
With confidence, Serina declared the start of the game.
