Chapter 31
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How to Survive as the Villain's Younger Sister
Episode 31
* * *
"The Imperial Court will reach out to commend your achievements."
The Guard Captain spoke.
This came after receiving the forged contract and textile evidence that Alexis had provided.
Borgil was a con artist who had victimized countless people through his captivating confidence and deceptively convincing merchandise.
Thanks to his crimes, the bounty on his head totaled five thousand Grand.
Since the average annual income for an Empire commoner was one thousand Grand, it was an enormous sum.
However, he was skilled at disguise and such a cunning swindler that few people could identify him.
Even when tips occasionally came in, Borgil's elusive nature meant he usually slipped away.
'Just as he did before us, he always escaped using teleportation scrolls.'
But even Borgil couldn't escape before Alexis and the Parkision Knights.
Moreover, we had secured evidence.
The Empire's greatest headache.
The con artist of the century.
Alexis's achievement in apprehending Borgil Weaver was undeniable.
It was only natural that the Imperial Court would summon her directly to commend her accomplishments.
"I never expected to connect with the Imperial Court like this. What a blessing."
Dain spoke with delight.
Maran, on the other hand, was dejected.
He had failed to make up for his mistake this time as well.
'Far from making amends, I nearly caused an even greater disaster.'
Maran silently escorted us all the way until we arrived at the Parkision Mansion in the Capital.
"Wow."
I gasped in admiration as I stepped down from the carriage.
The Capital mansion, shrouded in darkness, was impressively grand.
The lights burning throughout made the massive, mountain-like structure even more mystical.
The reliefs and statues adorning the building spoke volumes of the late Duke Kanan's extravagance.
The maids and butlers who came to greet us at the Capital mansion were numerous.
"What's so 'wow' about it?"
Alexis said coldly.
'Right, of course.'
I still had to face Alexis's interrogation about the truth of the 'Imperial Seal Ring.'
"Please don't be like that. Isn't everything working out well thanks to our youngest lady? The way you stood so confidently before the con artist of the century was truly impressive and adorable."
As I shrank into myself, just as dejected as Maran, Dain consoled me.
'Can "impressive" and "adorable" even coexist in the same sentence?'
I had my doubts about that.
"I'm not planning to interrogate you today either. It's already getting late. We'll hear your explanation tomorrow."
Alexis's index finger pressed gently against my plump cheek.
"And...."
There was something hesitant in her expression.
As I tilted my head and looked up at her, Alexis's fingers twitched, and she squeezed her eyes shut before opening them again.
She seemed to be lost in some profound inner conflict that I couldn't comprehend.
"...No, never mind. Go wash up and get some sleep."
Alexis withdrew her fingers from my cheek and spoke.
Had she decided to let it go for now?
I felt relieved.
So I deliberately put on the brightest smile I could manage.
"Sleep well, sister, and Dain, and Maran too!"
I waved my hand and let the maid lead me into the mansion.
'But tomorrow terrifies me!'
I thought to myself.
The maids treated me like a child, washing me with such tenderness, and drying my entire body with warm, soft towels.
'Just like a mother.'
I was nestled snugly in the maid's embrace and laid upon the bed.
"Your eyes are wide awake, aren't they?"
The maid said with a smile.
"No, I'm just tired."
"Then it seems you had something that made you nervous today."
"How did you know?"
I asked in surprise, and the maid stroked my head with a tender expression.
"My son does the same thing. Even on days when he's exhausted from playing, if something startles him, his eyes stay wide open late into the night."
"What do you do about it?"
I asked genuinely curious.
In my past life and in this one, I had never had parents who would do something like that for me.
The maid smiled warmly and said.
"I warm up a glass of delicious milk and have him drink it with a spoonful of honey. Then he falls asleep right away. Would you like some too, Miss?"
"Yes!"
The maid smiled happily and went to fetch the milk.
I realized belatedly, 'Oh no.'
'I can't fall asleep early!'
Kyle would definitely come looking for me.
That child who only visits at night, like a stray cat.
Or he might already be here with me.
'I need to have it out with him tonight.'
I blinked my eyes with determination.
* * *
"Your Grace, here is your warm tea."
Dain entered through the office door.
She held a tray bearing a teacup and teapot.
Alexis studied the documents without responding.
Dain poured black tea into the cup with practiced ease.
A rich aroma rose with white steam.
Typically, a household head's tea is prepared by the butler or a dedicated tea servant.
But Alexis's tea had been Dain's responsibility for a long time.
Because that was what Alexis wanted.
There had been an instance when Dreiny attempted to recruit the tea servant maid as a spy.
But that was merely a deception—using an ordinary maid disguised as a tea servant to plant a counter-spy against Dreiny.
In other words, Alexis's tea had always been Dain's domain.
"The taste is excellent today as well."
Alexis took a sip of the black tea and spoke with satisfaction.
"Of course, sir."
Dain replied with a pleased smile.
"What of Maran?"
"He is still training, sir."
"His anger hasn't subsided yet, it seems."
"Yes. He wishes to earn your trust, but things haven't gone smoothly for him."
"Certainly, this was a significant mistake on his part. But he should know that I don't discard trusted subordinates so easily."
"He simply wishes to be closer to you, sir."
"That is greed."
Alexis spoke bluntly.
In my past life, Maran was my closest aide.
He was the Knight Order commander, possessed exceptional martial prowess, and was fiercely loyal.
His initiative was outstanding, and he would stop at nothing for me—making him invaluable to keep by my side.
But that loyalty had gone too far.
"Didn't I make myself clear? You may kill Jenin and Roel. But capture Cyrilia alive!"
"Cyrilia Parkision is a greater threat to your position than Jenin or Roel! Any obstacle standing before you must not be left alive!"
He had disobeyed orders under the guise of loyalty to me.
So in this life, I placed Dain as my closest aide instead.
Maran came second.
'Yet he remains unsatisfied, even being among my top two subordinates.'
Alexis's expression soured.
Both were precious to me.
Through my past life and this one, we had shared life and death together.
"And Cyrilia?"
"The maid put her to bed, sir."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. The maid said that early sleep helps one grow quickly, and she squeezed her big eyes shut obediently."
Dain spoke as though the mere thought of it was endearing.
Alexis spoke as though it were obvious.
"You need to grow faster. You're far too small."
"Though smaller than peers, he is still quite young, Your Grace."
"By that age, I was already the tallest among my peers, regardless of gender."
"That is because you are exceptional, Your Grace. One cannot compare you to ordinary people."
"He needs to grow so people will actually believe what he says. Right now, even when he speaks the truth, they dismiss him as just a child."
Alexis spoke coldly.
Yet Dain was taken aback.
Genuine concern was woven throughout her voice.
"With that much cunning at his disposal, wouldn't it be frustrating to be doubted every time someone calls him small and young?"
"You have faith in the young lady, Your Grace."
Alexis gazed up at the handsome face wearing a gentle smile.
"Don't misunderstand. I keep Cyrilia around simply because she's useful."
At that, Dain let out a soft laugh.
"You seem more at ease, Your Grace."
"What an odd thing to say."
"You appear far more comfortable now than when you doubted and pushed away your younger sister."
Alexis's blue eyes turned glacial.
"You overstep your bounds."
"Because it suits you, Your Grace."
"So I didn't suit you before?"
Alexis asked with cynicism.
Bewilderment flickered across the affectionate face that had been smiling.
"No, that's not it. I have never once thought you looked anything but perfect, Your Grace."
"That doesn't seem true."
"Since childhood until now, you have always been magnificent and flawless and beautiful, and in my heart you have always been the only...."
Dain's face flushed crimson as he stumbled over his words.
A soft smile bloomed across Alexis's previously rigid expression.
"Are you confessing right now?"
"H-how could I ever presume to confess to you, Your Grace?!"
"Listen, Dain."
Alexis rose from her seat and approached him.
Though Alexis was tall, Dain stood nearly six feet three inches, his frame impressively built.
His physique was well-developed and athletic.
Yet with each step Alexis took toward him, Dain retreated.
Eventually his back pressed against the wall.
With nowhere left to escape, Alexis spoke to him with a subtle smile.
"For your information, I prefer men who are well-built, handsome, and courageous."
"...."
"You pass on physique and looks, but you'll need to work on that courage."
Alexis's large hand patted Dain's shoulder as she passed.
As the office door shut with a heavy thud, Dain's legs gave way beneath him and he collapsed to the floor.
"J-just now, she actually...!"
He cupped his burning cheeks in both hands, swallowing the ragged breaths that threatened to escape.
His heart felt as though it might burst from his chest.
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Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org
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