The Crazy Villainess in This Area Is Me

“That’s a great idea…!” I clapped my hands loudly.

Come to think of it, Frinel had done so much for me. From the first time we met, Frinel had always helped me to the best of his ability and loved me unconditionally. Even during my vengeful rage, his comfort kept me from losing my sanity.

A hint of bitterness crossed my face. Seeing this, Merilly and Roseni quickly began to chatter.

“Mother, what should we do?”

“Let’s think of a plan! We’ll surprise father!”

“

.” I rested my chin on my hand, momentarily forgetting my earlier melancholy.

A surprise party usually involves creating a sad or angry scenario and then revealing good news to elicit an emotional reaction.

“Isn’t there something fun we can do?”

“

, then…”

“What if we pretend Merilly and I got hurt?”

“Both Merilly and Mother have healing powers, remember…?”

“

, right.”

Roseni laughed awkwardly, and Merilly’s eyes lit up as she thought of something better.

“If we make it too sad or angry, it might not be good. Or maybe…” Her eyes sparkled as she added, “How about this idea?”

We immediately huddled together, whispering. When we finished, the three of us wore mischievous smiles.

* * *

“

, I didn’t expect it to take this long.”

Finally finished with the village restoration, Frinel wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Women hiding behind a wall, watching him, blushed and squealed.

“

, Did you see that? Did you see?”

“

, if only a man like that was my husband.”

“Keep dreaming. Just seeing His Majesty’s beauty is enough happiness for us!”

Two years had passed, but his smooth skin and sculpted features remained unchanged. As if performing a service, Frinel casually brushed his golden hair back, eliciting more squeals.

Hearing their screams, he wiped the smile from his face and lowered his head in melancholy. “I miss Lobelia.”

“I will tell Her Majesty everything.”

“Tell her what, Alter?” Frinel grinned as he mounted his horse.

Alter shook his head, gritting his teeth. “Weren’t Your Majesty showing off your looks to those women?”

“It was a kind of service. Whether in the city or the countryside, where else could they see beauty like mine? The village restoration may be mostly done, but the wounds of losing family and neighbors are still fresh.” His words flowed smoothly.

Alter, holding back his urge to lash out, mounted his horse as well.

“Since marrying Her Majesty, Your Majesty has become more annoying.”

“And you’ve become more of a nag since getting married.”

“

is Your Majesty attacking my family now?”

“You started it.”

They bickered like schoolchildren.

“Sorry, but my Bella…” As he spurred his horse towards the capital, Alter continued praising Bella.

Since Lobelia became empress, Bella had insisted on traveling despite Duke Gracie’s opposition and left for the capital. Around the same time, Alter took a leave and went on a trip, coincidentally meeting Bella, and they quickly fell for each other. The funny part was that they bonded over their shared grievances about ‘Frinel.’

“If it weren’t for me, you and Bella wouldn’t have married.”

“That’s right.  We bonded over by criticizing Your Majesty.” Alter nonchalantly replied.

Frinel frowned briefly but let it slide, used to his loyal subordinate’s behavior.

“And father-in-law likes me more than Your Majesty.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Duke Gracie likes me more.”

“No way. Your Majesty couldn’t even make it to the last drinking party.”

“T-That’s not true. We had another private drinking session afterward.”

They glared at each other sharply. Alter growled like an angry chihuahua, ready to argue back. “I live with my father-in-law.”

“Is living with in-laws something to brag about?”

“Yes, it was my choice. I suggested it because I felt sorry for him living alone.”

In the end, Frinel couldn’t respond to his words any longer. Never had he felt so wronged by being the emperor. If he weren’t the emperor, he would have naturally chosen to live with his in-laws, and all of Duke Gracie’s attention and affection would have been directed at him, the first son-in-law!

“Damn it…” Annoyed but with no retort, he glared at Alter.

Then, another knight rode between them. “…Both of you, please stop and look at this letter.” He handed Frinel a letter bearing the empress’s seal.

“Huh?” Frinel quickly snatched it. “A letter from my Lobelia!” He waved it at Alter proudly. “

, it seems Bella’s fingers are broken?”

“

.” Alter laughed at Frinel’s comment.  “I received thirteen letters while we were here.” He pulled a thick bundle of letters from his coat and waved it teasingly.

Being newlyweds, Alter and Bella were enjoying a sweet honeymoon period. Having been stuck here for over two weeks, Alter’s longing was evident.

“…Damn it.” Frinel felt a sense of defeat as he eyed the impressive stack of letters.

“You’re not cursing, are you, Your Majesty?”

“Unlike Bella, my Lobelia is an empress. She’s also acting as emperor right now, so she’s very busy. A single letter is very precious…”

He neatly tore open the envelope and began reading. As he read, his head tilted in confusion. “

?”

“What’s wrong? Is something the matter?”

“Something is… odd…” Frinel blinked rapidly, frowning. “Merilly and Roseni discovered a great treasure in the imperial palace dungeon…?”

“A great treasure…?”

“What kind of treasure did they find? Whatever it is…” Frinel’s lips slowly curved into a broad smile. “My Merilly and Roseni are geniuses! Aren’t they?”

Doting father… All the knights shook their heads in unison as they thought the same thing.

“Everyone, pick up the pace! We must see what treasure my princesses have found!” Excited, Frinel spurred his horse forward.

The knights, including Alter, smiled and followed him. Little did Frinel know what awaited him at the imperial palace.