The Crazy Villainess in This Area Is Me

As I tried to get a better look at the second prince, a carriage pulled up in front of me, blocking my view. Because of the carriage, I could no longer see him. I was about to stand on my tiptoes but then sighed deeply instead.

I hadn’t heard anything about Lawrence from Frinel, so I couldn’t judge him. However, as the son of that empress, I couldn’t view him in a good light. A worried glance swept over the first prince’s palace.

Yes, whatever schemes the second prince and the empress had, Frinel was no pushover. Comforting myself with this thought, I slowly moved my reluctant feet, trying to ignore the unease and the pounding of my heart.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

After days of preparation, the imperial capital finished preparations for the swordsmanship competition. Nobles and commoners alike gathered in the arena, though, of course, only the nobles and wealthy could sit in the prestigious seats.

“

.”

I was no exception. The rumor that I was a concubine had spread throughout the social circles, and I had more than enough money. Thus, booking a seat in the prestigious section wasn’t difficult as long as I could endure the piercing stares.

Despite holding a parasol, the blatant stares didn’t stop. The eyes of the nobles were filled with contempt and disgust, those of the Shinsu faction’s nobles with interest and those of the merely wealthy commoners with concern.

I passed by the nobles with an indifferent face, spotting Bella and Duke Gracie in the distance. They had intentionally secured seats close to me.

“Oh my goodness. Lady Lobelia, we meet again.” Bella approached me as if nothing was wrong and then winked cutely, diving into her act.

“After we parted last time, I was so worried about you. How is the Marchioness Hamilton?”

“I couldn’t come because of various matters.” I fluttered my eyelashes sadly in response.

“What matters, if I may ask?”

“The matter I mentioned last time. I’ve been confined because of it.”

“

… I heard it clearly with my own ears.” Bella deliberately spoke loudly enough for others to hear. “Those stories that are too shocking to even speak of.”

At my request, the fact that Merilly was being abused wasn’t widely spread. However, the fact that Endimion had lived in two households and that I was married first, as well as Marchioness Hamilton’s discrimination against my child, was well-known in social circles.

“…Yes.”

I pretended to be tearful. My pitiful appearance made the Shinsu faction’s nobles, who were already sympathetic towards me, look even more sorrowful.

In contrast, the nobles of the emperor’s faction sharpened their gaze, like predators ready to hunt, believing only rumors that could benefit them. This was how they survived in social circles. They scrutinized me, looking for any weakness. I was impeccable today, from my attire to my manners and even my gait, leaving no room for ridicule. Remembering the humiliation at the tea party, they gritted their teeth.

“Then, enjoy the competition. It’s been a while since we’ve had a swordsmanship competition, and I’m also quite excited.”

“Yes. Thank you, Princess.”

Bella smiled and took her seat while the noblewomen rolled their eyes. Soon, they stood up as if they had thought of a good idea to torment me.

“Lobelia!” From afar, Endimion, dressed for the competition, approached with a bright smile.

“Marquis.”

“You came.” He awkwardly carried a real sword on his hip, chuckling.

I lifted the corners of my mouth softly in response.

I held back my curses and kept silent.

Unaware of my thoughts, Endimion cheerfully continued, “If I win today, will you give me a handkerchief?”

“A handkerchief?”

“

, didn’t anyone tell you?” He blinked in surprise.

Traditionally, the winner of a swordsmanship competition would receive a handkerchief from their loved one or partner.

“I didn’t know anything.”

In truth, Bella and Frinel had already told me, and I had spent nights embroidering a handkerchief for Frinel. Of course, I had none for Endimion.

Besides, Endimion was not particularly fond of physical activities, including swordsmanship.

“I’m sure you’ll do well.”

“Yes. Thanks, Lia.” He slightly leaned in as if to kiss my forehead.

My shoulders twitched. It seemed he was determined to show affection openly, given the rumors already spread in social circles.

Of course I detested it, but as his official concubine, I had no grounds to refuse. Reluctantly, I closed my eyes.

That’s when it happened.

“Lady Lobelia.”

“

, Your Royal Highness!”

With Frinel’s arrival, I rushed to him faster than anyone else. Endimion, who had been about to kiss my forehead, furrowed his brow slightly. His normally gentle eyes became fierce.

He turned slowly, watching Frinel and me warmly greet each other. It was clear. Frinel hadn’t given up on me despite me being his official concubine.

Endimion clenched his fist but maintained a smile as he approached. “It’s been a while, Your Royal Highness. I see you’re participating as well.”

“It would be improper for the first prince of the Tiazen Empire to miss a swordsmanship competition. Is Marquis Hamilton participating as well?”

“…Yes. But I didn’t know Your Royal Highness had learned swordsmanship. Not having a swordsmanship instructor led to quite the debate in social circles.”

I looked at him incredulously, knowing well that Endimion’s swordsmanship skills were not superior to others. After all, he had been injured by a low-level monster. Suppressing the urge to scoff, I pressed my lips tightly.

Endimion, feigning innocence, added, “But to see you in the swordsmanship competition, I’m a bit worried…” His implication was clear: it might be better for Frinel to withdraw to avoid embarrassment.

Frinel caught the underlying message and smoothly responded, “It seems only Marquis Hamilton worries about me.”

A bitter shadow crossed Frinel’s face as he recalled the past. Swordsmanship was a basic skill for noblemen, but Frinel had no swordsmanship instructor due to repeated assassination attempts from them. Thus, he had only Duke Gracie as his instructor, which led to him being the subject of ridicule, mostly fueled by the empress.

“Of course. Especially since this competition unusually allows real swords, not wooden ones.” Endimion opened his mouth again, puffing up his chest and boasting in front of me.  “I’m just worried you might get hurt…”

Foolishly, Endimion, with little understanding of swordsmanship, didn’t notice the sword aura surrounding Frinel.

“I didn’t know you were so talkative.”

“…Yes?”

“You’ll see my skills for yourself.”

“Your Royal Highness?”

“I was just checking the competition brackets.” His lips curled up slowly. “You and I…”

The sin of daring to hurt the heart of the woman he loves. He would make sure to pay him back thoroughly.

“Are the first match.”

With the real purpose of the competition before him, Frinel smiled wickedly, like a predator eyeing its prey.