The Crazy Villainess in This Area Is Me

Frinel…

Amidst the cheering crowd, Frinel’s brightly smiling figure seemed perfectly in place, as if it belonged there all along. It was astonishing to think such a radiant person had been hiding in plain sight.

As he lifted his head to look directly at me, his gaze sparkled like stars, seemingly full of expectation. Despite wanting to approach him and pat his head in pride, unfortunately, that was not an option.

But then again, ever since returning from the dead, when had I ever cared about the opinions of others? Knowing that Frinel was my life’s savior, a hug between close friends should be perfectly acceptable. I smiled broadly and gestured for him to come closer.

“Lady Lobelia.”

“Your Royal Highness.”

I gracefully curtsied, holding my dress in both hands, unlike my usual self. Watching me act like a lady of the social circle, Frinel blinked dumbfoundedly, charmed by my different appeal.

“You were magnificent. As expected of my life’s savior.”

“Was I? But now, your life’s savior finds himself in quite a predicament. What to do?” He raised his voice so others could hear, drooping his eyebrows as if troubled.

“What’s the matter?”

“Regrettably, I seem to lack close female friends to prepare a handkerchief for me.”

At Frinel’s words, young ladies around me excitedly began pulling out their handkerchiefs and tossing them into the air. Handkerchiefs fluttered from everywhere, each embroidered with magnificent designs. But, of course, none of those caught his eye. He only wished for one person’s handkerchief.

Frinel smirked cunningly, finishing his sentence. “How about giving me your handkerchief as a token of gratitude for saving your life?”

Though his intention was clear, I felt glad I had prepared a handkerchief for Frinel just in case. Pretending to ponder, I soon reached into my clutch.

“Oh my. If my humble handkerchief can alleviate Your Royal Highness’s troubles, I must certainly offer it.”

Inside was a neatly folded handkerchief, beautifully embroidered but not wrapped. I leaned over the railing, extending the handkerchief towards him.

Frinel casually brushed my hand as he took the handkerchief.

That made my cheeks flush slightly.

I chuckled softly, sensing his underlying desires through his gaze.

“Thank you, Lady Lobelia. How fortunate to have such a clean handkerchief on hand.”

“Your Royal Highness has lent me your handkerchief twice before.”

Once when I had a nosebleed and another time when I first shared a bit of my heart with him. Both then and now, Frinel looked at me with the same eyes and expression.

“

, now that you mention it, yes. Seems you owe me another handkerchief, then?”

“

, I will, Your Royal Highness.”

I glanced briefly at the dais where the emperor and empress awaited Frinel. They seemed to be waiting for him. My gaze towards them held a fleeting chill. Though I detested the emperor and empress for bringing misfortune to my family, it was Frinel, not me, who would take revenge on them. Moreover, I was vaguely aware through Duke Gracie that the emperor was gravely ill and filled with regret for his past actions. Without my intervention, the emperor would die lonely, unable to ask for help.

I suppressed the urge to click my tongue, quickly turning my head away. “Go on, hurry.” I urged him with a smile. “They seem to be waiting.”

“Yes. See you later.”

Frinel waved reluctantly, his steps heavy with reluctance. He wished he could pull her close and kiss her right then, but the circumstances were not favorable. Yet, he felt immensely satisfied.

Together with Duke Gracie, they had thoroughly thrashed Endimion, tarnishing his honor. Though Endimion might argue the rules of the nobility’s games were somewhat barbaric, Frinel planned to change these rules once he became emperor. Unbeknownst to Endimion, Frinel smirked inwardly as he headed to the dais.

“I had no idea you possessed such skills!”

“Such extraordinary talent!”

The nobles of the Shinsu Faction buzzed excitedly around the dais as if Frinel had already ascended the throne, completely exhilarated. Hearing the jubilant voices of the Shinsu Faction, Patricia exhaled deeply. Not once did Lawrence’s blade graze Frinel. It was now her turn to step forward.

“…First Prince. Frinel.” The emperor stood beside the cold Patricia, opening his arms as if to embrace Frinel. “… I’m proud of you.” He awkwardly but sincerely praised Frinel.

“…Your Majesty.”

Frinel’s smile was strained as he frowned slightly. Yet, knowing a rift between him and the emperor would not benefit him in front of the nobles, he complied.

“Thank you.”

He awkwardly embraced the emperor, who had never acknowledged his swordsmanship skills.

“I never knew you were so skilled.”

“…I practiced alone. For some reason, I never had a proper swordsmanship teacher.”

Frinel shrugged it off. His face was smiling, but there wasn’t joy on his face.

Looking at his son, the emperor drew a deep breath. “…I see.”

He was filled with regret, realizing how much effort Frinel had put into swordsmanship alone. He felt unbearably sorry for the past, wishing he could undo it all. He was an unworthy father who had never properly acknowledged his eldest son due to the empress’s manipulations.

“…Well done, Frinel.”

“Yes. Thank you, Your Majesty.” Frinel coldly thanked him, deliberately avoiding calling him ‘father.’

“Why does the Empress remain silent?”

“What did Your Majesty think? Out of love for my brother, I ended it without causing him pain.” He provocatively addressed Patricia, who showed no outward reaction, maintaining a serene smile.

“Very…” Patricia trailed off before standing up and continuing. “Very impressive match!”

She exaggeratedly applauded. “Bravo! Hasn’t the First Prince, the eldest son of the imperial family, shown a magnificent performance, Your Majesty?”

“…Empress.”

“Come here, First Prince. Who on earth taught you such splendid swordsmanship? You must have had an excellent teacher.”

An awkward air filled the dais. Until now, the empress had only praised Frinel in public spaces. And it always ended poorly. Due to Frinel’s frosty response to the empress’s kindness in front of everyone or his outright refusal to attend her calls, rumors circulated that it was Frinel who was cold and distant. The source of those rumors was clear. This time, it was undoubtedly the same intention.

The Shinsu Faction and the emperor glanced back and forth between the Empress and Frinel, their eyes rolling in tension.

“Were you so pleased? If I had known Your Majesty would be so delighted, I would have shown my skills earlier.”

But this time, Frinel’s attitude was different.

“Yes. Watching a son grow up is a mother’s joy, isn’t it?”

Despite being slightly shocked internally, the empress didn’t blink an eye and lied smoothly.

“Yes. I will be more filial in the future, Your Majesty.”

“Oh my, what a fine figure…”

“The emperor has promised me the throne.”

“…Yes?” Her poker face, which she had maintained all along, shattered at his words. “What do you mean…?”

“Your Majesty. Wouldn’t it be appropriate to make the announcement on such a good day?”

“…

. Indeed. Duke Gracie.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Duke Gracie, as if waiting for this moment, unfolded the decree he had been hiding. Inside, Frinel’s appointment as Crown Prince was declared, alongside the emperor’s seal.

“I hereby appoint Frinel, the eldest son and First Prince of the imperial family, as the Crown Prince. Begin preparations for the coronation ceremony!”

“Yo-Your Majesty!”

Startled, Duke Bonitare tried to approach urgently, but Patricia quickly raised her trembling hand to stop him, then softly and slyly spoke. “It is only natural for the First Prince to become the Crown Prince, especially after showing such splendid swordsmanship.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Empress.”

Although he was puzzled by her surprisingly obedient appearance, the emperor happily nodded his head, unaware of the empress’s ulterior motives, believing everything was returning to normal.

“Congratulations, First Prince. The position of Crown Prince is truly fitting for you. So, personally…” Forcing her voice, Patricia approached Frinel with a glass of poisoned wine. “I offer you a toast.”

“…Thank you, Empress.”

Although he thanked her, suspicion clouded his eyes towards the empress, who simply smiled and sipped the supposedly poisoned wine.

“Are you worried it might be poisoned?”

After the empress completely swallowed, Frinel slowly took the cup. Then, cautiously, he brought the rim to his lips. Thus, the poisonous wine meant to strangle Frinel’s life gently tilted.