This Three Year Old Is a Villainess-Chapter 272

The grand banquet hall was filled with cadet-branch nobles and nearby invitees.

Most were young aristocrats hoping to form ties with Prince Salvatore or Raon, Crown Prince of Baran.

At the prince’s entrance, the nobles rose in unison.

“Glory to the royal house. We greet His Highness the Crown Prince.”

“We greet His Highness the Crown Prince.”

When the lady of House Ezlo, representative of the cadet branches, led the chant, everyone joined in.

The prince proceeded to the seat of honor, and we took the places beside him.

The first seat on the right was mine.

The meal began.

While making small talk, Han Jihyeok approached me.

Casting wary glances around, he lowered his voice.

“Raon still won’t agree.”

I whispered back.

“He says he’ll accuse us of threatening him even if it kills him? If the Emperor hears we tried to kidnap him, I’ll be in trouble too.”

“Is that the sort of thing that frightens him... He’s a madman.”

Today we had two men living only for the moment.

Grandfather and Raon.

With those two, there was no reaching a decision.

“Are you still trying to placate him?”

“Yes.”

“Tell him I’ll go after the meal.”

“And who will handle the prince’s protocol?”

“I’ll leave that to my brother.”

“...Balzac?”

Han Jihyeok asked as if concerned.

I stared at Balzac, who still glowered at Salvatore.

“...And Joshua too.”

“It’s fortunate. The prince was nearly assassinated in Astra.”

Han Jihyeok withdrew.

I pretended casual indifference as I cut a slice of lamb loin with my knife.

“Your Highness, there’s trouble in the domain. I must beg your pardon, but I need to excuse myself for a moment.”

The prince glanced at me.

Then he fixed his eyes on his meal and said, “Very well.”

I rose.

Leaning toward Balzac and Joshua, I whispered, “Prevent the prince’s clergy from approaching him.”

“You mean to Baran’s Crown Prince?”

“Yes.”

They both nodded.

I left the dining hall with the other third-generation scions, excluding Joshua and Balzac.

“I will take charge of the Crown Prince, the Third Prince, and Prince Brikt, so you sisters and brothers handle the rest of Baran’s entourage.”

“Us?!” Adam exclaimed in dismay.

“Uncle and aunt are busy with gratitude preparations. Some are even under investigation over Lord Balderic.”

“Well, sure, but....”

“We have to do it.”

Liantin nodded emphatically.

“I’ve studied Baran’s laws. Leave it to me.”

“Do you think threats of law will work? How foolish.”

“Then Fabio, do you have another idea?!”

As they bickered, Selene asked, “What if he still refuses?”

“He won’t. Those here are the prince’s close aides.”

“Of course. They travel together privately.”

“They care for Raon’s safety, so they won’t persist. And since they share some blame, even more so.”

“Mm.”

I know Raon’s retinue well.

Chosen despite Baran’s king’s disfavor, they were desperate.

If we persuade them right, they’ll bend.

We walked swiftly.

Just as I was about to knock on the door where Raon was,

“Um....”

a voice called from behind. Turning, I saw the cadet-branch nobles from the banquet.

At their front was Lady Ezlo, who had led the greeting.

Liantin asked, aghast, “What are you doing here? He isn’t even with the prince!”

“Something serious has happened in Astra, hasn’t it?”

“What?”

“I heard from Father. That the Duke threatened Baran’s Crown Prince, and it’s dire....”

“And what do you have to do with—”

“It’s a crisis for Astra. Let us help.”

The other third-generation scions stifled uneasy chuckles.

Liantin’s face burned as she shouted, “Help? What could you lot possibly do!”

“You’re too cruel, milady... We only wish for Astra’s tomorrow....”

Lady Ezlo began to sob.

The cadets behind her looked displeased.

They said, “Why should the cadet branch’s aid be unwelcome in the home branch’s hour of need?”

“Astra’s territory is dear to more than just the main line. We too are Astra’s people. We can help.”

Loreina snorted.

“Liantin’s right. You’re useless.”

Then Lady Ezlo pressed her hands together, “We’ll prostrate ourselves in plea...!”

Liantin’s face hardened.

“You’d bow before foreigners for your branch’s honor? What do you think you’re defending...!”

“I– Isn’t there something more important than honor!”

“What?”

“In war, the ones who suffer most are the people....”

Lady Ezlo choked on her tears and continued, “I understand the main line values honor, but if your pride drags us into war, the people who must be conscripted....”

Loreina snapped, “Are you calling Grandfather a foolish leader who fights for pride!”

“N-no, it’s Lord Balderic who’s foolish...!”

“...What?”

“At least Lady Loreina, daughter of Lord Balderic, shouldn’t speak so... and besides....”

Lady Ezlo glared at me, as if I were the cause.

But when our eyes met, she averted her gaze with a start.

“A-anyway, we’ll help. We won’t leave until we see Baran’s Crown Prince.”

As Lady Ezlo declared, the others agreed.

I asked Milan, “Brother.”

“Yes?”

“What is this about?”

Before I left Astra, cadet branches dared not step foot in the main. Now they swaggered in with demands.

“Isn’t this all due to the main line?” Milan whispered.

“Don’t dance around. Speak plainly.”

“The struggle for succession intensified among the second generation, so cadet branches gained influence.”

Ah.

Needing supporters for the succession fight, they reached into the branches.

To steal followers, the second generation spurred their arrogance.

Milan murmured, “All profited from the succession strife. House Ezlo especially.”

“Why?”

“They commanded such public trust that uncles and aunts all sought to connect.”

“I see.”

“And what now?”

I pulled out my pocket watch.

There was no time.

We had to return swiftly to Prince Salvatore.

“The cadets won’t back down....”

“Very well. Let’s go in together.”

Lady Ezlo and the cadets brightened.

But the third-generation scions groaned in protest.

“Erilot!”

“We can’t delay any longer.”

“But....”

“We must return before the prince notices.”

“....”

Though resentful, they knew there was no choice. Further delay to punish the cadets risked the prince’s suspicion.

I knocked on the door.

“Erilot Astra.”

There was no answer at first, but soon Heban opened it.

He eyed the throng of young nobles behind me.

“Not only Erilot Astra, I see.”

“So it seems.”

“....I see.”

“Indeed.”

Heban turned back and announced, “These are Astra’s third-generation scions. And....”

Lady Ezlo quickly said, “I am Florence Ezlo!”

“And?”

“Pardon?”

“Your name.”

“F- Florence Ezlo....”

He asked twice as if puzzled.

Loreina and Liantin sighed in irritation.

Loreina said, “They are cadet-branch children of Astra.”

“You even bring cadets.”

Heban sneered, then stepped inside.

Perhaps after seeking the prince’s permission, he opened the door wide.

Lady Ezlo and the cadets blinked, still unclear why their names were questioned twice.

Liantin glared at them.

“Astra’s cadet branch is only known here. Do you think you’re known outside?”

“Ah....”

“If you don’t say ‘cadet of Astra,’ they won’t know who you are.”

“....”

Their faces reddened. Lady Ezlo looked sullen.

Regardless, the third generation entered.

I bowed lightly to Raon, seated on the sofa.

“I wish to speak privately. Third Prince, Prince Brikt, please step aside.”

“You’re shameless beyond words.”

“Yes.”

“You lack manners.”

“If you hadn’t forced this meeting, I might have shown some courtesy.”

“Quick-witted, aren’t you.”

He smiled faintly and lifted his glass. The ice tinkled as the liquor swayed.

“Speak here.”

“Your Highness.”

“If this conversation can’t happen [N O V E L I G H T] here, then alone.”

“Alone with Your Highness? Absolutely not.”

The third-generation scions and cadets who overheard didn’t know how to react. They’d come to cooperate, yet it seemed too forceful.

“Lil.”

“Erilot Astra, Your Highness.”

“I’m losing patience.”

“....”

“I’m losing patience, Lil.”

“....”

Raon stared at me, calm yet intense.

It was the look Han Jihyeok called “melodrama eyes.” Deeply irritating.

Then—

“Um, Your Highness!”

Lady Ezlo prostrated herself.

“Forgive the rudeness of your cadet-branch noblewoman!”

“...?”

“....”

Raon’s expression said, What now? I said nothing. Lady Ezlo had mistaken ‘losing patience’ as contempt.

Raon set down his glass with annoyance.

Ignoring Lady Ezlo, he said to me, “There’s only one way you’ll get an agreement from me.”

“W- What method is that...?”

Again Lady Ezlo spoke up. Raon, Yuli, and Heban stared at her bewildered.

I grasped Lady Ezlo’s wrist. “Stand.”

“But...!”

“Hurry.”

She shrugged off my arm and clutched Raon.

“Please forgive the main line. If war breaks out, the people will suffer!”

“....”

“The people of Astra are already suffering drought and disasters. Please pity them...!”

Tears streaming, Lady Ezlo moved the cadets.

Yuli, Baran’s third prince, quickly pried Lady Ezlo away.

“Stop this.”

“I won’t leave until you forgive us! Even if you cut off my head, I—”

“Rise. Now!”

“Even if you kill me, I won’t—”

At that moment—

KWA-KA-KA-KA-KWAK—!

Lady Ezlo flew up and slammed into the wall. Blue veins sprouted over her body.

I cried out, “Your Highness!”

Leisurely rising, Raon said, “She didn’t ask to be killed. If I’m to kill, I must do it.”

“Enough!”

Raon’s blessings are twofold: and , a terrifying offensive blessing that bypasses the skin to destroy internal organs.

“A- ah, u-ugh...!”

Lady Ezlo writhed in agony. The room froze in an instant—the cadets, the third generation, even the Kansis continent nobles.

I shouted to Fabio, “What are you doing!”

“Huh?”

“Activate the barrier!”

“O- okay!”

Fabio cast his and leapt between Lady Ezlo and Raon. At first the barrier repelled Raon’s power, but soon it shattered with a crack.

Fabio’s level wasn’t enough to withstand him.

If this continued, the madman would kill the cadet branch child!

Then—

CHANG-GANG—!

With a sharp sound, golden shards fluttered before Raon. Someone had nullified his blessing!

I turned to the open doorway.

Standing there was...

“Alexis....”

“Pardon me. It was open.”

He had copied Fabio’s barrier to counter Raon’s attack. Lady Ezlo slid down, freed.

Alexis strode forward and shielded me.

“Will you continue?”

“You’re still bothering me.”

“What will you do to oppose him? I’m afraid I lack confidence.”

“...You.”

Veins bulged in Raon’s hands as a crack of light gathered. Yuli, Heban, and the cousins stepped up against Alexis.

Their hands glowed with the start of magic.

On our side, Milan, Fabio, and Loreina stood ready. Beastly fur sprouted on Loreina’s skin, Fabio held his barrier, and Milan wrapped light chains about his arm.

“Stop!”

I leapt before Alexis, shouting, “Enough, Your Highness.”

“Hmm. I don’t feel like it.”

I narrowed my eyes.

‘In that case, there’s no choice.’

I drew the dagger from a Baran guard’s belt and shouted again, “Stop, or I swear...!”

“You know a mere blade can’t stop me, Lil.”

“I’ll swallow this whole!”

“What?”

“...!”

“...!!”

Raon looked at me, momentarily startled. Yuli, Heban, Alexis, and our cousins all showed shock.

“Everyone, stand back! Or I will truly swallow him!”

“Wait!”

“What are you doing!”

“Erilot!”

“You brat! Stop this!”

“Stop it!”

“You fool!”

Even my cousins tried to pull me away. They knew if I acted, I would.

Raon clicked his tongue.

Raising both hands lightly, he said, “Fine. Fine, I’ll stop.”

“...What about the agreement?”

“Asking for that too much.”

“You’ll swallow me?”

“...Damn.”

Heban hurriedly said to Raon, “Tell her you’ll agree!”

“....”

“You know him. He’ll really swallow you!”

“....”

After a long pause, Raon scowled and said, “You’re ruthless, Lil.”

“You knew that already.”

“I’ll do as you wish, so put down the damn dagger.”

I smiled and lowered the blade.

Watching us, Lady Ezlo’s face remained hard.