I’m a Villainess but So Popular

Editor: Aru

Side Story 10. Castle with Summer Lake (4)

“Wow, did something like that really happen?”

Erica’s eyes were wide open as she spoke.

She was the last to arrive at Rachel’s castle because she had a business trip to another province to fulfil first.

Astra was absent today due to an urgent matter, so Erica was the last guest to arrive.

When Erica saw Chaerine, Aster, and Yssius playing together, she inquired when the three grew so close.

So when I told her what had happened thus far, she was taken aback.

“Chaerine has never approached anyone before.”

I smiled at Erica, who was drinking black tea next to me.

“I, too, was taken aback. I’m proud of her since it appears she has finally found a friend of her age.”

“Except for your family, she’s just been smiling brilliantly in front of me.

I’m left with a bittersweet feeling.”

Erica replied as she glanced affectionately at the children.

After knowing her for a long time, I knew she didn’t like children very much.

Erica, on the other hand, was very lovely to my children and treated them as if they were her real niece and nephew.

When I saw her smiling brightly with gifts for children in her arms, I felt both grateful and sorry.

Well, I guess I felt that way as well.”

Erica nodded when I grinned awkwardly.

“Cassius, on the other hand, is worse than I am. With a fully depleted look, he went to quarrel with Eugene.”

“Really? You don’t have to stop him?”

Erica asked with her eyes wide open.

I sighed and shook my head.

“When I tried to stop him, he was already halfway there, telling Eugene to meet him for a bit.”

“Oh…… I see.”

Erica’s gaze was drawn to the children playing beneath the tree.

“However, if it’s Eugene, I believe he’ll handle it on his own.”

“Actually, I believe so as well.”

“All right, don’t worry about it, and let’s take a break. You’ve been quite busy all of this time.”

Erica, with her jewel-like pink eyes, gazed at me with concern.

“His wife is continuously watching the children play, but he doesn’t even stand by her……Whew.”

Erica made a pitiful grimace as she flicked her tongue.

“It’s not that I don’t understand the pain of losing a daughter whom she raised as if she were gold, but he should have more conscience.”

“That’s exactly it. I agree with you. I can’t even imagine what he’ll do when Chaerine grows up and decides to marry later.”

“It’s something I could imagine. He’ll remain depressed and stick to you as an excuse. Such an annoyance.”

She was completely correct.

Erica threw her a broad grin as I aggressively nodded my head in agreement.

I never imagined that Erica and I would be able to see each other smiling like this.

‘I didn’t even dare to dream about it.’

I was devastated when I initially possessed Yerine because I feared I’d have to fight against Erica.

Her cherry blossom-coloured hair was blown by a pleasant breeze.

I could see her bright pink eyes through her lovely fluttering hair.

I used to believe it would be difficult for me to see Erica’s back, let alone her cheerful face.

So I was thankful she was still by my side.

“All right, Erica here’s some chocolate. The Imperial Palace chef wrapped it for me and said he cooked it himself.”

I said to Erica as I pushed a pink-ribbon-decorated package into her hand.

Erica always constantly apologized and refused to take my gifts because I always brought so many for her.

So, whenever I gave Erica a gift, I got into the habit of shoving it into her hand before she could apologize and refuse my gifts.

“No, what have you brought me this time?”

Erica, as usual, picked up the chocolate box with an apologetic expression.

“Nothing compares to you, Erika. So, don’t apologize and just accept it.”

Erica still apologized to me even after I said it.

“I also tell you not to be sorry when I bring you things. But you always bring so many gifts.”

“Well, that’s nothing at all.”

“Didn’t I tell you the last time? The gift you brought me was more than enough to fill two rooms.”

Erica eventually scooped up the chocolate at the end of the scuffle.

My heart warmed as I watched Erica looking at the chocolate box with smiling eyes, even if she was still apologizing till the end.

“Thank you always, Yerine.”

Erica exclaimed with a bright smile.

I could see her pink eyes resembled a tourmaline fluttering.

Looking into those eternally warm eyes, I said.

“On the contrary, I am the one who is truly grateful.”

My lips were set in a soft smile.

“Auntie Eri!”

Yssius, who had discovered Erica, shouted out.

Erika waved her hand gently toward Yssius, who was also waving his hand.

Yssius, who carefully raised Chaerine, grabbed one of her hands and pulled her away.

Chaerine automatically took Aster’s hand, and the three children approached Erica hand in hand.

Erica gave a gentle smile to the children who surrounded her.

“Auntie Eri…….”

Chaerine looked Erica in the eyes and opened her arms wide.

Erika hugged and patted Chaerine on the shoulder after recognizing her behaviour.

“How are you doing, Kael?”

“Good.”

“That’s great.”

Yssius began to pay attention to Erica, who smiled at Chaerine.

He probably had a lot to say about the flowers and bugs he discovered beneath the trees.

Erica silently lowered her head to greet Aster and listened to Yssius’s story.

Cassius’s voice came from behind me as I was watching Erica and the children snuggle close and converse cheerfully.

“Yerine.”

Looking back, I noticed Cassius approaching with Eugene, who had a calm expression on his face, and Rachel, who had a grin on her face.

Eugene appeared to have taken little damage while conversing with Cassius.

I was a little curious about Eugene’s reaction to Cassius’ ludicrous demand, claiming that Eugene’s 4-year-old son was targeting his daughter.

“Ah, Erica. I finally see you. How have you been?”

Rachel, who discovered Erica, greeted her warmly.

Erica, who was playing with the children, rose up and greeted Rachel as well.

“Rachel!”

“I’m sorry, I heard you arrived, but due to work, I couldn’t meet you right away.”

“No, it’s not a problem. Don’t be concerned.”

Erica replied as she waved her hand.

And before I knew it, she was talking to Cassius, who had automatically taken a seat next to me.

“That was my original seat.”

“You’re such a quick-witted.”

Cassius shifted to the opposite seat, a look of regret on his face in response to Erica’s words.

“I can’t even joke around because I’m scared, Blothea.”

When Cassius smiled nonchalantly, Erica straightened her face and replied back.

“It’s not enjoyable at all, Your Majesty. Yerine will become tired of you if you continue to tell such dull jokes.”

“Why is the topic turned this way again?”

Rachel, who was looking at the two, tapped me on the shoulder and whispered.

“They always like this. Those two will most likely continue to argue even after twenty years.”

I don’t think they’ll be like that in 20 years; I think they’ll be like that even after 30 years.”

“But Erica and Eugene don’t argue much these days……”

“That’s because Eugene has been rather volatile lately.”

Eugene then sighed and walked in.

“I’m sorry, but I can hear you.”

“But I said it so you could hear it.”

“What?”

As Rachel smirked, Eugene scowled and opened his lips, then shook his head and closed it again

“Oh, see. If it were the old days, he would have already cast off attack magic.”

Eugene looked at me through her blue eyes as I clapped my hands in admiration.

“That’s because Aster is here, so I must be patient. It will be a different story if he is not present.”

“Oh, I’m terrified.”

For a while, I giggled and teased Eugene with Rachel.

He used to openly express his displeasure, but now I believe he was subconsciously accepting our prank on him.

Even now, instead of the angry stare, he responded to our prank with a gentle voice.

“Stop pestering Aunt Erie, Dad.”

Even the children appear to have joined Cassius and Erica in their fight.

Yssius openly supported Erica, and Chaerine tugged on Cassius’ hem.

“Don’t fight, Dad.”

Aster was at a loss for words and attempted to mediate between the two.

“Please stop……”

Eugene shook his head in disbelief at the sight.

“Do something about your husband and your best friend, Yerine.”

“I’m thinking about it anyway.”

It was loud but enjoyable.

People’s voices and children’s laughter could be heard all around.

In the distance, I could see the surface of the lake gleaming in the summer sun.

‘This is nice.’

I thought so in the pleasant breeze.

***

“It’s nice to see them interact like that.”

The former Duke of the Ale Club said as she stood in front of the window.

There was a glimpse of the lake, the glory of the Ale Club Dukedom, through the transparent window.

The woman’s emerald gaze shifted away from the lake and toward the gathering of tea party guests.

The butler smiled as he looked at his master.

“I truly hope the Jacquline Family kid could come.”

“Isn’t that why the little master was feeling down?”

The former Duke of Ale Club nodded in response to the butler’s questioning.

“Yes, and perhaps everyone over there felt the same way.”

“Well, their friendship is very solid.”

“Yes. Well, there will probably be many days when they will meet again, so it will be fine.”

With her white palm on the window, the former Duke of the Ale Club spoke.

“Perhaps it’s because our generation can’t get along like that, but I’m envious.”

“Is that so……”

“Even though I’m delighted my daughter and the Spade’s daughter are there.”

She said, sitting in front of a desk with her back to the window.

In the sunlight, her lovely, green eyes glistened.

She opened her mouth in a calm voice, with a pleasant smile around her mouth, as she gazed at the butler.

“Would you mind going to the backyard and fetching Rachel and the Duke of Spade?”