Living As the Villainess Queen (Web Novel KR)-Chapter 432.1

Eugene lingered in the darkness for a moment. Kasser was still in the Holy City, while she had returned to the kingdom. The distance between them—after having just been in his arms—now felt vast, almost unbearably so. Resting a hand gently on her belly, she whispered, “Baby, your father will be home soon. Let’s stay strong until then.”

She moved toward the sliver of light filtering through the doorway. But the moment she stepped outside, she froze. The weight of countless gazes settled on her.

“Your Highness!”

“Your Highness!”

She had noted her return in her spellbook and informed Aldrit ahead of time. Sven had even gone in advance to make preparations. Still, she hadn’t expected such a crowd.

Surrounding the ritual building were far more people than she anticipated—warriors and soldiers under Grand General Lester’s command, high-ranking bureaucrats including Chancellor Verus, and dozens of palace attendants, all standing in neat formation beside several waiting carriages. Not even a royal reception for the king would have been this grand.

Lester and Verus stepped forward and bowed deeply.

“We are overjoyed by Your Highness’s safe return.”

Lester looked as though he might say, ‘I’m so moved I could weep.’ The general’s weary face, aged by what seemed like years in mere days, stirred a quiet guilt in Eugene’s heart.

During her journey to the Holy City, she had been immersed in the stories of the nomadic elders. Once there, she had spent joyful days by Kasser’s side—so much so that she had not fully considered those who had remained behind, waiting anxiously for her return.

“You’ve all done so well,” she said, her voice warm with gratitude. “I was able to leave without worry because of each of you. The Holy City has stabilized, and all matters have been resolved peacefully. His Majesty will return soon as well. We’ll speak more once we’re back at the palace.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” they answered in unison, bowing respectfully.

Eugene caught sight of Aldrit in the crowd and offered a small smile. When their eyes met, he bowed so deeply it seemed his nose might touch his knees.

As the royal carriage rolled toward the palace, people lined the streets, cheering for their queen. Most were unaware she had even been gone, assuming she had simply taken a brief trip beyond the capital.

Before she knew it, Eugene felt lighter.

There’s no place like home.

A wave of relief swept over her—the comfort of familiar ground settling deep in her chest. She couldn’t wait to tell her mother everything that had happened in the Holy City.

When the carriage rolled into the palace courtyard and came to a gentle stop, the door swung open just as Dana stepped forward. This content belongs to novel·fire.net

Eugene’s face lit up at the sight of her, but her smile faltered when she saw the stern look on Dana’s face.

“I’m home,” Eugene said, stepping down.

Without a word, Dana pulled her into a fierce embrace. Her features contorted with emotion, and just as quickly, she gave Eugene a firm smack on the back.

“You reckless girl!” Dana scolded, her voice sharp but trembling.

Eugene laughed sheepishly, hugging her tighter. “I’m sorry for worrying you,” she said gently.

Dana pulled back to look her in the eyes, clearly trying to keep her composure. “You’re due any day now! How could you be so careless? Who do you take after? Once you set your mind on something, you’re so stubborn no one can talk you out of it!”

“I’m your daughter, Mom. Who else would I take after?” Eugene replied with a grin.

She could almost hear her father’s voice echoing the same words—no doubt the formidable head of House Arse, known for his unshakable will, would have said just that.

Even as Dana continued her scolding, Eugene felt a strange warmth in her chest. The lecture, the concern—it all wrapped around her like love in disguise. Wanting to lift her mother’s mood, she tried to act lighthearted. But just as she opened her mouth to speak again, a line from her dream with Alber resurfaced.

“He must be quite stubborn.”

…Huh?

She had always assumed her son’s courage—his ability to stand firm against terrifying beasts, his persistence through the years—came from Kasser.

But… could it be… not Kasser, but me?

It was as if someone had whispered directly into her ear:

“Yes, it’s you. He takes after you.”