The Villainess is Tired of Everything-Chapter 60

“Would you like to watch another play?”

Ethan nodded, and the lights dimmed as another play began to show on the screen.

Even as he watched, Ethan continued to hold the magic stone tightly in his hand.

After that day, I showed Ethan the camera as well, and he ended up liking it even more than I had anticipated.

Once he realized I was serious about magical devices, he seemed to open up even more.

He spent his time taking photos and eagerly packing the toys Darcy had made into a small pouch. He was completely engrossed in the magical devices.

“This is truly amazing!”

Of course, despite his growing fondness for me, his hostility towards Darcy remained unchanged.

We continued to prepare for our journey to the magicians' village.

The place where they lived was hidden deep within the forest, behind a cliff waterfall.

A location behind a waterfall—no wonder no one had been able to find it. It would be more surprising if anyone had.

‘It’s really time to leave.’

For the magical devices to make a successful debut, we needed to leave soon.

The more attention we could gather when people's eyes were on us, the more people would learn about the magical devices.

That way, the video player would reach as many people as possible, including those who truly needed it.

‘If it can bring even a small amount of comfort to those who might feel the way I did…’

If I could help Darcy and others, I might find a little more happiness for myself too.

But before we left, there was something I had to do.

“…You look so beautiful, Lady Marceau!”

The maid’s enthusiastic comment wasn’t an exaggeration.

I was satisfied with how I looked in the mirror, all dressed up for the occasion. Today, I had chosen emerald and amber brooches, and a beige mermaid-line dress that contrasted with my dark hair, making it look even more pure. My lightly blushed lips complemented my fair skin.

New n𝙤vel chapters are published on novelbuddy.cσ๓.

‘Ready for business.’

Ever since I started appearing and disappearing with Darcy, I had been seen as part of his faction.

Marceau Etwar, the noble who supported the new prince. Those who accepted my invitation today were aware of my close connection with Darcy, which also meant they were likely to support him as well.

I checked the guest list that the maid had given me.

‘Interesting.’

Most of the people who had accepted my invitations before had been supporters of Ryan.

But today, some of the guests had kept their distance from me in the past.

Even though the rumors of me being a villainess hadn’t completely disappeared, the number of people accepting my invitations had increased significantly.

There were two reasons for this.

The first was the rumor that I had gifted Darcy with a magic stone, and the second was the growing gossip about the relationship between Darcy and me.

The rumor that I had turned away from Ryan and found a new love had spread far and wide.

It had reached my ears, and I didn’t usually pay attention to gossip.

Thanks to Darcy, I didn’t have to go around declaring that I no longer loved Ryan.

Darcy’s presence was so overwhelming that people easily accepted the idea that I had moved on.

‘With looks that surpass even the male lead.’

I found myself smiling at the thought of Darcy’s face.

I hesitated for a moment. I had planned to see him again after exchanging letters upon my return, but since his seclusion had ended, Darcy had been impossibly busy.

In fact, I hadn’t seen him since our short trip together.

This was the longest we’d gone without seeing each other.

‘He always used to show up when I needed him.’

At this point, I couldn’t help but suspect he was avoiding me, regardless of his circumstances.

‘It probably has to do with Ethan.’

But that didn’t seem to be the only reason.

The last time I saw him, his insistence that he was just saying what any friend would say was still fresh in my mind.

‘No, I shouldn’t jump to conclusions before talking to him.’

I didn’t want to create misunderstandings by overthinking things on my own. Shaking my head, I tried to focus on Darcy’s situation.

‘Who could be busier than him right now?’

Beyond his duties as a prince, Darcy’s increased workload was likely due to the rumors of the upcoming crown prince’s coronation.

Foundation Day was traditionally a grand event, during which the crown prince was typically enthroned.

With only half a year left until Foundation Day, speculation was rife about whether a crown prince would indeed be appointed. And if so, who would it be?

While Darcy had been spending time with me, Ryan had been intensifying his efforts to build his image.

He was digging into Darcy’s lineage, which had not been brought up before, and spreading rumors to explain why Darcy was indifferent to others.

“The prince is a bloodthirsty madman!”

It had been revealed that Darcy, not Kies, had been the one leading the battles that were previously credited to Kies. Kies had rationalized his actions by claiming that he had no choice but to accept his bloodthirsty illegitimate son.

What was surprising was that Kies hadn’t disclosed that Darcy was a magician.

Even though it would have been a fitting reason to label Darcy a madman, Kies had remained silent on the matter.

‘Darcy must have had a plan.’

Darcy likely preemptively influenced Kies with his mind-control ability.

If not, it could have been Kies’ pride, unwilling to associate with magicians, that kept him silent. If that were the case, Kies was a fool.

…Either way, when one side takes action, the other side must respond.

Darcy was currently in contact with various nobles to refute Ryan and Kies’ claims and to dismantle their power base.

Not everyone believed Kies’ stories, and many had noticed that Kies had acted strangely on the day of Darcy’s coronation.

I had also heard that Darcy had been in contact with high-ranking nobles, including Marquis Etwar and Marquis Ephecle.

He had likely met with Marquis Ephecle in an attempt to win him over, as his granddaughter, Reshuan, was almost set to be Ryan’s bride.

While Darcy was working hard and unable to visit me…

‘I need to support him too.’

As I continued reading the guest list, I blinked in surprise at an unexpected name.

‘Lady Wernar?’

Lady Wernar. I had invited her, but I hadn’t expected her to accept.

She had never responded to any of my invitations before.

Despite her high status as a noblewoman, Lady Wernar was not a main character in the book. She had no interest in me, Reshuan, or even Ryan.

In fact, I only learned of her existence after becoming Marceau.

As the only daughter of the esteemed Atri family, she had an eccentric side to her. Her quiet personality, unless something caught her attention, was an example.

This was the main reason why she never dominated the social scene despite her title. She had no interest in socializing.

Furthermore, her family maintained a neutral stance, exerting minimal influence in both the empire and the social world.

It was natural to be surprised by her appearance, given that she had never shown interest in power struggles or the princes.

‘Why is she here?’

While I was hosting today’s tea party, it was clear that most of the guests would want to align themselves with Darcy.

For Lady Wernar to attend, she must have had her reasons.

Was she finally planning to support someone? Or was there another reason?

‘I guess I’ll find out when I meet her.’

After double-checking the greenhouse where the tea party would take place, I headed to the entrance to greet the guests.

One by one, the young ladies arrived on time, stepping out of their carriages. They were all dressed to impress for the occasion.

The glass greenhouse, where today’s tea party would be held, was a short walk from the entrance along a path lined with pale beige bricks.

The greenhouse was set at the perfect temperature—not too hot or cold—and was filled with the scent of blooming flowers.

The young ladies entered one by one and took their seats. In front of each place setting was a small gift box.

“What is… this?”

“It’s a token of appreciation for your attendance.”

I had prepared bracelets made with small, intricately carved magic stones.

Even though only a small amount of magic stone was used, the fact that it was made with a magic stone made it desirable.

Items made with magic stones were my strength.

I was prepared to make use of the materialistic methods I had set aside until now.

“Wow…”

The young ladies murmured in admiration as they took their seats.

“Excuse me.”

Someone sat beside me with a curt greeting. I turned to greet them.

“…Hello, Lady Wernar.”

It was Lady Wernar, who had just seated herself at my table.