This Three Year Old Is a Villainess-Chapter 305

I chuckled wickedly, like a true villain.

“There's something about the Full-Moon Ritual, isn’t there?”

At last, Grimie’s composed expression stiffened. Even oblivious Dalia sensed something and cocked her head.

I raised an eyebrow and whispered, “There must be a reason I shouldn’t preside over the Full-Moon Ritual, right?”

“...You speak nonsense.”

I smiled and approached the lady-in-waiting. Then I’ll find out—and make good use of it. —I thought.

Grimie Manor.

Dalia glanced at Grimie.

“Um, Father...”

“Yes?”

“You’ve looked uneasy since a while ago.”

Grimie, who had been walking in silence, came to an abrupt halt—and then, as always, smiled kindly.

“Not at all. I’m simply tired from the many complex affairs.”

“Oh, then I’ll brew you an energizing tea!”

“Thank you, my dear.”

“Okay!”

Dalia beamed and dashed off toward the kitchen; Grimie entered his study. The moment the door closed—

Bang—!

He slammed his hand down on the table. Damn it!

Inolax flitted through the air, laughing mockingly.

[Quite the perceptive girl you are.]

“Be gone.”

[You foolish creature believe you can commune with the gods on the Full Moon—but you’re wrong.]

Inolax pretended to lift Grimie’s chin with an invisible fingertip.

[The Full Moon is when divine power cannot reach. It’s the one day when divine punishment can affect mortals, however briefly.]

“...”

[Of course, only someone of thirteenth-Apostle caliber may ascend the altar—but this time you truly will commune with the ‘gods.’]

“...”

[How dare the woman chosen for the altar use my dear Sailon as her guardian star!]

“Shut up!”

[What will you do now? If the Full Moon extends, a divine manifestation is possible.]

“This Full Moon won’t last long. It won’t happen.”

[And if it did? I’m not afraid of hypothetical ‘ifs,’ my dear Grimie.]

“You....”

Inolax trembled theatrically.

[What if the ritual reveals the true Messiah?]

“...”

[And the thirteen guardian stars, enraged to discover what I did to the real Messiah?]

“...”

[What if their mighty power turns on me? Oh, how terrifying! Ahhhh!]

Cackling, Inolax clutched her sides. Grimie swept his hand through the air, severing her magic. Inolax screamed—“Kyaaaa!”—and vanished.

After she’d fully disappeared, Grimie pressed a hand to his forehead. I cannot let Erilot ascend the Full-Moon altar.

His eyes glittered sharply. He placed his hand on the communication orb beside his desk. The line connected to the Empress Consort’s palace.

“This is Grimie Astra. I have urgent matters to discuss with Her Majesty the Empress Consort.”

At the same time, in the kitchen.

The head cook looked flustered as he tried to restrain Dalia. “If it’s tea, the kitchen staff will make it, Miss.”

“No—this is magical tea to invigorate Father!”

Dalia swung the pot open, scattering tea leaves. The kitchen servants whispered, “Eek...”

[A moment!]

A familiar voice rang in Dalia’s head. Masada!

Since awakening her power, Masada’s voice accompanied her like a constant friend.

[You’ll make it bitter if you add so many leaves... three spoons is just right.]

Ah!

Dalia measured exactly three spoons and the servants sighed in relief.

Wow, it works. How does Masada know these things?

[My former master loved tea. You’re taking it to Grimie, right?]

Yeah!

Dalia hugged the pot, giggling.

[I was surprised... to learn I’m Grimie’s daughter.]

You didn’t know?

[No—and that’s why Lady Erilot acted so jealous of me. I wondered why.]

Really?

[Actually, I thought it strange. But then I learned my father’s identity.]

That’s... mean.

[But I’m glad to know now.]

Masada’s sigh echoed in her ear. [Had I not known, I’d still trust Erilot somewhat.]

She was so nasty. I didn’t suspect it.

[She pretended to be kind...]

Indeed. So cruel.

Dalia waved her hand and laughed.

“Hey—?”

[Yes?]

“I... I like you, Masada. We’re alike—both having selfish streaks. I had an older sister when I was Yese-eun.”

[You did?]

*Yes, her selfishness made things hard. We’re similar in that way.]

[Me too, I had a selfish sister.]

They said in unison, “We’re alike.”

[We’re alike.]

The servants stared, stunned.

“Miss?”

“Oh! No—I meant... Father and I look alike.”

“Of course. Resemblance between parent and child is natural.”

They laughed warmly.

Right, we do share a father.

[Actually, we’re more like sisters.]

Indeed!

Dalia grew fond of Masada—her friend who’d cheered her on in dreams, now living in her place. It felt like fate.

“Wow! It’s done. Looks delicious, right?”

[Yes! Splendid milk tea.]

“Father will love it.”

“Yes, the aroma is exquisite.”

Dalia scooped the teacup onto its saucer and raced off.

“Father, I brought you invigorating tea—!”

She burst through the study door to find Grimie smiling gently. Beside him stood several of the Veil’s guardian stars.

“Dalia.”

“Yes?”

“You have been chosen to represent the Empress Consort on the Full-Moon altar.”

“The Full-Moon altar?”

Dalia blinked. Masada covered her mouth, astonished.

[The Full-Moon Ritual!]

Incredible. I, a mere commoner, am to ascend the altar reserved for royalty? Masada trembled with excitement, and Dalia tilted her head. Is this good?

[Of course! When His Majesty sacrifices the offering to the gods, you present the sword. It’s the highest honor for a lady!]

So wondrous!

[Indeed!]

Dalia beamed. A guardian star of the Veil pressed his lips to her hand.

“For the Messiah.”

“For the Messiah.”

Each guardian bowed in turn. Masada watched shyly, heart full of awe that such beautiful men—and her magnificent father—loved only Dalia.

[I—I’m so happy too...]

Masada rushed to Grimie—only to pass through him unnoticed. No one saw her.

“I’ll ascend the altar splendidly!”

“You will outshine all others in the ceremony.”

“Father, I’m so honored.”

Dalia nestled into Grimie’s embrace, while Masada stood awkwardly, fingertips fidgeting.

Masada?

[Uh... yes...?]

It’s going well, right?

[Yes.]

Though a chill brushed her heart, Masada shook it away: Dalia was building her position for when I return. Grateful to Dalia. Unlike Erilot.

Masada giggled and tried to weave between Grimie and Dalia.

What are you doing?

[Hm?]

Move aside. You’re a spirit—lingering on the living steals their vitality, you know?

[Oh?]

What if you drained Father’s energy without realizing?

[Ah... okay.]

Timidly, Masada stepped back. Dalia, having placed the teacup on the table, hugged Grimie’s waist.

Empress Dowager’s Palace.

The Empress Dowager’s lips twisted as she recounted the lady-in-waiting’s testimony.

“After all she’s done, she still insists on attending the Full-Moon Ritual?”

The Empress Consort had offered Dalia as her proxy. I sipped my tea impassively.

“She still wants to display her royal status.”

“Indeed—she must not be mocked by the court ladies.”

“So who will ultimately ascend the altar?”

“With two proxies, the Royal Council will vote.”

“And—?”

“Normally the Empress Consort’s proxy would ascend, but—” 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

The Empress Dowager chuckled softly.

“The Empress Consort is blamed for the Crumatus outbreak. Likely they’ll choose my proxy.”

“She must show her support for me, Your Majesty.”

My eyes gleamed; the Empress Dowager smiled, tapping my cheek lightly. From a side table she produced an envelope.

“What is this?”

“An invitation to Grand Duchess Constantine’s salon party.”

“Grand Duchess Constantine wields great influence in the Royal Council.”

“My child.”

The Empress Dowager beckoned me. I rose and pressed my cheek to her knee, looking up.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Your happiness is my greatest delight.”

“I am endlessly grateful.”

“My dear, if you need anything, ask without hesitation.”

“Yes.”

We shared a warm smile.

A few days later.

Grimie Manor.

Dalia peeked from behind Grimie’s back.

“What is it, Simmah—no, Duke Germo?”

She covered her mouth, looking adorable.

“Oddly, I’m more used to calling you Simmah, so I must be careful...”

Duke Germo smiled gently.

“When we’re alone, you may call me by my given name.”

“Really? That’s wonderful! But what is this, truly?”

He shook the envelope lightly.

“An invitation to Grand Duchess Constantine’s salon party.”

“G-Grand Duchess?”

“Yes. A crucial hurdle to ascend the Full-Moon altar. Win her favor to secure the Council’s votes.”

“I see... but isn’t this invitation extremely hard to obtain?”

“If it’s for the Messiah’s wishes, nothing is beyond our Veil.”

“Wow—amazing!”

Dalia sprang forward to grasp the invitation.

“But to attend a party, we need many preparations—and we have no money...”

Her smile faltered as she looked at Grimie. Grimie and Germo laughed.

“How could it sadden you? To think the House of Astra’s heir lacks funds.”

“Well, it’s true—my father’s disfavor bars me from using the domain’s coffers.”

“Then I shall have the honor of aiding Dalia’s shopping.”

Duke Germo bowed to meet her gaze, offering his signet ring.

“What is this?”

“The Germo family seal. Show it anywhere and you may purchase whatever you wish.”

“A credit card! May I really spend freely?”

“Of course. Consider it repayment for rescuing my servants from Despair.”

“Wow—!”

Dalia hopped in delight, clutching the ring.

“Then I shall spend lavishly—sell the house if needed!”

Grimie chuckled.

“The House of Germo ranks second in wealth after Astra. You need not worry about selling the manor.”

“I’m so excited!”

A tall beauty with red waves entered.

“Who...?”

“I am Sufhurmash, Messiah.”

“Huh? I thought you were male?”

“This is Duke Germo’s form in the ‘outside’ world. In the original art I’m called Hera Levijara.”

“Ah.”

Hera winked one eye.

“I will assist you in your party preparations.”

“Wonderful!”

Masada blushed, ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) hands over her chest.

[Original art...]

Every girl in this world admires the original art—especially one of the top five masterpieces, Hera Levijara.

She looks upon her vessel with such fondness.

[How splendid! Right, Dalia?]

Yes. I love amazing sisters—though handsome brothers I love even more.

Dalia hugged Hera’s arm.

“Let’s depart quickly—I adore shopping.”

Before they left, Duke Germo smiled.

“Sufhurmash.”

“Yes?”

“If a single strand of the Messiah’s hair is harmed, I shall hold you to account.”

“Rest assured. As long as I serve, it shall never happen.”

Hera’s eyes gleamed fiercely.

Dalia’s party reached a dress shop. The staff hesitated at her.

“I’m sorry, but we don’t accept new clients without a referral... Ah, Lady Levijara!”

“Accompanied by my referral.”

“Then you’re most welcome. Please, come in.”

Dalia gazed in rapture. With Hera, any shop was a free pass.

The Veil truly is remarkable.

[Yes, yes! So glorious! Dalia, look—this dress is beautiful!]

Where?!

Dalia’s eyes shone as she looked where Masada pointed: a voluminous white gown, accented with pearls and diamonds.

“This one! I love it, Su... Hera!”

“Hm, it is lovely, but...”

Hera smiled apologetically.

[Grand Duchess Constantine is the guest of honor. To outshine her would be poor etiquette.]

Indeed, they’d glare at us if we wore something more dazzling than the hostess.

[Truly, you differ greatly from the Messiah I’ve heard of.]

Though such words might earn us glares.

Then— “Keep the jewels minimal. Not too dull, but not flashy. Something like this blue...”

A familiar voice came from the other side. Dalia and Masada frowned.

“Erilot?”

Dalia called, and Erilot turned—accompanied, as always, by the man with pink hair. Dalia scowled.

What’s with that incense burner?

He held a large brazier.

[Why the glare, Dalia?]

It’s ostentatious. In our world, we’d call that attention-seeking. People dislike it.

[Ah, perhaps it is a bit much.]

Just then, Masada and Dalia giggled.

[Hmm?]

Masada flinched. Why?

[Oh, no—I thought Lady Erilot—and I mean Erilot—made eye contact with me just now...]