Chapter 10

The next morning.

“What a super fresh and bright day!”

Today was finally the day of villainess Serina’s real debut! The secret tea party would be held this afternoon!

Serina opened the window and lightly swayed her body.

There was only one reason she was this excited.

Just like the villainess in the novel, she would invite Helia to a tea party, bully her, and achieve the goal of breaking off the engagement!

“Are you really looking forward to this afternoon that much?”

Right then, Maron entered the room and spoke to Serina.

“It’s supposed to be a seeecret……!”

After noticing Merrily behind Maron, Serina flinched and quickly pulled Maron closer.

“Don’t worry! I didn’t tell anyone. Merrily only just came in, so she probably didn’t hear anything!”

Maron whispered softly.

Seeing how calm she looked only made Serina even more nervous.

Serina secretly glanced at Merrily. She still had her usual expressionless face.

Since Serina and Maron often spent time together anyway, it seemed she did not think much of it.

“Haa~ Maybe I’ll go eat breakfast for once.”

Serina remembered that every time she woke up early, she always caused some kind of trouble.

So she purposely announced a fake destination so Merrily would not become curious about where she was going.

However, it had the opposite effect.

“Oh my, really? Then I shall escort you to the dining hall.”

She had accidentally attracted the attention of Merrily, who always cared greatly about Serina’s health.

“Umm……. I can go alone. I’m not a baby.”

“I know you are not a baby, Young Lady. But since you normally skip breakfast, I need to ask them to prepare your portion as well.”

‘Ah……! I didn’t think of that.’

Eating breakfast was not a good excuse after all!

If she kept refusing, people would definitely think something was strange.

There was no choice. She would stop by the dining hall first and then head to the kitchen. It would also give her an alibi, so maybe it was not too bad.

Serina nodded and held Merrily’s hand.

Following Merrily’s guidance, Serina arrived at the dining hall and forced herself to finish the food.

‘Today’s first target: the kitchen!’

From the hallway near the kitchen, a sweet smell drifted through the air. Standing in front of the kitchen, Serina knocked lightly.

Then the head chef slowly opened the door. His apron was covered in sauce, showing how hard he had been working.

“Mr. Chef! Is the basket all ready?”

“Of course. Cookies taste best when they’re freshly baked, so I’ll have someone deliver them this afternoon.”

“Waaah, then please send them to the garden around two thirty in the afternoon!”

After finishing her business in the kitchen, Serina returned to her room.

“There’s still a lot of time until three……. What should I do now?”

After completing her kitchen preparations, Serina thought deeply.

“Ah, right! The tea table!”

Even if the tea party was only an excuse for bullying, the villainess in the novel always prepared everything perfectly.

So I should prepare properly too and make the Imperial Princess lower her guard!

Serina decided to decorate the tea table.

“Maron, help me decorate the tea table!”

“I’ll prepare the tablecloth, flower vase, and even the trays!”

“No one can find out about this!”

“Yes, of course! Just trust me!”

Serina knew very well that it would be difficult for a seven-year-old like herself to decorate a tea table alone.

That was why she once again involved Maron, her accomplice in holding the secret tea party.

Of course, Maron believed it was simply a normal tea party to become closer friends.

After gaining a helper, Serina finally felt relieved and headed to the tea party location first.

As time passed, the snack basket arrived from the kitchen.

Serina and Maron carefully spread the white lace tablecloth and placed blue roses into a vase.

Then, when the desserts arrived at two thirty, they arranged them neatly on trays. Finally, they carefully placed each teacup and piece of silverware into position.

“Maron, thank you! I couldn’t have done this alone.”

“I hardly did anything at all.”

After safely finishing the preparations, Serina thanked Maron once more. Maron answered with a bright smile.

As the promised time drew near, Maron stepped away. Left alone, Serina swung her legs from her chair while waiting for Helia.

Soon, Helia’s silhouette appeared near the entrance of the garden.

‘She’s here!’

Serina jumped up from her chair and ran to greet her.

“Imperial Princess Helia, thank you sincerely for coming to my tea party today.”

Remembering the manners she had learned from watching others and the hosts from the novel, Serina greeted her politely.

“I should be the one thanking you for inviting me, Lady Serina.”

Helia answered with a smile. Unlike usual, she had dressed up slightly today. Perhaps because of that, even her smallest movements looked like a graceful swan.

‘Waaah……. She looks even prettier today.’

Serina admired her silently.

‘No! Don’t forget the purpose of the tea party.’

Today was the debut day of a new villainess!

Serina pulled herself together and organized her thoughts.

“I prepared everything simply, so I’m not sure if you’ll like it.”

“Simply? It’s wonderful. I’ve felt this since before, but I think you have talent in the arts, Lady Serina.”

‘Huh?’

Was that supposed to be teasing?

The only thing I remember doing in front of you is doodling.

“Ahaha, I’m honored you think that way.”

Serina felt confused, but she decided it was not the right time yet and let it pass.

“Then, I’ll pour the tea for you.”

Serina gracefully stood and poured black tea into Helia’s teacup. The fragrant scent of tea spread gently through the air.

Then she picked up the teapot filled with warm water and poured it into her own cup.

“Lady Serina, do you dislike black tea?”

“No. I just don’t feel like drinking it today.”

“I see. That happens sometimes.”

‘Normally, I would’ve enjoyed the sweet and bitter black tea too, but…….’

What was she supposed to do when Helia had dressed up prettier than usual?

If she splashed red-colored tea, the clothes would get ruined. It would become sticky and stained!

Serina only glared at her own teacup.

‘Phew……. Now it’s time to do what I prepared.’

I can do this! From now on, I am the great villainess Serina!

Serina prepared herself mentally.

“Do you know why I invited you to this tea party today, Imperial Princess Helia?”

Carefully hiding her intentions, Serina gently blew on her teacup.

Then she elegantly raised her pinky finger and sipped the water.

“No. I’m not quite sure.”

Helia calmly met Serina’s gaze. In response, Serina took a small breath and followed the steps she had prepared.

‘First, speak softly while pointing out the problem.’

“It’s nothing that serious. It’s just……. Do you really think you suit my brother?”

Even though Helia’s dazzling beauty almost blinded her, Serina imagined a wall blocking it and proudly lifted her chin.

“Why are you suddenly asking that, Lady Serina?”

“Because I don’t think you suit him. But I suppose Imperial Princess Helia thinks differently.”

Serina spoke harshly to provoke her.

‘Gradually increase the intensity.’

“You should know your place. Listen carefully. My brother and Imperial Princess Helia come from completely different worlds.”

“Really?”

Without much reaction, Helia calmly sipped her tea.

‘She must finally be getting thirsty!’

Could she finally reveal Helia’s “little villainess” side?

Serina smirked slightly.

‘Finally, the finale. If she still refuses after hearing my goal, splash the tea dramatically.’

“Please break off your engagement with my brother. Since you are the Imperial Princess, I believe you understand what I mean.”

‘Accept it!’

Or I’ll really splash the water on you.

I’ve followed the villainess manual from the novel step by step. This is your last chance.

Serina stared directly into Helia’s eyes.

“That is not something I can decide on my own. Wouldn’t it be better to search for another method instead?”

Helia answered with a refusal.

‘She’s really refusing?’

Do you know how hard I’m trying not to splash this water?!

Serina looked at her trembling hand as she hesitated over whether to grab the teacup.

“My brother is a fool who only takes care of me. So Imperial Princess Helia will always come second!”

Brother, sorry. But it’s true.

Serina apologized to Lakus in her heart and stared firmly at Helia.

‘Even after hearing that, you still won’t break it off?’

“That part does not bother me very much. In fact, I hope he takes even better care of Lady Serina.”

Helia answered with a gentle smile.

‘……I really, really didn’t want to do this.’

I don’t care anymore. I’m recreating the real highlight scene!

Serina wrapped her hand around the teacup and checked the temperature. By now, the contents had completely cooled.

Using water magic, Serina secretly added a little more water into the cup. Her hands trembled as she gripped the handle.

Then she used wind magic together with it and tightly shut her eyes before throwing the water toward Helia.

Splash—!

The water rushed forward like a small wave and struck Helia’s face. Warm water dripped down slowly, soaking her dress little by little.

‘……How can she look like that?’

For a moment, Serina forgot her final line.

Because Helia, drenched in water, did not look like a drowned rat. She looked pure and delicate, like a flower bud covered in morning dew.

Still, Serina barely regained her senses and spoke the lines she had practiced since dawn.

“How ridiculous! You still don’t know your place! Not even for a single moment have I ever considered you my brother’s fiancée. Remember this well. Next time, this won’t be the end of it. So break off your engagement with my brother yourself.”

‘Wow, success. I said everything perfectly without stuttering!’

I really sounded like a villainess from a novel!

After delivering the entire speech flawlessly in one breath, Serina quietly smiled proudly to herself.

Then, to maintain her acting until the very end, she hid her expression and looked at Helia.

Click, click—

At that moment, the sound of heels echoed nearby.

A terrible feeling crept over her. It felt like a déjà vu she had experienced before.

As expected, it was Serina’s mother, Aura.

“M-Mom?”

No, why do you always appear at times like this?!

Right now, anyone looking at me would think I’m a villainess bullying a pitiful heroine!

……I’m doomed.

The teacup slipped from Serina’s hand and fell with a clatter.