The Baby Villain Dreams of Conquering the World

Chapter 120

Episode 120

"That aside, how could he just leave without even saying goodbye? He must have said goodbye to you, Brother. Then you should have woken me up too."

The sullen tone in Flora's voice pricked Benio's conscience.

"Why does he always disappear without a word while I'm sleeping? What if we don't see each other for a long time again?"

Even though he said last night that he was sad to part like this, he didn't tell her in advance.

While she was happy Basilian was coming to the Marquisate, she felt a little resentful.

"Flora, this is..."

"Was it so urgent that he had to leave in the middle of the night?"

"...Yes. Basilian asked me to tell you he's sorry for leaving first."

At this, Flora's shoulders slumped dejectedly.

'If it's for work, it feels a bit unfair to be angry. Let it go since we'll see him at the Marquisate.'

But contrary to her thoughts, her shoulders refused to listen and remained drooped. Just as Benio was about to pick her up to comfort her…

"What a shame you're leaving so soon."

Duke Bellasia and the Young Lord had come out to see them off upon hearing of their imminent departure.

"Did you have a comfortable stay, Young Lady?"

"Yes, thanks to your care, I had an enjoyable time."

She didn't want to be polite to Duke Bellasia, but for the sake of Lucifer's image, she had no choice.

At Flora's polite reply, Walter, standing beside the Duke, bit his lip to suppress a laugh.

It was amusing how her attitude was the complete opposite of what she showed him, and her act of being proper in front of adults made her seem childish.

'No, perhaps it's because she has a mature personality that she can do this.'

Either way, Flora seemed like a truly interesting child.

"My son also wanted to come see you off, for some reason."

As if sensing it was his turn, Walter stepped forward with a smile. Then he suddenly pulled Flora into a tight hug.

Just as a startled Flora tried to push him away…

"Isn't it about time you realized who the person beside you really is?"

"...What?"

He whispered the unsettling words into her ear in a voice only she could hear.

Feeling something was off, Flora questioned him, but Walter said no more and released her.

"It was nice meeting you, Flora. Would it be alright if I wrote to you after you return to your territory?"

No sooner had Walter finished speaking than Duke Bellasia let out a hearty laugh.

"Well, well. They say children become friends quickly. When did you two get so close?"

"We just met yesterday, but he was so kind and nice. So I asked to be friends, and the good-natured Flora agreed."

At his natural reply, Flora smiled outwardly but was seething inside.

'What is he saying now? Who said we're friends? And why is he talking about writing letters?'

Various tangled thoughts swirled in her head, but as she just smiled brightly without showing any sign, Benio, who had been watching, gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Exchange between families is always welcome. We'll look forward to your letter."

Benio soothed her by diplomatically framing Flora and Walter's friendship as inter-family exchange.

"Right, Walter. Let's meet again next time. Take care and stay well."

Having barely calmed down, Flora offered her final farewell with a face still full of smiles.

Wanting to never see his face again, she quickly boarded the carriage. Walter began waving goodbye.

"Let's meet in the Imperial Capital someday, Flora."

Along with words that made no sense at all.

The carriage happened to start moving just then, and Flora turned away without responding.

'Me, go to the Imperial Capital? Why would I?'

Flora vowed she would absolutely never have reason to go.

'And what did he mean earlier?'

About the identity of the person beside her.

Flora glanced at Benio sitting across from her. He had been watching her, and their eyes met; she saw her smiling brother.

'...It doesn't seem like there's anything about Lucifer I don't know. And Brother doesn't seem to be hiding anything either.'

If that was the case, then the person Walter was referring to could only be one.

'Is he talking about Basil?'

His identity... Could Basil possibly have a hidden identity he couldn't tell her about?

'Don't tell me Basil is actually the Crown Prince of this Empire...?'

Flora immediately shook her head, dismissing the thought. She wanted to shake off this hypothesis she didn't even want to consider.

But thinking about it, there were almost too many coincidences that fit, to the point it was strange she hadn't suspected before.

The name given to abandoned children, his similar age, and the fact that he had been neglected by his parents and lived a hard life...

'...They said the Crown Prince was discriminated against because of his mother's low birth. But what if he was actually ostracized because of demonic power?'

A sudden chill ran down her entire body.

'If Basilian really is the Crown Prince of this Empire, what should I do?'

If Etar was the one who led the atmosphere between the heroes and Mors, the founding Emperor of this Empire was the one who continuously despised and suspected her.

'He clearly played a major role in killing Mors to ascend the throne.'

If so, then Basilian was truly the descendant of her sworn enemy. How was she supposed to treat him?

'Should I confront him as an enemy like the others? But he's still Basil.'

He was a kind friend, a comrade, and now someone who would even become her subordinate, who cared for her enough to risk his life. It made no sense to cast him aside just because of a hidden secret.

'...But.'

While her reason was judged that way, the anger boiling inside her heart rejected it.

Even knowing the current Basilian bore no guilt, her hatred for the enemy who took her life refused to subside.

Right now, he was just a child who could do nothing and lived with his family, but if he grew up and started commanding all demons like servants again, wouldn't the circumstances be different then?

'...It's not confirmed yet. I'll decide after I meet him and ask directly.'

Even if she thought this seriously, Basilian might not be the Crown Prince, and even if he was, seeing his face might change her burning heart.

'Right, let's not think too seriously about it.'

Perhaps it was just a lie Walter concocted to drive a wedge between her and Basilian.

'He seemed perfectly capable of that.'

His act of being kind, despite his utterly nasty and petty nature, was disgusting to watch.

'I won't even acknowledge him next time. I'll ignore his letters too.'

As Flora's face scrunched up more than before, Benio, who had been watching her, draped a blanket over her knees.

"You must be tired from waking up early. Sleep a little more."

Of course, she had woken up earlier than her usual time today, but that was bearable.

However, perhaps because she had used her brain too much and was stressed, she didn't feel like refusing the blanket.

Flora pulled the large blanket, big enough to cover her completely, over herself with fumbling hands and settled down to lie on the seat.

'Good thing they brought a comfortable carriage.'

She forced her eyes shut, trying to think as peacefully as possible.

And when she opened her eyes again, what she saw was an unfamiliar ceiling.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

"...What is this?"

Flora was startled, looking around the cute, daintily decorated pink room.

How could everything be so cute and adorable? Even lying next to her on the bed was a soft teddy bear.

Hugging the bear, Flora slowly looked around the room.

The furniture filling the large room looked a bit dated but was so well-maintained it seemed new. Landscape paintings depicting warm weather hung on the walls here and there.

The thin curtain by the window reflected the light, shining brightly, suggesting it was still daytime.

"Where in the world is this place..."

She was bewildered, having clearly fallen asleep in the carriage, when suddenly a knocking sound was heard at the door.

"If you're awake, may I come in, Young Lady?"

"Ah, mm-hmm."

It was an unfamiliar voice, but the person seemed to know her, so she immediately agreed. The door opened silently.

Those who entered were an elderly woman dressed differently from the others and maids who looked well over thirty.

"It seems the journey was tiring; you had trouble waking up. You slept for a full day and night."

"...Does that mean this is?"

As if understanding the intent of her question, the elderly woman smiled slightly.

"Yes, this is Eisollen Marquis Castle."

"...I, I see. Wh-where's my oppa?"

"The Young Master is currently having breakfast with the Marquis."

Good heavens. How much had she slept for this to happen?

"I, I want to go too!"

Startled, Flora hurriedly tried to get up but tangled her feet and nearly fell off the bed.

The elderly woman quickly approached and caught Flora's shoulder with a gentle hand.

"My, how even this is exactly the same."

But why did her reply seem to carry a hint of emotion?