[Full] The Villainess Just Wants to Live Quietly! (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 10
Thus, I returned to Askan with the non-alcoholic beverage I’d gotten, just as intended.
Askan was closer than I’d expected, so he’d likely witnessed the scene moments ago where I’d sharply rebuked those nobles.
Since I had no reason to hide what I’d done, I simply handed him one of the two drinks I’d brought without a word.
Askan seemed surprised that I’d brought him a drink, but quickly bowed his head politely and accepted the glass.
After taking a sip, the pleasantly colored beverage tasted refreshingly sweet, easing a bit of the unpleasantness from earlier.
“Are you really going to rip their mouths apart?”
It was an unexpected question. I’d assumed Askan, even if he’d seen the scene, would pretend he hadn’t.
I didn’t understand why he was curious, but neither did I have any reason to avoid answering.
“I can’t possibly do that.”
“Then was it a lie?”
“Not exactly a lie—more like a warning.”
I scanned the surrounding nobles.
At a glance, the earlier commotion had clearly died down. Everyone was watching me carefully, hesitant to speak freely.
“I just expressed very strongly that I won’t tolerate any more of this. Some people simply don’t understand unless you’re blunt.”
“…I see.”
Askan finally nodded, as if he understood.
I wondered why someone who usually seemed so indifferent was curious about this.
“What? Were you worried I’d actually tear their mouths off?”
“You seem capable of it, milady.”
His calm reply was so absurd I almost laughed.
I wanted to protest that I didn’t look like that kind of person, but memories of my past misdeeds surfaced, and I held my tongue.
“Tch, you really leave me speechless.”
Glancing away, I saw several noble ladies looking in our direction, their faces faintly flushed—but seemingly not because of me.
Following their gazes, I found Askan standing there.
It made perfect sense, now that I thought about it. Even when he’d looked worn and disheveled, he couldn’t hide his good looks. Dressed up like this, it was only natural people’s eyes would be drawn to him.
For some reason, just watching him made me feel pleased.
“Askan.”
At my call, his golden eyes—deep as an abyss—turned toward me.
“Look over there. Those young ladies seem interested in you.”
He briefly glanced in the direction I’d indicated, then quickly stepped aside so they could no longer see him.
His unexpected reaction startled me.
“What? Are you shy?”
“No. It’s uncomfortable.”
Wasn’t this the age when boys were usually interested in the opposite sex?
Puzzled, I asked without hiding my curiosity.
“What exactly is uncomfortable? Is it because of your status?”
This was an imperial ball. All the young ladies present were noble-born, so for Askan—a former slave—it might indeed feel burdensome.
But I wasn’t suggesting he form deep relationships with them. Simply enjoying the attention shouldn’t have been a problem.
Throughout history and across cultures, humans were naturally drawn to beauty.
Given Askan’s exceptional looks, it was perfectly reasonable for people to admire him.
“I just dislike it. Their eyes seem to expect something from me. I can’t give them anything—and I don’t want to.”
Having observed Askan for a while, I understood.
He genuinely disliked it.
I summed him up in one sentence.
“You’re the type who’ll struggle with romance.”
“I have no interest in that.”
“Ah, people who say that are usually the first ones to fall in love.”
Askan looked at me with an expression full of things left unsaid but chose not to speak further.
In moments like this, I always wished he’d treat me a little more casually—but maybe that was just my selfish desire.
“Well, if you dislike it here, let’s go outside.”
As I strode off, Askan followed and asked,
“I might be fine with that, but shouldn’t milady remain here?”
“Me?”
An imperial ball wasn’t just filled with gossip-loving nobles and beautiful young ladies. Groups of finely dressed young men were also gathered, engaged in conversation.
In short, this place was a social venue where one could meet nobles from across the Arwen Empire.
That’s why lesser nobles desperately sought invitations—to forge beneficial connections with as many people as possible.
If I left now without mingling with anyone, I’d be throwing away that opportunity.
But I knew many men were all watching the same spot, as if they’d made a silent pact.
It was precisely where Noxia stood, smiling as she chatted.
“I’m good. I have no intention of stealing my sister’s suitors.”
Perhaps the original Tanasia might have acted differently, but I had no desire to squeeze into that crowd.
Askan asked no further questions. He likely understood what I meant.
Stepping outside with Askan, we saw a beautifully landscaped garden.
The scenery was lovely in broad daylight, but the natural view at night held a certain charm all its own.
I strolled slowly through the garden, adorned with soft lights. When I paused at a scenic spot to drink my beverage with Askan, faint music drifted from the bustling banquet hall inside.
Though unintentional, the fresh night air, the scent of grass, and the pleasant melody all blended together, calming my mind.
I’d always imagined attending a ball meant being surrounded by crowds, but stepping away from the grand hall and observing everyone from a distance wasn’t so bad after all.
“Askan, you prefer places like this over noisy ones, right?”
“If I had to choose between the earlier situation and now… Yes, that’s correct.”
“Good. I’ll keep that in mind.”
Askan looked at me, puzzled.
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
“I’ll remember what you prefer.”
He looked even more confused. When his eyes grew wary, I couldn’t help but chuckle softly.
“We promised to be happy together, didn’t we? To make you happy, I need to know what you like.”
Askan, who’d spent his entire life locked in a lab, probably didn’t even know his own preferences.
So I planned to show him, bit by bit, while we were together.
By removing what he disliked and adding what he enjoyed, surely there’d come a day he’d understand what happiness truly meant.
Askan stared at me silently for a moment, as if trying to decipher my intentions, so I smiled gently again.
“You should also start remembering—from now on—what you like and what you dislike.”
Askan couldn’t understand Tanasia before him. No—the more he saw of her, the more incomprehensible she became.
Cute. Handsome. Elegant.
Lately, she’d been casually saying things he’d never heard in his life.
Not only that—she bought him high-quality clothes and served him generous meals at every mealtime.
‘She’s pretending otherwise, but she must have some hidden motive.’
He’d believed she’d soon reveal her true colors. Thus, he’d constantly suspected, guarded against, and been cautious of her.
Even now, though his guard remained up, whenever Tanasia said things like this, he genuinely wondered what went through her mind.
—You should also start remembering—from now on—what you like and what you dislike.
No one had ever asked for his opinion before.
His current feelings, his emotions—none of it had ever mattered.
Everyone’s sole interest had been the results of the experiments on the human weapon.
Tanasia’s assumption had been accurate. Until now, Askan had lived without even knowing what he liked or disliked.
Could that be why?
As he listened to Tanasia’s words, a small whirlpool swirled within his chest. His head felt oddly warm.
‘I was curious about an imperial ball, but there’s really nothing special about it.’
Everyone here wore only superficial glamour, as if each had donned a mask.
They flattered those stronger than themselves with honeyed words, while cunningly stepping on, ignoring, and mocking those weaker.
Most surprisingly, one of the nobles’ favorite targets for mockery had been Tanasia herself.
Nobility was a class-based society.
It dawned on him—perhaps Tanasia, who’d caused such trouble at the Brelrop estate, was still considered weak by someone else.
—Listen carefully to what I say now. If anyone dares to gossip about me behind my back again… I’ll rip their mouth open, no matter who they are. If you’re curious what I’ll do, go ahead and talk once more.
Hearing those words felt strangely satisfying—almost as if someone had struck back against those who’d tormented him.
‘Right. I dislike places like this, but… this moment isn’t so bad.’
Yet he couldn’t pinpoint why.
Was it the sweet drink, new to his palate?
The beautifully arranged garden?
Or perhaps simply the cool night air?
Askan gazed blankly at Tanasia. She’d told him to remember what she liked and disliked, but discerning such things wasn’t easy.
The imperial ball had been underwhelming, but this moment wasn’t unpleasant—that was all he knew.
Thus, Askan followed Tanasia as she strolled around the banquet venue, taking in the sights.
Unexpectedly, the palace’s grandeur and the lavish decorations adorning the banquet hall were impressive. This luxurious interior was a feast for the eyes—something he’d likely never have seen otherwise.
Just then—
Rustle—
Askan heard approaching footsteps.
Thanks to his enhanced hearing—developed during his time as a test subject—he could detect sounds others couldn’t.
Currently, he and Tanasia stood deep within a secluded garden, where no other people were in sight.
Askan glanced quickly at Tanasia. She hadn’t noticed the approaching figures.
‘Should I tell her?’
The thought came and vanished instantly.
He had no reason to interfere in this matter. His role was simply to lie flat and vanish when Tanasia commanded it.
So Askan turned his gaze away from the direction the sound had come from, pretending not to notice anything.
“…from the Brelrop family…”
“I have to deal with even that…? How tiresome.”
Suddenly, voices became audible.
Judging by their tones, one sounded like a youth, the other like an adult man.
Most importantly, their conversation contained the words “Brelrop family,” making me involuntarily perk up my ears.
Gradually, their once-indistinct voices grew clearer as they drew nearer.
“Please don’t say that, Your Highness. Building a rapport with Lady Brelrop will benefit you greatly in the future.”
Your Highness?
If this was the Arwen Empire, “Your Highness” could only refer to Roel—the true male lead of .
I was flustered at the unexpected prospect of encountering Roel here, but the next words abruptly cut off my thoughts.
“I don’t want to play house. When I become emperor, I intend to make the Arwen Empire even stronger.”
“I understand well. That is precisely why you need the Brelrop family’s support.”
“Hah. It’s my birthday ball, yet I’m forced to mingle with Lady Brelrop, someone I feel nothing for.”
Ah, this…
I probably shouldn’t be hearing this.
“Maintaining good relations with nobles is also a virtue of a ruler.”
“Your words sound grand, but isn’t it just aimless chatter with a woman you don’t even care for?”
The more I heard, the more my hairs stood on end.
‘This is bad.’
Although I hadn’t seen their faces yet, I could guess the approaching person was Roel.
Based on the original novel, the man speaking with him was likely his loyal subordinate, Reigald.
Recalling the plot, Roel hadn’t held a favorable impression of Noxia before they’d met.
As befitting a crown prince, Roel aspired to strengthen his empire and resented the hereditary privileges of high nobles.
Since their feelings would naturally resolve after Roel and Noxia met, I hadn’t considered it a big deal—but eavesdropping on this conversation here was certainly not good.
I was Noxia’s older sister and the Brelrop family’s eldest daughter.
If Roel ever learned I’d overheard these words, an awkward rift between us would be inevitable.
Quietly—
I moved without making a sound.
I urgently signaled Askan by pointing at a distant spot with my finger, urging him to relocate—so we could slip away unnoticed.
Just then, an unexpected voice called out.
“Sister, what are you doing here?”
I instinctively turned—and saw Noxia, looking like a forest sprite.
It wasn’t a mirage. Her blue eyes matched mine, but unlike my cold gaze, hers held warmth as they met mine directly.
“How did you…”
Before I could finish my sentence, a loud voice rang out from the direction of the earlier conversation.
“Who’s there!”
Two figures suddenly appeared before us in an instant. As I’d suspected, one was a youth, the other an adult man.
It was Roel, with fiery red hair and striking looks, and his subordinate Reigald.
Though still young, Roel’s appearance was undeniably that of a protagonist—but right now, none of that registered to me.
My mind went completely blank.
‘Noxia couldn’t have… heard that conversation just now, could she?’
If only Noxia hadn’t overheard, I could’ve somehow smoothed things over.
“I didn’t expect anyone to come this far from the banquet hall… Who are you?”
Roel, too, seemed concerned we might have overheard their conversation. He looked between me, Askan, and Noxia with a scrutinizing gaze.
I swallowed hard, watching Noxia closely to gauge her reaction.
Since I made no move, Noxia naturally stepped forward first, giving a slight curtsy toward Roel.
“Your Highness. I am Noxia of House Brelrop, and this is my elder sister, Tanasia. I came looking for her when I couldn’t find her inside the banquet hall.”
Hearing that, I could only take a sharp breath.
‘Noxia, how did you… know that boy is the crown prince?’
Had she really overheard their conversation?
I wasn’t the only one shocked. Roel and Reigald, who’d just been discussing the Brelrop family, were equally startled.
A flicker of panic crossed Roel’s eyes.
“…I just said something that could be misunderstood. If you overheard it, I’d like the chance to explain.”
“No need. You’re the guest of honor on your birthday—I wouldn’t dream of troubling you. Besides, I’m past the age for playing house.”
Roel carefully spoke, looking troubled.
“…So you did hear.”
“If Your Highness is asking whether I clearly heard you say you don’t wish to play house—yes, I did.”
I could only press my aching temples.
My vision darkened. My carefully planned project to ensure a successful first meeting between Noxia and Roel was clearly heading straight for failure.
But Noxia wasn’t done yet.
“If you’ll excuse us, we’ll take our leave. Happy birthday, Your Highness.”
Roel and Reigald couldn’t utter a word in response.
As an uncomfortable silence settled, Noxia took my hand and led me away.
Following her out of the imperial garden, I sank into despair.
‘Ah, it’s ruined. It’s all ruined.’
Unaware of my inner turmoil, Noxia noticed my rapidly darkening expression and asked worriedly,
“You’re not hurt by hearing those words, are you? The crown prince’s true colors are awful—he’d approach us with such ill intentions! I never would’ve guessed he was like that, would you?”
Right now, I wasn’t feeling hurt—I was sensing a threat to my very life.
At this rate, would I really be unable to escape my death flag?
Ex-husband Wants Reconciliation
One-line summary: Chasing the wife to the crematorium (making an effort to attract someone who has become indifferent), the female lead doesn’t look back, the second male lead takes the position.
Intro:
To repay the kindness of the older generation, Su Mu crossed into a female-dominated world and became a live-in daughter-in-law of the Yan family, single-handedly saving the Yan family from fire and water.
But her husband, Yan Jiyue, the eldest son of the Yan family, treated her with sarcasm and never showed her a good face.
It wasn’t until after Su Mu’s death that this pampered and arrogant young master shed a few fake tears and pretended to want to die for love.
This life’s kindness was enough. If there was a next life, she would definitely kick Yan Jiyue away.
Who knew that the heavens would be so kind as to allow her to be reborn, returning to the time when she had just married into the Yan family.
Su Mu glanced at the Yan eldest son, who still spoke coldly to her, and threw a divorce letter in front of him.
“Let’s divorce!”
***
Yan Jiyue never imagined that he would be reborn. He happily went to find Su Mu, wanting to make up for the mistakes he had made in his ignorant youth.
Wasn’t the reason the heavens allowed him to be reborn to let him reconcile with Su Mu?
But when he pushed open the door to Su Mu’s room, the person lying on the bed was another man.
Su Mu’s personal attendant, Xie Yi.
Yan Jiyue hated him so much that his teeth itched. In front of Su Mu, Xie Yi was a gentle and considerate whisperer of sweet nothings, but in reality, he was vicious-hearted and deliberately sabotaged their husband and wife relationship.
In the previous life, it was he who secretly hid in Su Mu’s coffin and committed suicide, stealing a step ahead of him to be buried with Su Mu.
Yan Jiyue’s eyes were filled with hatred as he cursed, “What kind of thing are you? Your background is lowly, what right do you have to occupy Su Mu?”
Xie Yi looked at the sleeping Su Mu and no longer pretended to be a whisperer of sweet nothings.
He proudly stuck out his belly, “I have the right because my belly is capable of giving the Wife-master a daughter.”
***
Yan Jiyue was consumed with jealousy. He spread rumors that Xie Yi had once been branded with the mark of a “harlot” on his chest.
But on the night Xie Yi cut off the flesh bearing that mark, Su Mu suddenly realized something was amiss.
“How did you know the exact moment I was poisoned? And why did you show up a month early?”
Xie Yi remained silent, blood from his wound soaking through his robes. His sapphire eyes brimmed with anguish – or was it just a flawless act?
Between a once-arrogant husband now seeking redemption, and a gentle soul willing to die for her – who truly held the darkest secrets? And could it be that Su Mu and Yan Jiyue weren’t the only ones given a second chance at life…?
[Reading Guide]
1. True divorce, chasing the wife to the crematorium, the female lead doesn’t look back, the male lead is Xie Yi.
2. The ex-husband did not cheat, he just realized too late and didn’t realize that he liked the female lead.
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Isn’t he is being cute, just let him be …ufff….