To be the Villainess

O20.

Chapter 20

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“THIS CAKE is good,” I muttered, my words muffled as I chewed quickly, eager to savor every bite. My enthusiasm nearly got the better of me when crumbs lodged in my throat, and I coughed, desperately trying to avoid a full-blown choking episode. Thankfully, I managed to regain control just in time.

As I wandered through the grand hall, I clutched a plate piled high with an assortment of dishes. My eyes darted around, and I noticed several nobles casting judgmental glances in my direction, their noses slightly upturned as if my behavior was beneath them. But I couldn’t care less. I was here for the food, not their approval. After all, this was the Imperial Palace, and everything served here was absolutely divine. How could I resist tasting everything?

“Lady Loughsin.” A voice suddenly called out, startling me so badly that I nearly dropped the entire plate. I spun around to see the Crown Prince, my mouth still crammed with the food I hadn’t finished chewing.

“Yush, youshr Heghnehs (Yes, Your Highness),” I mumbled through the mouthful, my voice barely intelligible. I could see the Crown Prince trying to suppress his laughter as he watched me struggle. Panic set in, and I chewed as fast as I could, swallowing awkwardly just to get the words out.

Once I finally managed to clear my mouth, I quickly set the plate down on a nearby table and wiped my mouth with a cloth, trying to maintain some semblance of dignity. “I apologize for what you just witnessed, Your Highness,” I said, bowing deeply.

“It was quite the sight, I must say,” he replied, his voice strained as he tried to control his amusement. Internally, I rolled my eyes.

“I’m well aware, Your Highness,” I replied, my tone flat. “Now, what’s the matter? Why did you call me?” I asked, my brows knitting together in confusion.

Suddenly, he straightened up, adjusting his attire as if preparing for something grand. Oh no, don’t tell me…

“Shall we dan—”

“No!” I blurted out, thrusting my index finger against his lips before he could finish. The suddenness of my action left him frozen in place, eyes wide in shock. Realizing what I’d just done, I quickly pulled my hand back, mortified. “I respectfully decline your request, Your Highness,” I continued hastily, bowing again to hide my embarrassment.

His eyebrows rose as he looked at me, a curious glint in his eyes. “Why, my lady?” he asked. Why? What does he mean, why? Lady Cecelia would be devastated if she saw us dancing together. He has a fiancée! Who in their right mind offers to dance with another girl?

“Because I don’t want to,” I replied firmly. “I haven’t taken any dance lessons yet, and I’m afraid I might cause an accident during our dance, Your Highness.” It wasn’t entirely a lie. Besides, I wasn’t exactly a great dancer in my world, either.

“But—” he started, but I quickly cut him off.

“No buts! I just don’t want to dance, alright? Hmm, the little sun of the Empire, Your Highness, the Crown Prince?” I added, completing the proper formalities with a touch of sarcasm. He shook his head, seemingly amused by my antics. I took a moment to glance at him from head to toe and shook my head as well.

Who knew this guy was such a red flag?

“Then, can you just come with me?” Before I could respond, he suddenly grabbed my hand and began pulling me out of the banquet hall. No! My food! My precious food left behind!