Exiled Villainess Becomes Ruler (Republished/Edited)

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If Eve wants to maintain her health, she needs to keep obtaining fruits and vegetables for nutritious meals, or perhaps grow her own. To her frustration, that means she'll have to travel to the Farling brothers' farm again. Fortunately, the next day is free for her, so Eve decides to set out in the morning.

"I can't believe I have to see his face again. I haven't stopped thinking about him," she admitted to herself while lying on her bed.

Yes, Eve is still thinking about the one and only Jon Farling.

"I'll have to do something for them if I want those ingredients. Or maybe I should just get the seeds to grow my own garden. Will they make me work on their farm again?"

Eve left her home in the middle of the morning. After breakfast, she took her trusted ox, Willy, and headed out.

As before, it took a while to travel to the farm, with a few stops when Willy needed to rest or take care of his business. When she finally arrived at the Farling brothers' farm, she saw that none of the Farling brothers were working; only other farmers were present. She dismounted her ox and approached one of the farmers.

"Hello, good sir. I was wondering where I can find the overseers of this farm?" she asked a middle-aged man who was hacking at some weeds. The man looked up and recognized her.

"Oh! You're that miracle girl! I remember you—you saved this farm!" he exclaimed.

"Oh geez, I guess I'm famous around here," Eve said jokingly, scratching the back of her head awkwardly. She couldn't help but think Jeremiah's habits had rubbed off on her.

"So, you're looking for the overseers, you say?" the farmer asked.

"Yes."

"The brothers are in their house over there," the man said, pointing to a larger wooden house in the distance.

"I see. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction."

"You're welcome."

Eve then walked towards the Farling brothers' house. She had never noticed how close it was since she had been focused on her tasks during her previous visits.

Inside the Farling brothers' home, the brothers were taking a break in the kitchen.

"So, Jon, do you miss that girl?" Zeke asked while sipping tea.

"What girl?" Jon acted as though he didn't know what Zeke was talking about. He leaned back in his chair with his arms behind his head.

"You know... Evelina."

"You're asking a weird question, Zeke."

"Well, Jon, ever since she left, you've been preoccupied. I wonder what's going on in that head of yours."

Jon glanced at Zeke. "Really? I hadn't noticed."

"My only conclusion is that you've been thinking about her," Zeke said, leaning closer to Jon.

"You. Like. Her," Zeke said slowly, with a smirk.

Jon looked shocked. "That's ridiculous! How could you think that, Zeke?"

"Admit it, Jon! You like Evelina!"

Suddenly, a knock came at the door.

"Hmmm, who could that be?" Zeke walked to the door to open it.

"It must be one of the workers," Jon said, relieved that Zeke was distracted.

Zeke opened the door and looked surprised. "Oh, Evelina! What a surprise! Are you here to visit?"