The Villainess Doesn't Want To Fall In Love

Chapter IX: The Paper Crane Part 1

After the chilling embrace of the Winter, here comes the beloved season of the year. Spring awakens with mild temperatures, gentle rainfall, and extended daylight hours. Vibrant flowers begin to bloom and trees regain their lush canopies, while warm breezes carry sweet fragrances and birdsong fills the air.

The rumored gigantic white manor of the devil that quietly rested at the top of the mountain in Louvern City, known as the Louvern Castle, had soon covered with a new ambiance. Every morning, the castle would be filled with the ladies' small chitchats and laughter. Every night, the white architecture glows like a lamp that guides every sailor at the sea. Only the people who lived in the city for long could tell that the castle had slowly becoming as the same as it was before.

Louvern City, the former capital of the Great Luveria Empire, used to be a vibrant place in the past. After the emperor conquered the lands in the North, they've found out that the geographical feature of the land there was much better and the castle would be more secured in the location. Even though the Wynnburgh became the new capital, the people couldn't dare to leave the land where they were raised and developed. Even though the city was ruled by a Marquis, the Louvern Castle had long been abandoned. Before the appearance of the first prince, no one resided there because of high elevation and the minimalistic design of the structure.

After a year of a quiet life, the people heard the news that Prince Darius had been cursed during his coming-of-age and he will be residing in the Louvern Castle for good. They panicked and made a violent reaction but even them couldn't do anything about the Emperor's decision. The quiet place became quiet even more as if haunted and the rumors about the death of five maids at the hands of the cursed prince only intensified the terror they felt.

However, everything changed after the arrival of the lady from House Belfford. Through her efforts and cooperation of Nami and Cynthia, the name of the prince had been cleared to the public. They no longer fear him. Everytime the lady shows herself to the people, they would express their utmost gratitude. They would offer valuable things and food delicacies to her. Some ladies even applied to work as maids on the Louvern Castle.

The castle currently has twenty-five maids including Jane, Sylvia, and Fiona; seven crews in the kitchen including Chef Pauline; four gardeners that would visit the castle twice a week; and other workers. The Louvern Castle had become more lively as the day went on.

Reina couldn't stop herself from smiling and humming as she watered the plants at the backyard. Nothing compares the garden at the Imperial Palace but the Louvern Castle has its own uniqueness too. If only the garden was taken care of properly, it would be much more wonderful than the Imperial Palace.

She had grown different kind of flowers such as roses, hydrangeas, daffodils, tulips, and sunflowers. It took her great effort to make them flourish and she's glad to see that it's paying off. She couldn't wait for the time that she would invite everyone here to have a picnic with her. She wiped off some sweat from her forehead and covered her face with her hand against the blinding ray of the sun.

“Lady Clarish, His Highness wants to see you. Come to his office when you have the time.” Even without looking, she could tell that it was Seventh.

“The last time I did, I've only made myself a display. He was so busy with his paperwork and didn't even wanna talk to me yet he still wished for me to stay put,” she replied with a pout and turned around to face the man. “You're aware that this body of mine couldn't be stationary for long, right? I want to do things that I enjoy.”

“He has important matter to discuss to you this time. It's about the rice you mentioned to him.”

Her eyebrows raised. Seventh maintained a stoic demeanor. She surrendered and nodded. She handed him the sprinkler and told him to water the other plants.