Too Lazy to be a Villainess novel Chapter 204

Chapter 204: Tea, Rumors, and Rebellion

[Lavinia’s Pov—Princess Office—The Next Day]

"Aahhhhhhhhhh... I miss my marshi! My fluffy pillow! My golden furball! My bestie! My baby! My cheeky boo! My lazy panda in a tiger’s disguise! My—"

THUD!!

A scroll landed right in front of me, nearly knocking my nose flat.

"Your Highness," Sera’s voice was dangerously calm, "please... look at the list. These are the nobles I’ve selected for your tea party. You need to finalize them so I can start sending letters."

I wilted in my chair like a dying flower. "You know... sometimes I feel like you’re busier than me, Seraaa..."

Her gaze cut into me like a dagger dipped in sarcasm. "I am busier than you."

"...Huh?"

"I manage your accessories, your gowns, your shoes, your teas, your desserts, your documents, your golden fur—"

"Hey!" I puffed my cheeks. "Marshi is not golden fur! He is a sacred treasure from the heavens!"

She ignored me completely. "—and... your moods."

I blinked. "..."

Wow. Terrifying. With that blank, cold stare, she looked less like my lady-in-waiting and more like an exhausted government clerk who’s this close to filing a complaint about her boss.

I gave her a nervous smile. "Hehe... you... sure are very busy, huh?"

Her lips didn’t twitch. Not even once. "And I am not even paid properly."

... Ouch. That guilt landed right on my conscience like a boulder.

When did she become like this? At first, she was so meek she could barely breathe near me. Now she’s looking at me like I’m the villain boss in her tragic drama and she’s the underpaid heroine.

I slumped against the desk, groaning. "...Should I... maybe hire a personal assistant?"

"That," Sera’s eyes suddenly sparkled—like she’d been praying for this moment every night—"would be an excellent idea, Your Highness."

I froze.

She... she heard me.

And now... I have no choice but to actually hire one.

But I should burden off her work a little. I sighed like a tragic heroine. "About the dresses and shoes... I can manage those on my own, Sera."

She blinked once. "Are you going to call the seamstresses yourself, Your Highness?"

I squinted at her. "...Should I?"

She tilted her head, eyes gleaming like a fox. "Why don’t you try looking at ready-made dresses this time?"

"Ready-made?"

Sera nodded. "Yes, your Highness, it will save both time and sanity."

I slumped, groaning. "Fiiine... maybe... I’ll talk to Papa about it."

"Or," she countered smoothly, "you could simply call boutique owners here. They will crawl to the palace with their entire stock."

"Yessss... but Seraaa," I clutched my chest dramatically, "half the fun of shopping is wandering through shops, hunting for the one, the perfect dress that makes your heart go—boom!"

For the first time today, her lips curved. She actually nodded. "I agree. But first—"

And then it happened.

Her eyes lit up. Her spine went ramrod straight. She slammed her palms on the desk with a battle cry that shook my very soul.

"FIRST, LET US SET THE DATE FOR THE TEA PARTY!"

I yelped. "W-what the—?!"

"This will be your FIRST tea party, Your Highness, and I—" she jabbed her finger at her chest, eyes blazing like a general preparing for war, "—I. WILL. MAKE. SURE. EVERY. INCH. EVERY. CORNER. EVERY. PETAL OF EVERY FLOWER... IS PERFECT!!!"

Was she... glowing? Was that actual fire behind her? Or am I hallucinating again because I skipped breakfast?

I blinked rapidly, staring at my lady-in-waiting, who had just transformed into a war goddess.

Then I chuckled softly, "I almost pity the poor souls who’ll end up working under her. Almost. May the heavens grant them strength—because they’ll need it more than I do.’"

And...I should really raise her pay.

Nanny did well when she chose her for me. Sure, sometimes she acts like my boss instead of my subordinate... but maybe...

Maybe I just found a female friend in her.

Then—

KNOCK. KNOCK.

My eyes lit up like the night sky. I shot up from my chair, nearly tripping over my skirts in excitement. It must be Osric!

I bolted to the door, grinning like a fool, but before I could yank it open, Sera smirked, her voice dripping with mischief.

"Hehe... look at you, Your Highness. I swear, I can see little stars twinkling above your head."

I froze mid-step, heat rushing to my cheeks. With all the dignity of a royal, I spun on my heel, glided back to my seat, and picked up the quill as if I had been writing a grand decree.

My heart soared.

The sparkles shattered. The excitement died a tragic death.

Sera muttered under her breath, "I wonder... how exactly did he freely walk in here?"

Shit.

She didn’t even hesitate—BAM! The door slammed shut.

I grabbed Rey by the wrist, dragging him closer, whisper-yelling through clenched teeth. "What are you doing here in the morning? Strolling in as if you own the palace? What if someone sees you, you idiotic moron!"

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