Too Lazy to be a Villainess novel Chapter 235

Chapter 235: Fangs in the Forest

[Imperial Palace—Lavinia’s POV]

"Alright, let’s go. Papa must be waiting," I said, rising from my seat. The silken hem of my ceremonial robe whispered against the marble as I stepped out of my chamber.

Marshi, Sera and Sir Haldor immediately fell into place—her light steps careful and precise, his heavy boots echoing like distant thunder behind me.

"Princess," Sera asked as we descended the corridor, "what about Lord Osric? Should he not be with you today?"

I allowed a small smile to tug at my lips. "Not today. Today, he stands as heir of Everheart. His place is at the temple with his family."

Her brows softened, and she nodded, though a flicker of curiosity lingered in her eyes.

We turned at the grand stairway, the hall spilling open beneath us, sunlight cutting through the tall windows and painting the white stone in gold. Each step downward rang like a drumbeat, steady and commanding.

Behind me, Sir Haldor’s deep voice rumbled. "The path has been secured, Your Highness. But remain cautious. A day like this draws eyes—both loyal and... otherwise."

I glanced over my shoulder, my crimson eyes catching his for the briefest second. "I’m always cautious, Sir Haldor. It’s the vipers who should fear the sun today."

***

[Imperial Palace—Courtyard—Lavinia’s POV]

As we stepped out into the sunlight, the courtyard was already alive with polished armor and gleaming banners. Ravick and Papa stood tall by the royal carriage, knights flanking him like statues of steel. His face softened the moment he saw me, his smile deep and proud.

"Are you ready, my girl? Today is your big day," Papa said, stretching out his hand.

I couldn’t help the grin that curved my lips as I placed my hand into his. "Your daughter is always ready, Papa."

He smiled, eyes twinkling as though he saw me as both the child who once clung to him and the woman now stepping toward her throne. With that, he guided me into the carriage.

Just as I settled into the cushioned seat, Rey suddenly appeared, blocking the doorway with his usual confidence. "Sera," he called casually, "you can come with me."

Both Sera and I blinked. "Huh?" she asked, her brows knitting. "But I should stay with the Princess."

Rey’s smile widened, but there was something unusually soft about it when his gaze shifted toward her. He turned to me, bowing ever so slightly in mock formality. "Your Highness... may I borrow Lady Sera’s company for the ride?"

I tilted my head at him, suspicion tickling the corners of my mind. "...Huh. I mean, yes, sure—if Sera doesn’t mind."

The moment I said it, he extended his hand toward her, palm up, waiting. "Now then, shall we?"

Sera froze for half a heartbeat, her lashes fluttering as though her brain had short-circuited. A faint pink touched her cheeks before she quickly bowed her head. "I shall... follow the carriage behind you, Princess."

I raised a brow, biting back a smirk as she stepped carefully toward Rey. He offered his arm, and after a moment’s hesitation, she accepted. His smirk deepened just slightly, but not in his usual cocky way—this time, it was almost... protective.

I leaned back against the cushions, hiding my grin with the tips of my fingers.

Is something going on between those two? Since when?

My eyes lingered on them through the carriage window as they moved toward the second carriage, the air between them faintly awkward yet threaded with an unmistakable pull.

Interesting. Very interesting.

***

[Carriage Ride—On the Way to the Temple—Lavinia’s POV]

The carriage swayed gently as the wheels rolled across cobblestones, the rhythmic clatter echoing through the streets. Outside, the city was alive—banners fluttered from balconies, shopkeepers paused mid-trade to bow, and children ran alongside, their eyes wide with awe as they pointed at the royal crest on the carriage.

"The city seems brighter today," I murmured as I and Marshi leaned closer to the window.

"It shines because today, its light belongs to you." Papa followed my gaze, his expression softening before his voice grew deep and steady. "The people watch this carriage not for me—but for the future it carries. Today, you cease being just my daughter. Today, you become their official heir. Their Empress-to-be."

My breath caught, the words sinking like iron into my chest. Their Empress. The weight of it pressed down, heavy and unyielding.

He turned to me then, eyes gleaming with that strange mixture of affection and tyranny only he could wield. "Do not mistake me, Lavinia. You need not be the best. You need only be right."

I guess...my life is going to change from this point after Divine Benediction. Sigh...I hope I will be a good ruler like Papa.

***

[On the Way to the Temple—Later]

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