Too Lazy to be a Villainess novel Chapter 236

Chapter 236: A Scratch and a Secret

[Imperial Forest—Ambush—Lavinia’s POV]

The forest seemed to exhale around us, leaves whispering like conspirators. Every shadow felt alive, every rustle a warning. My hand gripped the hilt of my sword, cold steel steady against my palm, while Marshi’s low growl rumbled through the carriage, sensing danger long before we did.

Rey, Sir Haldor, and Ravick fanned out behind me, eyes sharp, hands hovering over weapons. Steel glinted under their cloaks, muscles coiled like springs ready to strike.

The assassins’ horses stamped impatiently, hooves shaking the earth, faces hidden behind dark masks. Their leader leaned slightly forward, a faint sneer tilting his head, mocking the audacity of a Crown Princess daring to stand before them.

I inhaled sharply, adrenaline sharpening every sense. This wasn’t just a fight—it was a declaration. Every slash, every parry would prove that the blood of emperors ran through my veins—and that any viper daring to bite me would regret it.

I let a smirk curl on my lips. "Marshi," I whispered. Marshi growled in affirmation. "Let’s remind them why they should never cross us."

ROAAARRRRR!!!

Marshi’s roar shook the forest, flames igniting around his muzzle, curling like living gold.

"Alright, let’s move!" I shouted. "We’re not just defending ourselves—we’re showing them exactly who they’ve dared to challenge!"

The first shadow lunged. I pivoted, letting my skirt flare as I swung my sword in a wide arc. Steel clanged against steel as two masked assassins met my blade. Sparks flew. I twisted, sending one sprawling into the dirt.

"Too slow!" I hissed, circling another attacker. Marshi shifted beside me, muscles coiled, ready to strike.

"ROAAARRRRR!!!"

Marshi unleashed a jet of scorching energy, engulfing the nearest assassin’s legs in golden fire.

"AAAGHHH!" the man screamed, dropping his dagger, scrambling backward as the heat licked the earth beneath him.

"Marshi!" I shouted, heart racing.

The fire beast’s eyes glimmered with feral delight.

"Fight with me!" I yelled, leaping forward. My sword cut another assassin across the arm, sending him staggering. Their fear flickered behind the masks, hesitation taking root.

"Look at them!" Rey’s dry, sharp voice rang out. "They’re already regretting this!"

I ducked under a swinging blade, slicing cleanly across another’s shoulder. "Good. Let them regret it."

Sir Haldor’s war-axe came down with a crash, knocking two attackers off their feet. Ravick darted between trees, striking with precise, lethal efficiency. The forest erupted in chaos—steel flashing, fire roaring, smoke thickening the air.

An assassin tried to flank me. I felt Marshi’s heat brush my arm and spun just in time. A jet of fire scorched the air where the man had been seconds before.

"Wrong move," I muttered, finishing him with a swift strike.

The rest faltered. Even with numbers on their side, they were beginning to hesitate.

"Keep pushing forward!" I shouted. "Show them what it means to bite the wrong hand!"

Marshi’s roar echoed, fire dancing like molten gold. Together, we became an unstoppable force.

And just like that... it was over. The assassins either fled, lay disarmed, or smoldered in Marshi’s flames. Easy. Peasy. Lemon squeezy.

Papa stood there, proud as a lion, hands folded, that faint smirk curled across his lips as though he had expected it all. Sera shimmered beside him, sunlight catching her robes like she had stepped out of a painting. For a second, I thought she was admiring me—but then I noticed her eyes flicking to Rey.

I nudged him. "Hey."

He blinked. "What?"

"Is... something happening between you and Sera?" I squinted. "Why is she sparkling like she swallowed a handful of stars?"

Rey stiffened. A faint cough escaped. "She... she always sparkles. Nothing new here," he said, eyes darting nervously.

I raised a brow. "Uh-huh. Always sparkly, right? Sure."

Papa’s voice cut through, deep and commanding, but laced with amusement. "You did a good job today, Lavinia."

I lifted my chin, standing proudly, chest out, shoulders back—nose practically grazing the clouds. "Thank you, Papa," I said, voice steady, proud.

"But..." His hand flicked forward, landing gently but sharply on my forehead.

Then Sera gasped sharply, her eyes widening. "Oh... my Princess... you’re bleeding!"

Huh?

"SOMEONE! GET THE EMERGENCY MEDICINE KIT RIGHT NOW!" Papa bellowed, his voice slicing through the forest like steel.

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