Too Lazy to be a Villainess novel Chapter 247

Chapter 247: The Crack in our Silence

[Lavinia’s POV—Imperial Palace—Emperor’s Office—Later]

I gathered the ledgers into a neat—well, somewhat neat—pile, patting the last one down with a triumphant sigh. "Alright... let’s not waste any more time, Sera."

I tapped the stack like it was a weapon I was about to brandish in battle. "We’re taking this straight to Papa."

Sera nodded dutifully, though her lips twitched like she was suppressing a smile. "Yes, Your Highness."

As I swept out of the office, I called, "Marshi, Solena—let’s go!"

Marshi padded along behind me, yawning so wide his fangs gleamed in the light. His thick tail swished lazily against the polished floor, as if he were half-asleep already. Solena, on the other hand, fluttered down from her perch and landed gracefully on my shoulder, wings brushing against my cheek like a silken fan.

I nudged her feathery side with a finger. "And why, little lady, did you abandon your so-called favorite master and come here?"

She blinked at me with those jewel-bright eyes, gave a slow, deliberate flap of her wings, and edged even closer on my shoulder—as if to say: Because it’s far more entertaining here than there.

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Ah, so I’m the circus now, is that it?"

Marshi yawned again, his tail flicking lazily. I looked down at him with mock sternness. "You can go back and sleep if you want, you know."

He let out a soft huff through his nose and kept padding after me, gaze heavy-lidded but stubborn. If he could speak, I was sure he’d have said: I follow wherever you are. I’m not leaving your side.

My chest warmed at the thought, a smile tugging at my lips. These two divine beings—creatures feared and revered by thousands—looked so utterly content trailing after me like spoiled children.

"Sera," I said, glancing sideways with a grin. "Prepare their favorite snacks later."

At that, both Marshi and Solena perked up instantly—their eyes sparkling brighter than any jewel in the treasury. Solena even trilled softly, wings fluttering in excitement.

Sera chuckled, bowing her head. "Yes, Your Highness. I shall inform the chef immediately. Though, I suspect the chef may faint if I ask him to roast another barrel of meat just for Marshi."

I laughed, hugging the documents tighter to my chest. "If he faints, revive him and tell him it’s royal duty."

Sera sighed dramatically, though her lips curved into a smile. "Yes, Your Highness. As always."

I nodded firmly and thrust the stack of documents toward her. "Now, give me the papers. I will go to Papa by myself."

Sera handed them over without hesitation, her expression briefly softening into something almost protective. Then she stepped aside, letting me walk forward—ledgers in hand, companions at my heels, and mischief already stirring in my veins.

The hallway stretched ahead, sun spilling through tall windows. That was when I caught sight of Sir Haldor striding toward me. The moment our eyes met, he bowed low, then reached out with the kind of practiced swiftness only he possessed, plucking the ledgers from my hands.

"Allow me, Princess," he said smoothly.

I blinked, then arched a brow at him. "Well, aren’t you eager today, Sir Haldor? Planning to steal my work before I even reach Papa?"

A small smile tugged at his lips as he straightened. "Only to lighten your burden, Your Highness."

I tilted my head, still walking. "Mhm. And what brings you here, anyway? You don’t usually stalk hallways unless there’s a purpose."

He fell into step beside me without hesitation, the ledgers tucked neatly under his arm. "In truth, I was coming to find you. I wanted to request your permission to recruit additional imperial knights."

That made me pause mid-step, my brows furrowing. "New knights? Why the sudden need? Did all our old ones decide to take a vacation at the same time?"

Haldor gave a short, controlled chuckle before answering. "Half of our forces have already been dispatched to Irethene, Your Highness. Now that the hidden emperor has been exposed and Caelum... has been executed, His Majesty has decreed that Irethene will officially be absorbed into the Elorian Empire. Securing the territory will require more men."

I nodded slowly, tapping my hands with one finger. "That does make sense. We can’t claim an empire and then leave it bare, can we? Still, that’s a lot of knights stretched thin."

He inclined his head. "Exactly so. Which is why I seek your approval to bring in fresh recruits."

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