Too Lazy to be a Villainess novel Chapter 277

Chapter 277: Invitations to the Wild

[Lavinia’s POV — Imperial Palace—After the Picnic—Irethene City]

"...Huh? But why, Nanny?" I asked, watching her deft fingers comb through my hair.

"Princess," Nanny said, her tone gentle but firm, "do not forget—you are the crown princess. And crown princesses never neglect their duties."

Sera, busy arranging my clothes, nodded vigorously. "I agree with Nanny, Princess. Even if the nobles are... well, the worst, you should still hold a birthday event. It’s about appearances, after all."

I leaned closer to the mirror, tilting my head as I examined the braid Nanny was crafting. "But... the birthday is over, Nanny. Can’t I just... relax for a bit?"

She smiled, brushing a loose strand behind my ear. "Then perhaps you should organize another event, Princess," she said softly, her eyes meeting mine. "... I don’t want my princess’ reputation to suffer."

I raised an eyebrow, squinting at her. "Nanny... did you hear people gossiping?"

She froze, and I couldn’t help but smirk. "Ah... so you really can’t hide your feelings, huh?"

Nanny chuckled, her cheeks tinged with pink. "I... suppose I’ve become too old for secrets."

I pulled her into a hug, laughing softly. "No, Nanny. You’re not too old—you’re just too innocent. But... you’re right. I should hold an event."

She patted my head fondly. "That’s my girl. Now... which style shall I braid your hair into?"

I grinned mischievously. "Something... sexy."

Her eyes widened, and then she chuckled softly. "Ah, very well, Princess. Something sexy it shall be."

As Nanny began weaving the braids, I stared at my reflection, muttering under my breath, "I should talk to Papa about this."

***

[Imperial Palace of Irethene City—Hallway—Later]

I draped my shawl around my shoulders and strolled down the marble hallway toward Papa’s chamber. Sera fell in step beside me.

"Marshi played so much today, he fell asleep almost instantly," she said, shaking her head with a laugh.

I smiled. "Well... he bounced around like a lunatic with Solena earlier. No wonder he’s out cold."

Sera chuckled. "Honestly... half the time I forget these are divine animals, not oversized, hyperactive pets."

I leaned against the window, letting the moonlight spill across my face. "Irethene is beautiful, isn’t it? Even from up here."

Sera peered out beside me. "It really is. Too bad Caleum and that priest turned into a disaster, but... I’m glad you handled it. Smartly, too."

"Of course," I said proudly, brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "It’s part of Elorian now, after all."

Sera nodded thoughtfully. "I heard the forests here are vast... full of wild animals. Perfect for hunting."

I froze mid-step. "Huh? Hunting?" I muttered, eyebrows raised.

Sera glanced at me, curious. "What’s the matter, Your Highness?"

I spun to face her, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Sera... imagine this! A hunting festival! Our empire never had forests this vast for hunting... but now? We could host something grand!"

Sera’s eyes widened. She tapped her chin, thinking. "That... actually sounds amazing, Your Highness. It’s exciting, and it’s perfectly suited for the land. Nobles will love it—and it’ll show off Irethene beautifully."

I grinned like a mischievous child. "Then it’s settled! Let’s pitch it to Papa and see if he falls for it—or explodes first."

Sera laughed, shaking her head. "Honestly, Princess, I don’t know which is more likely... but I can’t wait to see it!"

I twirled down the hallway, shawl fluttering, and muttered to myself with a laugh, "A hunting festival... Papa won’t know what hit him."

***

[Emperor Cassius Chamber—Later]

BRUST!!

SLAM!!

"PAPA—LET’S ORGANIZE A HUNTING FESTIVAL!!!" I practically exploded into the room, breathless and every inch dramatic.

Papa flinched mid-sip, his wine trembling in the glass. He blinked at me slowly, very much like a man who’d been yanked from the middle of an excellent brooding.

"A... what?" he asked, one eyebrow arching.

I took one dramatic step forward and peered at his wine as if it were a conspirator. He followed my eyes, which were at a wine glass, and he set the glass down with exaggerated care and looked back at me.

"No," he said with mock severity, "you may not have wine."

"I didn’t ask for any," I protested, rolling my eyes.

"Because—" I leaned in conspiratorially, "—I’d like to show them a live demonstration of how the princess does not hesitate to murder. Today it’s an animal; tomorrow...it could be their necks. Imagine their faces when they realize entertainment can have teeth."

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify