Too Lazy to be a Villainess novel Chapter 278

Chapter 278: Blades and Beasts

[Lavinia’s POV—Night Before the Hunting Festival]

The hunting festival was tomorrow. The nobles had arrived, the servants were running around like bees in spring, and me?

"I... really... cannot... do this, Nanny!"

Nanny looked down at me, then at the poor handkerchief I was murdering with my needle. "Princess, it’s a long-standing custom," she sighed. "Every lady must gift an embroidered handkerchief to her chosen one and the family member before the hunt."

I groaned, flopping dramatically onto the desk. "Ugh, you should’ve taught me this when I was a kid! Now it’s like teaching a dragon to knit!"

Her eyes narrowed. "You will finish it, no matter what you say."

Wow. Look at her—sulking like I just embarrassed her in front of the embroidery gods.

I picked up the needle again and stared at my creation.

SHABBY!!

DISGUSTING!!!

If I gave this to Papa or Osric, they’d probably puke before thanking me.

"Alright," I muttered to myself, "maybe a flower? Flowers are safe. Flowers are—OH GOD, WHY IS THAT SO HARD TOO?!"

My thread tangled, the fabric puckered, and I slumped forward, forehead hitting the desk with a loud thud.

Maybe I should ask Sera for help... But then Papa and Osric would find out, and my pride would die a slow, painful death.

And then—

KNOCK, KNOCK!

"Lavinia, are you in there?"

Oh, great. Speaking of pride... "Yes, Papa! I’m inside!"

The door opened, and in walked the king—calm, composed, and entirely unprepared for the crime scene on my desk.

His eyes landed on my embroidery. "What," he asked slowly, "is that?"

I panicked and quickly covered it with both hands. "Nothing! Just... this and that. A top-secret royal project."

He raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "A secret, hmm? As long as it doesn’t explode, I’ll allow it."

I laughed awkwardly. "Haha... yeah, no explosions. Promise."

He nodded, then his tone softened. "I came to remind you—the forest bears dangerous beasts. Take Marshi with you, and..." His gaze dropped to the pink safety pendant around my neck, the one Grandpa Thalein had given me. "Don’t remove that. It’ll protect you during the hunt."

I nodded quietly, feeling that familiar ache of affection swell in my chest. His hands, warm and steady, rose to cup my cheeks, thumbs brushing gently along my skin.

"I know my daughter is brave," he said softly, his voice carrying both pride and worry. "Brave, stubborn, and far too much like me for her own good. But if anything happens out there, Lavinia—don’t hesitate. Call for me. No matter where you are."

I looked up at him, meeting his gaze. There it was—that mix of strength and tenderness that always made me feel like the safest person in the world.

I placed my hands over his and smiled faintly. "Of course, Papa. If anything happens, I’ll call for you before even thinking twice."

His expression eased, relief flickering through his eyes. Then he pulled me into a warm, protective embrace.

For a moment, the world outside didn’t exist. It was just his heartbeat against my ear, his hand smoothing my hair like he used to when I was little.

"All the best, my brave girl," he murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "I hope you win the hunting competition—and enjoy it too."

I nodded against his chest, a small smile curving my lips. "I will, Papa. I promise."

When he finally let go, I watched him walk toward the door, his silhouette framed by the soft lantern light. And even as he left, the warmth of his touch lingered—like a quiet shield over my heart.

***

[Osric’s POV—The Hunting Festival, Irethene Forest Outskirts—Morning]

The air smelled of pine and morning dew. From the edge of the pavilion, I watched the mist curl lazily over the emerald forests of Irethene, their vastness stretching beyond the eye could see. It was hard not to feel small here—even for a prince.

Trumpets blared in the distance, and nobles began to gather like jeweled crows. Silks rustled, and perfume mingled with the scent of steel and horses. Everyone was talking—too loudly, too eagerly.

"My, Irethene truly is breathtaking," a lady in sapphire silk murmured, her voice dripping with awe. "The forest looks like it’s been painted by the gods themselves."

"Indeed," another replied, adjusting his velvet cloak. "No wonder His Majesty decided to make it part of Elorian. Look at those mountains, that mist! Perfect for hunting."

Further down the gathering, a few noblemen boasted loudly, puffing their chests like peacocks. Household knights from every major family stood in gleaming armor, flexing muscles and grinning with pride.

"Our house has trained the finest hunters in the empire," declared Lord Halvric, patting his knight’s armored shoulder. "We’ll take the highest number of kills; just wait and see!"

"Hah! Wait until you face my hounds, Halvric!" barked another noble. "They can tear through a boar before you even blink!"

Aldric nodded knowingly. "Ah, that explains it." His tone was almost pitying. "You haven’t seen what our princess can do."

Aldric chuckled, glancing at me briefly before turning back to them. "She’s good at hunting," he said, his grin widening. "Too good, in fact. So good she once hunted down the Hidden Emperor of Irethene himself—and killed him."

I said nothing, only sat stiff on my horse. They should be afraid. They’d been treating the festival like a game. But to Lavinia, the hunt was never a game—it was instinct.

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