Too Lazy to be a Villainess novel Chapter 285

Chapter 285: Ten Minutes of Silence

[Lavinia’s POV — The Next Day, Road to the Capital]

The morning sun rose over Irethene like it had forgotten the chaos of yesterday. The sky was too blue, too peaceful—mockingly so. Every gust of wind carried the scent of pine and iron, the lingering perfume of the hunt.

Our royal convoy stretched down the road like a golden serpent—banners of Elorian fluttering, the sound of hooves steady and rhythmic. Soldiers marched in perfect discipline, their armor glinting under the dawn. But all I could hear was the echo of his voice.

"You can cut my legs if you want, Lavi..."

I sat by the carriage window, chin resting lightly on my hand, eyes fixed on the figure riding alongside.

Osric.

His horse strode in rhythm with the wheels, close enough that I could see the tired lines beneath his eyes. For a brief moment, our gazes met through the glass. He tried to smile—faint, tentative, as if afraid I might shatter him with a look.

I didn’t return it.I didn’t even blink.

He’d been trying to speak to me since morning, to explain, to mend what he’d broken.But this time... there was nothing left to say.

The silence sat between us like a sealed door, and I had no intention of opening it.

Sir Haldor appeared on horseback, leaning toward the carriage window with that steady composure only he possessed. "Your Highness," he asked quietly, "are you well?"

I turned to him, fingers absently brushing Marshi’s fur. "Yes, I’m fine, Sir Haldor. Thank you for asking."

He frowned slightly, brow furrowing. "You seem... a little upset, if I may say so."

"I’m fine," I replied curtly, my voice sharper than I intended. Then, softer, with a hollow laugh, "I’ve learned that tears are useless unless you plan to drown someone with them."

Sir Haldor straightened in his saddle, his face as expressionless as marble. "I did not know, Your Highness, that one could drown people with tears. A powerful weapon indeed."

. . .

. . .

There was a heavy silence.

I blinked slowly, fixing him with the flattest stare I could muster. "Sir Haldor..."

"Yes, Your Highness?"

"Are you, by any chance, attempting to lighten my mood with... humor?"

His lips twitched—barely. "It seems I have failed miserably, then."

"Yes," I said, deadpan. "A very accurate assessment. Congratulations on your self-awareness."

He inclined his head solemnly. "My gratitude, Your Highness. I shall add that to my list of military achievements."

For a moment, the corners of my mouth betrayed me—a faint, reluctant smile tugged at them before I could stop it. Marshi noticed, tail thumping softly against my lap.

Sir Haldor caught the smile and said nothing more, turning his gaze forward again, as if he’d achieved his quiet mission.

Outside, the wind shifted, carrying the scent of wildflowers and iron, of war and spring tangled together. The horizon shimmered with the pale gold outline of the Elorian capital—our home, our life.

And beside the carriage, Osric still rode in silence, eyes lowered.

He didn’t speak again.Neither did I.

But sometimes, silence can wound far deeper than words ever could.

*** 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

[Elorian Empire—Imperial Palace—Later]

The convoy rolled to a stop before the towering gates of the Imperial Palace—white marble gleaming beneath the sun, banners rippling in gold and crimson. The capital smelled of roses and cold-polished stone, but even its grandeur couldn’t wash away the ache sitting heavy in my chest.

I stepped out of the carriage, brushing my skirts free of dust. Sera rushed to my side immediately, ever diligent.

"I should get some rest," I said, stretching my neck slightly. "Sitting in a carriage for hours feels like punishment for a crime I didn’t commit."

Sera nodded quickly. "Of course, Your Highness. I’ll prepare your bath first."

Nanny, standing nearby, smiled warmly. "Then I shall visit you later, dear. I need to check if the maids have ruined the linen again."

I nodded, waving faintly as she left.

Rey sauntered toward me, hands behind his head, that infuriating grin playing on his lips. "So..." he began, tone teasing, "you and your Osric had a fight?"

I turned to him slowly, giving him a stare that could’ve frozen fire. My silence was the only answer he got and then he stared at Sir Haldor.

Sir Haldor, ever composed, stepped in smoothly. "If I may, Your Highness," he said dryly, "I do not find the Archmage’s face particularly agreeable either. You can rest assured, he is not my friend I could share something with."

. . .

Rey blinked, mouth dropping open. "Wow," he said, clutching his chest dramatically. "Straight to the throat, huh? Can I cry in a corner now, or should I wait until after dinner?"

"Lavi..."

***

[Lavinia’s Chambers—Later]

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