Taming The Villainesses

Episode 243.1

“Stella Belhawk—”

Aira drew out her words in response to my question.

“I’ve heard of the Bellhawk’s Young Lady. She used to be called the Fairy Princess, right?”

“The Fairy Princess?”

“Yes, she was the pride of the elves. In old fairy tales, aren’t there princesses who get captured by dragons or evil demon lords?”

“There are many.”

“I heard she would fit that role perfectly. In fact, the story of the Fairy Elice in Wonderland is based on the Bellhawk’s Young Lady.”

“… Fairy Elice in Wonderland?”

“Yes, the fairy tale protagonist who gave rise to the Elice Syndrome. It’s an interesting story; you should read it sometime.”

… I wasn’t entirely sure what Fairy “Elice in Wonderland” was, but I could clearly grasp the intent behind Aira’s words.

Stella Belhawk was originally a woman beautiful and lovely enough to be worthy of the title “princess.” However, it was hard to connect that image with her current appearance.

While I was trying to understand this, Aira added a comment.

“Elves live through long periods of youth. Some call it a blessing, for others, it’s a curse. Because people change over time.”

Indeed.

When I thought about it that way, it made sense. Even Aira and Elga had undergone significant personality changes in just one semester. As for me, I could say I had become a completely different person over the past few years.

Elves would go through many things in their long lives, so it wouldn’t be strange if they changed over time. 

“But more importantly, Theo, the weather is very nice. Are you sure it won’t rain?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Hmm.”

Aira yawned lazily while wearing her high-end obsidian sunglasses. She then stretched out languidly on a beach bench under the shade of a parasol.

“Wake me up in an hour.”

Salang, Salang-. With a gentle breeze fanned by Lily, Aira soon began to breathe softly in her sleep. Only then was I able to let up and look around.

The sky was mostly clear with a few clouds. 

The air was cool and refreshing, and the lake was crystal clear and blue. The white sand around it made it feel like we were at a beach.

Bang!

“Oh? Theo, watch out!”

Just then, I felt something flying towards me with a loud noise. I quickly turned my head and a round, soft object hit my face.

“Ugh.”

“Ah, sorry. The ball bounced that way. It’s not my fault, Narumi served it weirdly.”

Elga, wearing a red swimsuit, approached me, her chest bouncing with each step. She picked up the large ball rolling on the ground and headed back to the court.

“Do you want to join?”

“No, thanks.”

But seeing everyone playing, it did look fun.

Maybe I should take a break too…

A leisurely vacation.

Renting out a large lakeside property abroad to relax and enjoy.

It was truly a luxurious vacation befitting aristocrats. Of course, this was possible because it was the private property of the Bellhawk Merchant Guild near Ark.

━The elves’ favor should not be taken lightly-.

Despite her words, Aira didn’t refuse to enjoy the vacation.

Thanks to that, we spent the past few days at the Bellhawk family’s villa near the lake, without having to lift a finger.

“Why do we have to work while everyone is playing? Tartar, something is wrong here…!”

“It’s the tyranny of those with capital and power…! I, Tartar, will raise a rightful revolt against these discriminatory days…!”

Of course, the imps who ran the errands grumbled a lot, filled with complaints. But they quieted down when the elf maids gave them cotton candy.

“This is very delicious…!”

“Purpur, I’ve never eaten something so sweet and soft before…! Ah, it keeps disappearing in my mouth…! Someone is stealing my cotton candy from my mouth…!”

“Garrr, garrrrr…!”

I felt like I might go insane listening to them seriously…

Anyway, everyone had a great time. To be honest, in the last few days, no, in the last two years, when was the last time I had so much free time? 

I could see why people liked to go on overseas trips and vacations. 

I’d always been stingy when it came to breaks, but I found them therapeutic in a way.

“….”

What I saw then was Stella, sitting alone on a shaded bench in the distance, swirling a glass of iced liquor, not mingling with the other young ladies.

“Would you like to join us? Elga-nim and Narmi-nim aren’t the type to pick.”

As I approached her under the shade and asked that question, Stella looked at me with a half-red face. She looked drunk already, grinning.

“I’m past the age to be playing ball with youngsters. Maybe back when I was an undergrad…”

I guessed so. 

As I affirmed inwardly, Stella asked.

“So, have you come to be my drinking buddy because I look lonely? How sweet of you.”

“Sweet? I wouldn’t say that.”

When I answered curtly, Stella chuckled softly.

“You pushed me away then, but now you know how to pull me in. Theo-kun, you’re surprisingly good at this. It just so happens I needed someone to talk to…”

“…….”

I was momentarily at a loss for words, but not wanting to let an awkward silence take over, I decided to say something.

“Thanks to you, we’re all having a good rest. Everyone is grateful.”

“Really?”

“Yes, the harmony between your families makes a brighter future for the Angmar Kingdom.”

“Hmm, perhaps so. The harmony of the families…”

Clink-.

Stella simply swirled her ice-filled glass, showing little interest.