Taming The Villainesses

Episode 216.2

I was soon made up to speed with the situation.

As expected.

As expected? Do you know what this is?

I do. I think this is the Witch Forest from three years ago.

Three years ago?

As I doubted how specific the number was, Lily looked around and then pointed to each person.

Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher.

Twelve in total.

They were gentlemen in white suits and red bow ties. They were like a handsome soccer team with black hair; some were grown long or cut short, tied back or left loose. 

Theyre the twelve princes of the Tarantera Royal Family.

Ah.

And Jogebet, Raziel, Skadi-.

The Tarantera princesses?

Thats right. But one seems to be missing. Anise-nim, It seems like this is Anise-nims wedding venue. I had a vague suspicion, but.

By Anise-nim, you mean Aira-nims older sister, Anise?

Yes. Anise-nims wedding three years ago. That day is still clear. This blue mushroom you brought It went extinct after the wedding.

Seureuk-.

Lily took out the mushroom I had picked before.

I did find it odd to find this in the forest. This is probably an image space created based on memories from the wedding three years ago.

Anise Von Taranteras wedding.

I felt my vision going dark.

I didnt know much about Airas older sisters, but I had heard of Anise Von Taranteras name often.

Anise. 

The fourth daughter of the Tarantera Royal Family, affectionately called the kind Anise.

She might have been slightly less striking in appearance than Aira due to her freckles, but she was loved by everyone for her kindness and friendly nature.

I heard that Anise was the one Aira followed the most. When it was said that her beloved sister was marrying a commoner, Aira even cried because she didnt want to be separated.

On the day of the wedding, the entire Tarantera Royal Family congratulated the fourth daughters marriage with one heart.

It must have been the happiest day for Aira.

It should have been.

But.

I see. Its her sisters wedding.

Then, theres a chance Aira-nim might be somewhere around here.

I will go look for her. Gospel, you wait here.

Seureuk-.

Lily went into their midst without hesitation.

Meanwhile, I watched her with anxiety. I didnt know what would happen if we approached the inhabitants of this dream world.

However, Lily was a natural.

Princess Raziel, may I ask where Aira-nim is?

Oh, its you Lily. If I recall correctly Youngest went to the nearby flower garden to make a wreath for Anise. Werent you with her?

Im going to go now.

She blended in well.

In retrospect, this was to be expected. She was originally Airas childhood servant, so she would have attended this wedding as well.

Perhaps I could also gain entry?

I approached them slowly.

Who are you!? 

Theres a strange man here! Is this the clown who was supposed to come?

A clown doesnt seem like it. He doesnt look like one. Is he a beggar?

Dont kill him. Its a good day, just give him some food and send him away.

However, I soon found myself surrounded by the princes and got thrown out. It was disappointing, but at least I got a basket filled with fruits. The princes certainly seemed nice.

Crunch-.

Taking a bite of the apple, I calmed my thoughts. Ultimately, I was an outsider. This wedding had nothing to do with me.

With no other choice, I retreated from the bright open space where the festival was taking place and waited for Lilly. However, no matter how much time passed, there was no sign of Lily returning.

Feeling anxious, I quickly reconsidered my options.

After spending a week barely escaping the green hell and finally reaching our goal, I couldnt just sit idly by. Then, an idea struck me.

I glanced around at the leaves, flowers, and fruits scattered all around.

Sreuk, shruck quaaaaah-.

I gathered and fashioned them into a mask and clothes reminiscent of a South American festival.

I made it, and it turned out quite well.

This time, I put these on and entered the festival grounds.

Instantly, I felt the gaze of the people around me turning towards me. Their eyes were filled with suspicion, wondering what I was up to.

Were you waiting for a clown?

Although I knew they were just inhabitants of the imaginary world, created by Aira, receiving so much attention from so many people at once felt eerie.

A feast of numerous black eyes.

Then a black-bearded man with slicked-back hair tapped me on the back.

What, why are you so late? We couldnt proceed with the event because we were waiting for you!

Sorry. I got lost on the way here.

Alright. Everyones waiting, so head over there.

Great.

I managed to sneak in. My improvisation skills, honed in the palace, seemed to come naturally in this situation.

Seureuk, seureuk-.

I quickly changed into proper clothes in a dressing room-like area at the back of the event venue. It was a bonus to have my face covered with cosmetics and things that looked like event props.

My face still resembled that of a ghost, a blank canvas, which felt satisfying to draw on. Lets show off my camouflage cream skills.

Seureukseureuk-.

As I carefully drew on my face for a while.

Seureureuk-.

The entrance to the tent slightly lifted, and I saw someone poking their head toward me. Seeing the reflection in the mirror, I immediately stopped in surprise.

.

.

I locked eyes with a girl wearing a white dress and a flower crown on her head. Her black hair was dark like ebony, and her face and arms were soft and slender.

Her face still retained a childlike innocence with a soft and plump chest.

However, I knew very well that in about three years, this girl would become a beauty capable of stopping mens hearts.

Aira-nim.

You know me? Well, I know you too.

A 17-year-old Aira smiled bashfully.

Youre a clown, arent you? The most famous clown in Monarch City these days!

Ah.

Did she not recognize me?

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