This Three-Year-Old Is A Villainess - Chapter 29
Of course, there was no evidence backing those words.
But the idea seemed plausible. If I were an artificial human being, it would explain why I had no protection despite being of noble birth.
Father didn’t have much affection for the family to begin with, and if I were a fake daughter, he might not even bother acknowledging me.
‘I need to show the clever side of me and appeal that I can be helpful.’
I walked energetically.
It was indeed raining outside.
‘I love rainy days.’
I opened my yellow umbrella and walked through the rain.
“Hm, hmm, hm.”
I hummed to myself while passing puddles that had formed in the rain. For slightly larger puddles, I hopped over them with a splash.
On the way, I noticed something in the grass. It was a tiny, green frog.
“Fwoggie…!” (Froggie…!)
I dashed after the frog, which was hopping around.
The little frog was incredibly quick. I chased after it, trying to reach out to it.
Then, splat!
I tripped over a rock and fell down. Just as I was about to reach out to the frog.
The frog hopped away from my fallen self.
“Goodness.”
I heard adult voices around me.
When I raised my head, I saw men holding umbrellas. Their faces were hidden, but judging by their military attire and the fact that they carried guns on their hips, they appeared to be soldiers.
One of the soldiers approached and helped me up, asking,
“Why is a young one like you lying here?”
The other soldiers also came closer.
Only then did I get a proper look at their faces.
Gasp.
They looked quite rugged.
One man was as massive as a bear. Another had long, straight scars on his face, and one had a face completely burnt from fire, among others.
For kids, they were the type to be really intimidating.
The bear-like man furrowed his brows and asked, “Who’s this kid?”
“Can’t you tell by looking? She’s got blonde hair and red eyes.”
“She’s Lady Erylotte, the General’s daughter.”
The soldiers began to chatter among themselves, forming a circle around me.
As one group of soldiers arrived, another group came from behind.
“Lady Erylotte? Why did you come to the barracks?”
“Do you know it’s breakfast time?”
And yet another group.
“Lady Erylotte came for breakfast?”
“What nonsense.”
I found myself surrounded by soldiers in an instant.
Every one of them had quite an imposing presence.
I tightly held onto the handle of my umbrella.
***
Central mansion, the Duke’s office.
Duke Astra confirmed the documents that Daymond had presented. It was a report on the current situation of the war.
As soon as the Duke finished reviewing, Daymond stood up.
“Since you’ve checked it, I’ll be on my way.”
“When are you going back to your jurisdiction?”
“I’ll take care of the unpleasant faces within this week, so don’t worry.”
“How long are you going to keep up that act? Don’t forget that I’m tolerating you.”
“Much appreciated.”
The two of them locked eyes in mid-air.
Daymond nodded slightly and left the room with the document bearing the Duke’s seal in his hand.
As he walked down the corridor, Daymond’s aide, Enzo, followed.
“How did it go, sir?”
Daymond handed over the document bearing the Duke’s seal.
Enzo’s expression stiffened as he examined the document.
“Your jurisdiction’s budget got significantly reduced?! With only 10,000 soldiers returning, they’re not only refusing to increase the budget but cutting it?”
“The old man’s intentions are quite clear. He wants to tighten the noose around my neck and tame me from there.”
“If His Grace is going to treat you like that, why did he allow you to return then, General?”
As the reins over the duke’s other children were slowly being loosened their reins, he must be thinking of tightening Daymond’s even more.
Of course, before that, the duke would have to tame him as though he was an obedient dog.
“That weak old man.”
Enzo raised an eyebrow.
“What will you do now?”
“I don’t intend to be dancing on the palm of his hand.”
Enzo let out a sigh.
The two of them headed straight to the barracks.
“What about the soldiers?”
“The Elite 100 are in the barracks, and the rest of the troops are stationed at the outer perimeter of the estate. They’ll be allowed to enter as soon as they receive clearance.”
“Ensure the strict control of the Elite 100. If any unnecessary commotion arises, that old man’s sons might decide it’s time to disband my army.”
“Yes.”
Special attention was paid to managing the Elite 100.
