Chapter 174

“Then let’s go. We’re going to exorcise this abode of demons.”

Then came into view the main residence, Yurinova Castle, in the carriage’s path.

I think I saw something similar in a brochure of an overseas trip I had seen in my previous life, or maybe a building that looked a bit similar. I remember it vaguely, but I think it might have been the Stockholm Palace in Sweden. Unlike the Imperial Castle, it was not a fairy-tale castle with many spires, but it was an architecture that combined elegance and simplicity.

Ekaterina gazed at her “home” where she had lived until a few months ago.

It’s huge!

No, not all of this building was for residential use. It served various functions, such as a prefecture government office, headquarters for a general trading company, and a guest house for welcoming distinguished guests.

But still, this was also my residence.

Eventually, it may become a world heritage site.

Will UNESCO be established in this world someday?

The group advanced amidst the cheers of the people, just as the Knight Commander had said. The hail of cheers was deafening.

The gates of Yurinova Castle were wide open.

A group of more knights stood in line on either side of the gate.

The musicians blew their horns again, and the knights raised their swords and rallied a loud battle cry.

The siblings entered Yurinova Castle amidst the cheers of the local people and the battle cries of the knights.

***

When Ekaterina got out of the carriage, Alexei took her hand, and a line of servants bowed their heads in unison.

Then

“Alexei-sama!”

I look over when a bright voice unexpectedly greets me.

There was a man and woman of noble birth, dressed in luxurious clothes, whom Ekaterina did not recognize, and who were not servants in any way. Not much resemblance, but perhaps a father and daughter.

Behind them, there was another group of people dressed in what appeared to be aristocratic attire, though not as luxurious as the father and daughter.

“Welcome back. We have missed you!”

A young lady, who appeared to be about the same age as Ekaterina, hurriedly walked up to Alexei. She had bright-green hair and blue-green eyes, and although her face was stern, I would say she was beautiful.

But her hair…it was in a magnificent tight vertical roll.

A villainess? Well, I couldn’t say anything about others. I’m the real villainess. Also, I wouldn’t say they have a stern face, straight at them.

Alexei’s neon blue eyes were coldly glaring at the young lady. The young lady did not seem to notice this and was about to push Ekaterina away with a big smile.

Ekaterina leans in close to her brother as if to show off to her. As expected, the young lady stopped and glared at Ekaterina grimly. –Then, perhaps realizing that she was Alexei’s sister, she rushed to smile.

The vertical roll girl was surrounded by the several daughters who had followed her.

Cronies! Cronies!

Vertical Roll, were you a villainess after all? Is this the Real Villainess vs the Local Villainess!

“Alexei-sama, I’m so glad you’re back safe and sound. I welcome you as the head of this Novadine, the first branch of the family.”

The father bowed. His hair was yellow. More yellow than blonde. His eyes appear to be orange in color. He was also quite good-looking, but his smile, which should have made people like him, was somewhat suspicious.

And what makes me wonder…welcome? It was as if he thought he owned this mansion.

Now, what should I do?

Just as I was thinking that, Mina, the maid, came up to me. Deliberately and coquettishly, she holds out a fan to Ekaterina.

“Thank you, you are always so thoughtful.”

Smiling and accepting it, Ekaterina opened the fan with a flick and hid her mouth.

Behind it, she leaned closer to Alexei.