The Villainess’s Guide to Winning the Male Lead
Chapter 97 Table of contents

He called for me and now this? I was perplexed.

Nonetheless, Jamon rose from his seat and walked towards me.

Standing in front of me, Jamon looked down to meet my gaze.

“I don’t know you.”

“Yes.”

“But the past me knew you.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“…What exactly is going on?”

It must be confusing for Jamon.

I kindly explained.

“We were engaged.”

“Hey.”

“Now’s not the time to interrupt.”

Hans gave me a look, but explaining to Jamon was the priority.

“…Me, engaged to someone as young as you?”

“No, that would be a crime.”

Where to start? The story was too long and unbelievable, but I decided to earnestly explain everything that had happened so far, leaving out the part about the Celestial Realm, only mentioning that I was originally a lady and had been reincarnated.

“Make some sense, please.”

Of course, Jamon found it hard to believe. Awkward for the person who explained earnestly.

“We’ve come all the way to the temple for a reason.”

Hans had a point. Jamon must have believed something about his past self to fulfill the promise.

At that, Jamon said, somewhat annoyed,

“I came to find out what’s going on.”

“And I’m telling you, but you don’t believe it, do you?”

“Hans… Owen, the person before you is His Highness the prince.”

“Hmph.”

Hans was just sulking. Jamon must be really not to his liking.

As childlike as he was, Jamon seemed to ignore Hans’s rudeness, just as he was kind to animals and children.

“…Anyway, what do you want?”

“Excuse me?”

“I noted it down.”

Jamon spoke with a clear voice.

“To grant whatever you ask for.”

The past Jamon, this guy must have really liked me. A sentimental feeling crept in.

‘What I desire.’

After a brief thought, I smiled mischievously.

“I would like to meet with His Grace, Kabir Heyward.”

I had missed greeting Kabir seven years ago and now wanted to at least say hello.

Jamon cocked his head at my sudden request.

“Why the Duke, of all people? He doesn’t have the best reputation.”

“We know each other.”

“…”

Understandably, Jamon was skeptical. It would be strange to believe that a seven-year-old commoner knew the Duke.

“Well, it’s not difficult.”

“It’s challenging at the moment, but it would be better in a few days.”

“Do as you wish.”

It seemed he was willing to fulfill my request.

Choosing Jamon was indeed the right decision.

He was an excellent choice for a guide.

* * *

We returned home before dinner. Fortunately, my parents were still at the restaurant and not around.

“Before we go, maybe we should find out about the rumors surrounding Kabir.”

“How?”

“There’s a way.”

I casually pressed the button to start the broadcast.

[OnlyFinley: Underground!!!]

[Stress: You’re broadcasting? That’s unusual.]

After reincarnation, I only broadcasted when I wanted to, so Stress’s reaction was understandable.

‘No rush.’

In the past, I was in a hurry to collect points for reincarnation, but now, I was gathering them leisurely.

Enjoying a peaceful life and ensuring my personal time, I tried to minimize the stress of broadcasting. Of course, the viewers missed it.

“Is Ian there?”

[Ian: Yep, here.]

“I need a favor.”

[PleaseShakeACarrot: What’s up! Tell us!]

[Poppopo: Better us than that guy]

“True, but I need Venecia’s power.”

[Ian: Really treating me like an object]

[Ian: What’s it about?]

“I’m going to meet Kabir soon. I’m curious about how he’s been.”

[Plong: ???]

[OnlyFinley: Meeting Kabir???]

[AsparagusCharm: Wow]

[PleaseShakeACarrot donated 5,000 points!]

– Awesome!

As expected, the response was hot. Kabir was popular, so everyone was excited.

“Thanks for the 5,000 points. Feel free to send more.”

“So, how are the points used now?”

Hans, who stepped down from his manager role after my reincarnation, seemed unaware of the current broadcasting dynamics.

I relayed the explanation I heard from Gabriela.

“They accumulate monthly and are converted into a salary. Use them in the Celestial Realm or buy items here.”

Points were always good to have. There were things to spend them on.

“And I asked for a fun feature to be added.”

“A fun feature?”

Instead of replying, I opened a new window. Several words floated in the semi-transparent window.

“Ta-da, stats.”

“…?”

“You can use points to improve stats. Like swordsmanship, strength, appearance.”

“How exactly are you planning to live this life?”

“Totally normal and uneventful.”

“As if that’s going to happen.”

Of course, the stats weren’t cheap. But having a new goal to collect points was a good thing.

“Visiting the Celestial Realm also costs points.”

“Just make sure you don’t need a Resurrection Ticket this time.”

“If Ian behaves, that’s possible.”

[Ian: Won’t make a fuss]

“Good.”

I was relieved Ian seemed to have matured over the seven years.

“Anyway, what’s been up with Kabir lately? Did he get married?”

[Ian: No]

“Still?”

He was well past the age for marriage, and I wondered how he planned to handle the successor issue without getting married.

[Ian: Not much has changed since before]

[Ian: Oh, Eric quit being a knight]

“He quit?”

[Ian: Yes, with his sister.]

Seems like I’ll need to meet Eric separately. It’s a relief to know he’s made enough money to support his sister.

Kabir living rather uneventfully for seven years was quite something.

‘What should I talk about when I meet him?’

I had no intention of explaining things to Kabir as I did with Jamon. It was merely a visit to check if he was doing well.

‘Well, he must be doing fine.’

I wasn’t overly worried.

* * *

The day to visit the Heyward Duke’s estate arrived. As expected, Hans accompanied me.

“Are you sure this is okay? It’s a rather dangerous territory… maybe mom should come along.”

“No, it’s fine. I have a guardian, and we’ll return today. They said they’d provide a Teleport Scroll there.”

I tried to reassure my worried mother.

It’s natural for parents to worry about their seven-year-old daughter venturing into a domain full of magical beasts.

“Take care, my dear.”

Dad hugged me tightly.

I smiled faintly and hugged him back.

After saying goodbye to my parents, I stepped outside the house. Hans was already waiting there.

“What a loving family.”

“Did you hear everything?”

“Yeah.”

Feeling somewhat shy, I absentmindedly rubbed the back of my neck.

“Did you buy the Teleport Scroll?”

“No, Jamon said they’d prepare it for us. And someone to pick us up too.”

“Really?”

“He’ll be here soon.”

I wasn’t sure who they’d send, but we waited.

It wasn’t long before someone appeared out of thin air.

A man with an ordinary appearance. He must be the servant sent to pick us up.

“…?”

Then, I felt something was off.

There was no scroll in the man’s hand.

‘Did he use teleportation magic?’

Did they really send a mage for this? That’s quite the gesture.

While I was bewildered, the man met my gaze.

Then, he broke into a wide smile.

“Hello!”

Wait a minute.

Something felt familiar. That greeting, I had heard it countless times before.

“…Are you the Crown Prince?”

“Ah, you caught me already? How did you know?”

Was Jamon out of his mind? Sending the Crown Prince to transport two children?

Seeing our stunned faces, Irmin laughed and said,

“I had some free time, so I volunteered. Don’t be too nervous.”

“….”

“I’m curious about the commoners Jamon’s taking care of. What’s your relationship with Jamon?”

It was indeed because of Jamon. That brother complex hadn’t changed.

I rolled my eyes before answering.

“Just… someone he promised to help.”

“Hmm.”

Curiosity deepened in Irmin’s eyes.

“Jamon isn’t the type to just help anyone… Interesting.”

“Aren’t we going?”

Hans, unable to stand it anymore, stepped in. It was good he cut in at the right time.

Irmin once again wore a playful smile and said,

“Sorry for making you wait. Let’s go! Grab my hand.”

Irmin extended his hands. Hesitating for a moment, I finally took Irmin’s hand.

The scenery around us changed in an instant.

Inside the Heyward Duke’s mansion. A place familiar to me.

‘Nothing has changed here.’

It was almost miraculous. It felt like this place was frozen in time, still stuck seven years in the past.

“Ah.”

Then, I spotted something familiar and whispered to Hans.

“Hans, Hans.”

“What.”

“That chandelier.”

Pointing at the chandelier, Hans’s gaze followed mine.

“What about it?”

“I died crushed under that one in my past life.”

“….”

“They must have replaced it with a new one.”

“You don’t have to mention that kind of story….”

“What are you two whispering about?”

Irmin cheerfully joined in. Hans and I, as if having an unspoken agreement, immediately shut our mouths.

“What, what? A secret? What’s the relationship between you two?”

It was a teasing question. I replied nonchalantly.

“We’re dating.”

“My goodness.”

A pleased smile formed on Irmin’s lips.

“Even young kids are dating. How cute―”

“….”

A look of displeasure crossed Hans’s face. It must have been unpleasant to be treated that way by someone much younger.

While we were chatting, we arrived in front of Kabir’s office.

“Alright, let’s go in.”

Irmin opened the door without hesitation.

There was Kabir.

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