Riding in the carriage, I thought about what Ben had said.

The smallest of the brown-skinned boys who escaped from the arena must have been the one with the early signs of spotted diseasethey were the very ones I had met this morning.

Early symptoms of spotted diseaseslight fever. And also, their necks started to itch and spots started to form there.

I was so focused on the older brother at that time that I didnt pay close attention to the younger one.

What did Ben say to you?

Huh?

I turned my head toward Vian. He had a slightly worried expression on his face as he looked at me.

What are you worried about, with such a serious face?

Vivian, I have a favor to ask you.

I took a deep breath and said with a serious face, while Vivian tilted his head curiously.

I want to go back to Victor for a bit.

I must retrieve Maddie at all costs after all. No matter how dangerous it may be

You want him to be king?

No, I dont. I just have some unfinished business. Besides, I dont care who becomes king of the Ravaal Kingdom, Vivian, no, Vian, or even Victor, because both of you have the qualities of a king.

If I were to say this in front of Victor, he would be offended.

He was hostile to his own brother. His obsession with his brother was intense. But that was Victors unrequited love, which Vian, who didnt have any spare time, couldnt fulfil.

I knew Alicia would say that soon But I guess thats just the way things are. You were originally in Victors service.

Is that okay?

Yes, its fine. I dont think hell listen to anything I have to say anyway.

You know him so well.

I couldnt help but smile.

I had not expected him to allow me to return to Victor so easily.

I will miss you. Besides, I wont be able to work around as much as I used to.

Im honored to hear that.

Hey, I dont go into work mode all the time.

Vians brow wrinkled a little.

I was really proud to have such recognition from him.

When I was in Duelkis Kingdom, I would definitely be a Villainess as the heroines rival! But I havent given it much thought since I arrived here. In a way, it was like I came here for a vacation It was strange to call being exiled as having a vacation though.

I felt at ease while I was in the Ravaal Kingdom, but to be honest, I was also curious about what was going on in the Duelkis Kingdom. What if another character like me showed up and took the villainesss place?

I should go back to my home country before I lose my skills as a Villainess!

Ow!

Suddenly, I feel a pain in my left eye. It wasnt an intense pain, but it felt like static electricity.

Something was wrong with my left eye a little while ago. I hoped nothing happened to Uncle Will

Whats wrong?

No, Im fine. Its just a little pain in my eye.

Your left eye?

I nodded.

Does this happen often?

No, but Im fine! Maybe Im just a little tired.

Talk to me if youre worried about what Ben said. Im going to punch him in the face for what he said to you.

Eh, but why!?

The unexpected response made me gasp.

Im fine, really!

Really? Well, if you say so.

Vian looked at me with suspicion, but didnt say anything else.

That was something I liked about him, like how he didnt try to find out what Ben had said to me..

I guess that was what good friendships were all about. Having friends wasnt so bad, either.