The Villainess Wants To Be A Sidekick

[– You don’t have to be overprotective –]

 

“…… Um, Velkina, don’t you think this level of overprotection is a bit unnecessary…….?”

Sitting in the garden, Velkina held a strawberry to my lips, insisting with an “Ah~” that I eat it.

Wrapped in clothes covered in lace and embroidery, the kind you’d expect antique dolls to wear, I was beginning to feel like a pampered doll over the past few days. Every little movement I made was met with excessive fuss.

“Senephin, we’re worried about you! You have no idea how anxious we’ve been!”

“…….Uhh.”

When she says things like that, I can’t help but feel weak. In the end, I opened my mouth and accepted the strawberry she offered.

It’s because of the guilt of worrying them that I ultimately couldn’t refuse and ended up participating in this doll-playing charade.

Jin, sitting on my shoulder, chimed in.

“That’s right, Senephin. I believe you should be fully protected in a perfectly safe environment for the next year or so.”

No, come on. I don’t want to be pampered for a whole year.. I still have to avoid Lumins death flag and—

…… Lumins.

Thinking of that name made me feel gloomy.

“Hey, what’s wrong, Senephin!? Don’t like the strawberry?”

“Senephin, say something! Do you want something else to eat!?”

Seeing my expression, Jin and Velkina panicked, leaning toward me anxiously. No, seriously, you don’t have to overreact like that..

“No, um.. Lumins won’t be coming today either, will he?”

The truth is, I hadn’t seen Lumins for about three days since that day. I wasn’t fully conscious back then due to being sick and half-asleep, but thinking back on our conversation raised so many questions that I wanted to talk to him properly again. Yet, Lumins hadn’t shown up at all.

I couldn’t help but worry about his safety, wondering if he might get hurt dealing with those magical spirits. But having just recovered from my illness, I wasn’t in a position to actively check on him myself. Still, Velkina had been keeping me updated on his situation every day..

“Well, it seems like the magical spirits infiltrating the capital this time are causing a serious situation.. He’s been busy cooperating with the royal family to devise countermeasures, so he’s been having a hard time.”

“Even the last time I saw him, he didn’t look well… Isn’t the royal family working him too hard?”

I bit my lip as I asked, and Jin hesitated a bit before answering.

“…. He’s prioritizing your safety above everything else, Senephin.”

“That’s….. it’s more like Lumins volunteered to do the work. Even the crown prince suggested he take a break, but he’s the one being stubborn about it..”

Velkina, with a sorrowful expression, grabbed my hand.

“I hate how powerless I am, Senephin. If I were better at magic, I could help ensure both you and Lumins are safe right now…..”

“I have never been more frustrated than now, knowing I am a being who cannot easily reveal myself before others.”

I suddenly hugged Jin and Velkina tightly.

“I-I didn’t mean it that way! Both of you.. don’t blame yourselves like that. It’s my fault for being careless.”

“It’s not your fault, Senephin!” / “Senephin, it is not your fault.”

…. Wait, this feels like déjà vu.

After awkwardly patting the two on the back, I fiddled with the necklace chain. Once I regained my senses and heard the explanation, I learned that I had truly been in mortal danger from the large dose of poison I had taken directly. Yugo had immediately disassembled and removed the toxins, and shortly after, Lumins, who had rushed to the scene, provided emergency treatment..

It seemed that the only reason I miraculously avoided instant death was thanks to the Ring of Delusion I had carried as a charm. When I checked after waking up, the once pitch-black ring had turned completely white, losing all its color.

….. I had hoped I’d never need the ring’s protection.

Still, since it saved my life, the ring now felt like a benefactor. Even though it had lost its efficacy, I continued to wear the now-faded ring on a necklace.

“Oh, that reminds me, Senephin. You have a visitor.”

“A visitor?”

“Yes, they said they wanted to formally apologize.”

Blinking in confusion, wondering who would need to apologize, I turned to see two figures appear from beyond the garden arch.

A nobleman with jet-black hair like ebony, and another with golden hair gleaming white under the sunlight. Both had the same captivating red eyes.

….. Aren’t they the bird brothers?

“Senephin Cromwell. It hasn’t been that long since we last saw your face, but it feels like an eternity. I’ve heard your condition has almost fully recovered.”

Kalt, approaching first, elegantly lifted his cloak in a refined manner and inquired about my well-being. His outfit, while not quite formal wear for an official event, was adorned with embroidery and jewels, completed in a deep navy blue. It suited him perfectly. His appearance was far too luxurious for a mere midday tea party.

“…. Th-thanks for Your Highness’s concern, I am well.”

“I heard my foolish younger brother caused you trouble. We’ve come to formally apologize together.”

Looking somewhat somber, Yugo silently handed me the bouquet he had brought. The arrangement, with its small pink and purple flowers resembling geraniums and vines of roses, was beautifully harmonious, showcasing the skill of a master florist.

Gone was the shabby attire he wore when we first met. Like his brother, Yugo was now dressed as a prince should be. In contrast to Kalt’s navy, Yugo’s vibrant red attire was fresh and striking. Honestly, with faces like theirs, they’d look amazing in anything.

“…. I apologize. I didn’t intend to deceive you about my identity. I am Yugo Faynance, the Second Prince of this country.”

No need to apologize, Pigeon Prince! I already knew.

And besides, Jin and Velkina had already explained to me back then that the person with them was the second prince…..

It seems that the sulking expression from earlier was due to feeling guilty.

“Oh, oh my. I heard about it from your friends. I’m the one who should apologize. It seems I was quite rude to someone like you, Prince..”

“That’s not true. I’m the one who feels deeply responsible for not being able to prevent your accident despite being by your side. No words could ever suffice..”

With the sound of his cloak fluttering, Yugo knelt before me. Before I could even react with surprise, he offered up his sword, still in its scabbard, as if presenting it.

“I swear on the First Dragon, Alfaynance, that I shall become a sword to protect you, even at the cost of my life.”

“…..What???”

I froze, glancing back and forth between Yugo, Kalt, Velkina, and Jin, unsure how to respond to this unexpected situation.

Wait a second.. Isn’t this vow of offering the sword supposed to happen in Yugo’s route during the later part of the game??

“W-what do you mean-..?”

“It means I intend to join you in the ‘Retrieval the Vessel of Gods’ mission you’ll be participating in, and I will act as your guard.”

Yugo stood up straight and clarified.

While I was left gaping at this monumental declaration, Kalt chuckled beside me.

“Haha, it seems Yugo has taken quite a liking to you.”

“…..Brother. That’s not the case.”

“Yugo appears to want to express his sincerest apology for the recent incident by offering you his utmost effort. Just accept it. Even our Mother Queen has graciously granted his permission.”

If Queen Sharon Riquine Faynance, the ruler of Faynance and the mother of the bird Prince siblings, had approved it, then it was already decided…

Still, isn’t it too much to officially bring along the second prince of this country as a bodyguard? In Yugo’s route in the game, he didn’t even reveal his identity and just followed Velkina around on his own.

Sure, I can understand Yugo feeling responsible since he couldn’t prevent the accident despite being nearby, and he’s confident in his swordsmanship, so this incident might have been a shock to him. But did he really have to come to such an over-the-top conclusion!?

“Prince Yugo, isn’t this far too generous..”

“Just call me Yugo, like before.”

After cutting me off sharply, Yugo abruptly turned around.

“…. I only wish to fulfill my responsibilities. There is no other motive. I’ll come again later. Take care of yourself, Senephin.”

With that, he walked straight out of the garden without giving me a chance to convince him that such measures weren’t necessary.

For some reason, Velkina grabbed my arm tightly beside me, looking displeased as she stared at Yugo’s retreating figure.

What’s this? Is she annoyed because Yugo suddenly acted all cool?

Jin was also gripping my shoulder with his claws. Hey, Snowball, your claws hurt a bit, so stop that..

Kalt, who seemed amused by Yugo’s actions, shifted his gaze back to me.

“To think you’ve managed to tame such an uncontrollable troublemaker so well. I can only be grateful to you. He’s a fool, but he’s still my precious younger brother, so please take good care of him.”

It’s not like I’ve spent enough time with him to tame or anything like that……

By the way, just a personal opinion, but I think the Sparrow Prince should stop teasing his little brother and instead express his genuine care openly. That might help improve their sibling relationship. Though, I suppose he’s too amusing to tease for him to resist.

“Oh, right. Before the ‘Retrieval the Vessel of Gods’ mission begins, there’s going to be a pre-mission banquet in a few days to boost the participants morale. By then, you should be fully recovered, so I’d like you to attend.”

“Oh.. Yes, thank you for your consideration, Your Highness.”

Kalt squinted his eyes and smiled.

“And if possible, I’d like the honor of sharing the first dance with Lady Senephin at the banquet.”

“….. What?”

Beside me, Velkina tightened her grip on my arm to the point where it felt like she might crush it. It hurts, it hurts! Also, you’re pressing your chest against me a lot, Velkina! And Jin, your claws on my shoulder are really painful, so could you stop that?

“Um.. I’m sorry, but I’ll have to decline.”

And with that, I ended up rejecting him far too bluntly..!

Even though he’s the Crown Prince, I’ve grown so used to brushing him off that my honest feelings just slipped out.

“Hahah. You’re always so cold to me.”

“I-I apologize..! I didn’t mean to be disrespectful to Your Highness.”

“Then, will you dance with me?”

Before I could respond, Velkina interjected.

“I think it’s unfair to request a dance in such a roundabout way, Your Highness!”

“Lady Velkina, you also seem quite hostile towards me. I suppose it’s a reflection of my own shortcomings.”

Kalt tilted his head slightly and gave an elegant smile.

“Lady Senephin, I’ll take my leave now, eagerly awaiting the day when even a drop of your mercy falls upon me.”

With a flawless pose for his final farewell, Kalt turned and left the garden. Once his figure had completely disappeared from view, Velkina finally released my arm and pouted.

“He’s so infuriating! I’m seriously considering dressing as a man for the next party!”

“Oh my, why would you waste such beauty like that, Velkina?”

“Women don’t dance with each other at these parties. If I dress as a man, I can have the first dance with you, Senephin!”

I couldn’t help but laugh at her words.

“Oh, Velkina, really now. Don’t worry about things like that, just wear a dress and let’s dance together. Who cares what others think?”

“Re- really, Senephin?”

“Of course! I absolutely want to see you in a beautiful dress.”

I still regretted not being able to dress Velkina in something stunning for the Mage Academy’s inspection party. This time, I was determined to put her in an outfit that would showcase her beauty at 1000%.

Velkina’s face lit up instantly, and she grabbed my hands with excitement.

“I’m so excited! Ehehe! And I can’t wait to see your dress too, Senephin!”

“…..I am deeply hurt, Senephin.”

The fluffy white creature perched on my shoulder buried its nose into my neck.

“Aw, Jin.. Well, you know it’s a bit hard for you to attend a party like this. But how about we all spend time together later? Even if it’s not a human party?”

“Is that a promise?”

“Of course, it’s a promise!”

As I stroked Jin’s head, he rubbed his cheek against me happily. Not wanting to be outdone, Velkina linked her arm with mine again and leaned her head on my shoulder. Cute little troublemakers. I patted Velkina’s head as well.

And then, I found myself thinking of Lumins, who was surely still working right now.

The thought of him felt so distant, almost like he was in another world.