The Villainess Wants To Be A Sidekick

[– He Always, Under the Surreal Moonlit Night –]

 

“Senephin, how do I look!? Pretty!?”

“Hoho, our Velkina looks beautiful in anything, but today, you’re absolutely dazzling! You’ll be the star of tonight’s party.”

I nodded and gazed at Velkina from head to toe with satisfaction. Her deep blue dress, adorned with crystal embellishments as if sprinkled with stars, was breathtaking. The elegant lace that naturally accentuated her neck, shoulders, and chest made the design even more stunning. A simple tiara paired with her delicately braided updo was a perfect match. Even her shoes, far more luxurious than those worn at the Magic Banquet, completed the look.

The royal maids who helped Velkina get ready seemed just as proud as I was, judging by their expressions.

“I don’t care about anyone else, it only matters if Senephin finds me pretty!”

“Velkina, you’re so good at joking, haha!”

I handed her a blue fan to match her dress and gently patted her shoulder.

“I’m not joking! And Senephin, you’re gorgeous too!”

“Oh my, thank you.”

I was wearing a deep green dress with a rather modest design. Since I wasn’t too confident about my chest, the neckline and shoulders were only slightly revealed. Instead, I opted for bold makeup, an intricate hairstyle, and glamorous accessories, which, to my eyes, made for a decent look. What should I say, something akin to the vibe of runway models? Even my sharp facial features didn’t seem too bad in this ensemble.

“I think the dress would’ve looked better with a daringly lower backline, though.”

“Velkina, you really have bold tastes.”

“It’s only because it’s Senephin! I want to see it on you!”

Velkina declared with fervor. I can’t help but adore Velkina, who knows how to lift someone’s confidence.

“Shall we head out now?”

“Yes! You must dance the first song with me!”

“I promised, didn’t I? Of course.”

Hearing that, she beamed and extended her hand toward me. The gesture was like that of a gentleman asking a lady for a dance, which made me laugh. Still, I took her hand slowly.

“Shall we go, Lady Senephin?”

“Yes, Lady Velkina.”

The music-filled ballroom awaited us.

As expected, Velkina and I caught everyone’s attention with our dance. Her dance moves were flawless, when had she even practiced the male steps? Still, two women dancing together was bound to appear unconventional. But who cares? Everyone could feast their eyes on Velkina’s perfect beauty! And so, with that mindset, I braved through the performance, finishing the piece.

“You two never fail to defy expectations, how entertaining.”

After our dance, Kalt approached us with a remark that was hard to interpret as either a compliment or criticism.

“Hoho, if I’ve brought joy to Your Highness, the Crown Prince, then I’m honored.”

“Think of it as the jealousy of a shabby man rejected by you. That’s how wonderful the two ladies dancing was.”

“There are plenty of other women eager to dance with Your Highness besides Senephin, so isn’t that enough?”

Velkina interjected, linking her arm with mine.

“I’d say the same goes for Lady Velkina. Everyone looks at you with admiration. I’d like to request a dance myself.”

“Hehe, I appreciate the words, but I’m satisfied with dancing with Senephin today.”

“Hmm. I’ve brought good news, but with such a cold response, my heart is hurt.”

Kalt said this, feigning a wounded expression with an exaggerated pose.

“Good news..?”

“Your friend, Lumins, has finally finished his work today. I invited him to the party, but it seems he’s running late.”

Hearing that name, I was so startled that I almost dropped the fan I was holding.

“Wow, Lumins is finally coming! But he must be tired, wouldn’t it be better for him to get some rest rather than come to the party..?”

Velkina, excited yet worried, voiced her concern, and I quickly chimed in.

“Th-that’s right! Your Highness, you could’ve just told him to rest!”

“But wouldn’t it be a shame for Lumins to miss seeing the ladies in their beauty? If he truly feels unwell, he’ll refrain himself.”

“Well, it’s definitely good news. For the first time, I feel something positive toward Your Highness!”

“…..Lady Velkina, haven’t you been rather bold with me lately?”

“Ehehe! Since I’m in a good mood, how about a dance as an apology?”

Sticking her tongue out playfully, Velkina reached out her hand to Kalt as if requesting a dance.

Gasp, could this be the start of that infamous “rich male lead drama” moment where it turns from hatred to love..!?

“Y-your Highness, would it be alright if I also danced with you?”

Feeling desperate, I raised my hand and interjected, prompting Kalt to laugh out loud.

“Thanks to Lord Lumins, I’m receiving a great deal of mercy today. Since I don’t miss opportunities, I’ll take you up on it later.”

“Senephin, I’ll go first!”

In the end, I couldn’t stop them.. Clenching my fan with frustration, I repeatedly opened and closed it, watching the two of them move to the center of the hall.

“…Hey.”

“Uh- oh my, Prince Yugo.”

Today, Yugo was dressed in a blue cape and light-colored attire. He approached me, calling me in a low voice.

“You don’t need to call me ‘Prince.’ Just call me casually.”

“Haha, but I couldn’t possibly commit such a disrespectful act in a public setting like this.”

By the way, Pigeon Prince, weren’t you always allergic to social events and parties? Yet here you are, fully dressed in such suffocating attire. How surprising.

“….Then, if we’re not in a public setting, make sure to just call me by my name. Got it?”

I stared at Yugo intently. He turned red, seemingly unable to withstand my gaze, and protested.

“What—what is it? Is there something on my face?”

“No, it’s just that you look handsome today too.”

“Do you have no sense of shame at all..?!”

Ah, good. This peaceful reaction. Even though my body’s already healed, I feel like I’m being emotionally cured. As expected of the Pigeon Prince.

I guess it makes sense. He’s an outsider with no friends to speak of, so maybe he feels a sense of closeness to someone like me who treats him so casually. Well, I can’t exactly help him connect with Velkina, but this big sister can at least be a friend!

“Well, I’m an odd woman, so what can you do? Hoho. By the way, Prince, aren’t you going to dance? The ladies gazes seem quite intense.”

Since this gathering includes not only our magic researchers but also royal magicians and noble associates involved in various plans, there are quite a few young women here. At such a party, with an incredibly handsome young man who’s clearly of high status, it would be strange if no one showed interest.

“…..Forget it. I didn’t come here for that sort of thing.”

“Oh my, then what brought you here? I don’t think you’re the type to enjoy these gatherings, Your Highness.”

Yugo looked down at me intently before abruptly turning his head away.

“I’m someone who swore an oath to serve you with my sword. Ensuring your safety is only natural.”

“Well.. in a party at the very heart of the royal palace, is there really anything to worry about..?”

“You’re the kind of person who got attacked by a magic spirit right in the middle of the capital of Horlna. Would it be that strange if something happened?”

When you put it that way, it does sound plausible.

“What about you? Aren’t you going to dance anymore?”

“His Highness the Crown Prince asked me to, so I suppose I’ll dance later. But I’m already satisfied after dancing with Velkina.”

“With my brother..”

He seemed lost in thought. Oops, did I touch a nerve by bringing up his brother when he clearly has a complex about him?

“…..Then dance with me.”

“Pardon?”

“I mean dance. If you can dance with my brother, surely it’s fine to dance with me too, right?”

Awkwardly, Yugo extended his hand. His unexpected request caught me off guard, and I blinked several times. His obvious sense of rivalry toward his brother was amusing but also endearing. Smiling, I took his hand.

“I’m not great at dancing, so I might step on your feet a bit, but I’ll do my best. Please take care of me, Prince Yugo.”

“Hmph, do you think I’d let you step on my feet? I’ll take that as a challenge to a duel.”

I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at how aggressive he was.

As the next verse began, we stepped into the center of the hall, spinning lightly to join the dance. Slowly, I let my body follow the rhythm.

In truth, my thoughts were elsewhere the entire time. Would Lumins come here? Even if he doesn’t, I’ll see him tomorrow, right? That’s what I kept thinking.

Ever since I woke up from that coma, I’d eaten delicious food, been warmly treated, and enjoyed some cheerful conversations, but a part of my mind had been fixated on Lumins.

To think that my feelings for my favorite person could be this deep, I must have it bad.. It’s not even a 2D character behind a screen, but my favorite in 4D surround reality! As much as I tried to brush it off as a silly joke, I couldn’t help but feel uneasy and restless.

I really, really want to see Lumins.

The music ended, and with it, the steps came to a halt. Yugo released his hands from my waist and gave me a displeased look.

“Isn’t it rude to think about something else while dancing with someone?”

“Oh- well.. I’m just a very pensive person. My apologies.”

“That didn’t sound like a real apology to me.”

“Ahahah, no way. But still, I didn’t step on your feet, did I?”

“Hmph, of course not.”

His proud expression was adorable. I suppressed the urge to tease and mock him, but at that moment, I heard a commotion from behind.

Curious, I turned around and my breath caught.

It was as if the dawn itself had manifested in human form. Dressed in a midnight black outfit adorned with black pearls, obsidian, and opals, the figure was breathtaking. The violet hair slicked back shone with a soft luster, and their golden eyes, paired with a delicate yet sharp face, exuded an air of elegance and allure.

The person who possessed this ethereal beauty, unshaken even by the dazzling attire, was someone I knew all too well.

“…..Lumins…..”

He was still as stunning as ever, but—oh no, our Lumins face looked so gaunt! The royal family of Faynance better not have worked him to the bone without feeding him properly!

Conflicting emotions overwhelmed me. On the one hand, I wanted to praise and cherish his appearance from every angle as if taking mental photos. On the other, I was devastated by the frail and exhausted aura he exuded.

My poor love… It’s suffering from so many angles..

The timing of the waltz ending coincided with Lumins drawing everyone’s attention as he walked toward me, unbothered by the stares.

At the same time, Velkina, who had finished their dance, noticed Lumins and eagerly approached him.

“Lumins! I was really worried about you. Did you get enough sleep? Have you been eating properly?”

“Sorry for making you worry, Velkina. Judging by your healthy complexion, it seems like you’ve been eating and sleeping well.”

“Are you picking a fight as soon as we meet?!”

The conversation they were having was nothing more than a casual chat between close friends, but from a distance, they looked like a perfect couple. They really suit each other….. huh.

For a moment, I felt something strange, tilting my head at the thought. Them getting along would be the best outcome, so why am I feeling like this?

“It’s good to see you again, Prince Yugo.”

Finishing her light chat with Velkina, Lumins approached Yugo and greeted him with proper etiquette.

“….Yes.”

“I apologize for my previous rudeness. May I take Senephin with me?”

Yugo’s expression seemed subtly irritated as he tightly gripped my hand, which he hadn’t let go of since finishing the dance. Lumins met Yugo’s gaze with a blank expression.

…Did they have a fight the last time they met? Why is the atmosphere so tense?

“Oh, it’s been a while, Lumins. Um, Prince Yugo. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Lumins, so may I excuse myself for a moment?”

“……………”

Yugo furrowed his brows but eventually let go of my hand without a word. After I bowed my head to express my thanks, he turned and walked out without looking back. Did he really fight with Lumins last time?

“You seem to have gotten quite close to Prince Yugo, Senephin, even dancing with him.”

“I think calling us close is a bit of an overstatement. Lumins, you look tired. Coming all the way here, are you okay?”

“Yes. Seeing your face just now made all my fatigue disappear.”

“P-please don’t joke like that..”

“I missed you.”

No, Luminus, you don’t need to give me such excessive service…

I waved my hands in an attempt to cool my blushing face and changed the topic.

“Oh, come on now. Enough teasing. I actually have something I’d like to discuss with you, Lumins.”

“….I see.”

After pondering for a moment, he extended his arm.

“Then let’s go to the terrace.”