The Villainess Is Too Difficult

In the quiet dining room where only the clinking of utensils could usually be heard, a conversation between people was taking place for the first time in a long while.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine.”

“Has anything unusual happened?”

“No, nothing.”

The problem was that this conversation was far from normal.

Muriel, standing quietly behind Ariel, slowly began to feel her insides turning. No, really! The only siblings finally meet and this is the dry conversation they have! The brother is only bringing up boring topics! And the sister is only giving boring answers!

The maids carrying trays for serving, either noticing the atmosphere or having expected it from the start, quickly did their jobs and left. Even Muriel’s desperate plea for help conveyed through her eyes didn’t reach them at all.

‘These traitors!’

As much as she wanted to, she couldn’t just shout out loud to clear the air. She couldn’t make such a mistake in front of her mistress and the future duke.

Currently, Muriel was more tense than usual. Although not as much as when the real duke was present, Theodore’s presence was not to be taken lightly either.

‘But even so, this isn’t right!’

How many times had she mentally given advice that she had to forcibly suppress? Ah, that’s not how you should say it. Ah, you should speak more kindly there.

Muriel was a relatively new maid. By the time she came to this mansion, Theodore had long since moved out independently, and the only Walpurgis left in the mansion were the Duke and Ariel. Even when Theodore occasionally returned, he would quickly finish his business and leave, so there wasn’t much chance to observe him closely.

Of course, there were rumors she had heard. That the Young Master was as blunt as the Master, that’s why there’s no conversation between family members, that it’s a shame he’s capable and handsome but… At the time, Muriel thought how bad could it be for people who share the same blood.

But after seeing it for herself, Muriel felt that the rumors were actually understated. What on earth was this awkward conversation! Even complete strangers wouldn’t converse like this!

Although Muriel was an only child, some of her fellow maids had younger brothers or older brothers. From what she heard from them, even if siblings fought like enemies, they were never this awkward.

The Walpurgis Ducal Family. Is this really okay?

“Thank you for the meal.”

Ariel neatly emptied her plate and wiped her mouth with a napkin. Muriel quickly returned to reality.

“Good. I’ve eaten well too.”

Theodore, like his sister, finished his meal and wiped his mouth. Looking at this, you could really feel they were siblings… but why were they acting like this?

Theodore wasn’t particularly problematic as a person. Rather, seeing him in person made her think he was a good person. She could tell from observing him.

Theodore was sufficiently interested in his only sister. You could tell just from how he kept asking about her well-being. The problem was that while it was noticeable to onlookers, Theodore didn’t express it properly, so Ariel, the person in question, didn’t notice it at all.

‘In some ways, this is worse than the rumors…’

Watching the two siblings rise from their seats, Muriel let out a deep sigh.

Ariel, having left the dining room, immediately tried to return to her room. Now she would study in the evening, relax for a while, and then go to bed. This was Ariel’s daily plan.

But today, there was a variable.

“Ariel.”

“Yes?”

Ariel slowly turned her head at the sudden voice calling her.

“You said you’re going to the Academy.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Are your preparations going well?”

“Yes.”

Muriel felt like hitting her chest. Even before Ariel collapsed, it had never been this frustrating!

“I’ll check how well you’ve prepared.”

“Pardon?”

“Follow me.”

Ariel had a blank expression at his behavior of saying what he wanted and then walking away.

‘No, if you say it like that there…!’

Muriel couldn’t hold back anymore and beat her chest.

Fortunately, Ariel obediently followed Theodore without saying anything. After all, Theodore was Ariel’s older brother and a senior who had graduated from the Academy several years ago. He could give advice about the Academy or help with studying.

That’s what she thought, but…

“I heard you’re learning swordsmanship.”

“Yes. I’m only learning the basics for now.”

“Good. Then pick up a sword.”

What on earth is this about? Is he going to have a sword fight with his sister right after coming back? Although they picked up wooden swords to test her skills, Muriel was gradually reaching the limit of her patience at Theodore’s sudden behavior.

“Muriel.”

“Y-Yes! Young Lady!”

Fortunately, she hadn’t completely lost her mind and was able to respond in time to Ariel’s voice calling her.

“This might take a while, so please go back and rest first. I’ll call you when we’re done.”

It was a sweet offer. She wouldn’t have to stay between these frustrating siblings. Moreover, didn’t she always rest at this time anyway? There was nothing to feel guilty about.

But today, she didn’t want to do that.

“No, if you need anything, please let me know anytime. I’ll stay quietly so as not to disturb you.”

“But…”

“I’m fine, Young Lady.”

Despite Ariel’s words, Muriel’s opinion was firm. Yes, normally she would have escaped here. But today, for the sake of these two siblings’ disastrous social skills, she couldn’t leave this place.

If these two don’t have a proper conversation by the end of today, she would have to arrange an opportunity by any means necessary. A sense of mission that hadn’t been felt before was burning in the maid’s eyes.

“Alright.”

Finally, Ariel gave up on talking to Muriel any further and turned her attention back to Theodore. Anyway, this was what was important to her right now.

Theodore picked up a wooden sword that felt somewhat heavy, while Ariel chose one that was a bit lighter in comparison. Their preferences were evident from their weapon choices. Theodore preferred something heavy and strong, while Ariel preferred something more neutral, easier to move with but not completely sacrificing weight.

Of course, Muriel, being a layman, just wished they would forget all this and have a proper conversation, but Theodore and Ariel were seriously looking at each other, holding their swords.

“Then, let’s begin. You come first.”

“I won’t hold back.”

Thanks to changing into comfortable clothes, there was nothing to hinder Ariel’s movements. She adjusted her grip on the sword a couple of times, then charged forward as if to pierce the training ground floor.

Whoosh!

A sharp sound that was hard to believe came from a simple wooden sword. Theodore’s eyes became a bit more serious.

When he heard Ariel was practicing swordsmanship, he thought it was just a momentary whim or for exercise. But this thrust she just showed. Considering the time since she woke up, this was the result of consistent training.

There was no technique. No overwhelming power. A thrust so simple and straight that it could be called textbook. But because of that, her diligent effort was even more apparent.

“Good.”

Theodore said sincerely. Certainly, compared to him, it was a child-level thrust, but he saw a lot from this single strike.

“You can come at me seriously.”

Clack!

Theodore said as he deflected Ariel’s wooden sword. At this, Ariel’s eyes changed as well. She had just drawn her sword and attacked when he suddenly came and said he wanted to see her skills, but she too had some hesitation in her heart.

What Ariel had been doing until now was closer to exercise than actual sword training. She consistently trained her body every day and endlessly repeated basic sword movements.

Her intention to learn swordsmanship was primarily for self-defense. She didn’t really think about cutting people.

From the start, Ariel was someone who disliked hurting others. She had intended to stop just before the previous thrust.

But now her opponent told her to come at full power, and what they were holding were wooden swords that might cause some injury but posed no threat to life. Then there was no reason to hesitate anymore.

“Then, I’ll really go all out.”

As Ariel’s eyes changed, silver magical power radiated from her entire body. Now she really looked like she wouldn’t hold anything back.

Theodore seemed a bit surprised, but soon gathered himself and raised his magical power in the same way.

And the expression of Muriel, who was watching all of this, started to distort mercilessly.