I Possessed the Villain’s Daughter – Chapter 82

How far had we come?

Dozing off against the backrest of the carriage, I suddenly opened my eyes.

The carriage that Ray himself had arranged for me glided so smoothly that not even the faintest rattle could be heard. Perhaps that was why it was even harder to tell how much distance we had covered.

“…”

Through the window draped with translucent lace curtains, the pale sunlight of the morning streamed in.

How long had I been asleep?

Curious, I slid the window open, only to be greeted by a sight I had never seen before.

A massive and towering border lay before us.

Once we passed through it, we would truly be in the Kingdom of Siwin.

As I secretly marveled, someone approached—Ray, riding his horse alongside.

“How do you find it?”

“It’s beautiful.”

At my honest, unfeigned reply, Ray’s eyes curved as he laughed.

“Welcome to the Kingdom of Siwin.”

At his words, I felt a faint flutter in my chest.

Our long journey was finally nearing its end.

The Kingdom of Siwin was small, but culturally advanced. Blessed with wide plains and fertile land, it was nearly self-sufficient in food. Moreover, its delicate and charming works of art, along with its flourishing tourism industry, elevated Siwin’s status as a cultural powerhouse.

That prestige was no empty boast—I realized it the moment we entered the capital.

The clock tower rising high in the central square was elegant and intricate despite its age, and the polished streets of the capital were decorated with beautiful tile mosaics.

As an allied nation, there were some similarities, but overall, the capital brimmed with Siwin’s unique culture.

Our procession made its way through the city and headed toward the royal palace. The palace, gleaming white like a painting, was far smaller than the Empire’s, yet it carried its own distinct charm. As soon as I stepped down from the carriage, Ray introduced me to the room prepared for me.

The chamber was tidy and decorated with artworks that gave it an air of refinement. Pulling back the curtains and opening the balcony doors revealed a sweeping view of the royal gardens—the lake and forest laid out below. Though it was still too early in the season for blossoms, in a few months the Siwin-style gardens would surely burst into bloom. Everything about the arrangements told me how much care Ray had put into welcoming me.

Afterward, Ray introduced me to his aide.

“Pleased to meet you. I am Minuet.”

Minuet greeted me with a relaxed smile and extended his hand. He was a man with short gray hair and dark eyes. Efficient to a fault, he quickly noted that I had brought no attendants or maids from the duchy, and assured me that dedicated staff would be assigned to me without delay.

With things gradually settling into place, a question rose in my mind, and I asked Ray.

“By the way… where will I be working from now on?”

It was only natural to ask. Even Minuet, upon hearing it, turned back to Ray in realization.

“Now that you mention it, her post hasn’t been assigned yet, has it? Which department will Lady Rosahil serve in? The Mage Division? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs?”

I had heard that Ray commanded his own mage division and knight order. Both were composed of the kingdom’s most elite.

Though often overlooked because of his status as a prince, Ray was in fact a master of illusion magic. Even in his academy days, he had majored in both political diplomacy and magic. With such a leader, the mage division had gathered exceptional talents, and I couldn’t help but look forward to meeting them.

The problem was… my position was unclear.

Ray had asked me to become a “diplomat,” yet in reality, he also wanted me to work by his side as a “mage.”

That meant I belonged to neither the Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor the Mage Division—an ambiguous situation.

If I joined the Foreign Ministry, I’d be dealing with Ulysses Empire affairs, which I was familiar with, and that would be good. But if I joined the Mage Division, I’d have more time for research, which was equally appealing.

Hmm… maybe the Mage Division would be better. While I can still use magic, I should make the most of it.

Just as I was about to voice my thoughts, Ray shrugged and spoke.

“There is a department prepared especially for Lady Laila. It wouldn’t do to throw you into work immediately, so please rest for a few days. I will explain everything to you later.”

“Ah, I see.”

“Understood.”

Minuet nodded as if in agreement, and with that, both he and Ray left, telling me to rest well.

Temporary maids helped me change into a house dress and prepared a warm bath. Everything flowed seamlessly, like water down a stream.

While they brushed out my hair, I gazed at my reflection in the vanity mirror. I looked far better than I had just days ago, though I was still a little gaunt.

I can’t keep going like this.

I resolved silently. Surrounded by new people and a new environment, I too would grow little by little.

After changing into more comfortable clothes, I began writing letters to send back home.

Not only to my family, but also to Eveharun, Lucrahn, Elia, Cern, Raon… there were so many people. I wanted to let them know I had arrived safely in Siwin and would be staying here for the time being. In my hasty departure, I hadn’t been able to properly inform some of them.

And then—Solti.

My hand stilled.

Solti Kidson.

I had learned after the trial that Ray had only been able to arrive in time thanks to her. He had been so busy back home that he nearly missed the news entirely, but Solti had personally sent him a letter explaining my situation.

Upon hearing that, Ray had rushed to the Ulysses Empire, gathered signatures from Rebecam Academy students, and worked tirelessly to sway public opinion in our favor.

If not for Solti, none of that might have happened.

Gratitude for her welled up in me once again.

After graduating a year ahead of us (me, Elia, Lucrahn, and Raon), she had taken up a post as an administrator in the imperial palace—a role perfectly suited to her capable and meticulous nature.

This year, Elia and Lucrahn would also enter the palace, while Raon would serve in the Imperial Guard.

“…”

There was a time when I, too, dreamed of serving as a court mage in the Ulysses palace.

Staring at the half-written letter, I couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

But now—I was here, in the Kingdom of Siwin.

Whatever the circumstances, all I could do was give my best to the life I had been given.

I picked up my quill once more. It glided smoothly across the fine stationery, scratching softly as it went.

The Kingdom of Siwin had two princes and one princess.

The crown prince, Ray, was the firstborn of the Empress, with solid legitimacy and widespread support—a true pride of the nation.

The other two, a prince and a princess, were the Queen Consort’s children. They had inherited their maternal grandfather’s features—black hair and crimson eyes. The elder brother was named Eladin, thirteen years old, while his younger sister, Rubiana, was a ten-year-old little lady.

Unusually for royalty, Ray, Eladin, and Rubiana got along splendidly. The wide age gap only made Ray dote on his younger siblings all the more. The three of them were truly the treasures of the Siwin royal family.

But perhaps because their bond was so close…

Today, Rubiana was uncharacteristically upset.

The cause? A certain “distinguished guest” who had arrived at the palace a few days earlier. Rumors were flying through the court that this guest was none other than Ray’s lover. Adding fuel to the gossip was the fact that Ray had given her the Crown Prince’s residence and had visited her daily since her arrival. As a result, Rubiana had been unable to see her beloved brother, always turned away with the excuse that he was “busy.”

“This is outrageous!”

Rubiana’s voice rang out in the palace garden.

“To think, Ray brother… Ray brother…!”

She looked ready to burst into tears any second. Eladin, flustered, quickly pulled her into his arms and patted her back soothingly. That was all it took for Rubiana to wail loudly.

“Th-that Ray brother has a lover!”

“W-well… it seems so…”

Even in tears, Rubiana spoke her mind.

Though calmer by nature, even Eladin found the revelation of his elder brother’s romance surprising. To not only have someone but invite her to the palace—it was bold indeed. Rubiana blinked her teary eyes, droplets falling like silver bells.

“And she’s from another country, no less! Of course, it’s only natural that Ray brother is admired even abroad—he’s so handsome and remarkable—but still! I cannot approve!”

“R-Rubi, careful!”

She slammed her tiny hand against the table. Though the sturdy surface didn’t budge, she hardly cared. Eladin only fussed over her hand, blowing on it as she shouted.

“Eladin brother!”

“Yes?”

“Can’t we go see this so-called guest for ourselves?!”

Eladin blinked in surprise.

“Y-you mean, meet her directly?”

“Yes! Can’t we?”

“Well…”

Eladin hesitated.

He didn’t think Rubiana would act rudely, but given her current state, who could say? Even if she refrained from mischief, if she started crying like this, the young lady guest would surely be at a loss.

“Wouldn’t that… be difficult?”

“Brother!”

Rubiana’s eyes welled up again.

“Fine then. If you won’t come with me, I’ll go by myself!”

“W-wait, Rubi!”

Eladin grabbed her quickly.

No matter what, she was his precious little sister—the apple of his eye. If she did make a blunder, she would need someone by her side.

So, with a solemn face, Eladin said,

“Fine. I’ll come with you.”

“Really? No take-backs!”

Rubiana jumped up and down, clutching his arm, her excitement adorably infectious. In that moment, Eladin could only give up and smile helplessly.