I’ve Become the Villain’s Daughter – Chapter 46

According to him, it seemed that the dessert had disappeared around noon today.

We had completed the dessert, placed it on the tray, and thought we could finally relax. But while we were busy with other tasks and not paying attention, it had somehow vanished.

My friends and I huddled together and made our way to the royal kitchen.

The air outside was chilly, but inside, the kitchen was warm from the cooking. The delicious aromas and the sizzling sounds of food made it feel like an entirely different world from the cold outdoors.

When the door opened and we all stepped inside at once, the chefs turned in surprise and lowered their heads when they saw our attire.

The head steward led us to a specific spot—near the counter where desserts were placed once completed.

“Here… this is where the winter strawberry cake and jelly were placed…”

Laon peered carefully at the spot. I wondered if the detective novels he’d read offered advice for situations like this. I, too, examined the area intently for footprints, handprints, or any remaining evidence. But no matter how closely I looked, no new insights suddenly appeared.

Finally, Laon groaned and surrendered. Luke ran his eyes over the spot and casually remarked,

“If the food disappeared suddenly, could it have been some wild animal?”

“Well… but even for a wild animal, the dish itself probably wouldn’t have disappeared,” someone replied.

Luke scratched his head as if it were just a passing thought. Surely, no wild animal could have sneaked into the middle of the kitchen, eaten the dessert, and vanished without a trace in the blink of an eye.

If that’s the case, then it must have been ‘someone’ who moved the dessert. But what kind of bold person would dare steal it?

The official hosts of this winter strawberry gathering were Serene and me, with Luke, Eveharun, and Laon assisting.

I didn’t think it was a combination anyone could take lightly.

Feeling overwhelmed, I buried my face in my hands. The case seemed to be sinking deeper into mystery.

Eveharun, who had remained quiet, finally spoke up.

“First… it’s getting quite late today. How about we come back and check again tomorrow?”

“That sounds good.”

“Let’s do that.”

I let out a long sigh.

But would the dessert even still be there if we checked tomorrow?

Since everyone had been assigned private rooms in the palace, we parted ways for the evening after dinner.

I changed into the indoor clothes I’d brought and sat in front of my vanity, pondering.

Who could have taken the winter strawberry dessert?

No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn’t come up with anything.

Who could possibly bear animosity toward me…? It’s plausible, but would they go to such indirect lengths?

Unless there existed some radical faction within the palace who despised desserts, who would even take it? It was absurd.

I tilted my head in confusion and stood up.

No matter how much I thought, no answer came. If that’s the case, it might be better just to sleep and ease my mind.

“…Huh?”

But then, I momentarily doubted my own eyes.

Across from me, I thought I saw a white blanket-like object fluttering.

I spun around quickly.

But as if I’d imagined it, there was nothing there.

“Did… I see things wrong?”

I was alone in the room. I had sent the maids away to rest, so this was certain.

“…Is anyone there?”

I called out loud.

But the room was silent.

‘…Could it be a ghost…?’

A shiver ran down my spine.

Stories from past hunting contests flashed through my mind—spirits or demons visiting a young lady alone…

‘N-No, that’s impossible.’

I swallowed hard.

‘…But still…’

I suddenly remembered today’s dessert theft.

It had been as elusive as a ghost.

‘…If it were a ghost, I could understand how it disappeared so mysteriously…’

No, it couldn’t be.

I shook my head.

“Haha… ghosts don’t exist.”

I burrowed deep under the covers.

The room, which had felt pleasantly quiet just moments ago, suddenly seemed terrifying.

Tonight was going to be a long night.

I barely slept, keeping my eyes half-open. When my friends gathered, I told them what I had seen. Their reactions were varied.

“Oh my, could it really be a ghost?”

Laon’s face had turned pale.

“The existence of ghosts hasn’t been confirmed…”

Luke denied it, though he also seemed slightly pale.

Eveharun smiled, but there was a hint of tension beneath it.

“Eek!”

Even Serene, terrified already.

I let out a sigh. Laon spoke with a knowing expression.

“Indeed, that’s how it is. In the historically rich Ulysses Palace, a ghost died unable to eat desserts. Every time it sees a fine dessert, it takes it out of jealousy, even though it can’t eat it… Being a ghost, no one else could see it. The story fits perfectly!”

“If a detective novel had that plot, the publisher would be flooded with complaints,” Luke objected.

Eveharun added, “Whether it’s a ghost or not, if we can’t find the strawberry thief today, we’ll have no choice but to replace it with regular desserts.”

“That’s….”

Serene already looked disappointed. I understood her feelings well, since I knew how much effort she had put into preparing this gathering.

We left the palace.

Following Eveharun’s suggestion, we headed back near the kitchen to take another look.

“This is a long time coming!”

Prince Alteo appeared before us.

“Prince Alteo…”

Eveharun immediately bowed in greeting.

“We humbly greet the little sun of the empire.”

He was dressed majestically, befitting the title of ‘sun.’ His deep blue uniform was crisp and sharp, accented with gleaming gold trim. It perfectly complemented his blond hair and golden eyes.

His naturally sharp gaze was softened with a friendly smile, yet ambition shone unmistakably through. Even approaching us first showed it.

“Glad to see you. But was there an event at the palace today? It’s surprising to see you all together like this.”

He pondered, recalling official events. I stepped forward.

“No, this is a small gathering hosted by Serene and me. It’s so minor that calling it an event would be a stretch.”

Alteo’s eyes softened as they met mine, the golden hue reflecting a gentle sweetness.

“I see. Then it’s fortunate for me to meet Princess Rosha Hill.”

I smiled quietly. Eveharun’s lips curved smoothly as well.

Although only a few months had passed since our last unpleasant encounter, he still regarded me as an ideal bride. Realizing that, I could no longer respond to Alteo’s smile.

He suggested, “Why not come to the palace and share some tea, even briefly? Fate has brought us together.”

“I’m sorry…”

Eveharun spoke, looking troubled.

“The gathering preparations aren’t finished yet. We were on our way back in a hurry to finalize things. I’m afraid we must decline.”

“I see.”

Alteo cast a regretful glance over us. Seeing Serene fidgeting, Luke with his usual stoic expression, and Laon curious, he recreated his sociable smile.

“Very well. I hope there will be another opportunity to share tea together.”

“That would be most delightful.”

I bowed in response.

Once Alteo departed, I exhaled deeply. Eveharun whispered,

“Are you really uncomfortable around Prince Alteo?”

“Of course. If you were in front of someone who only sees you as a ‘good bride,’ wouldn’t it be unbearable?”

“Ah, that’s true.”

Eveharun chuckled lightly.

“By the way, seeing Prince Alteo reminded me of a good idea.”

I smiled brightly.

“What is it…?”

Serene cautiously asked. After glancing around at everyone, I declared confidently,

“We’ll borrow the power of magic!”

Luke responded immediately.

“I’m sorry, but if you mean using my abilities, that’s impossible. I’m not skilled in search-type magic.”

“Same here, Lyla.”

I merely shrugged at the siblings’ refusals.

“Really? Then…”

I looked around.

“How about asking Second Prince Tearoha?”

A flicker of interest passed through Luke’s eyes.

“…Perhaps he might be able to help.”

We had already witnessed Tearoha’s remarkable magical abilities during the Peregrine incident. There was no doubt.

“But…”

Luke interjected.

“Would he grant our request immediately? And as I’ve heard from Father, Prince Tearoha is currently under seclusion.”

“Seclusion?”

That was unexpected. Could this be why he hadn’t attended our gathering? I widened my eyes.

Eveharun, reading my expression, said,

“It shouldn’t be a problem to ask once. I’ve heard the Second Prince is merciful by nature.”

“Y-Yes. Asking once should be fine, shouldn’t it?”

Serene nodded.

“Then shall we go to Prince Tearoha’s palace?”

In agreement, we each quickened our steps toward Tearoha’s palace.