IWPVD 108

IWPVD

I’ve Been Reincarnated as the Villain’s Daughter – Chapter 108

When the fireworks suddenly burst, I froze stiff, and at that moment, all the lights in the hall turned on at once.

The dazzling light poured through the ornate crystal chandeliers, sweeping away the darkness. The change was truly blinding.

And as soon as the darkness disappeared, people sprang out.

The sudden brightness made my eyes squint for a moment, and when I opened them again, I was utterly astonished.

“Ta-da! Surprised?!”

There, standing before me, was Eit oppa, with hair as radiant as the chandeliers and piercing blue eyes.

“Welcome back, Laila.”

Eddie oppa smiled gently at me.

In their hands, as if it were only natural, they held empty fireworks—the very culprits behind the loud noise from moments ago were surely these two.

“Ah… ha.”

I let out a nervous laugh as my father slowly stepped out from the center of the hall.

“Laila.”

“Father!”

He was wearing a warm smile. After a brief moment of surprise, I ran straight to him, fully aware of my childishness, and threw myself into his arms. The motion caused his aquamarine hair to sway.

“You’ve worked hard, haven’t you?”

“N-no…”

He gently stroked my hair.

Had he been hiding in the hall, waiting to surprise me? The thought of my family anxiously waiting for me, not knowing exactly when I’d arrive, made all the earlier disappointment vanish.

But the surprises weren’t over yet. There were still more people waiting for me.

“Laila. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

I gasped as people slowly emerged from behind the veil.

“E-Eveharun!”

With long, lilac hair and matching lilac eyes, she smiled warmly at me. It was none other than Eveharun Peregrine, my friend.

“I’m here too.”

Beside her, Raon smiled as he joined in. His previously round cheeks had slimmed, and his presence seemed sharper, yet that signature smile remained.

“Have you been well?”

Luke, standing next to Raon, greeted me. He had grown another head taller. Since Eveharun was also tall, perhaps the Peregrine family’s height was genetic.

“I’ve missed you so much.”

There was Serene, tears welling in her eyes as she clenched her fists, and Elia, who embraced me tightly.

I felt both joy and astonishment.

“Wh-what brings you all here…?”

“We all gathered because we heard you were returning today.”

At Eit oppa’s words, I felt a rush of emotion overwhelm me.

While I was silently moved, Eveharun didn’t miss the opportunity to tease me.

“Oh my, you’re not crying, are you?”

“N-no!”

I tried to hide my flushed face, but it was useless.

Oppa and Father looked on with oddly satisfied expressions.

“You must have had a long journey.”

I smiled brightly at Father’s words. It must not have been easy for so many people to gather at once, yet they had done so just for me. I was grateful.

As I scanned everyone’s faces, I realized one person was missing and tilted my head in curiosity.

“Where’s my sister-in-law?”

Eddie oppa answered.

“Ranshe isn’t feeling well today, so she couldn’t come down. With so many people, it would be too chaotic. We’ll see her later.”

“Okay!”

Of course, it was important for Ranshe to take care of herself—she was a full-term pregnant woman, only weeks away from giving birth.

I remembered how excited I had been when she first told me she was expecting last winter. I was going to have a niece or nephew!

Eddie oppa and Ranshe had already chosen names and were fully prepared to welcome the child. I couldn’t wait.

“For now, let’s just enjoy ourselves together!”

As always, Eit oppa ruffled my hair roughly.

My hair ended up a mess, but I couldn’t help but laugh—it was such a familiar feeling. I never imagined I’d come to miss this sensation.

“So, Laila, how was the Siwin Kingdom?”

Elia asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Suddenly, I remembered something.

“Oh, right! I brought back some souvenirs.”

I held up my fingers, counting them one by one.

“Masks from the Siwin Kingdom, their local specialties… there’s quite a lot. I wanted to give them to the household staff, but no one was outside the carriage, so they’re still inside. Come to think of it, having no servants outside was all part of the plan, wasn’t it?”

“To surprise you even more.”

“And what about Emma running away?”

“That was planned too.”

Father shrugged casually. I clicked my tongue in disbelief—her performance had really fooled me.

Even Father, despite his age, had a mischievous streak. No wonder they called him the Cold-blooded Duke.

As I talked with Father, Raon handed me a glass of champagne.

“Here you go, sister.”

“Thank you, Raon. It’s been so long since I last saw you.”

I accepted the champagne with a smile.

“By the way, how’s the royal guard work?”

I asked casually, and Eit oppa smiled knowingly. From this year, Raon had been serving in the royal guard alongside him.

“It’s going very well. Right, Raon?”

“Y-Yes, of course!”

Raon snapped to attention and answered energetically, showing how oppa had been putting him through his paces. No doubt, he had been coaxed into the role with all sorts of sweet talk during the recruitment.

I couldn’t help but laugh. Laughter spread, and our cheerful little gathering kicked off.

Though we had exchanged letters before, seeing each other face-to-face and talking was far more joyful. From midday to night, the party continued endlessly. We sampled the new desserts the family patissiers had prepared for my return, enjoyed dinner together, and played board games at a table set aside. The desserts and meals were absolutely exquisite.

Eventually, my sister-in-law came down, feeling a little better.

We all welcomed her warmly.

“Oh my!”

I let out a small gasp.

She caressed her belly gently. The last time I had seen her in late January, it wasn’t nearly this big. It really hit me that her due date was near. Usually, Ranshe wore her hair tied back and fitted clothes, but today she wore her hair loose and a light, airy maternity outfit.

“It’s fortunate you returned just before the birth. Our child will be very happy to see you, young lady.”

“I’m so happy there’s a niece or nephew. Have you decided on a name?”

“If it’s a girl, Erya; if a boy, Ragwin.”

“Those are beautiful names.”

I genuinely thought so.

With her permission, I gently placed my hand on her belly. Amazingly, it felt like I could sense the baby moving.

Ranshe sipped juice while the others drank according to their preference, juice or alcohol. I had drunk quite a bit of champagne and felt slightly warm, though not uncomfortably so.

As night grew late, people gradually went upstairs to prepare for bed.

Still chatting with Eveharun until the end, I yawned widely. Sleepiness was beginning to overtake me.

“Haah… is everyone sleeping over?”

“Yes. Though tomorrow will be busy.”

“There are plenty of rooms, that’s good.”

I stretched and prepared to go upstairs. I wanted to keep talking, but travel fatigue still lingered.

“Heading up?”

Father asked, and I waved cheerfully, a little dizzy from the champagne.

“Yes, goodnight everyone!”

The family wished me a good night as I ascended the stairs to my room.

My chamber, meticulously prepared by the maids and servants, was unchanged from before.

“Now, you should go inside.”

“Goodnight, Miss Laila.”

“Congratulations on your return.”

After sending the maids away, I entered the room alone.

Once the door was closed, all the sounds from downstairs were blocked, leaving a profound silence.

Through the large window on one wall, the night scenery stretched out before me.

The cool night and white moonlight filled the room, calming me.

‘I’m back. Hello.’

I silently greeted the room that had been mine since birth, filled with all my belongings.

Smiling faintly, I touched each of the cherished objects: gifts from family and friends, magic books I had studied diligently, and treasured items. Holding them in my hands made my heart swell.

How could I even express this feeling?

At last, I truly felt like I was home.

I opened the window to feel the cool night breeze.

Tonight, the moon was exceptionally bright.

Habitually, I propped my chin in my hand and gazed up at the night sky.

It felt as if he might magically appear and knock on the window.

‘Tearoha.’

I wondered if he was well.

Was he looking at the same moon?

Feeling the night breeze, the effects of the alcohol began to fade.

T-e-a-r-o-h-a.

I whispered his name softly, over and over, hoping the wind might carry my voice to him.