LOGIN王家の策略により、王太子の婚約者に選ばれた伯爵令嬢ベアトリーチェ。 「お気づきになりましたか、お嬢様。これは、栄誉ある縁談などではない。『金の首輪』ですよ」 愛する家族を守るため、令嬢は決意する。 ――そうだわ、わざと嫌われて、婚約破棄されればいいのよ! 歴史上の悪女を手本に「完璧な悪役令嬢」を目指すが計画は、持ち前のポンコツさとドジっぷりで、いつもあらぬ方向へ大脱線! お嬢様の奇行を、慇懃無礼に支えるのは、ミステリアスな専属執事、イヅル・キクチただ一人。 悪役を演じる不器用令嬢を、『最高のエンタメ』として愉しむ執事がおくる、予測不能な勘違いラブコメディ。 さあ、勘違い悲喜劇(バーレスク)、ここに開幕。
View MoreStepping into the airplane, Lily's eyes widened with wonder. The inside seemed like a magical world to her and she wondered if she would have experienced this if her father was alive.
Lily wasn't happy that her father wasn't alive, just that her father couldn't afford the bills since he was poor.
Excitement filled her heart until her senses were overwhelmed by the most mouthwatering scent she had ever encountered, the smell was so potent that it made her weak In her knees and light-headed.The scent she smelled seeps into her every free space of the air, every control she has within her preteen body is fighting against her base instinct to search for the owner of the scent among the multitude of passengers inside the plane.Suddenly, a chilling voice broke the enchanting silence. Startled, Lily swiftly turned around and found herself face-to-face with the source of the irresistible scent. He was undeniably handsome, with sharp features that could captivate any heart. He stood tall, his eyes piercing and intense, as if gazing directly into her soul.Time seemed to stand still for that moment.But reality snapped back, and Lily's face flushed with embarrassment as she realized she had been caught staring. Regaining her composure, quickly she moved aside, feeling a mixture of humiliation and excitement coursing through her veins. But the boy spoke in a rude and disdainful tone before she could gather her thoughts."I guess you've never been on a plane before. You must be poor, judging by the way you're looking and blocking the way for others," he sneered, his eyes dark and stormy with annoyance as he glowered at her.
Those words cut deep into Lily, igniting a surge of anger within her. How dare he judge her based on her innocent excitement as a first-time traveler?
Since it was his intoxicating scent that had caused her to lose control. And seeing that he couldn't be older than her by more than a year, made her more furious.
Defiance welled up inside her, and without thinking, she almost responded with sharp words to defend herself against his unfair judgment. Yet, the boy walked away before she could say anything.
"He's such a joy killer," Lily muttered, pushing aside her anger and embracing the excitement that the boy's scent had awakened in her.
She proceeded down the aisle, determined to find her assigned seat. Peeking at the number on her boarding pass, she navigated through the maze of seats.
As she reached her row, the scent grew even stronger. Her heart sank when she realized that fate had placed her right beside the cold-hearted boy who possessed that irresistible scent—the same boy who had stirred up her emotions just moments ago.
Wanting to calm herself down, She took a deep breath, trying to calm She wondered how she was supposed to sit beside the boy whose delicious scent was calling out to her. But anger still lingered within her, Lily found herself increasingly drawn to the boy as the flight went on.
She secretly wished to hear his voice, to understand him. But his earlier rudeness made her hesitate to start a conversation. Still, she couldn't help but think of ways to punish him for his manner, all the while yearning to hear his voice again.
Pulling out her game, Lily started playing and turned up the volume, hoping to disturb the cold boy sitting beside her. Still, when he didn't react, she couldn't help but steal glances at him. She wondered about his thoughts, his name, and if they would ever talk to each other before they departed.
Just when she was about to give up, his harsh voice halted her. "You, how dare you disturb me with your game and the noise!" he yelled. His eyes turned black, and aura radiated from his entire being. Lily couldn't help but think he must be an Alpha due
Before Lily could reply, the boy swiftly reached over and snatched the game from her grasp."Give me back my game, you arrogant brat!" Lily snapped at him. Before she could comprehend what had happened, the boy's hand wrapped around her arm, sending sensations running up and down her skin. The touch was electric, and as quickly as he had grabbed her, he released her. Lily thought that he too must have felt the irresistible attraction."I don't want to hear a single sound from you until this plane lands," the boy said, his voice dripping with authority. Initially, Lily wanted to oppose him, but his aura was so strong that she found herself nodding to his command. From that moment on, she didn't utter a word, succumbing to weariness as she fell into a deep sleep. Initially, Lily wanted to oppose him, but his aura was so strong that she found herself nodding in a treaty that moment on, she didn't utter a word, succumbing to weariness as she fell into a deep sleep.
Time slipped away as Lily remained lost in slumber, completely unaware of the passing moments until a soft nudge from a flight attendant woke her up and she snapped back to reality, feeling disoriented and unsure of her surroundings.
Unlocking her eyes, Lily struggled to regain her bearings. Panic surged through her as she realized the plane had landed while she was asleep. Frantically searching for her belongings, she felt her heart sink as she discovered that her game had been taken by the handsome boy beside her and was nowhere to be found.Quietly cursing herself, anger welled up within Lily. She was frustrated for letting her guard down. She looked around, she noticed a crumpled piece of paper left on the seat where the boy had been sitting. Curiosity mixed with annoyance as she picked it up and unfolded it. The note, hastily written, sparked a surge of anger inside her. It was short but clear.
"Your punishment for snoring loudly is your game."
Lily couldn't help but curse, viewing him as a handsome thief. Regret washed over her for being deceived by the charms of a thief, and she clenched her fists in frustration. However, a faint sense of longing stirred in her heart, wondering if she would ever see him again.
Taking a deep breath, Lily tried to quiet her racing heart as she walked down the stairs toward the area where her mother, Monica, was waiting. Her mother had left her and her father to be with her mate. Standing next to Monica was a younger girl, probably her step-sister, who stared at Lily with angry eyes.
Approaching them, Lily felt a mixture of emotions. Monica awkwardly embraced her, as if unsure how to treat her own daughter. "It's so good to see you again, Lily. I missed you," Monica said with a smile that seemed fake to Lily. This woman had never once contacted Lily's father to ask about her, so her words rang hollow.
"I'm sorry Sam couldn't make it. He's Harriet's brother," Monica added. So, the girl's name was Harriet.
Lily nodded, feeling a sense of confusion amid this unexpected situation. She didn't know what to say or how to act. Thoughts of striking up a conversation with Harriet crossed her mind, hoping to find some common ground.
Harriet's bitter voice broke the silence, making Lily's heart sink. It was clear that Harriet didn't like her. Monica, Lily's mother who had never been there for her, seemed to obey Harriet, immediately heading towards their car.Walking to the car, Lily felt a knot in her stomach, wondering how she would cope with them.Finally, the car stopped, and Lily was grateful to stretch her sore legs as she stepped out. Following Monica and Harriet to the front door, it swung open, revealing a large man. His smile vanished when he saw Lily, replaced by a frown that turned into a glare. Lily thought to herself, "I guess he doesn't like my presence either," rolling her eyes inwardly.
"Hi, you must be Lily. Pleased to meet you," he said with a curt nod and a quick smile that vanished as soon as it came. "Please, come in."
His intense stare made Lily uncomfortable. She felt like he didn't want her in the same room as the girl his mate had with another man.
Suddenly, someone came running down the stairs. It was a boy slightly younger than Harriet—Lily knew it had to be Sam.
"I can't believe you're here. It's so good to finally meet you," Sam said, lending Lily a warm hug that made her smile. "Come on, I'll show you to your room," he proceeded, pulling her away before she could react.
Lily felt relieved as he led her away from the rest of the family. She was grateful that he seemed to want her there, and he was completely different from Harriet and his father. She immediately felt at ease around him, and the warmth of his welcome reassured her that this new family might not be all bad.
"This is your room," Sam said, opening the door to a cozy, cream-colored bedroom. Lily couldn't help but smile at his gesture of kindness. "I love it, thank you, Sammie," she replied, using a nickname for him. His face lit up with happiness.
"I have another big sister to annoy. But don't worry, I won't annoy you too much, just a little," Sam rambled, causing Lily to burst into laughter.
"That's alright. I'll just freshen up and get settled in. Thanks again," she said, still chuckling.
As Sam left, Lily shook her head at his innocent and carefree nature. She began unpacking her belongings and placing them in the closet. Her eyes fell upon a picture frame of her father, Joe, that she had brought with her, and a wave of sadness washed over her.
Her father had been a good man, understanding why her mother had to leave him, even if Lily couldn't fully grasp it. Monica leaving her and her father for her new partner had left Lily with resentment. Now, living with her mother, Lily could see that Monica loved her children.
If given the choice, she would have preferred to be alone rather than live with Monica after her father's death. But the decision wasn't hers to make. It had been made for her, and she had no choice but to go along with it.
Lily carefully placed the picture on the bedside table, a silent reminder of her father's presence in her life. She continued unpacking, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle upon her. The long day had taken its toll, and she wondered if she could go without dinner and just collapse into sleep. But as she finished showering and changed into her nightwear, a soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.
"Hey Sis," Sam's voice came through the slightly ajar door. "Mom said to call you down for dinner."
Lily smiled warmly at her stepbrother's kindness. "Yeah, sure. Let's go, buddy," she replied, following him downstairs.
As they gathered around the dinner table, Monica turned her attention to Lily. "Lily, I know you're looking forward to starting school. Everything has been arranged for it," she said, surprising Lily with her prompt action. It made her realize that perhaps her mother's wealth was greater than she had initially thought.
"Thank you, and yes, I'm ready for it," Lily responded, grateful for Monica's consideration.
Monica gave her a small smile, but before the conversation could continue, Harriet interjected with her snide remarks. "I'm surprised you even know how to use a fork. You probably ate with your hands before you came here," Harriet sneered, taking a jab at Lily's background. "Considering how much of a dump your father was."
A surge of embarrassment and anger welled up inside Lily, her cheeks burning with shame. She wished she could disappear, wishing that Harriet would stop attacking her. And yet, Monica remained silent, only shooting a disapproving look at Harriet, as if that would magically transform her into a better person.
"What, Mom? I'm just saying she doesn't belong here, that's all," Harriet continued, her tone dripping with disdain.
At a point, she thought the hurtful remarks had reached their peak, but then Harriet's father added his own cruel words, wearing a smirk on his face. "She'll learn soon enough. Now that she's with us, her uncultured life will improve better than what her father gave her."
His words pierced through Lily's soul, leaving her feeling wounded and broken. All she had wanted was a chance to prove herself, to find acceptance within this new family. Excusing herself from the dinner table, she hurriedly made her way back to her room, tears streaming down her face.
With a forceful slam, she shut the door, desperately seeking a moment of solace and privacy. She locked the door, hoping to find refuge within the confines of her own space.
But soon, the door opened, shattering her hopes. Harriet walked in, filled with disdain. "You think you're a princess? There's only one princess here, and it's me," she sneered.
Lily couldn't find the words to respond before Harriet's phone rang. Lily glanced at the screen and gasped. The man she admired on the plane, the man she had accused of being a thief. His picture appeared as the caller on Harriet's phone.
"Hello, babe," Harriet said, then turned and left the room, leaving Lily to wrestle with her emotions.
Left alone, Lily's heart was in turmoil, questioning the connection between Harriet and the boy, who had the irresistible scent.
Who was he, and why was he calling Harriet?
「……ふう」 シートに身を沈める。どっと、ローラントを疲労感が襲った。 御者が鞭を振るう音。再び馬車に乗り込めば、ジャンジャックが気だるげにページをめくっていた。 遠ざかる、王都。 遠ざかる、かつての栄光と罪の場所。「……終わったか」「ええ。……心残りがないとは言いませんが」「まあ、そうだろうな。心残りは、たくさんあるに越したことはない」「……そうでしょうか?」「若いうちから、心残りを消すことをするな。まだ早い」「先ほどからなんですか! 俺とジャンジャック殿、そこまで年齢が違うとは思いませんが!?」 なぜ、さほど歳の変わらない相手に、若造扱いされているのか、ローラントは不思議で仕方がなかった。 年上風を吹かせてくる男というのは、騎士には珍しくもないが、ジャンジャックの態度は妙に鼻につく。「気を遣ったつもりなのだがな。小生が知らせていなければ、見送りもいないぞ?」「それはっ! 確かに。……ありがとうございます」「素直でよろしい。先ほどより、顔つきがマシになったじゃないか」 ローラントに、勝ち目はないらしかった。どうにも分が悪い。「そう、ですね。なんというか……不思議なことに、失ったはずなのに、心が軽いです」「そうだな。ある種の人間は、心を軽くしてくれるものだ」「ある種の、人間?」「小生にとっての、ルチア。お前にとっての、ベアトリーチェ」 それは、ローラントにも否定する余地がなかった。「仮になにもかもが演技であり、勘違いや錯覚だったのだとしても……そこに抱いた感情には、偽物も本物もない」 ジャンジャックは、ページをめくる。「狂人を演じ続けられる者は、最早それは狂人であるように。同時に、お前の前で、英雄を演じきってくれるならば――その者は、お前にと
「……はぁ。結局、振り出しに戻ってしまいましたわ」 帰りの馬車の中。 わたくしは、がっくりと項垂れていた。こんなにお天気なのに、乙女心は土砂降り雨模様よ。 すると、向かいに座るイヅルが、優雅に脚を組み替えながら、涼しい顔で水を差す。「まあ。この状況での婚約解消など、殿下にとっては想定外もいいところでありましょう」「なんでよ!」 思わず、手近なクッションをぎゅっと抱きしめて抗議する。「夜会で、あんなに派手に暴れましたのよ? 複数人の殿方を侍らせて、前代未聞のスキャンダルを起こしたではありませんのよ! 普通なら、愛想を尽かされて当然ですのに……」「ええ、確かに。普通ならばそうでしょうね」「どうして、バージル殿下の頑固さが、あんな斜め上の方向に進化してしまっているのかしら? ハッ、まさか……王族って、特殊な性癖とかおありになるの???」「お嬢様。その邪推は、あまりに不名誉すぎて、不敬罪でございますよ」 そんなツッコミは一旦、無視よ。不敬罪くらいで、今さら怖がってなんかいられないわ。「はて、そこまで大暴れされても、婚約解消はしたくない。そんな男心が、ビーチェお嬢様に伝わらないのはなぜなのでしょう。……あまりに眼中になさ過ぎる?」 続く、イヅルのぼやきも、あとまわし。 わたくしは頬杖をつき、馬車の窓ガラスに映る自分の顔を睨みつけた。でも、しょぼくれてはいられないわよね。「やはり、初心に帰るべきなのよ」「初心、でございますか?」「ええ。奇策に頼らず、コツコツと積み上げるの。手始めに、中断していた『恋愛スキャンダル計画』を、継続するしかありませんわ!」 わたくしは、拳を握りしめて宣言した。 そう、こうなったら長期戦の構えっ! 悪役令嬢延長戦に突入よ!「やっぱり、ヒュプシュ卿にお願いしようかしら。あの方なら、ノリノリで協力してくれそうですもの! もう、『恋人のフリ』のプロフェッショナル
――数日後のこと。 わたくしは、バージル殿下に呼び出され、王宮の庭園を歩いていた。あら、すっかり修復されたのね。 午後の柔らかな日差しが、手入れの行き届いた白薔薇の生垣に降り注ぎ、甘やかな香りが風に乗って漂う。 砂利を踏む、ザッ、ザッという足音が心地よい。「……此度の件、改めて礼を言う」 足を止めた殿下は、わたくしに向き直ると、黄金の頭を下げた。 公式記録に、記されてならない。王族が頭を下げる行為。飾らない礼。「そなたがいなければ……私は、友を失い、国を失っていたかもしれない」「頭をお上げください、殿下。わたくしは、自分のしたいことをしただけですわ」「その上、ローラントへの見送りまでも、果たしてくれたな。私の分までも」「……きっと、ローラント殿には届いていますわよ。殿下のお気持ちは」 イヅルへの侮辱は、まだ許せないけれど。 でも、あの夜、傷つきながらも、まっすぐにローラント殿にぶつかっていったお姿。 悔しいけれど……正直、感動したの。(だからこそ、わたくしは……腹を割って話そうと思いますの) パチン。扇を閉じ、わたくしは殿下の瞳を見つめ返した。「わたくし、今回のことで殿下を見直しましたわ」「……そうか? ……そうかっ!!」「だから、殿下。もし、やり直せるなら……また一から、始めたいと思っております」 わたくしは、正直な気持ちを伝える。「――わたくしたち、やり直しませんこと?」 すると、バージル殿下は、パァァァッ!と、見たこともないような明るい表情になった。 年相応の少年のお顔で、無防備に手を取り、強く握りしめてくる。「ベアトリーチェっ! やはり、そなたもそう思ってくれていたか! 私も同じ気持ちだっ!」「まあっ
王都を出る城門で、馬車が止まる。「……フム。どうやら、お見送りのようだぞ」 ジャンジャックの視線先。城門の脇、二つの人影。 燃えるような赤髪の令嬢と、影のように付き従う黒衣の執事。 ローラントは馬車を降り、不自由な身体で深く頭を下げた。「ベアトリーチェ様、なんと言えばよいのか。……その、わざわざ、お見送りに?」「ごきげんよう、ローラント殿。もちろんよ。お加減はいかがかしら?」 ベアトリーチェは、ローラントの包帯だらけの姿を見て、一瞬痛ましげに瞳を揺らした。 が、すぐに、いつもの勝気な笑顔を作っては、扇を広げる。「おかげさまで。命だけは、拾いました」「そう? まだ、もっと色々残っていると思うけれど」 言われても、ローラントにはこの身に何が残っているか、思いつかない。 言葉に困り、助けを求めようにも、隣に立つイヅル・キクチは、相変わらず何を考えているか読めない。涼やかな微笑。「本当は、バージル殿下も来たがっていたけれど、お立場が許さないって。それに、他にも来たがっていた人はいたのだけれど……大々的には出来ないから。だから、わたくしだけで来たわ」「そう、でしたか」「寂しい見送りでごめんなさいね。でも、殿下ったら、歯を食いしばって、目も真っ赤。泣く寸前になっていましたわよ?」「……あまり、民衆に見せてはいけなさそうな姿ですね」「でしょう? だから、かえって良かったかもしれないわ」 ローラントは、想像して目を伏せる。(もし、会えていたら。……俺は、ここから離れがたくなってしまっただろうな) すると、「あっ!」とベアトリーチェが声を上げた。「それより約束、でしたわよね。これ、受け取ってくださる?」 差し出されたのは、一枚のハンカチ。 上質な絹の布地。その隅に繊細ながらも、力強い糸運びで、刺繍が施されている。
ふと我儘な感傷が、胸をよぎる。(はあ。どうせなら、本当のわたくしを評価されたいものだわ) でも、“本当のわたくし”とは、一体誰のことかしら? 悪役を演じようと、空回りばかりしている、このわたくし? それとも、森を駆け回っていた、あの無邪気だった子供?(社交界の華だと褒めそやされていた、わたくしだって。……今となっては、どこまでが本当のわたくしだったか) そんな、わたくしらしくないことに思考が沈みかけた。「ベアトリーチェ様ーーーっ!!
午前の講義を終え、回廊を歩くわたくし。ブツブツ独りごちる。「結局のところ、何が悪かったのかしら?」 歯噛みするほどに悔しい。 ルチアの態度なんて、もう絶望よ。『素敵な人』なんて扱いされるたびにゾワゾワするもの。 エイデンの森から帰ってきてから、ずっと考えているけれど。結局のところ、わたくしの計算とは検討違いな方向にばかり事態が転がっていく。 庭園迷路を、全力逆走してしまった時みたいだわ。(経験あり)「うーん。でも、よくよく考えてみたら……ウサギちゃんが化物になったのは、わたく
すると、父の眼が鋭くキラリと光った。「そうか。つまり、君は……我が娘ベアトリーチェに、大きな借りがある、と。そう考えてよいのかな?」「借り、ですか?」 本気で借りと言うのなら、キッチリ返してくれるんだろうな? そんな、わかりやすい圧だった。命の恩人ならば、相応の元が求められる。「――はいっ! 私にできることなら、なんでもお手伝いしますっ!」 でも、ルチアは怯まなかった。(なんでもお手伝いする!? それ、政治的に言っちゃいけない|言質《ヤツ》ナンバーワンよ。
「ご心配には及びません。これくらい、どうということはありませんので」 心を読んだように、微笑むイヅル。 いつもの食えない笑みに、なんだか無性に腹が立って枕を掴んだ。 なんで、わたくしがイヅルの心配なんかしなくちゃいけないのよ!「この! どの口が言うのかしらっ!」 枕を掴んで投げつけようとしたけれど、力が入らなくて、ぽすん、と情けない音を立てて落ちるだけ。いたたたたっ!?「わたくしが、どれだけ怖い思いをしたと思ってるの! あなた、途中まで高みの見物を決め込んでいたでしょう!?」 「いえ、そんな
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