I’ll Become a Villainess That Will Go Down in History

A strong body was holding me, protecting me.

Was this a delusion? …Despite this, I could feel the warmth.

Perhaps I was unharmed because Duke-sama used magic on the spur of the moment. But why would Duke-sama be here?

I could not process the information in my head. Surrounded by the empty trees, I was somewhat in a state of lethargy.

Then Duke-sama relaxed his arms and lifted me up with a jerk. Sitting on the ground, facing me, he suddenly hugged me.

It was not a gentle hug. It was a little hard to believe because Duke-sama was always so relaxed and calm.

“I’m glad you’re okay.”

My heart tightened at the sound of Duke-sama’s voice. At that moment, I was sure that he was the real deal.

I wondered if I should hug him back at a time like this…. I slowly put my hands around his waist.

“I didn’t feel alive when I thought I was going to lose Alicia. …I finally got to meet Alicia.”

There were so many questions I wanted to ask him, but I just stayed in Duke-sama’s arms and said nothing.

I was the only one in the world who knew Duke-sama like this. That made me so happy.

“I wish I could have met you too.”

I managed to get the words out.

Duke-sama gently took his hand away from mine, and his face came into view. I couldn’t help but admire his handsome face.

I could see my reflection in his clear blue eyes. At that moment, I remembered that I was dressed as a man.

I couldn’t believe I was in front of Duke-sama looking like this….

Suddenly, a sense of shame washed over me. I wanted to see Duke-sama again in a more feminine appearance.

“I’m like this…”

He covered my mouth to block out my words. The feel of his soft lips made me realize I was being kissed. His hands pinched my face.

There was no space, and the hot, forceful kiss was melting my brain. My heartbeat intensified, and I could not think of anything else.

Gently, he released my lips.

“Sorry, I was unable to hold it back.”

If he said any more sweet nothings to me, my heart would explode. I managed to change the subject, trying to divert the conversation.

“Why are you here?”

I couldn’t stand up from the waist down, and I was too embarrassed to look at Duke- sama’s face, but I asked in my usual tone of voice.

Duke-sama smiled a sweet, melting smile and replied, “Because I’m in love with you”.

…Was he trying to kill me?

“But that doesn’t mean you have to go all the way to Ravaal, right? What about the Duelkis? Did the king allow it?”

Duke-sama’s killing words upset me, and I asked all the questions at once. I always ended up losing my composure when dealing with Duke-sama.

He was a little stuck for an answer, thought for a moment, and then answered.

“…It’s a long story. Let’s get out of here for now.”

With those words, I realized that he might have come to also acquire the Maddie.

My mind was so occupied with Duke-sama that I had forgotten my original purpose.

“Yes, I have to let Leon and Victor know I’m okay.”

Duke-sama frowned a little.

I wonder if that was Duke-sama and Victor arguing on the cliff…I heard them talking earlier.

“Victor, that blond guy?”

“Yes, he is the second prince of this country.”

He looked somewhat displeased with my response and said, “I see”.