The Villainess Lives Twice: Butterfly's Dream (IF Story) - Chapter 57

Nicholas shrugged his shoulders.  

“Our family’s hunting grounds are limited to this area.”  

Having a hunting ground near the capital was impressive, but the size of this one wasn’t that large compared to its monetary value. After several trips over the past few weeks, it was only natural that it had started to feel monotonous.  

“So how about our estate?”  

Percy, a Viscount’s son who had a land in the central region, asked.  

“Oh, it’s not bad.”  

“I don’t think so. It’s too rural.”  

“What’s wrong with rural? I want to hunt more.”  

“Can we hunt new game there? Shooting with a gun is actually pretty fun.”  

There were no banquets, no women, and no shopping, but the boys who had started to enjoy the thrill of seeing blood began to chatter eagerly.  

It was then that everyone fell silent when they realized Lawrence hadn’t said anything. Although Lawrence wasn’t the leader of the group, everyone wanted to earn his favor, so they all kept an eye on him.  

Percy asked again.  

“Is our estate not good enough? My father could probably lend us a few guns.”  

“Right now, I just want to go back to the capital. You guys can go on your own.”  

“Why go back to the capital? Not planning to hang out with those boring polo players, are you?”  

Lawrence shrugged his shoulders and turned his head away.  

He thought it was kind of funny. There weren’t many things as exciting as seeing blood, yet somehow, that little girl was on his mind more.  

He smiled absentmindedly as he thought of Lysia’s face. The girl who used to gaze at him, unable to look away, had somehow grown distant and avoided eye contact.  

At first, he thought it was annoying, but now that he looked back, he realized it had been cute. Like a lively little animal, she would definitely jump around if pressured.  

He thought he would enjoy seeing her smiling face again, but there was also something about making those bright blue eyes well up with tears that intrigued him. He found satisfaction in seeing her look afraid of him, and her flustered expression when he spoke kindly to her was also adorable.  

It was a strange feeling. He didn’t quite understand why it was so fun to deal with a little thirteen-year-old. It made everything else feel dull in comparison.  

If it hadn’t been for Cedric, he would’ve taken her home already. She was just a small Northern baron’s daughter. He could have easily made her his attendant. Lawrence thought to himself.  

* * *

Whack!  

Lysia’s polo mallet hit the small ball perfectly. The ball soared, but it was just barely off target for a goal.  

“Wow, that was amazing!”  

Someone exclaimed. Pavel slowly stirred his horse and patted Lysia’s head.

“That was amazing! Well done!”  

“Hehe.”  

Although Lysia had asked to try it herself, hitting the small ball accurately while riding a horse at full speed wasn’t easy. Given her small frame, even if she crouched, she was still farther from the ball compared to others, making it even more difficult.  

“You’re doing great! At this rate, you could join us.”  

Lord Grosvenor, one of Pavel’s friends, said with a laugh. Pavel, however, looked slightly uncomfortable. He knew that Grosvenor was saying this out of kindness, but he couldn’t genuinely want to include a complete beginner like Lysia, especially since she was so young.  

If the game became boring, Pavel would feel guilty for bringing her along. Besides, they had matched the numbers for the game. At that moment, it seemed Lysia had sensed his thoughts and cheerfully said,  

“I’ve had my turn! I’ll practice, and if I get better, you can include me later. I’ll just watch for now.”  

“Just let her join in.”  

Someone suggested. Lysia’s eyes widened.  

“Just put her in Pavel’s team. Adding one more won’t make us lose.”  

“Wow, look at the spirit!”  

“Is it really that brave to say? She’s just a newbie, and adding her won’t make a difference.”  

The decision was made quickly. Lysia was surprised.  

“Can I really join in?”  

“Haha, sure, let’s give it a try.”  

Pavel smiled and replied.  

“When the ball comes toward you, just hit it toward me.”  

“Got it!”  

As soon as the decision was made, the boys mounted their horses. Lysia bounced along excitedly and followed them as they rode.  

* * *

“We’re back!”  

When they arrived at the Grand Duke Evron’s residence, Lysia’s face was red with excitement. She jumped out of the carriage without waiting for the steps.  

Pavel, who had come to drop her off, smiled to himself at how happy Lysia seemed. 

It was no wonder. During the game, Lysia managed to hit the ball three times. Once it flew in the wrong direction, and twice the opposing team blocked it, but for a girl who was at least three or four years younger than the boys, it was impressive.  

She looked so happy, which was a relief.  

In fact, since the last time they met, Lysia had seemed a little down, and Pavel had been worried. She still smiled and seemed to enjoy her time with Artizea, but there was something about her that seemed wilted, like a plant that wasn’t getting enough sunlight.  

When Pavel asked Cedric if he knew, Cedric seemed concerned as well.  

[She has been having some thoughts since Tia finished her education. Lysia, being more average, feels like she’s falling behind.]

[Tia is really out of the ordinary.]  

[You were the one who said you couldn’t fall behind Tia.]  

[Did you think she was like that?]  

Having freed himself from his worries more than four years ago, Pavel answered decisively. There are those in the world who are born unlike others. Cedric was the same in that regard.  

[Anyway, Lysia is going to become Baron Morten, right? She says she wants to be a ranger. She could definitely make it.]  

[That’s not the only issue, though. Anyway, city life doesn’t seem to suit Lysia.]  

Things were different now compared to her childhood when she only stayed at home and interacted with a few families.  

Most of the nobles who set trends in the capital were from the central or eastern regions. The children’s small social circles followed adult trends, and topics like dancing, flowers, and adornments were commonly discussed among young girls.  

Lysia liked those topics, but it was also true that there weren’t many people around her with whom she could play freely.  

Cedric sighed.  

[I’ve been thinking whether it might be better to send her back to the North, but that might take away her opportunities, so I’m still debating.]  

[Hmm…]  

[I already called for Baron Morten. It’s not a decision I can make on my own. If she’s going to train as a knight, she needs to start preparing properly now.]  

Pavel felt unexpectedly conflicted. If Lysia went back to the North, it would be hard to see her.  

That was part of the reason he had been taking her around and spending time with her. Cedric had also asked him to ‘spend some good time with her while you can.’  

When Pavel didn’t get out of the carriage, Lysia turned around to peek inside.  

“Are you not having dinner before you go?”  

“It’s still not even sunset. Waiting until then would be too long. Also, I’ll be meeting with Father tonight.”  

As Pavel said this, someone emerged from the mansion.  

“Ah, Lysia.”  

“I’m back—”  

Lysia was about to reply as she turned, but she froze when she saw Lawrence standing next to Artizea.  

The sunlight had begun to stretch, making his hair gleam like golden threads. His pale cheek seemed to glow with warmth.  

“Hi.”  

He greeted Lysia with a gentle smile, but his expression quickly stiffened.  

It was because Pavel had gotten out of the carriage.