The Cursed Villainess and the Tyrant Duke Episode 3: A Dangerous Audience

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The grand hall of the imperial palace. Towering marble pillars, golden chandeliers, and rows of noble spectators eyeing Evelina with suspicion. At the center, the Emperor sits on his gilded throne, his piercing gaze locked onto her.

Evelina Everhart

(stepping forward, maintaining a calm facade) *in mind*Alright, Evelina. No sudden movements. No threats. No villainous behavior. Just be a perfectly normal, not-murderous noble lady.

The Emperor, a middle-aged man with sharp features and a calculating expression, rests his chin on his hand.

Aldric Everthorn [Emperor]

Lady Everhart. I see you are well enough to walk.

Evelina Everhart

(bows gracefully) Your Majesty, I am honored by your summons.

Evelina Everhart

*In mind*Okay, that sounded polite enough. Good start. No one’s reaching for a sword yet.

A snort comes from the side. A young nobleman with golden hair and smug eyes leans against a column, arms crossed.

？？？

Honored? How amusing. Just days ago, you declared you’d have my head on a spike.

Evelina tenses.

Evelina Everhart

*In mind*Oh. Great. The emperor’s nephew. The one I apparently threatened to execute.

Evelina Everhart

(forcing a laugh) Ah… yes, about that. I must have been—*in mind*think, think! —suffering from a fever. A terrible one. I barely remember anything.(ಥ﹏ಥ)

Murmurs ripple through the nobles. The emperor raises a brow.

Aldric Everthorn [Emperor]

A fever?

Evelina Everhart

(nods solemnly) Yes, Your Majesty. Perhaps… I was delirious?

The golden-haired noble scoffs.

？？？

Convenient.

Evelina Everhart

*In mind*I don’t even know your name, and I already want to punch you.(ノ°益°)ノ

The Emperor studies her for a long moment. The tension in the room thickens. Then, unexpectedly, he chuckles.

Aldric Everthorn [Emperor]

How interesting.

Evelina forces a smile, though her heart pounds.

Aldric Everthorn [Emperor]

Very well. Since you claim illness, I will overlook this… indiscretion.

The nobles murmur, some disappointed, others relieved.

Evelina Everhart

*In mind*Oh, thank the heavens, I live another day.(ಥ﹏ಥ)

Aldric Everthorn [Emperor]

(coldly) But be warned, Lady Everhart. The Empire does not tolerate recklessness. There will be no second chances.

Evelina Everhart

(bowing deeply) Understood, Your Majesty.

The emperor waves a hand, dismissing her. Evelina turns to leave, only to freeze as she catches sight of a tall figure in the shadows—watching her with an unreadable expression.

His presence is overwhelming. Dark, commanding, and utterly terrifying.

Evelina Everhart

*In mind*Who the hell is that?

The figure steps forward, revealing sharp, stormy-gray eyes and tousled raven-black hair. A natural tan complexion, broad shoulders, and an aura that screams danger.

The infamous villain of the empire.

？？？

Lady Everhart. How unexpected.

Evelina Everhart

*In mind*Oh no.

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