BJ Villainess Chapter 341

Euges didn’t make the pointless mistake of asking why and turning suspicion into certainty. Instead, he asked what Theresa had wagered.

 

“What did the princess ask for if she won?”

 

“I wasn’t told what Her Majesty requested. But I do know Your Majesty seemed quite displeased. You even muttered something about having to give up drinking and smoking for life.”

 

“What on earth did she wager to make me say something like that?”

 

“If Your Majesty is curious, perhaps you should ask Her Majesty directly.”

 

Euges recalled Theresa’s stunned expression when he said he was returning to his chamber.

 

What could she have possibly asked for? He had no clue—he barely knew anything about her, after all. But he had no desire to ask.

 

“Forget it.”

 

It wasn’t his wager, after all. Let her keep it on her own.

 

“Bring me a drink.” Annoyed, he irritably pulled the wide-open curtains shut.

 

* * *

Euges awoke at once the moment the gods-forsaken morning arrived. Once again, he’d forgotten to close the curtains. The cursed sunlight poured in like it meant to roast him alive.

 

“What the hell are the courtiers doing?”

 

He bolted upright in bed, ready to execute every courtier in sight—until he suddenly glanced to his side. Of course, Theresa wasn’t there. It wasn’t that he expected her to be. He’d only looked because he’d thought of her reflexively before he could stop himself.

 

“Sigh.”

 

The courtiers probably hadn’t touched the bedroom at his own command. The reason was obvious—he didn’t want his time with Theresa in the bedroom to be disturbed.

 

Irritated, Euges threw himself back onto the bed. His head throbbed, and his whole body felt like it was burning. And yet, above all the pain, it was the sheer irritation that made him not want to move a muscle.

 

Knock knock. Someone knocked at the bedroom door, but Euges didn’t respond. They should know better and leave. Click.

 

“…?”

 

Who the hell was crazy enough to enter without permission?

 

The light, tiptoeing footsteps—like drifting dandelion fluff—gave the intruder away instantly. Only one person in the entire Empire would dare such a thing.

 

He rose with disbelief and asked, “Have you come to assassinate me?”

 

“Eek!”

 

Theresa dropped the flowers she was carrying. Sparkle, sparkle. The magical plants scattered a dazzling light in every direction. Standing awkwardly in the middle of it all, like a startled fairy caught in her own magic, Theresa gave him a sheepish smile.

 

“You’re up early.”

 

“What, disappointed I wasn’t still asleep?”

 

“Well, a little…”

 

“A little?”

 

“Maybe a lot…?”

 

So she was disappointed. Euges had meant to ask why, but she’d gone and confessed the truth first.

 

I thought she was quick-witted… maybe not?

 

“What’s with the flowers?” Euges gestured towards the flowers—clearly the reason she’d snuck in.

 

“They help with calming the mind. Clear thoughts too.”

 

“So you’re saying I’m a bundle of nerves with a foggy brain?”

 

“…It’s been a while since you’ve spoken like that.”

 

“Sounds like you’re saying I’m annoying.”

 

Theresa pretended not to hear and crouched to pick up the fallen flowers. Something about her sly and cute gesture made Euges let out a faint laugh despite himself. He shuffled over and crouched down across from her. Of course, he didn’t help pick up the flowers.

 

“You do realize entering the emperor’s bedroom without permission could get you executed, right?”

 

“That’s true. But I’m the empress now. And I’ve made a bit of a name for myself as a wizard.”

 

Now, she was getting bold.

 

“So even I need to be mindful of you, is that it?”

 

“To be honest… yes, kind of.”

 

“And yet, Princess, don’t you know it’s rude not to look someone in the eye when speaking?”

 

“…”

 

Still gathering flowers, Theresa finally looked up—reluctantly. Only then did Euges realize why she hadn’t looked up. From a distance, he hadn’t noticed—but up close, her eyes were red and a little swollen. She must’ve cried alone while he wasn’t there.

 

Theresa seemed to realize he was examining her face and quickly looked away again, murmuring a half-hearted excuse. “I was up late researching something.”

 

“And these flowers are your answer?”

 

“It’s just… trying something. Anything.” And she silently continued picking up the flowers.

 

So like grasping at straws, I suppose.

 

“Foolish,” Euges muttered. Yet even as he said it, he found himself reaching for the flowers and placing them in a nearby vase.

 

Theresa followed him quietly, then noticed the bottle of wine next to the vase. “You’ve been drinking.”

 

Was she about to mention the bet? Euges feigned ignorance, willing to humor her attitude one more time. “Is there a problem?”

 

“No.”

 

She remained silent about the bet. That bothered him.

 

“I thought you’d interrogate me—ask why I drank. Or do you think, since I’m not your husband, there’s no need to honor the bet?”

 

“…You knew? Did you remember?”

 

Her face lit up with hope, which made it even more irritating to look at.

 

“I heard it from the chamberlain.” And just like that, he crushed her hope completely. “If you’re done here, would you leave now? It’s uncomfortable having a stranger in my bedroom.”

 

One moment, Euges seemed almost kind, and the next, he turned cold and sarcastic again. A perfect illustration of a man whose moods dictated his manners. But Theresa didn’t act like a tragic heroine despite his frostiness.

 

“…I see. I’m sorry for barging in. Rest well, Your Majesty.” She bowed and left the bedroom.

 

Will she cry alone through the night again? As Euges poured himself a drink, the closed bedroom door opened again, and Theresa strode back in.

 

“I’m not a princess—I’m the empress, Your Majesty. I’d appreciate it if you’d be mindful and address me accordingly from now on.”

 

He’d wondered what grand declaration she was charging in to make —only for it to be about a title?

 

“Aah, I’ll take note.”

 

“And you said you heard about our bet, correct?”

 

Euges hadn’t expected her to bring it up again and raised an eyebrow.

 

Theresa looked at him determinedly and declared, “I’m going to keep the bet. I want you to accept that you’re my husband and honor it too.”

 

Euges dramatically took a drink from the cup he’d just poured. “Well? What now?” He was curious what her reward would be if she won the bet. What could she possibly want?

 

But instead of asking for something, she said something cryptic. “I’m already receiving my reward.”

 

“What does that mean?”

 

“I’m not going to tell you. I’ve already been receiving my reward, and I will continue to do so!” Then she turned around and stormed out of the bedroom.

 

“…Huh.” Euges suddenly lost his taste for alcohol and set down the glass.

 

Ever since Theresa reappeared, he’d been feeling better and didn’t really want to ruin his day with alcohol. But not knowing how to get through a day without alcohol or cigarettes, he quickly felt bored. He tapped the neatly arranged flowers in the vase and reflected on her last words.

 

“Already receiving her reward… I have no clue what that means.”

 

But now, he was dying to find out what reward she meant.

 

Euges called for his chamberlain and gave an order. “Move all the alcohol in the palace to the empress’s quarters.”

 

He was truly curious how long she could hold out without telling him.