444
I left my room and headed to my father’s study.
As I walked down the corridor, the maids and butlers looked back at me and admired me. They hurriedly bowed their heads and said, “Welcome home”.
I wondered if they were surprised that I had returned, or…
“They are all amazed at your beauty, Young Lady.”
Rosetta whispered behind my back.
I made a blank expression, straightened my back, and walked with care so as not to lose my elegance.
If I lost my dignity as a young lady, I would lose my place as a Villainess.
When I reached the front of the study, I knocked lightly.
“Father, it’s Alicia.
“Come in.”
I opened the door when I heard his voice coming from inside.
It had been a while since we had a proper face to face talk like this, although we had met briefly yesterday. I was a little nervous.
“It’s been a while.”
I bowed lightly as I entered the room. Inside the room, there were not only my father but also my brothers.
…What a strange sight.
Before I left Duelkis country, Big Brother Henry was on my side, but Big Brother Albert and Big Brother Alan were on Liz-san’s side.
Did things change so much in this country while I was gone?
“Welcome back.”
That was all my father said to me. There were no words like “I’m glad you’re back safe” or strong hugs.
However, I could understand his deep love by listening to his slightly trembling voice and looking at his teary eyes.
Everything was contained in that one word, “Welcome home”.
I smiled at him with a big smile and said, “I’m home, Father”.
“You’re really looking good, Ali.”
When Big Brother Henry said that, “I’ve grown up a bit in Ravaal,” I replied.
I didn’t really know how much I had changed, but at least I had seen a lot of Ravaal.
I have met many people and overcome many difficulties there. In that respect, I think I developed more than I did before.
“Speaking of which, I think Alan has something to say to you.”
At Father’s words, Big Brother Alan straightened his posture a little. He, too, bowed deeply, like Big Brother Albert did yesterday.
I wondered how many years had passed since I saw him in this position of bowing so much.
I looked at him, wondering how to react.
“I should have been on Ali’s side, but I wasn’t. I even suggested that she be exiled from the country.”
“Wait a minute.”
I interrupted Big Brother Alan.
I didn’t need any more apologies from my family, although I should probably listen to his story all the way through.
Besides, I wanted to be exiled, too! Why were they apologizing to me?
Big Brother Alan looked up curiously. I scowled at Big Brother Henry, who probably knew this was coming.
He knew I didn’t like being apologized to like this…
Big Brother Henry looked embarrassed.
“No apology is necessary. Just tell me how the Duelkis nation has changed while I was gone.”
I asked in a strong tone as I shifted my gaze to Father.