The Villain's Ending is Only Death Chapter 60
Just as I was smirking, I sensed someone sit down on my right, which had been empty.
I turned my head to follow the cold voice.
Derek, who had suddenly taken the seat next to me, murmured low enough for only me to hear.
"If you disgrace the family again, it won't end with just imprisonment."
As the duke sat opposite, the Ecart family was now fully seated.
As a result, I found myself sandwiched between the two male leads who despise me.
I was flustered by the unexpected situation and alternated my gaze between them.
'Why am I stuck between Left X and Right X?'
Although the prince couldn't kill me easily with them on either side, I was far from happy.
Not just the crossbow, but also the forks, knives, and the hunting rapiers the men were wearing.
With so many dangerous items that could potentially kill me scattered everywhere, and the worst people occupying both sides!
Just as a bad premonition started to creep up my legs,
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince!"
The bad premonition became a reality.
Startled by the loud voice, I turned my gaze to see a large figure walking quickly down the red carpet laid in the center.
His golden hair shone brilliantly under the dim night sky.
Usually, the white text would be the first thing to catch my eye, but for some reason, his gleaming hair caught my attention first.
As I stared blankly at his shining blond hair,
He suddenly turned his head toward me, sensing my gaze.
Our eyes met before I could react.
I hurriedly lowered my gaze, but it was too late. The corner of his mouth curled up in a mocking smile upon spotting me.
The area above the crown prince's head flashed.
The creeping unease enveloped my entire body.
The crown prince, who had just given the opening remarks, turned his head to look at the Duke of Ellen.
"Seems like I've given a sufficient answer, Duke."
The unspoken pressure to not push further was palpable even from where I was.
"Y-Yes... Thank you, Your Highness."
The Duke of Ellen had no choice but to bow his head in humiliation.
I thought the crown prince would leave now that all the people holding him back were gone.
No, I desperately hoped he would.
"I was planning to leave after the opening remarks."
"But I've changed my mind."
His bright red eyes, which seemed to have found an interesting toy, gleamed as they fixed on me.
"I'll stay until the end of the pre-festival event."
Left X, Right X, and the prince in front.
After finishing the opening remarks, the crown prince descended from the podium.
It seemed he was going to chat with the nobles who supported him.
However, for some reason, I couldn't shake the feeling that he was steadily closing the distance between us.
Just then, the duke also left to greet other nobles.
"Miss... Are you feeling unwell?"
Did I show how restless I was? Emily asked with a worried look.
I replied, trying to act as if nothing was wrong. Then I quickly changed the subject.
"Actually, Emily, can you bring me some water?"
I had been gulping down water due to my anxiety, and the cup was now empty.
I could have called a passing servant, but I was afraid even that action might catch the crown prince's eye.
"I'll check if there's any chamomile tea and bring it."
Emily whispered. Chamomile tea has a calming effect.
She really did pay close attention to my complexion, as she had promised to be my right-hand.
I nodded faintly, feeling a warmth in my heart.
Not long after Emily left the hall,
Reynold suddenly stood up from his seat.
Without realizing it, I grabbed his sleeve.
He frowned, looking down at my hand.
"...I'm going to greet my friends."
"Do you have to? Can't you just stay with me...?"
He was startled, yanking his sleeve out of my grip and quickly leaving the table.
His head flashed as he moved away.
Although the goodwill that had slightly dropped earlier had risen again, I was not at all happy.
Now, I had lost two of my shields, and my unease grew even more.
I turned to my right with a desperate look, as Derek was the only one left at the table.
However, while I was trying to hold onto Reynold, he had already finished preparing to leave with someone else.
"...I'd like to continue our previous business discussion. Is that alright? The members from last time are all here."
Derek followed the man he was greeting without even looking back.
'No! Please don't leave me!'
Unlike Reynold, I didn't even have a chance to grab him.
In an instant, I was left alone at the table.
All the useful shields were gone, leaving me completely exposed to the danger.
Looking around, everyone was gathered in small groups, building camaraderie.
No one was approaching me except the crown prince.
As I was aimlessly looking around,
A group of women dressed in unique styles, not the usual noble dresses, had gathered.
Some wore seductive, almost see-through clothes, while others were completely covered in dark fabric, with only their eyes visible.
On the other side, there were women in distinctly Eastern attire.
They were from a foreign country, more precisely, from a country that had become a vassal state after losing a war.
At that moment, one of the women in black pulled out a small, white ball from a cage.
It had a smooth, opaque surface like a blown bubble gum, and large eyes that took up half of its face.
Moreover, it had no hands and two thin legs like a chicken.
'They said they would release animals from foreign countries as prey. Is this one of them?'
Although it was a strange creature I had never seen before, its wobbly gait was quite adorable.
A small cry escaped from between its protruding fangs.
I wasn't the only one who thought so; I could feel the other young ladies' gazes also drawn to it.
〈SYSTEM〉 ~Main Quest: Become the Queen of the Hunting Festival!~
[First. Save the people around you from danger] Do you want to accept this quest?
(Reward: +5% Goodwill from all male leads, +50 Reputation)