Taming The Villainesses

Episode 217.1

I know you too. Youre a clown, arent you?

Even though she was dressed differently.

Even with the changes in her mood and demeanor, I could still recognize her. She was undoubtedly the 17 years old Aira, attending her sister Anises wedding.

She then entered the tent with a bundle in her hand, circling around me like a curious cat discovering a stranger.

Her bare feet move silently, making no sound.

Youre tall. I think youre the tallest clown Ive ever seen.

Well, I suppose so.

Aira herself was slender like a model, but she was still shorter than the original me.

Being 187cm tall was one of my few sources of pride.

What surprised me, though, was that Aira didnt recognize me.

Well, wasnt that a given?

I had a different face from the half-fairy Theo Gospel, and I was also wearing a weird clown costume.

Either that or the Aira here had completely reverted back to her 17-year-old self, and didnt even remember a man called Theo Gospel.

Yeah, that was a possibility.

Anyway.

She was lusher than I expected from a 17-year-old.

If the 20-year-old Aira was like a fully bloomed flower, then currently, she looked like a bud. Yes, a bud. There was no other way to describe Aira more than that.

It felt as if the slightest poke would spread the refreshing dew of the flower petalsblooming brightly. It was youthful and lovely.

Hey, say something.

Circle, circle-.

Her continuous circling around me made it seem like she was interested. This huge difference from the 20-year-old Queen Aira made a discrepancy akin to a big wall in my head.

Are you mute?

Was I not scary?

Approaching a stranger without any caution like this. It reminded me of the cat outside the orphanage.

It was a curious fellow without any sense of wariness toward people, before someone played a prank and hurt it with a stone. 

It would chase after everyone who walked by. It didnt know people were scary. Aira seemed to be like that too. Actually, she was closer to the original Aira.

I cleared my throat, which had been momentarily blocked, and asked. 

Are you not afraid?

Suddenly, I felt conscious with my voice. I guessed my voice was originally this thick? I didnt sound stupid, did I?

But Princess Aira didnt care about such things.

Why should I be afraid? Youre a clown. Clowns are funny folks. Well then, see you later!

Aira waved her hand and stepped outside the tent. Watching her back, I thought.

I see.

Now I could understand a bit.

About 17 years of life.

For Aira, who was loved by everyone, received attention, and only heard good words and praises, the world must have been so hopeful and bright.

The thought that someone would do her harm probably didnt even cross her mind, at least not in this moment.

You have calmly judged the situation!

You have gained experience points through the talent Calm Thinking.

All job experience +5 

Soon, Calm Thinking settled in my mind like a damp towel.

Perhaps taking Aira out of this world might not be as easy as I thought. 

* * *

It was after I got out of the tent that I met Lily again.

Hey, what do you think youre doing!? I told you to quietly wait!

Spotting me with a ridiculous face, Lily grabbed my arm and pulled me back into the tent, giving me a small tantrum.

What the hell is this? What are you up to?

You were taking too long, so I came in by myself. Im a clown now.

A clown? Did you decide to retire as the court secretary? It suits you well. Heh!

Anyway, thats not the point. Have you met Aira-nim? Lets discuss how we can take her back.

.

Lily glanced at Aira talking to her siblings outside the tent.

Seemingly lost in contemplation, Lily spoke in a soft voice.

Is it really right to take Tarantera-nim back to reality from here?

What kind of nonsense is that?

Look around. Everyones here. The princes, the princesses, even His and Her Majesty are alive and well. And Tarantera, no, Aira-nim is smiling.

I understood what she meant.

Aira looked happy in this place. It was my first time seeing her smile so brightly.

With the blue birds perched on her arms and head, pecking and flapping their wings, she looked just like a princess from a fairy tale.

But-.

This is a dream. Its fake. If we dont wake her up soon, who knows what might happen. We need to figure out how to get her out quickly.

I I dont know.

It was no use. This girl was completely lost. She couldnt make rational judgments anymore. And just as I wondered if she had eaten something wrong, someone shouted from outside the tent.

Lily, where are you? Im making a flower necklace. Lets make it together.

Ah, Princess, Ill be right out!

In response to Airas call, Lily ran out of the tent with a bright smile. Soon, she was chatting and laughing with the princesses, flashing a carefree expression.

It was then that a realization finally dawned on me.