Flag-Breaking Villainess: The Story of How Breaking the Romance Flags of the Otome Game's Protagonist Ended Up Creating New Flags Between the Reincarnated Villainess and the Heroine - Chapter 14.2

On a certain holiday, I arrived at the Royal Art Museum with Lady Lilia for our uniformed date. Technically, Sir Urs was with us at first, but the moment she spotted the large event hall next to the museum, she eagerly rushed inside. Apparently, the event changes periodically, and this time, it was a regional cuisine exhibition. Her eyes had practically sparkled at the thought.

Since Lady Lilia and I planned to visit the exhibition for a meal after finishing our tour of the museum, Sir Urs had simply gone ahead of us. Lady Lilia didn’t seem to mind, so we continued on our own.

The moment we passed through the grand doors of the museum, the first thing I noticed was the silence. Soft light cascaded from ceiling-mounted magic stones imbued with light attributes, casting a warm glow over the exhibition hall. The atmosphere felt otherworldly, as though we had stepped into a realm separate from reality. Anticipation bubbled within me as I wondered what kind of wonders awaited us inside.

At the entrance, we were greeted by towering stone statues that seemed to guide us deeper into the exhibit. As we followed their silent invitation, we came across finely decorated vases, elegant furnishings, and taxidermied magical creatures on display. My eyes darted from one exhibit to another, unable to decide what to admire first.

When we stepped into a spacious hall, a massive dragon sculpture dominated the space. Its entire body gleamed with a metallic sheen, catching the light in a way that made it seem almost alive. As I drew closer, I noticed a small button. Curious, I pressed it.

The dragon’s neck moved, and in the next instant, it unleashed a fiery breath into the air.

I was too stunned to even scream.

There was no fear—only exhilaration. My heart pounded wildly, and before I knew it, laughter bubbled up from within me.

Our next stop was the trick art section. When I reached an area where the floor was painted to look like a bottomless pit, I instinctively froze. The illusion was so convincing that it felt as if I would plummet the moment I took a step forward.

Reflexively, I stepped back, and as I did, I caught sight of Lady Lilia laughing at my reaction. Seeing her smile made me smile in turn.

“I always thought of art as just paintings, but there’s so much more to it…”

“Exactly. That’s why just walking around and admiring everything is fulfilling. If you look closely, each piece has its own unique charm. Not bad, right?”

“Not at all! If I had gone out alone, I probably wouldn’t have come here. I’m really enjoying discovering this new world!”

Ever since meeting Lady Lilia, my world had become so much brighter. Today was undoubtedly going to be another unforgettable day for me.

We soon arrived at the painting section. As I took a quick tour of the room, scanning the many artworks, I eventually made my way back to Lady Lilia—only to find her utterly absorbed in a single painting.

She was so lost in thought that she didn’t even notice my approach.

The painting depicted a faceless angel.

At first glance, the image was unsettling. But recalling what Lady Lilia had told me earlier, I took a closer look.

The angel, devoid of a face, seemed fragile, its presence faint and ephemeral. There was a distinct loneliness about it, as if it were on the verge of fading away entirely.

Was Lady Lilia sensing that same isolation?

The room was so silent I could hear her faint breaths. As I watched, her expression gradually changed. Shadows crept onto her features, darkening them ever so slightly.

A strange unease settled in my chest.

Before I even had time to think, my hand had already reached out to grasp hers.

She blinked, startled, and turned toward me with a puzzled expression.

“What’s wrong?”

I hesitated for a moment before voicing the feeling that had gripped me.

“It just… felt like you might disappear, Lady Lilia.”

Her red eyes wavered slightly, as if caught off guard.

Then, a moment later, she exhaled softly.

“…I won’t disappear. Thank you for worrying about me.”

Her expression softened, and she smiled gently. Seeing that smile, I felt the tightness in my chest ease.

“Can we keep holding hands as we walk around? I feel at ease when you’re close.”

The moment I heard those words, warmth blossomed within me.

Lady Lilia needed me.

That simple fact filled my heart with joy.

“Of course! I want to stay with you forever!”

Hand in hand, we continued through the museum. Our footsteps echoed softly, and I could feel the distance between our hearts growing smaller.

From time to time, Lady Lilia would adjust her grip, holding my hand a little tighter.

It felt as if this connection extended beyond just our hands—it was a bond that tied us together.

“There are so many different types of exhibits, but what’s your favorite, Lady Lilia?”

“If I had to choose one, it would be paintings. I used to paint, long ago.”

Her response took me by surprise. I had never imagined that Lady Lilia used to paint. My curiosity piqued, I asked,

“You don’t paint anymore?”

She averted her gaze slightly, her voice quiet and uncertain.

“Not anymore. Unlike before, I can’t seem to do it now. Even when I want to… I don’t know what to paint, or what feelings should move my brush. I just… don’t know anymore.”

A shadow passed over her face, and her tone carried a faint tremor.

There was pain behind her words—an ache I couldn’t fully understand.

“If there’s anything I can do to help you paint again, please tell me. I would do anything for you, Lady Lilia.”

“How dependable. If I ever think of something, I’ll let you know.”

She said that, but I knew she wouldn’t ask me for help.

It wasn’t just because I was unreliable—it was because Lady Lilia always tried to stand strong on her own. Just like on that stormy night, she would push forward alone until she reached her breaking point.

But I wouldn’t just stand by and wait.

I wouldn’t be the kind of person who waited for permission to help her.

“It’s a promise! I’ll do my best for you!”

The moment I realized that Lady Lilia could no longer paint, a thought formed in my mind—an idea, a plan.

Before we left the museum, I asked to stop by the gift shop. While Lady Lilia wasn’t looking, I carefully selected my purchases: a sketchbook, high-quality drawing pencils, and an instructional art guide.

If she had forgotten how to paint, then I would find a way to remind her.

No matter what it took.