The Villain's Reincarnation – Tired of Working Hard, I'm Slacking Off! The Peacefully Oblivious Slacker Avoids Ruin! - Chapter 39

“Lady Isabelle has passed away…”

“Lately, incidents have been occurring frequently, and the people are plagued by anxiety. Lady Isabelle had always stood beside them. Her presence brought peace to their hearts. Now, who will bring them comfort?”

“Lady Liona may have declared she would carry on her mother’s legacy, but what can a mere child possibly accomplish?”

“The king and his retainers are overwhelmed—constantly dealing with these incidents and the affairs of state. There’s no way they can fill the void Lady Isabelle left behind. This nation may very well fall.”

“If only Lady Liona had been born earlier, perhaps there could’ve been hope…”

Since Mother passed away, I’ve been hearing countless voices filled with fear and doubt.

Her presence was immense to the people. She brought them peace—and their smiles.

As a member of the royal family, she supported the nation from behind the scenes.

That’s why, after her death, I began hearing voices of grief, of expectations, of anxiety, and of the heavy responsibility placed upon me.

I am not allowed to fail.

Everyone keeps saying it—

That if I don’t dispel the people’s fear, the kingdom will collapse.

“…I’m so tired.”

Since Mother’s death, I’ve been overwhelmed with work.

I’m not allowed to stop. I’m not allowed to make mistakes. I poured everything I had into becoming someone who could take her place.

“Lady Liona, His Majesty requests your presence.”

“Father?”

Since Mother passed away, Father and I have both been so busy—we haven’t spoken at all.

(I wonder what he wants to say? I’ve been working so hard lately. Maybe… he wants to praise me?)

When Mother was alive, Father always praised me. It made me so happy. Even back then…

I went to him, full of hope, expecting the same.

“Father, it’s me.”

“Ah, Liona. Come in.”

His voice then was weary—deeply tired.

“Um… Father, what is it?”

“You seem to be managing the transition from Isabelle quite well.”

“Ah—yes! There’s still a lot I don’t understand, and it’s been really tough… But thanks to everyone helping and teaching me, I think I’m managing to fill Mother’s role.”

It was really difficult.

After Mother passed, I didn’t know much of anything. I was constantly facing things I didn’t understand.

Dorothy wasn’t around at that time. I only saw Mary occasionally. I really had to do everything by myself.

I chose to take on the succession myself. There was no one to guide me. I had to think and act on my own.

And I couldn’t afford to fail.

It was—truly—a struggle.

“I see, I see.”

(He really is going to praise me…!)

Even though it had been difficult, hearing someone acknowledge that effort—it made it all worth it.

It reminded me that it wasn’t all for nothing. It gave me the strength to keep moving forward.

But at that moment, I didn’t realize—

Father didn’t have the capacity to truly see me anymore.

“Now then, Liona. There’s something I want to entrust to you. I need you to inspect and investigate this town. According to reports—”

(…)

Father swiftly shifted the conversation, setting aside my efforts, and began explaining what needed to be done as a royal.

“This is the situation. Can you handle it, Liona?”

“…Ah… Yes. Leave it to me. I’ll fulfill my duty as royalty.”

Merely inheriting Mother’s role isn’t enough.

I have to do everything I can.

If I don’t, we’ll lose so much. I can’t afford to expect praise.

So, I kept running forward—alone.

“And then, you made one critical mistake. It nearly ruined everything. You should be grateful to your master, shouldn’t you? If it hadn’t been for them, it would’ve all been over.”

The younger version of me speaks again, just as she did in the morning.

“You suffered so much, and in the end? A bad ending. It’s all so pointless, isn’t it? Do you get it now? That’s the path you’re choosing for yourself.”

“I…”

Unlike this morning, I couldn’t respond with confidence.

“You’re blind to your own weakness—and to reality.”

Lord Iwaya’s words struck down the mindset I had clung to for so long.

“I won’t let you move forward.”

“I’ll never allow it. I won’t let myself be sacrificed for someone else’s smile anymore. I’m not someone who can just live for others.”

The younger version of me spoke without the slightest restraint.

“I hate you. I wish you’d just give up already. Then I could spend more time with Master and get praised more often. You’re so stubborn—it’s honestly unbearable.”

With those parting words, I was cast out of that world—and woke up.

Before I knew it, morning had arrived.

“That… was my weakness…”

It was a selfish, childish thought. One that could never be allowed, not when considering my position.

A single mistake could bring grave consequences. That’s the kind of role I bear. Careless decisions are inexcusable.

(…As if I have the right to say that.)

I’m not in a position to speak of careless decisions. Since arriving here, I’ve made one careless mistake after another.

“I don’t understand… I didn’t even realize something so basic.”

I truly didn’t understand.

I didn’t know how to face my own weakness.

I could feel something inside me breaking—crumbling.

Just like that night, I wanted to throw everything away again. But this time, I managed to suppress the urge and began preparing for the day.

This feeling—this urge to give up—was different from before. I knew that if I gave in now, I’d fall so far I might never return.

That fear kept me grounded.

And once I finished preparing, a knock came at my door—earlier than usual.

“Come in.”

When the door opened, standing there was a tall man in glasses. Beside him, another man—clearly unwell—was being dragged by the collar.

“Um… who are you?”

I couldn’t hide my confusion in the face of such an unusual sight.

“So you’re the girl, huh.”

“G-Girl…?”

The tall man with glasses stared at me intently, as if evaluating me.

“I am Higashiyama Hisahiko, chief secretary to Lord Kaito. And this here is Nemura Izuma, head of finance and one of the officials responsible for this inspection.”

“Nice to meet youuu~”

“A pleasure to meet you.”

Knowing they were associated with Master brought me some relief.

“I—”

“No need for introductions. I’m already aware of the situation. More importantly, girl—today, I’ll be overseeing you.”

“Eh?”

Lord Higashiyama spoke with such certainty, as if the matter had already been decided. I hadn’t heard a thing, so I could only look at him in confusion.

“What exactly do you mean by that?”

“Just as I said. Seems you’ve made at least minimal preparations. We’ll start with breakfast. Follow me.”

Without waiting for a response, Lord Higashiyama began walking off, dragging Lord Nemura behind him like it was second nature.

“I know it’s sudden and all, but he’s the type who sticks to his principles. For now, just go along with it, yeah?”

“Ah… y-yes.”

Despite being dragged, Lord Nemura didn’t resist at all and kept a lighthearted expression. Somehow, his demeanor encouraged me to follow as well.

Lord Higashiyama led us not through the mansion, but out into town. We eventually arrived at a quaint and quiet café.

“Order whatever you like. It’s on me.”

“Ah… thank you.”

Though he said that, I couldn’t bring myself to just order casually.

…What am I supposed to do in situations like this?
Come to think of it, I have no experience acting outside the role of a princess.

With Master, I’ve exposed all my flaws. He’s been kind, so I never had to overthink things like this.

Even in this short time, it was clear—Lord Higashiyama was a strict man. People like him often evaluate others by their every gesture.

That pressure awakened the “princess” in me.

Because I once stood in a position where every action had far-reaching impact, I had grown sensitive to such scrutiny.

So, instead of thinking about what I wanted to do, I found myself wondering what the correct action would be—as a princess.

“Hmph. Regaining composure is good—but if that ends up hindering you, then it’s meaningless.”

“!? I… I’m terribly sorry…”

Now that I had begun regaining some of my composure, the gap between my true self and my royal persona had become stark—causing inner conflict, confusion, and hesitation.

Lord Higashiyama saw right through it and called it out immediately.

(All I do is mess up…)

Just as I was lowering my gaze in resignation—disheartened by how weak I still was, unable even to take a step forward—

“If you’re going to apologize, don’t bow your head.”

His words were sharp, yet calm—and they pierced me.

“An apology is simply a way to express that you’ve reflected on your actions. But if you want others to truly believe you’ve changed, then you need to show it through action.

That approach may suffice when dealing with people who merely want to point out your immaturity.

But I am not one of them.”

Lord Higashiyama looked directly into my eyes.

“Face this opportunity head-on—with everything you have—for the future you desire. That is what I want from you.”

“Lord Higashiyama…”

Because he spoke with such clarity, his words carried undeniable weight—and sincerity.

He hadn’t come to judge me as a princess.

He was facing me as a person.
Giving his all, so I could grow—even just a little.

That’s what I felt.

“Also, I told you—I know your circumstances. I don’t know the details. My lord hasn’t shared everything.

But looking at the situation now, one or two mistakes won’t change my opinion of you.”

“A Priceless Breakfast”

Lord Higashiyama’s words made my face turn bright red, like a freshly ripened apple.

Knowing Master, he probably tried to keep things as secret as possible, but even so, the abnormality of my situation was plain to see.

Neither Master nor Lord Iwaya had paid much mind to that part, so it had completely slipped past me.

“Also, just so you know—starting with that one over there—there are plenty of shameless types around my lord. So I’ve developed a certain degree of resistance to it.”

“Shameless…?”

Not fully grasping his meaning, I followed his gaze toward Lord Nemura—who was intently scanning the menu, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

“Everything looks amazing… Alright, I’ve decided! Excuse me, I’ll have five servings of your finest steak lunch, three of these premium katsu sandwiches, and two of the golden apple juices to start. And then…”

“…”

Without even a hint of restraint, Lord Nemura ordered the most expensive items on the menu one after another.

The sheer volume was surprising, but more than that, there was something oddly refreshing about the way he did it so innocently, without an ounce of guilt.

“Umm… Is all that going on your tab, Lord Higashiyama…?”

“Naturally. I do not go back on my word.”

Hearing him state it so plainly, I finally understood what he meant earlier.

“All done! Oh, and Maid-san, feel free to order whatever you want too. This guy’s loaded, and his sense of financial normalcy is totally off. He won’t care at all, so no need to hold back.”

Having placed his order, Lord Nemura spoke to me as though nothing were out of the ordinary.

“I won’t deny I’m a little off-kilter, but I take offense at being treated like a walking purse. It’s not like I’ll pay for anything without limits. Cross the line and there will be consequences.”

“Don’t worry. I’m the finance officer, after all. I know exactly where that line is.”

There was something disturbingly convincing in the way he said that. I couldn’t help but smile wryly, while Lord Higashiyama let out a small sigh.

“Maid-san. Money has no value if it’s never used. Its worth comes from what it allows us to accomplish. That’s why you’re free to order whatever you like.

Because in doing so, you’re giving meaning to the money and intention that Lord Hisahiko offers.”

“…”

Maybe it was because he manages finances, but Lord Nemura’s words held weight—a sense of clarity and conviction that could move people.

“You’re right.”

By the time I realized it, the hesitation that had been clouding my heart had vanished.

Perhaps it was because I’d finally found an answer that made sense to me.

“Could I ask for your personal recommendation, please?”

“Of course! Leave it to me!”

I placed my order—not as a princess, but as just me. Because I believed this choice, however small it may seem, was a step toward being myself.

To others, it may have been a trivial moment.

But for me, that breakfast—and the choice I made—became something I’ll never forget.

◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

(You’re having more fun than I expected.)

Hiding just out of sight from Lord Higashiyama and the others, I watched their breakfast play out and found myself thinking that.

(I was worried at first, but things seem to be going well.)

It had been a pretty intense kickoff—exactly as planned—and I was on edge about how it might go. But leave it to the ever-reliable Higashiyama to handle it smoothly.

By dragging along someone like Nemura, who doesn’t hesitate to speak his mind, Higashiyama had somehow created a space where the maid could feel at ease.

(And I’m glad Nemura seems to be enjoying himself too.)

Watching him order his usual absurd amount of food, I couldn’t help but smile.

Back when I first met him, he’d been terrified of money—so much so that he’d locked himself away. But now, he’s grown into someone I consider a true comrade.

(It was just a spur-of-the-moment idea, but this might actually be the best move I’ve made.)

I’d suddenly been given a break from work and had no idea how to spend it. So I thought, Why not check in on them?—a simple idea, but definitely the right one.

(I really am a genius.)

Patting myself on the back internally, I turned to the person beside me and said:

“So, what are you doing here, Dokunai?”

Just like me, Dokunai was watching the trio from a hidden spot.

“Ahhh, well—I happened to hear that Lord Higashiyama and Lord Nemura were both going to be here.

And whenever those two move, there’s bound to be money involved. I figured it’d make for some great intel.”

Given that Dokunai is also a government official, and considering the two people in question—his explanation made total sense.

“Ahh… I see now. So she’s that maid—Lord Kaito’s favorite. Well, that’s unfortunate.”

Dokunai stood up, as if resigning himself to fate.

“I was already warned yesterday, after all. Guess I’ll behave and go dig up a different story.

Well then—Lord Kaito! Good luck with stalking your maid!

Don’t worry, I’ll keep your little crush on her a secret!”

As soon as he finished speaking, Dokunai bolted away at full speed.

“Hey! Get back here!!! That’s not what’s happening!!

You totally ruined it with that last line! I was actually feeling proud of you for once—for listening and backing off without fuss!”

I’d been genuinely impressed that he’d backed down so easily, but… of course, Dokunai was still Dokunai in the end.

And so, determined to set the record straight, I gave chase—

But I never managed to catch him.