The villainess aims for a peaceful life 60 The squirrel may blow the plan

"... this is where the Underworld mob is?"

"Yes! Isn't that fantastic? They're in training right now"

Brother's reaction was expected. Right now we are outside the villa, which once belonged to Marc in the city's outskirts. Although most of the people that were living here already moved to their new houses on the new 'onsen', the guys from Cerberus would usually stay here instead of their original headquarters.

Training daily to become the best hosts, my most new subordinates were truly dedicated to their new way of life. It filled me with pride that they were moving on from their criminal life to a more regular and law-abiding type of life.

Opening the door, Carl was there to greet us.

"Good morning, Miss, good morning, Young Master"

"Morning Carl, Our news department works rather well"

"Yes, they sent the word soon enough to have your pastries and favourite tea prepared"

Filling the role of a butler, Carl took Brother's coat and mine and gave to another guy that came to help him. Guiding us through the villa, Carl introduced the real state to Brother, whom he knew, apparently, came to visit the business.

It seems I would need to give the guys responsible for the news and Carl some kind of reward for the excellent job they are making.

"Do you have anything to report Carl?"

"A few. This week's most commented topics were the Royal Parade, Miss initiative for the clinics, and this new trend with squirrels. It seems some cloth and accessory stores are making a related product. Miss Julia's popularity seems to have gone up among the regular folks. Although not as high as Miss', the disapproval that she had is becoming less as the time passes. Our guys also noticed that the rice and vegetables are getting more expensive each week. They still didn't find the cause though"

"Oh? To think that they beat me in the launch of new products and here I was thinking of working that little squirrel to the bones... is strange that the food is getting expensive. This is probably related to Fournier, since most of these products have some connection with him. Tell the team that is investigating this case to have him as the prime suspect and to rush the answer. Is too suspicious that he's trying to do this close to the Parade"

"Yes Miss, I will pass the order. This was the news related to the plebe. Among the nobles, the most talked topics are the squirrels, but different from the commoners, it's more mocking than anything else. There were also rumours that Mayne Fournier was seeing trying to befriend Miss Julia. This is also the report that our spies could take from the possible new trends that the nobles could come to like"

"Mayne Fournier as in Mayne the son of Duke Fournier? The well-known prick?"

"Ehm- I don't know about the prick part Miss, but yeah, the Scary Duke's son. But the Crown Prince has prohibited them to meet"

I don't know why, but I have a bad feeling about this. This is clearly that time on the story that the silly protagonist who is trying to help those around her, is cheated by the villain and screw up everyone's plans and after many chapters, and by pure protagonism power, they solve everything.

Although I very much want to believe that Julia won't screw this up or that the armour plot is powerful enough, but I'm not willing to bet everything on it. Plus, always on this type of female lead screw up the supporting characters always get hurt. Why should I pay for Julia's stupidity? Nah, I refuse.

"... starting today put our guys in the most usual and unusual escape routes. They will work in cooperation with Dubois's knights. If they spot any unusual movement, they should interfere"

"Understood Miss anything else?"

"No, you can leave us alone for now Carl, thanks"

"Miss is too polite. I'll take my leave then"

After Carl closed the door, I looked at Brother who stayed silent until now. Honestly, I'm surprised that he didn't defend his flame not even once, or commented anything about her popularity rise.

"So, what do you think?"

"Unexpected"

"*pfft* please, did you think they were like those normal hoodlums? Nah, I want them to be the elite, so of course, they should have the poise of one. Don't you think I did an excellent job?"

"You always do Cecile, but that doesn't make this less dangerous. Do you understand that I'm only concerned with your safety?"

"I know Brother. But I promise that I don't take my safety lightly. I now know some self-defence movements, and Sir Theo and his team are always with me. If you are truly concerned though go to the Palace and investigate what's the real relationship between Mayne and Julia"

"What are you suggest- "

"I'm not suggesting anything outrageous Nissama. I just want to make sure they're not in contact"

"*sigh* I understand. I promise that I won't let anyone hurt you anymore. Not even Julia"

"I know"

Putting my head in Brother's shoulder. I quietly enjoyed his presence until he went to the Palace.

Chapter end