The Villainous Family Loves Me Too Much!

Having lacked sleep, we dozed off in the carriage to catch up on much-needed rest during the journey.

Only upon nearing Felosite did we awaken and observe the scenery through the windows.

Yet an ominous aura permeated the air, distinct from before.

‘This isn’t even the city center, but the outskirts… Yet there are signs of beast attacks on people?’

Typically, beasts frequent populated urban centers.

Driven by an inherent craving for human blood, beasts are drawn wherever humans congregate.

Areas with high population density like the vicinity of the Felosite palace see more concentrated beast attacks.

But what we witnessed from the carriage windows were the traces of someone systematically slaying both animals and people one by one as they passed.

“Could it be… Liam came this far?”

The remains of devoured livestock and humans lay spaced apart along the path.

“Not the usual beast behavior pattern, so it was undoubtedly a humanoid monster.”

If Liam lurked in Felosite’s outskirts, then perhaps…

“Lucian, could we make a brief detour to the Kenoch County before returning to the palace?”

An inexplicable sense of dread compelled me to divert our carriage towards the Count Kenoch estate.

“Jonathan! Grandmother! Grandfather!”

The moment I disembarked, my premonition proved accurate.

The estate’s outer walls had been breached, lying in crumbled ruins.

“Wait, Karena, it’s too dangerous!”

The once verdant pastures surrounding the estate where cattle grazed were now submerged in a sea of blood.

“All those cows… perished… Jonathan! Jonathan!”

Leaving the bloodsoaked fields behind, I dashed into the County Kenoch estate.

If Liam had ventured here, aware this was my maternal family’s domain, he wouldn’t have spared my relatives.

Inside the manor house, utter devastation reigned.

Mercifully, no bloodstains marred the interior.

Only disheveled beds and furniture hinted at a hasty evacuation.

“Grandmother!”

Despite frantically searching the premises with Lucian, no trace of my family remained.

“It seems they evacuated in time. Since there are no signs of human casualties here, try not to worry excessively.”

From thoroughly scouring the estate, sweat beaded my brow.

“Let’s return to the palace now. We won’t find them on our own.”

We hastened our carriage to top speed back towards the Felosite palace.

Upon arrival, immense relief washed over me, for:

“Sister!”

Jonathan and my Kenoch grandparents awaited us.

“We were fortunate this time. That demon was so preoccupied devouring our cows, it bought us time to escape. I must express our gratitude to the Archduke.”

The cattle gifted by Lucian had effectively saved my family’s lives.

“Indeed. Thank you, Lucian.”

“Gebino happened to be training Jonathan outdoors at that moment. When those two came rushing in, I wondered what calamity had befallen us. Even in my long life, I’ve never witnessed such a massive demon.”

Though undoubtedly shaken, my composed grandfather explained with a warm smile.

“His Highness Heinrich promptly arranged accommodations for us within the palace grounds.”

An evening meal ill-suited for such grim tales, yet the overwhelming relief seemed to lighten the mood.

Then among the serving maids, I spotted Eloise.

“Eloise!”

I cheerfully called out to her.

Eloise’s large eyes widened further as she happily rushed over.

“Your Highness the Princess! When did you return?”

“Just entered the palace. You must have missed us while preparing dinner.”

Eloise carried a plump, succulent roasted duck glistening enticingly.

“But why are you still working here? I recall compensating you sufficiently.”

“It’s alright. I prefer being here.”

“Well, I won’t pry into your reasons. I’m just glad to see you for longer. Now hurry along.”

As Eloise turned to set down the food tray, her movements seemed somewhat altered.

At her tender age and relatively short tenure, I hadn’t expected such practiced, graceful gestures.

Subtleties only I would notice from observing Eloise while impersonating Lorraine to deceive Beatrice.

‘Did her experiences in the Empire change Eloise?’

With a wistful gaze, Eloise exchanged farewells before leaving the dining hall.

* * *

The next morning, the knight communications office received dozens of reports of human remains discovered, seemingly devoured.

Sylonne’s head pounded.

‘Surely that Great Demon Beast isn’t rampaging within Felosite’s domain?’

To report this entire situation, Sylonne knocked on Lucian’s office door.

“Enter.”

Lucian’s desk was already piled high with documents.

“What news do you have to report?”

“About the Great Demon Beast issue.”

“I’ve already dispatched teams to investigate yesterday’s corpses found in the Kenoch County and Felosite outskirts. Has some new incident occurred?”

“A murder took place in a village between the capital and Felosite. Based on the undisfigured remains, it doesn’t seem the demon’s doing.”

“Then handle it yourself, Knight Commander.”

Preoccupied with paperwork, Lucian replied curtly.

“That’s the problem, Your Highness.”

Sylonne sighed in exasperation.

Only then did Lucian look up at her attentively.

“Well, what is it?”

“The corpse discovered in that village belongs to Eloise, formerly a maid serving Her Highness the Archduchess. Apparently, due to foul weather, they had all lodged at an inn together during their journey.”

In that moment, a scene flashed through the Archduke’s mind.

The previous evening, during the dinner he and the Archduchess shared with the Count and Countess, when Karena cheerfully greeted a certain young maid.

-Eloise!

She had accompanied the two of them to the Empire for Prince Liam’s investiture ceremony.

Then just who was this Eloise presently at the Felosite palace?

“Karena! Karena is in danger!”

Scattering documents, Lucian bolted down the corridor.

Sylonne, equally alarmed, gave chase.

“Brother! What’s going on?”

The first place Lucian checked was the couple’s bedchambers.

“Where does Karena usually meet the maids?”

“Everywhere. In her room, outside, anywhere really. Why do you ask?”

Though Lucian flung open the doors, panting heavily, the room was empty.

“I think Beatrice has infiltrated the palace disguised as Eloise.”

* * *

I summoned Eloise to my favorite place within the Felosite palace grounds.

After fidgeting awkwardly for a while, Eloise silently followed me.

My destination was the tower gifted by Lucian, along with its adjoining gardens.

As the keybearer, I took Eloise’s hand, enabling her vision of the gardens as well.

Hand-in-hand, we entered the magically concealed gardens.

Vibrant rose bushes bloomed exuberantly, as if flaunting their beauty.

“Isn’t it lovely? I find red roses the most beautiful.”

Eloise nodded stiffly with an awkward smile.

“But say, Eloise, why are you here?”

My question made Eloise flinch momentarily before replying:

“I wish to remain by Your Highness’s side!”

“But why by my side?”

Eloise fumbled, unable to answer readily.

“Or rather, I think I know the reason.”

Hearing my words, she swallowed hard, as if a secret had been exposed. I calmly met Eloise’s gaze and stated evenly:

“You came here to kill me, didn’t you?”