I, The Villainess, Will Seduce All The Heroines Instead
Chapter 61: I Want To Be Babied Too!

Chapter 61: I Want To Be Babied Too!

[System Notification: Affection Update!]

[Target: Evelyn Ashbourne]

[+2 Affection Points Earned!]

[Affection Points: 49]

***

"I want to be babied too..."

Deep down, beneath the tough, bold exterior of Verena, was a woman who just wanted to be held.

Not in some romantic, gushy way. No, nothing like that.

She was genuinely tired of it all.

She’d just been chased by Evelyn, for crying out loud. And thank the universe, class was finally over.

There was only one person who could baby her now.

The only person she could really count on. Her best friend. The one she used to hate (well, mostly), and still wasn’t sure how to feel about.

The one who seemed to have more emotional baggage than a trolley full of carry-ons.

Beatrice.

It was time to enjoy this rare moment of vulnerability before the inevitable emotional growth ruined everything.

As classmates trickled out of the room, Verena wanted to scramble and leave before the weirdos from her election party cornered her and tried to discuss political platforms or some other nonsense.

"Beatrice, baby me too!"

"W-What?!"

Without wasting a second, Verena flopped her head into Beatrice’s lap, sighing in bliss as the weight of the world seemed to lift, even if just for a moment.

But when she glanced up, she realized...

Beatrice was... huge.

And not in a metaphorical sense.

No, she was just... massive.

Verena felt like she was cradled in the lap of a mountain, and for the first time, the mountain might actually be comforting.

"What’s wrong?"

"I’m just genuinely tired..."

Beatrice didn’t hesitate. Her hand reached out and gently began to rub Verena’s head, the action almost maternal in its tenderness. It felt amazing like a warm, fluffy cloud had just descended and was surrounding her with comfort.

This was the life. After everything.

"How about we go to town? We can buy lots of food there!"

Verena immediately sat up, her exhaustion evaporating in an instant. "Good idea!"

Irasios Academy was nestled in the heart of Astralis, a bustling, majestic city at the very center of the Vexian Empire.

Astralis was a sprawling, vibrant metropolis, split into a patchwork of districts that each had their own flavor.

The Celestial Heights, perched high above the city, was where the empire’s nobility and high-ranking officials made their home.

Their grand stone towers gleamed like jewels in the sunlight, casting long shadows over the city below.

It was a world of lavish mansions, glittering markets, and society gatherings that only the elite could attend.

Below, in stark contrast, lay The Tether, a chaotic, lively district teeming with common folk.

The streets were always alive with chatter, merchants shouting out their latest deals, the surroundings having the smell of sizzling street food, and vibrant stalls bursting with goods.

The two girls stepped out into the thick of it.

"Man, I just realized I barely go out to school anymore! Everything is just so stressful!"

"I know, right? It’s like we live at school now," said the Beatrice, trying to avoid being knocked over by a passing cart piled high with fresh fruit.

They dashed through the crowd, weaving between people and stalls, the bustling city around them coming to life with every step.

The clinking of coins, the chatter of street vendors hawking everything from trinkets to warm bread, and the constant hum of distant conversations.

Overhead, the towers of Celestial Heights loomed like watchful giants, while the bright colors of the marketplace tugged at their senses.

"Look at all the food!" Verena grinned, pointing toward a nearby stall where the scent of freshly grilled meats promised a delicious break.

"Totally worth running late for," the other replied, as they both pushed through the crowd.

They wandered from stall to stall, picking up snacks here and there, but then something caught their eye.

At the far corner of the marketplace, a small cart stood, surrounded by an unusual crowd of people. The sign above it read: "Wyrmberry Infused Sky Buns."

"What... is that?" Beatrice asked, squinting in confusion.

The vendor, a grinning old man with a long, silver beard and twinkling eyes, saw them and beckoned them over.

"You’ve never had a Wyrmberry Sky Bun?" he said, almost scandalized. "You’re missing out! These bad boys are straight from the Firefly Archipelago! It’s a treat that’ll melt your worries away!"

Curious, they exchanged glances before deciding to give it a go.

The man took a plump, golden-brown bun from the steam-filled cart and sliced it open.

Inside, the bun was filled with a deep purple jam that glowed.

"It’s the Wyrmberry," the vendor said with a grin. "Rare fruit from wyvern peaks. Sweet with a spicy kick like a love affair between berries and cinnamon. That glow? Magic from the stars themselves."

They took a bite, and the world seemed to pause. The sweet, tingly spice danced on their tongues, the glowing purple filling them with the sensation of the night sky itself.

"Okay... this is amazing," Verena said, wide-eyed. "It’s like a fireworks show in my mouth."

Verena and Beatrice wandered through the vibrant streets until they stumbled upon a mysterious stall, "Tarot & Stars: Readings for the Brave."

"Want a reading?" Beatrice asked excitedly.

"Of course!" Verena grinned, following her inside.

The air was thick with incense, and a candlelit glow flickered around them as the elderly Reader welcomed them to sit.

"What’s your question?" she asked, shuffling the cards.

Beatrice jumped in. "Give me a reading about my love life!"

The Reader shuffled the cards and one flew out. "Ah, it says your partner is beautiful and powerful... but has a lot of other lovers."

"What?"

The Reader revealed: The Lovers (Reversed), The Empress, The Moon, and The Five of Cups.

"Looks like love’s complicated for you, dear," the Reader said with a smirk.

IS THAT ME?!

The Reader’s gaze locked onto Verena, and for a moment, Verena almost screeched. This woman knew something.

Another card slipped out and landed face-up.

"But it’s alright," the Reader said with a knowing smile. "They love you dearly, and the two of you are very compatible together."

No. No, no, no. This can’t be about me.

Beatrice blinked, glancing between Verena and the Reader. "O-Oh... I see..." Her voice trailed off, clearly unsettled. "But I still don’t know what to feel about that..."

Verena’s mind raced. There was no doubt now. The cards were talking about her.

She had to ditch fate. For real this time.