I, The Villainess, Will Seduce All The Heroines Instead
Chapter 65: Penelope’s Birthday Debut (2)

Chapter 65: Penelope’s Birthday Debut (2)

"So, my child," Orasia began, her voice all-too-casual, "how has the academy been? Made any friends? Enemies?"

Verena rolled her eyes, trying to dodge a tapestry that nearly swept her away. "Oh, you know, the usual. Tricked a few people, nearly got killed a couple of times. Nothing too exciting."

"Pardon me?"

"I’m just joking, mother."

No, she wasn’t joking. Verena might actually die later today, and if she were being honest, she was definitely unprepared.

She was more or less running on sheer willpower and caffeine from this morning, probably.

But there was no one she could trust enough to tell about the mess brewing around her. It would be far too dangerous.

"Mom," Verena paused mid-stride, making her mother nearly walk into her. "I need a knight."

"Why, my dear, surely I would not say yes."

They walked toward the Knight’s headquarters in the estate.

It was loud with the sound of swords clashing and grunts of effort.

As they entered, Verena’s eyes immediately landed on the chaos in front of her.

Several knights were sparring in a large open courtyard, their blades flashing in the sunlight, muscles rippling as they exchanged blows.

The rhythmic thud of feet pounding against the stone floor echoed around them as a group of men jogged in unison, sweat gleaming on their brows.

"Here we are," Orasia said, her voice full of amusement as she watched Verena eye the knights, clearly trying to suppress an appreciative grin.

Verena rolled her eyes. "I’m here for a knight, not a show. Let’s just find someone competent."

At the front, there was a circle. A loud one.

As they drew closer, the source of the commotion became clear.

A dark blonde woman with deep purple eyes, the kind of eyes that seemed to peer straight through you with an unsettling emptiness.

Verena’s knees buckled, her vision briefly spinning.

Luckily, Orasia’s quick reflexes had her steadying her before she could collapse. "A-Are you alright, my dear?!"

Verena barely heard her, her mouth hanging open in shock. She covered it with a trembling hand, struggling to keep her composure.

She was shaking, her heart pounding in her chest.

M-MY... MY FIRST LOVE?!

SHE’S SO COOL! JUST LIKE ME FR!

Clarina Duvall.

The first and most loyal friend of Evelyn, a woman who seemed to live in a world all her own.

Practical, efficient, and devastatingly beautiful.

A silent force who had found Evelyn crying in a hidden corner once after she had been humiliated by Verena.

In a world that felt utterly mad, Clarina was the only one who remained utterly sane.

Standing at six feet tall, with striking features and an aura of calm devotion, Clarina was the kind of woman who could silence a room just by walking into it.

Verena had once, embarrassingly, shipped Evelyn and Clarina together when she was a teenager.

The friendship between them had so many undertones, but alas, it was just her delusion at the time.

Clarina was emotionally intelligent, a rock-solid pillar, and the kind of person Verena secretly admired, if not desperately needed in her life.

The very embodiment of loyalty and stability. The ideals that Verena had longed for.

"Mom, I want her..."

Clarina’s eyes never left the man as he swaggered toward her, confident in his arrogance.

"You’re just a woman..." the man snickered.

The man, brimming with bravado, swung first, a wild, overconfident strike aimed at her midsection.

Clarina didn’t flinch. She sidestepped with a fluid grace, her hand shooting out to grab his wrist.

"What the f-?!"

With a twist of her arm, he was on the ground, his back pressed against the cold stone.

"You should know," Clarina said, her voice calm and lethal, "never underestimate someone who doesn’t have time for games." She kicked his sword away, her eyes narrowing.

THAT WAS SO COOL! I COULD NEVER, BUT SHE’S JUST LIKE ME FR FR

Verena, however, wasn’t captivated by Clarina’s looks.

No, it was the slow-burn, beautifully crafted friendship between her and Evelyn that truly pulled her in. That kind of loyalty was unmatched.

"Hmmm, good choice," Orasia commented with a nod. "She’s from House Duvall. They don’t care about gender. In their eyes, anyone with the will can wield a sword. She had been sent here for training by her family."

As Orasia stepped into the courtyard, the knights snapped to attention, immediately lining up in perfect formation and bowing with military precision.

Verena sauntered through the courtyard, eyes gliding over each knight who stood at attention, eager to impress. But her mind was made up.

With a confident stride, she made her way until she stood directly in front of the blonde woman.

"Stand straight," Verena commanded, her voice smooth but firm.

Clarina straightened instantly, her piercing and soulless purple eyes locking onto Verena’s.

"From now on," she continued, "you are my personal knight."

"M-Me, my lady?" Clarina stammered, looking as surprised as the other knights around them.

"Why do you question?" Verena raised an eyebrow. "Do you not think you can protect me?"

"No, my lady," Clarina knelt gracefully, taking Verena’s hand with a smile. "I’m just... flattered. But I accept with all my heart."

Well, at least with a core member of the novel’s cast on her side, Verena was one step closer to dodging death and the absurd system’s rules.

And honestly, it was a relief to have someone sane in her corner, not wrapped up in drama like the other heroines.

She had a feeling that, despite everything, they’d become great friends.

"Let’s get moving then." Verena grinned, ready for whatever came next.

The night had arrived. Verena stood before the mirror, adjusting her black and emerald dress, its intricate silver threadwork accentuating her figure.

The maids couldn’t contain their excitement, whispering and fawning over her from the sidelines.

She stepped towards the waiting carriage. Her mother and Clarina were already inside, their eyes scanning her with approval.

"Just you wait, Penelope and Norvan..." Verena smirked, her voice low and confident. It was time to show them just what she was made of.