The Villainess Is An SS+ Rank Adventurer Chapter 526: Into The Abyss

Ophelia dangled her legs over the edge of the rooftop.

Barefoot and with only a bath towel for dignity, she was by far the most scandalous thing to have ever sat atop the Royal Villa.

Sadly, it wasn’t quite enough to cause the princess to turn around and be annoyed at her.

She was too busy being cute instead.

Quack, quack.

“I know, right? There’s definitely sothing weird about that horse.”

Ophelia sat musing with her cheeks in her palms.

For so reason, despite the princess always being in a rush, she’d chosen to leave with the slowest horse in existence. Again.

While Ophelia didn’t really know much about horses since she could outpace them without trying, she was beginning to doubt if that thing was even a horse in the first place.

The way it slowly trotted while constantly stopping to nibble on whatever caught its interest was the sort of thing bored mules did, and yet the princess had chosen it despite there being a fancy royal stable filled with the type of sparkling white horses other princesses usually rode.

And that … was great news!

It ant she’d be easy to catch up to!

Enough that for now, Ophelia was content to smile away, hands on her cheeks and elbows on her thighs as she watched the princess slowly fleeing down the road with the funny clockwork doll beside her.

“Nostalgic, huh? The last ti I watched her heading off into the horizon while sitting on a rooftop, it was after we first t. Except this ti’s a lot better. No bumps on the head. Just a free towel!”

Quack, quack.

Her friendly ducks nodded in agreent.

A mont later, they flapped their wings in reply as the clockwork doll glanced behind to give an enthusiastic wave.

The fact it could even be seen was impressive.

When Ophelia arrived in a fancy carriage she had no right to be in, it was to a mass of dark clouds so ominous that she was pretty sure an underpaid necromancer was deliberately summoning them.

Now, the clouds were slowly dispersing … and if she had to guess, it was probably sothing to do with whatever the trolls were gathering with their shovels.

She glanced down at the group of rchants at work, each carefully ferrying the most cursed things she’d seen since the last ti she’d peeked inside the royal vault.

Whatever the trolls were planning to do with them was sothing everybody was better off not knowing. But while it probably ant soone, sowhere was about to have a very bad day, here it was already having a much brighter impact.

Breaks in the dark clouds had allowed scattered sunlight to drift down, catching the princess and only the princess in fragnts of light.

How she did that, Ophelia had no idea.

But it made her look stupidly pretty.

Just as she usually was.

Thus, Ophelia let out a tender sigh. The kind nobody ever saw.

If they did, they’d probably think she was an innocent maiden.

… Or perhaps even a princess herself.

“My granddaughter is as wilful as ever, I see. But I’m unsurprised. She does take after myself, after all.”

That’s why she made sure to keep it up.

“Great, huh?” Ophelia bead. “She acts really confident. But one look at in the bathtub and now she’s so embarrassed she’s cutely running away. I like that.”

She sensed the frown before she saw it.

The sa applied for the walking cane.

Swish.

Caring little for her defenceless state, the wooden stick rcilessly ca for her exposed knee. Ophelia rolled away, her bath towel perfectly intact as she nimbly avoided the strike and perched herself again.

That, if nothing else, was enough to impress a lady whose presence on a rooftop most people would question even more than Ophelia’s.

Yes. Even if one was mostly naked and the other one wasn’t.

“A princess goes wherever she pleases,” said the forr queen, her expression regally set in a way that could have ant a thousand different criticisms. “Especially should the reason involve distancing herself from those with particularly colourful reputations.”

“Yeah. She needs to be careful. There are all sorts of miscreants about. None of whom I know even though they constantly na drop .”

“You would do well to ensure that any accidental connections are severed, then. Before you can attend to a princess’s whims, both your character and the company you keep must be impeccable.”

Ophelia pointed to her friendly ducks.

“In that case, I’m definitely clear! Duck A and Duck B have never made a wrong step.”

Quack, quack.

The elderly woman studied the two ducks.

She narrowed her eyes, then offered a curt nod.

“Your ducks are not an issue. Your current lack of dress, however, is an egregious one.”

“I an, it’s not like I can be dressed in a bathtub. I’d argue that’s worse. How am I ant to have a conversation when everything’s clinging to my wet skin? Everyone will gawp.”

“A princess’s bathtub is not a suitable place for social engagent. Sothing I had expected you to at least know. Frankly, I’m considering rescinding the rank I gave you just for that.”

“Eh? You can do that?”

“Of course. As I said before–I am retired. I can do whatever I desire.”

Ophelia blinked.

She had no idea she could even go down in rank. Or that there’d be consequences to trying out the ridiculous number of soap bars in a princess’s bathtub, most of which she’d stolen on the way out.

Even so, that was no reason for her to do anything differently. She wanted to be a princess, after all. And if she knew anything about what that ant, it was doing things her way.

… Or at least most things.

“Okay! No more rendezvous in bathtubs! I’ll stick to making my way through windows instead.”

The elderly woman raised an eyebrow.

“I suppose I should be relieved you chose to carry my belongings through the front entrance. A wise decision on your part. Based on my sweet granddaughter’s reaction, it was the most impressive thing you could have done in your hopelessly optimistic quest to garner her affection.”

“The second most impressive. The actual most was getting her to eat my shortcake. And like it.”

“Hm. That is tangible progress. Did you ask for her hand in marriage imdiately afterwards?”

“Sothing like that. But I’m pretty sure I was rejected.”

“Then prepare to be rejected a thousand more tis.”

“No problem! I can–”

“And also a thousand more tis afterwards, such is a princess’s right. To expect anything else is the ultimate hubris. It will take patience, wisdom and outright belligerence to impress even the least of princesses. And I warn you–those of my line are very rarely easily won over.”

Ophelia nodded with utmost confidence.

“A piece of shortcake,” she declared. “I’ve already been rejected twice. Maybe three tis. That ans I’m already halfway there.”

The elderly woman gave sothing close to a snort.

Frankly, Ophelia really didn’t know what things she said were likely to invite disappointnt or amusent. But she was always prepared for both.

After all, while Granny was definitely strict in everything she said, Ophelia definitely felt she could win her over. Just like the aunties of her neighbourhood, she had the look of soone who mostly just wanted to see the world burn while relaxing in a hammock.

One way or another … she’d definitely earn her approval!

“Then perhaps you know my granddaughter better than I do,” she said, the edge of her lips curling in a way that mildly alard Ophelia. “She appears to have changed.”

“She has?”

“Indeed. I’m delighted your preposterous request spurred to return ho. To see how Juliette has grown in such a short amount of ti is more than I could have hoped for.”

“Oh. What was she like before? You can tell any secret. Nobody trusts with them so nobody ever bothers asking.”

“It is hardly a secret. Juliette was the very picture of a princess. The sa as she is now. Except that while she would usually hide herself in her room to avoid anything which displeased her, I see she’s now taking a more proactive approach to things.”

“Huh. That’s weird. Because I’ve always seen her as soone who punts doors at people instead of hiding behind them.” Ophelia paused. “taphorically, I an. I have never once seen her punt any doors. Or people. Including dwarves. That’s just silly.”

“Indeed, a princess does everything with calm and grace.”

The elderly woman nodded.

A mont later, the hint of her smile already faded as her eyes slowly narrowed.

“... In an unrelated matter, I heard from a certain weaselly acquaintance of mine that recently, a charming young lady with a shining sword and a clockwork doll by her side has been making a fine impression by rescuing cats as an adventurer. Would you know anything about this?”

Ophelia stared.

“I feel like this is a test question. And I don’t know how to answer.”

Now the elderly woman definitely snorted.

That alone was enough for Ophelia to know she’d passed. And also the fact it ca with a look of pride. The type a grandmother only showed when all she wanted was to know that one way or another, all the hoodlums were going to end up on an island of soap.

Ophelia could certainly help with that.

Thus, she rose to her feet.

“Okay! I suppose I’ll just–”

“Sit.”

“Sitting down.”

“What is your plan, Snow Dancer?”

“Well, at the mont, it’s annoying a princess until she likes . And also feeding her delicious shortcakes everyday. There might or might not be so punting involved as well.”

“A brazen strategy. And not the worst I’ve heard. Yet while your outrageous impertinence is amusing, it is hardly likely to woo a princess. That is why I am granting your wish to study matters of royal etiquette. A thing you shall need to pass before you can begin spoonfeeding my granddaughter.”

Ophelia nodded repeatedly.

“Okay! That sounds easy!”

“It is not easy, Snow Dancer. It is the most grueso ordeal you shall ever suffer. An abyss without light or hope. And the only reason why I humour you is because I am mildly fascinated with your ability to overco enormous hardship. A quality I rate highly.”

It was a quality she’d soon be rating higher.

Ophelia was really tough.

Her forehead was tough. Her stubbornness was tough. Weapons bounced off her just like the tax bills piling outside her cottage. She could ignore anything that didn’t interest her. And that ant she wasn’t just going to learn how to be a princess.

She’d do that while still poking the actual princess.

That’s right!

It would definitely be a challenge, but if she used her [Mirage Dance] skill while reducing her sleep schedule to negative hours a day, then she’d find a way to feed the princess shortcake while also effortlessly passing whatever lessons awaited her!

If it ca down to it, she’d just be in two places at once! That would definitely impress Granny!

“Okay!” Ophelia rolled up the sleeves she didn’t have. “I’m ready! What’s the first lesson in royal etiquette? How to wrinkle my nose?”

“Indeed, it is.”

“Oh. Really?”

“Yes. It’s an extrely important skill, not only in helping to recognise when your own presence is no longer required … but also to shoo away uninvited guests.”

Snap.

All of a sudden, the elderly woman notably gripped her wooden cane as a familiar elven woman with flowing golden hair blinked into existence, dramatically bringing with her a burst of falling leaves.

Ophelia groaned at once.

Lesson 1 and she’d already failed.

After all, it didn’t matter how much she wrinkled her nose. She couldn’t shoo her mother away.

She’d tried. Loads.

“Ah, good, there you are! Right! I’ve spoken with the village elder. He’s agreed that a forest ceremony is possible, even with a human princess involved. And if a church ceremony is preferred, he can ask the high representative of the Holy Church to erect a temporary chapel in the forest as a special favour to . That way, both are possible!”

Ophelia’s mother smiled brightly.

So brightly, in fact, that only the palpable aura radiating from the ignored grandmother managed to dim it. Her brow had risen as high as the enchanted walls that normally ensured people like this couldn’t co barging in at the worst possible monts.

“Goodness,” she said, her tone unbendingly polite. “Who might we have here?”

“Ah, my apologies for the interruption.” Ophelia’s mother gave a nod several degrees short of whatever bow was probably required. “I am Lady Celisse of the Caedrawood. I’m Ophelia’s mother.”

“Oh? … And why would you be here?”

“Well, reasons, mostly. Ophelia is planning to marry a princess. Wonderful, no? But that ans I’ve been ridiculously busy running about trying to find suitable venues and making circles fit into squares. Preparations and all the rest. It’s a bit premature, but competition for venues is fierce, and I like to have everything ready at short notice just in case.”

Sensing her favourability points dropping, Ophelia pointed to her mother.

“I have no recollection of this woman.”

“Hehe.” A hand fell on her shoulder, its grip tightening in a warm, hard squeeze. “Ophelia tells the funniest jokes. But we needn’t let others hear them. Co, sweetleaf. Let’s have this discussion elsewhere. You can pick which trees you want.”

“The discussion can be held here,” said the elderly woman. “Particularly if it concerns my granddaughter.”

“Excuse ?”

“I am the forr queen Eliana. The princess the Snow Dancer wishes to marry is my dear Juliette.”

Lady Celisse blinked several tis.

Then, she covered her mouth in a gasp.

"Goodness! I had no idea! It's so lovely to et you!"

“The pleasure is all mine. Why, this is quite the fortuitous timing as well.”

“Oh? For what reason?”

“I was just discussing lessons in royal etiquette with the Snow Dancer, all in the hope of improving her chances of wooing my granddaughter by half a percentage point. Naturally, her imdiate family are invited to attend as well.”

A gentle laugh t her at once.

Only when the general aura of darkness began to thicken did the laughter stop.

“Oh, you’re being serious.”

“I am, yes. It is not only the Snow Dancer who must pass rigorous examinations if she wishes to join this kingdom’s royal family, but her close relations as well. If you wish to beco the mother-in-law of a princess, then you will need to undertake etiquette lessons too.”

Lady Celisse’s smile only brightened, even as she tilted her head slightly.

Sowhere nearby, several windows and doors clicked shut.

“I thank you. But rest assured, such lessons are unnecessary. Difficult though it may be to believe, I am the proprietor of an extrely upmarket atelier. Furthermore, I am not rely Lady Celisse, but Magister Celisse, the Saint of the End. I am well acquainted with royalty and have no need of etiquette lessons. While I appreciate any aid you might offer Ophelia, you truly needn’t trouble yourself on my account.”

The elderly woman leaned forwards slightly.

Both Ophelia and her mother leaned away slightly.

“Then you needn’t be concerned about my ti. I am not the one giving the lessons.”

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Slowly, all eyes turned to the side.

There, having erged from a skylight with the ease of soone long accustod to accessing the rooftop, was a neatly dressed human woman whose posture was so straight that not even the ruler tapping against her palms could rival it.

Although the dark clouds were scattering beyond the Royal Villa, those above the rooftop seed only to gather, as if cajoled by her shadow.

The forr queen Eliana smiled.

“Snow Dancer. Lady Celisse. May I introduce you to Princess Juliette’s private etiquette tutor–Mada Anaïs Levasseur?”