Taming The Villainesses

(EP-191.2) Start #2

191 – The Start of the Festival #2

“Why is she there? Hey Theo, what’s going on?”

Elga tapped me on the back. Of course, I have no clue, and my mind is filled with just as much questions.

━What, it’s not the imp? It’s someone else?

━I don’t know, but let’s just clap since it’s entertaining!

Waaaaaa-.

Aira confidently stood amidst the loud cheers like the main character, looking down on everyone.

Actually, her ‘looking down’ on everyone isn’t really accurate. The platform she stood on was much lower than the spectator seats from which she was looking. However, her lofty gaze was indescribable other than looking down.

━She is the Queen of Angmar.

━Wow, really? It’s my first time seeing her like this.

━She’s as impressive as they say. Look at those long legs.

Thanks to Marmar’s appearance, the stage was already set, and Aira’s innate charisma as the Queen of Angmar quickly captivated the audience.

Elga clicked her tongue at the sight.

“She’s really thrilled. She just loves stirring things up.”

Did Elga secretly harbor feelings like jealousy towards Aira? She seemed to want to turn away, but her eyes remained fixed on the arena.

“What is she trying to do?”

Mirna replied to the question.

“Well, let’s observe a bit more.”

Folding her fan, Mirna leaned towards the arena as she held an opera glass.

“I’m really curious about what she’s up to.”

Mirna was intrigued by Aira’s sudden appearance. Everyone probably share similar feelings.

Perhaps this was the main event.

While I vaguely knew that Aira had met with the organizers, I didn’t think that she would prepare something like this on her own.

Amidst the countless eyes peering at her, Aira reigned supreme at the center like a dew-kissed rose.

“I am Aira Von Taranterra VIII, the rightful Queen of Angmar. My presence here is for the upcoming July’s Pre-summer Festival.”

July’s Pre-summer Festival?

As I pondered, Mirna nodded.

“Pre-summer Festival…. Indeed, so that’s what it is. It’s around that time.”

“Hey, Mirna. What’s this Pre-summer Festival? Don’t hog it for yourself and speak.”

“Lady Lioness, you really lack such common knowledge? I’m certain Sir Theo knows about the Pre-summer Festival, right?”

Suddenly, the conversation arrow fell on me. But I shook my head.

“That, I’m not quite sure either.”

“Well, people can’t know everything.”

“Hey, Mirna. Aren’t you being too obvious about the difference in how you talk to me and this guy?”

“Euhum.”

Disregarding Elga’s growl, Mirna cleared her throat with an empty cough and firmly continued.

“Then I will explain. The July’s Pre-summer Festival is a big festival in Ark, or the Church’s City Gracia. It is an event celebrating the arrival of summer.”

So it’s like a local festival?

According to Mirna, the Pre-summer Festival was a religious ceremony.

Long ago, the god of Gwangyeong promised people brilliance, dispelling the darkness, which gave birth to the exceptionally long days of summer.

Before entering the season, people would hold a thanksgiving for god and a safe summer, and that was the Pre-summer Festival.

Mirna’s explanation painted a vivid picture in my mind.

“However, what does that have to do with Aira-nim personally coming out to declare the start of the festival?”

When I asked in curiosity, Mirna, wearing her binoculars, hummed for a moment.

“It’s probably because of the Pre-summer Festival’s flower.”

“Pre-summer Festival’s flower?”

“There’s a grand event in the festival to choose the Queen of Light. They select the most beautiful, graceful, and elegant woman in Ark to be the priestess who will light the summer torch.”

Is it like the May Queen event where they choose the Queen of May?

Ark was also an educational institution, so it was not strange for such a festival to exist. I realized I’ve been neglecting my school life so much lately that I don’t know what’s going on.

At that time, Aira confidently addressed the people.

“I, Aira, Queen of Angmar, proudly declare my candidacy for the position of Queen of July. And at the same time, I demand-.”

Seuk.

Aira’s outstretched hand pointed straight towards another VIP seat located in the center of the opposite side.

There sat Empress Serazade, on a long beach chair, being fanned.

Perhaps she noticed the attention directed towards her, as Serazade slowly opened her eyes and rose from her seat.

The two ladies looked at each other.

Aira was the first to speak.

“Serazade, Queen of Tureuki, accept my challenge. As true rulers, let us witness a contest of beauty and grace.”

“Oh? Are you so sure of yourself? The outcome seems obvious, isn’t it?”

Serazade raised the corner of her mouth as if amused by a funny story. Rather, it was the onlookers who seemed more bewildered.

━Is this real? Queens at a queen-selecting event?

━It’s like having fish in bungeo-ppang!

━This is definitely main event material!

Judging by people’s reactions, it seemed like the previous confrontations and duels has already been erased from their minds. But it was understandable. I’m surprised as well.

When did Aira plan all of this?

Pajijijik-.

Then, it felt like lightning flashed through my mind.

Aira, who had been furious with Serazade for approaching me, acted as if she had come up with something brilliant. She hadn’t told me what it was about, but she was scheming something like this.

There’s only one throne for the Queen of July.

This will definitely provide a clear distinction between the winner and loser, but I couldn’t help feeling a bit worried. Will Aira be fine…?

But on the positive side, this could be an opportunity for me. Maybe it will be a great chance to attack Aira.

Yeah.