Living As the Villainess Queen (Web Novel KR)-Chapter 428.1

The Muen family had always upheld the tradition of a private funeral. On the day after a loved one passed, they would gather for a single day to honor the deceased and complete all rites.

But Thas wanted more. His father deserved a funeral befitting a man of his stature—one conducted with dignity, on par with those of high-standing families. Now that the monster of the Holy City had been vanquished, there was no longer any need for the Muens to live in the shadows, as if they barely existed.

Though he would never forget his father’s teachings on humility, Thas longed for a different life. One where his family no longer hid away in seclusion but engaged openly with society. He was determined to leave his daughter, Hitasya, a legacy that stood tall in the sunlight.

With that resolve, he sent invitations to only those with longstanding ties to the family. Unlike tradition, he extended the funeral over three days, allowing guests to pay their respects at their convenience.

Since the invitations had been sent early that morning, Thas expected few visitors on the first day. Yet when he was informed of an unexpected guest, one of great importance, he wasted no time hurrying to greet them.

The sight before him stole his words.

The Fourth King and his wife stood at the entrance, their regal presence undeniable. But Thas’s gaze was drawn to someone else entirely.

Eugene.

His father had often mentioned that the head of the Arse family bore a striking resemblance to their late aunt. Thas had caught only a distant glimpse of her once, long ago. Now, standing before him, her nephew was the very image of her youthful self. It was as if time had rewound in an instant.

Eugene stepped forward, bowing her head. “I should have come sooner,” she murmured, her voice laced with regret. “He… he was my grandfather, wasn’t he? I had hoped to meet him, to hear stories about my grandmother. But I was too late.”

Thas exhaled slowly, steadying his emotions. “Thank you for coming,” he said, his voice softer than intended. “My father dearly wished to see you.”

“There’s no need for formality,” Eugene said with a small, sad smile. “You’re my uncle, after all.”

A pause.

“…I suppose I am,” Thas admitted.

His expression softened as he reached out, taking Eugene’s trembling hands in his own.

After the formalities, they gathered in the reception room, the air lighter but still tinged with sorrow.

“My mother came to the kingdom to see me,” Eugene said, settling into her seat. “She’s still there. She’ll be heartbroken when she hears the news.”

Thas offered a small nod. “Tell her she’s welcome to visit anytime. We still have some of your aunt’s belongings from her childhood.”

Eugene’s expression softened. “She would love that.”

Just then, she noticed a small figure peeking hesitantly from the entrance. A smile tugged at her lips.

“Hitasya, come here,” she called gently. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

The young girl hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. She settled beside her father, her wide, inquisitive eyes soon drifting toward Eugene’s stomach.

“When will the baby be born?” Hitasya asked, her voice a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.

“Very soon,” Eugene replied, resting a hand over her belly. “Once your cousin is born, you should come visit the kingdom.”

Hitasya turned to her father, seeking permission. When Thas gave her an approving nod, her mouth opened as if to let out an excited cheer—only for her to press her lips shut at the last second. Her puffed cheeks, brimming with barely contained enthusiasm, made Eugene chuckle.

“The Muen family will no longer remain hidden in seclusion,” Thas murmured, his gaze thoughtful.

“As it should be,” Eugene agreed. “Families should visit one another.”

A brief silence followed before Thas asked, “By the way… are you planning to give birth in the Holy City?”

“No,” Eugene replied, shaking her head. “We’ll return to the kingdom.”

“That’s a long journey,” he remarked, brows furrowing.

Eugene offered a small smile. “We can discuss it another time. It’s a long story—one that deserves its own day.”

Thas let out a hearty laugh, the sound carrying a rare warmth. “I’ll be looking forward to it.”

After paying their respects, Eugene and her husband boarded their carriage, heading to a separate residence. Yet, despite the passing scenery, her thoughts kept drifting elsewhere.

Mara.

She had left him behind the previous day, and though she was certain nothing serious had happened, she could only imagine the sulky expression he must have worn in her absence.

As their carriage rolled through the city streets, Eugene gazed out the window. The roads were teeming with kingdom soldiers, moving with urgency. A sense of unease clung to the air.

She turned to Kasser. “The streets seem restless. What’s going on?”

“They’re searching for the seeds,” he replied.

“Ah…” Eugene murmured, her mind racing.

I only mentioned it this morning, and they’re already moving fast.

Earlier, she had informed Kasser that they needed to retrieve every seed that had been exposed to the waters of Ramita. The defensive barrier spell Alber was preparing would only keep larks from entering from the outside. If the seeds already within the Holy City awakened, it would be a catastrophe.

Kasser’s words from before resurfaced in her mind.

“You mentioned the tree in the plaza had fallen,” she said. “Before heading to the annex, I’d like to see the site.”

Kasser gave a brief nod before instructing the coachman to alter their course.

Before long, the carriage arrived at the plaza and came to a halt at one side. As Eugene stepped out, her gaze immediately fixed on the massive fallen tree at the center.

Once a revered symbol of the city, the great tree now lay in ruin—its roots violently torn from the earth, its massive trunk shattered. Clearing it away would be an immense task, but no one had dared to touch it. Its significance was too deeply ingrained in the city’s history.

In the future I read, that tree was also caught in battle and never recovered. Googlᴇ search ɴovelfire.net

Although the timeline had already deviated significantly, seeing this moment align with what she knew felt eerily familiar.

A sudden warmth enveloped her as a pair of arms wrapped around her from behind.

“Is there something wrong with that tree?” Kasser asked, watching Eugene’s expression.

She hesitated before answering. “It’s just… I have a strange feeling. I hope this tree doesn’t become a symbol of the Holy City’s future.”