Our Villainess Has Changed

Chapter 27

This morning, when Berndt realized that Anette had disappeared, he was furious.

He was sure she had gone to the temple.

After getting permission from his father, he gathered his knights and headed there.

On his way, Berndt made up his mind.

If he had to do whatever it took to bring Anette back under his protection, he would. If giving her what she wanted was the way to do it, then so be it.

Anette Etheled had always wanted that position.

So, Berndt decided he would claim the throne.

It wouldn’t be difficult for him if he truly wanted it. Even if it meant more responsibilities, he was willing to do it—if that’s what Anette desired.

Anette had lost her memories.

At first, it was hard to accept. But soon, he saw it as an opportunity.

Their relationship had fallen apart long ago. But if she had no memories of the past, then this was his chance to rebuild everything.

Just like when they first met, when he had decided to treat her kindly.

He would start over—slowly, carefully.

Berndt looked at Anette, who remained silent. He urged her again, his red eyes filled with longing.

His gaze was so intense that it could make anyone waver.

“…Come home. Come with me.”

For a moment, Anette almost said, “Okay, let’s go.”

But she shook her head quickly, resisting the urge.

She hated how weak she was against good looks. It was ridiculous. She needed to stay focused if she didn’t want to be swayed by his dangerous charm.

But why was he so desperate to take her home?

It made no sense to her.

She wasn’t a stubborn child refusing to return. She simply had no reason to go back.

So, she decided to explain things logically.

“No, think about it. I lost my memory. The last thing I remember is waking up and you suddenly grabbing my chin and shaking me while yelling something.

You remember that, right?”

“……”

Anette glanced at Berndt’s hand.

That hand—the veins on the back of it…

Why did she suddenly want to touch it? She wondered if those veins extended to his strong-looking forearm.

She snapped out of it.

Ugh, focus! Stop getting distracted!

“And then what? While I was still confused, your father barged in and slapped me across the face. Oh, and let me tell you, I bled a lot. It was terrible.”

“……”

Okay, maybe that last part was a lie—she hadn’t bled that much.

It did hurt, though. And even if the wound had healed, the memory of being hit hadn’t disappeared.

There was no way she was going back.

“So, that’s the last thing I remember. Do you think I want to go back to that house?”

“…Then, do you mean you lost your memories after causing a scene, threatening to take your own life?”

“Yeah… something like that. Anyway, that’s my last memory, so why would I want to go back?”

She did kind of miss the thick, cozy blankets from that house…

“……”

“Oh, and another thing—why are you acting like my guardian? I’m an adult now.

It’s not like I’ll be stuck in that house forever.

You just want to use me for political gain, right?”

Berndt’s expression twisted.

He hadn’t expected Anette to realize that.

It was true that his father had foreseen the political advantages of bringing her in.

But things have changed since then.

Some nobles now believed that Duke Royce had shown incredible foresight by taking Anette in.

With the current king having no heir, the royal bloodline could pass to a noble house with royal connections.

Anette Etheled, the last descendant of the legendary goddess’s bloodline, had suddenly become a powerful symbol.

Of course, politics played a role.

But Berndt wanted Anette for reasons beyond that.

From the moment he first saw her, he had wanted her.

If their relationship hadn’t crumbled so badly—if she hadn’t become so ruthless—things could have been different.

Thinking about her always filled him with frustration and anger.

An unattainable desire. Hatred. Twisted affection.

But now, he had a chance to fix everything.

Maybe it was his last chance.

Anette noticed his hesitation and knew she had struck a nerve.

Smirking confidently, she continued,

“Oh, so I was right. You just want to use me for politics and then marry me off to someone, right?”

“Marriage? What are you talking about?”

Berndt hadn’t even considered that.

Of course, it made sense.

They were at the age where marriage was expected.

In noble families like the Royces and the Avennes, marriage was taken seriously.

Rushing into engagements could complicate land and inheritance issues, so they tended to delay marriages.

“What? Why do you look so shocked? Were you planning to keep me locked up forever just to use me?”

“That’s…”

Anette was stunned.

What, was he planning to keep her around, use her however he wanted, and never let her live her own life?

Wait.

“Don’t tell me—you weren’t thinking of marrying me, were you?”

“Anette, that’s…”

That thought had never crossed Berndt’s mind before.

But now that she mentioned it—it wasn’t a bad idea.

There was no reason he couldn’t marry her.

If their relationship improved, it was entirely possible.

His ears turned red with embarrassment.

“You kicked me out, and now you want me back?

What is this, locking the barn after the horse has run away?

And what’s stopping your father from hitting me again?”

Anette didn’t even let him think before bombarding him with words.

Berndt sighed and quickly answered,

“That happened because you tried to kill Heine. My father lost his temper. But you know what you did, Anette. You did try to kill her.”

“……”

“But now, he’s forgiven you. He won’t hurt you again—I promise. And Heine sent a letter.”

“A letter?”

“She completed her coronation and is adjusting well. She told you not to worry.”

“She forgave me?”

That made sense.

Heine was always kind.

And now, she had everything—a handsome husband, a happy life, people who adored her.

And, of course, passionate nights with her perfect prince.

Anette hadn’t read the whole story, but she knew it had a happy ending.

“Well, of course, she forgave me. She’s probably very happy now.”

“What?”

“She has a gorgeous husband. She’ll be fine.”

“You… have you seen him? The prince of Villen?”

“…Huh?”

“Answer me properly. Have you met him before?”

Why was he so worked up?

Anette froze.

Berndt’s expression turned terrifying in an instant.

Like he was ready to kill someone.

‘So, that’s why…’

Berndt clenched his teeth.

Has Anette met that prince before?

Was that why she had insisted on replacing Heine as the crown princess?

He was furious.

Anette had always been like this.

Always out of his reach. Always making him feel helpless, and humiliated.

“W-Wait, calm down! Of course, I haven’t met him! I don’t even know what he looks like!”

Seeing him so enraged, Anette panicked.

She raised her hands like she was trying to calm a wild animal.

‘Teacher, calm down, calm down!’

Maybe her silent prayer worked because Berndt took a deep breath and sat back down.

“…You haven’t met him?”

“Of course not! How would I even meet him?”

Sheesh, did he think she was the type to run off with her sister’s husband?

Although to be honest, she was jealous of Heine’s life.

But that was a different story.

“I just want you to come back, Anette. I’ll do anything you ask.”

Anette crossed her arms, fuming.

She was about to snap at him again—

But then she remembered something.

The treasure in her old room.

“…Hmm.”

Seeing her hesitate, Berndt’s hope reignited.