Though I Am an Inept Villainess (ふつつかな悪女ではございますが ～雛宮蝶鼠とりかえ伝～)

THE MAIDEN COURT - GREAT HALL

CAPTAIN OF THE EAGLE EYES - SHIN-U

What do you suppose her entrance will look like?

CROWN PRINCE - EI GYOUMEI

Hated by everyone in the Maiden Court,

with animosity directed toward her,

and Noble Consort Shu, her guardian, suggested she be absent.

Yet she insists on attending.

Is something the matter?

When I visited Reirin this morning, she was crying.

I am just so sad!

KOU CLAN MAIDEN - KOU REIRIN

I want to bring joy to my dear cousin's eyes.

That was my only thought, one of ongoing devotion!

She is usually courageous and spirited. It's the first time I've seen her cry.

The first time...

Yeah.

So I see.

Reirin is the only girl I've let into my heart.

However...

is she really the Kou Reirin that I have fallen in love with?

Shu Keigetsu, the one you were concerned about, has arrived.

It seems she was only able to secure one personal court lady.

I am terribly sorry to be late to the ritual.

SHU CLAN COURT LADY LEELEE

SHU KEIGETSU

Everyone, I hope you are doing well.

THOUGH I AM AN INEPT VILLAINESS

Isn't she the most beautiful?

She's my court lady!

Shoulders back, look forward.

-Shoulders back, look forward. -Of course, I did my best as well.

Shoulders back, look forward.

I love embroidery so much, and I worked on it day and night.

CUCUMBER FACE PACK

For the past three days, I could fully devote myself to the preparation.

Such fulfilling days!

And this Lady Keigetsu's skin!

It never breaks out, no matter how much rouge I put on.

I can't just be acting merry.

Today's objective is to return this hairpin to Lady Seika.

Milady, your seat.

It seems they assumed that "Shu Keigetsu" would be absent.

Lady Seika.

KIN CLAN MAIDEN - KIN SEIKA

It seems like there are no seats available for myself and my court lady.

Oh?

You showed up even though Noble Consort Shu suggested your absence.

I didn't think you had such thick skin.

It seems your skin is quite robust, so why don't you sit somewhere on the floor?

Dearie.

She told me I was "robust."

Uh...

Kin Seika.

Yes?

Even if the guest is unexpected, treating them with courtesy

shows your skill as part of the hosting Kin clan.

Bring chairs quickly.

Yes.

I am much obliged by your consideration, Your Highness.

But I am...

perfectly fine here.

What was that?

What did she say?

Milady...

why are you rejoicing about such a situation?

I mean, Leelee, she said, "robust."

Shu Keigetsu not responding at all to my provocation?

What is going on here?

Besides...

was she always this beautiful?

Oh, no. I am the hostess.

I cannot be neglectful of the proceedings.

Well, then, everyone, since we have all gathered now,

we must wish for a bountiful harvest and begin the Ghost Festival ritual.

Next, the offering of dances.

GEN CLAN MAIDEN GEN KASUI

I'd like you to go first, Lady Gen Kasui.

Then, for the autumn days to come...

I pray that the goddess of the harvest smiles upon us.

The rigid ringing of the bells sounds more like a weapon than a musical instrument.

Well, it was proper to start with a mediocre dance.

It is customary for those who dance well to receive prizes from the audience.

Now, then, Shu Keigetsu has been driven to some shed

with no belongings to take with her.

What will she be doing?

Leelee.

Yes.

It was a wonderful dance.

A decorative sachet ball.

My, oh, my.

That's amazing.

Normally, decorative sachet balls are used in seasonal festivals for early summer.

However, as the Maiden of the Shu family who oversees summer, it is suitable.

More than anything else, the elaborate embroidery is so beautiful.

For a sewer rat who usually displays tastelessness,

this is quite a tasteful item.

But will it last until the end?

Next, Lady Ran Houshun, please.

RAN CLAN MAIDEN - RAN HOUSHUN

Yes.

Then, well....

for the autumn days to come...

I pray that the goddess of the harvest smiles upon us.

As awkward as she is, it looks like she's been well trained.

There is no hesitation in her movements.

However, it is nothing more than a little girl's dance.

Wow!

I guess I'll be going up next.

-Is it that time? -I'm looking forward to it.

It's finally time.

I will now show everyone what a real dance is like.

Then, for the autumn days to come,

I pray that the goddess of harvest smiles upon us.

That was a wonderful dance.

Thank you very much.

This is from His Highness Gyoumei.

This is from the Pure Consort.

Receiving such magnificent items of praise from everyone makes me truly ecstatic.

It will be an insult to present a mere decorative sachet ball

for a dance that received a prize from the Crown Prince.

Now, what will be your move, Shu Keigetsu?

That was a truly beautiful dance.

This is all too humble a gift in return.

I offer this.

Please accept it.

How will Lady Kin Seika react to this?

What do you think?

Lady Seika, you have a generous heart, much like the goddess of harvest.

I believe you will accept this without a word.

Of course. If you want to show your measure as a master...

Ever since you accepted the hairpin, your life has been in my hands.

...you should accept the return of blackmail material "without a word."

Oh, my, that is quite a magnificent item.

Leelee, let's look for the court lady in question.

I thought she was on probation with no belongings?

So why is she in possession of something like this?

Where is Lady Gayou?

Perhaps she has spent her time mistreating court ladies.

Like she had in the past!

My, how terrible.

This one?

Stop that.

Oh, but, Lady Seika, how did she obtain such a magnificent item?

-This one? -That's right!

Not her.

Perhaps she stole it?

I have heard of someone lamenting about losing her hairpin.

You don't know what humans will do when driven into a corner.