A Sweet Girl Won't Be Fooled By The Villainess - [Vol. 1] Chapter 72

[Vol. 1] Chapter 72: Absolutely Delicious!

 

The paintings hanging in the study room, whether in terms of composition or technique, can be considered masterpieces. Jessica gave the highest praise, eager to know which talented painter could portray characters so vividly.

 

If the characters in the painting aren’t Ifia…

 

Therefore, Jessica is focused solely on Ifia now, wanting to interrogate her rigorously. Similarly, after the initial shock, Lucy, along with Jessica, looks at Ifia. Both of them have intense curiosity in their eyes, causing Ifia to instinctively step back, feeling the urge to escape.

 

However, silently reminding herself to stay calm, Ifia, with forced composure, speaks, “Of course, we are friends. Amelia and I are very close. What else could we be if not friends?”

 

Wailing internally, the system wonders if it will die after speaking. And as for Amelia, why hang this painting in the study room? Even if it were hung in the bedroom… Well, that seems even more peculiar. In comparison, it’s probably better to hang it in the study room!

 

“Ifia, you know, that’s not what I’m asking!”

 

However, Jessica doesn’t allow Ifia to evade the question. She immediately steps forward, with Lucy on one side, each holding one of Ifia’s arms, and they drag her directly into the study room.

 

After sitting down on the sofa in the study and glancing back to ensure the door was closed, Jessica continued, “If I’m not mistaken, Miss Barlen personally painted this for you, right?”

 

Ifia, surrounded on both sides on the sofa, nodded silently, confirming that this was indeed a creation by Amelia for her. Upon receiving this affirmative response, Jessica couldn’t help but exclaim, and even Lucy excitedly covered her mouth.

 

“Oh my goodness, Miss Barlen really painted it herself!”

 

Jessica’s face was filled with envy, and she then looked at the bewildered Ifia, giving her a stern look before saying, “If you were just ordinary friends, Miss Barlen wouldn’t personally paint for you. Your relationship must be at the level of close friends!”

 

Lucy nodded in agreement, clearly sharing the same opinion. Simultaneously, to clarify things for Ifia, Jessica added, “When Miss Barlen was ten years old, her creation, ‘Abyss,’ was shocking. It was said to depict boundless despair and pain in a hellish prison due to its exquisite technique. Numerous art masters praised it, and even the king expressed a desire to collect the painting.”

 

“Unfortunately, for some unknown reason, Miss Barlen destroyed the painting.”

 

Lucy sighed with regret as she spoke, lamenting the fact that she hadn’t witnessed it herself. Although surprised that Miss Barlen’s inspiration for the creation came from hell, contrary to mainstream themes praising light and purity, perhaps it was precisely because of this that it gave a profoundly shocking impression.

 

After the popularity of ‘Abyss,’ some artists followed suit, but their works didn’t stand out. It’s said that Miss Barlen’s paintings had a kind of soul-penetrating, genuine fear.

 

“Yes, after that, Miss Barlen never picked up the brush again. Even joining the Pulis Academy’s art club took several requests from the club president before she reluctantly agreed to join,” Jessica, who knew more about the matter than Lucy, added. When she mentioned the president’s repeated requests, Jessica grinned with a teasing expression, implying that there was a special story behind it.

 

However, considering the powerful background of the president’s family, Jessica, despite her carefree demeanor, refrained from explicitly stating it. She could only give Ifia and Lucy a meaningful look that spoke volumes without uttering a word.

 

But Ifia was even more shocked. The last time she saw the club president, he had a serious and authoritative demeanor. She couldn’t believe he could appear so humble in front of Amelia.

 

“Amelia really hasn’t picked up the paintbrush again?”

 

“Yeah, a few nobles with good relations with Duke Barlen tried to request a painting, but all were rejected by Duke Barlen,” Jessica shook her head. It was known that Miss Barlen’s artworks were practically priceless. Unfortunately, apart from ‘Abyss,’ she had no other paintings.

 

“After hearing all this, do you finally understand why we’re so shocked? Miss Barlen actually started painting again for you. It’s just making me so envious!” Jessica was on the verge of engraving the word ‘envy’ on her face.

 

Ifia, who initially thought it was already impressive to be friends with Miss Barlen, was now realizing there was more to it. After this enlightening conversation, she felt delighted. Not only did she consider Amelia her best friend, but Amelia felt the same way, even though it wasn’t explicitly stated. This mutual and reciprocated friendship was truly amazing.

 

While feeling ecstatic inside, Ifia tried to maintain a serious expression on her face. She cleared her throat a couple of times, attempting to shift the focus.

 

“Alright, alright. Amelia and I do have a good relationship, it’s just a painting… Haha, I didn’t expect this. Amelia is really too kind to me!”

 

Unfortunately, halfway through speaking, Ifia gave herself away and burst into laughter. She raised a hand to cover her warm cheeks, and through the gaps, one could see her sparkling black eyes shining with happiness, like the brightest stars in the night sky.

 

…………………………………….

 

“Ahriman, why are you suddenly laughing? It’s really creepy.”

 

In the mansion, Amelia could monitor all spaces. When she saw Ifia in the study room, she couldn’t help but curve her lips into a smile. However, this sight made Taroumati, who was nearby, shiver with crossed arms.

 

Taroumati felt that it had been a while since she visited human society. Why did Amelia, her old friend, seem off when she saw her again? For example, the current Amelia had a smile on her face, and even her crimson eyes carried a playful expression. Taroumati hadn’t seen Amelia genuinely smile in centuries. It was terrifying!

 

After Taroumati interrupted the good mood, Amelia just glanced up, then pointed a finger. Taroumati immediately found herself at a loss for words and could only roll her eyes in silence. Being silenced out of annoyance was truly frustrating!

 

“If you don’t want to be kicked out right now, then stay put here. Also, I go by Amelia Barlen now.”

 

Amelia issued a warning and then ignored Taroumati, instructing other demons to keep her company while she went to find Ifia. They had previously agreed to cook together, and keeping one’s word was essential.

 

Left behind, Taroumati finally regained her voice. After Amelia left, she looked at the demons surrounding her and began to voice her questions.

 

“Who is that girl named Ifia, and why does Ahriman like her so much? Ahriman almost killed me for Ifia, this goes beyond mere interest.”

 

( I know, I know! Ifia’s cooking is delicious!)

( Just the smell alone can make demons drool.)

( Sigh, Ahriman is so lucky. To find such a talented human girl so easily, I’m really envious!)

( And, she brings delicious food for Ahriman every day… I envy Ahriman’s every day.)

 

“Her cooking tastes good?”

 

Listening to the demons chattering, Taroumati squinted her green eyes, lightly sneering at their exaggerated remarks. She thought the demons were making too much of a fuss. What was so delicious about human-made food? It was not even as good as the scent of a human soul!

 

Ahriman was just finding excuses to play pretend, and she even had these demons cooperate, putting so much effort into pleasing that Ifia!

 

Tsk tsk…

 

………………………………….

 

Taroumati’s contemptuous thoughts were firm until a maid called her to the dining room for dinner. Looking at the various dishes laid out on the table, Taroumati raised her eyebrows in surprise. She sniffed the rich aromas, and even demons couldn’t resist the temptation.

 

Especially for Taroumati, who had been in the wilderness for a long time, she couldn’t help but drool with anticipation.

 

Now, she finally understood what it meant to tantalize demons! Without caring about her initial mockery, when Amelia, as the host, signaled that they could start, Taroumati immediately picked up her chopsticks.

 

At this moment, Taroumati still clung to her original thoughts. She believed Ahriman was blinded by beauty, as per the saying in Eastern cultures, “Beauty clouds the mind.” It was just a matter of enticing the physical body.

 

So, perhaps these dishes were only visually appealing and smelled decent, but the taste might be just average! Approaching it with a skeptical attitude, Taroumati picked up a piece of crispy meat. After putting it in her mouth, she quietly chewed, and her snake tail under the table began to sway happily, appearing unnoticed and gleefully moving.

 

Her emerald eyes squinted into a narrow line with delight, and a faint red light could be seen shimmering within.

 

She was wrong!!! This human could indeed cook! It was delicious!

 

(Sob, even Taroumati is enjoying it. When will it be my turn?)

(Once you defeat Taroumati.)

(Lady Taroumati, leave us a few bites to taste!)

(Another one couldn’t resist revealing demonic features.)

 

While Taroumati was savoring the delicious food, the demons around her, not daring to chatter in front of Amelia, all swarmed over, loudly expressing their desires. This annoyed Taroumati, causing her to furrow her brow.

 

Immediately, Taroumati used her magical power to press them, directly bouncing the demons away.

 

Once the annoying pests around her were gone, Taroumati picked up another chopstick of sweet and sour spare ribs.

 

This is delicious too! Why are all these dishes so tasty?

 

Taroumati regretted while eating. If she had known about Ifia’s culinary skills earlier, she wouldn’t have provoked Ahriman. Anyway, she hadn’t engraved a demonic mark, so she could have just snatched Ifia and run away when the time came.

 

Make a fortune in silence!

 

Although she wasn’t a match for Ahriman, quietly hiding away wouldn’t be discovered so easily. However, now that she had a record with Ahriman, if Ifia went missing, Taroumati would be the first suspected. Therefore, it was better not to think about it. During Ahriman’s lifetime, she couldn’t have any actions or schemes. And even if she prayed for Ahriman’s death, she knew she wouldn’t die, even if the world did.

 

Sigh! Why was Ahriman so lucky? She encountered all the good things.

 

Regret after sadness was of no use. Now she could only hold her rice bowl and eat three bowls of rice with tears in her eyes.

 

Lucy and Jessica, equally shocked by the taste of the food, were in the same boat as Taroumati.

 

Although Ifia had been preparing some snacks when bringing thoughtful lunch boxes for Amelia recently, delicious as the snacks were, they couldn’t compare to the fragrance of a proper meal.

 

Jessica initially intended to maintain her image in front of her idol, Miss Barlen, but after taking a bite, she couldn’t resist anymore. What in the world was this earthly delicacy? She couldn’t stop eating!

 

If it weren’t for years of noble upbringing sounding a warning, she would have wanted to devour the food like Taroumati, too.

 

Lucy, sitting beside Jessica, was also indulging in the feast, wearing an expression that clearly conveyed amazement at Ifia’s incredible cooking skills.

 

As the head chef, Ifia wasn’t particularly hungry at the moment. Instead of being drawn to the food on the table, she was still immersed in the incredible scene she had created in the kitchen. Amelia’s knife skills were truly remarkable!

 

If we were to follow Ifia and Amelia into the kitchen, it would be a story worth telling from the beginning.

 

After the laughter and banter in the study room with Lucy and others, it was time to get down to business. When Lucy saw the rows of bookshelves, she couldn’t help but exclaim, quickly grabbing Jessica to embark on a journey into the ocean of knowledge.

 

Remaining uninterested and lazy to join the study session, Ifia noticed Lucy and Jessica fully engrossed in the studies. Sneaking away, she moved quietly to the wall adorned with artwork, staring at the painting with a silly grin for quite some time.

 

If only there were a camera or a phone.

 

She could take a picture as a keepsake.

 

She could even post it on her social media, just a small bragging moment.

 

Unfortunately, she had nothing right now.

 

As Ifia sighed with regret, about to complain to the system, a knock on the door of the study interrupted her. Ifia, feeling guilty, quickly ran to the sofa and sat down. A few seconds later, the door opened from the outside, and Amelia, in a good mood, walked in. This piqued Ifia’s curiosity.

 

She had known Amelia for quite some time, and aside from maids and butlers, she had not seen any other friends visiting Amelia!

 

The messy noble who had barged in initially didn’t count.

 

However, even though Ifia could sense her curiosity about Taroumati, Amelia didn’t offer any explanation. Instead, she smiled faintly and asked Ifia if she wanted to prepare dinner now. Being stared at by those beautiful purple eyes, one couldn’t refuse. So, after Ifia nodded dizzily, Amelia, as a helper, also entered the kitchen.

 

Ifia originally thought Amelia, being the noble Duke’s daughter, had no business in the kitchen. Subconsciously, she assumed Amelia was a novice in the kitchen.

 

However, after handing over the ingredients to her, Amelia showed off her skills directly. In just a dozen seconds, she peeled and sliced potatoes, with each potato strand looking like a precise replica. In a brief moment, she cleanly removed the fish bones from a live fish. Even the bones of a whole chicken were picked out without damaging the slightest bit of flesh!

 

A true master doesn’t reveal their skills! With such proficiency, there must be quite a few animal souls under Amelia’s knife!

 

As someone who spent a lot of time in the kitchen, Ifia felt that even if she died and came back to life several times, she wouldn’t reach Amelia’s level of expertise. When she curiously inquired, Amelia claimed that it was her first time chopping vegetables.

 

Oh, how unfair! This is talent!

 

Witnessing Amelia’s amazing performance in the kitchen, everything about Taroumati was thrown out of Ifia’s mind. All she could see was Amelia!

 

Even now, sitting at the dining table, Ifia couldn’t forget Amelia’s divine knife skills, those focused and serious expressions in her purple eyes were truly captivating.

 

This is the first time Ifia absentmindedly daydreamed during a meal. When all the dishes were finished, and the maids cleared the plates, she came back to reality, looking at everyone with satisfaction on their faces.

 

It’s the expression every chef loves to see.

 

“Ifia, your cooking skills are amazing. Do you have siblings who can cook as well?”

 

After a satisfying meal, Taroumati couldn’t help but ask. Since she couldn’t have Ifia, finding a substitute would do. Unfortunately, Ifia shook her head, indicating she didn’t have any siblings who could cook.

 

Taroumati sighed in disappointment, thinking she wouldn’t get to enjoy such delicious food again. She felt gloomy and wanted to retaliate against the world.

 

Ah, she really wanted to steal Ifia away!

 

Why couldn’t she defeat Amelia?

 

She hated it!

 

While Taroumati brooded alone, after dinner, maids brought out exquisite and delicious desserts. Having finished eating, they finally had time to chat. When it came to the hottest topic lately, of course, it was the disappearance case in Dalwa City.

 

Naturally, the well-informed Jessica began, “It’s said that the number of civilian victims in the Dalwa City disappearance case has risen to twenty, and the Imperial Police have deployed additional forces, but still haven’t found any useful clues.”

 

“Twenty people have gone missing?”

 

Ifia, holding a dessert, listened while eating, surprised by how serious the disappearance case had become. Initially, it was just two or three people missing, but now it seemed to be a premeditated and severe criminal case.

 

“Yeah, after so long with no results in the investigation, rumors started spreading in Dalwa City that demons were involved!”

 

Upon hearing the word “demons,” Taroumati, who was initially indifferent, raised her eyebrows and chuckled suddenly, speaking somewhat abruptly, “When demons are involved, there’s no class distinction~”

 

Taroumati continued, not forgetting to throw a flirtatious glance at Jessica, giggling provocatively, causing her chest to heave and ripple.

 

The suggestive remark made Jessica blush, and she stammered as she continued, “D-demons’ involvement is likely a term originating from the church, leading to many people praying at the church in the past few days.”

 

“Tsk, the church again~ Little darlings, let big sister tell you, sometimes, compared to demons, the human heart is more terrifying!”

 

When Taroumati spoke, it seemed like she was implying something, though she didn’t explicitly state it. The conversation gradually became sensitive, prompting Jessica to quickly change the topic and discuss other matters.

 

The post-dinner chat didn’t last too long this time. As the sky darkened, Jessica and Lucy bid farewell. Unlike the others who left directly, Ifia was accompanied by Amelia in a carriage back to the Pulis Academy.

 

As for Taroumati, who wanted to follow, she was deterred by a cold glance from Amelia. On the carriage, Amelia took out an exquisite wallet and handed it to Ifia, explaining earnestly, “Ifia, I’ll be leaving Dalwa City for a while. If you need help with anything, you can come here and find the butler or the head maid. I’ve already instructed them.”

 

Upon hearing that Amelia was leaving, Ifia couldn’t help but be momentarily stunned. She quickly realized and handed back the wallet she subconsciously received, shaking her head, “Amelia, I have money!”

 

The wallet was heavy, and without opening it, Ifia knew it must be filled with a considerable amount of coins. She hadn’t spent all the money she earned from selling bubble tea!

 

However, Amelia didn’t allow Ifia to refuse. She assertively reached out, holding Ifia’s hands with such absolute strength that Ifia couldn’t even struggle. She could only look up at Amelia with those dewy black eyes as Amelia insisted on giving her the money.

 

With a hint of grievance and unease in her eyes, as if accusing why she had to leave, Ifia seemed to be expressing her feelings. This suddenly pricked at Amelia’s heart, causing a brief twinge of pain that quickly dissipated. Not taking it lightly, Amelia understood that comforting Ifia was the priority now.

 

“Ifia, I’ll definitely be back within a week,” Amelia assured. Instead of continuing to assertively control Ifia’s actions, she gently extended her arms, embracing Ifia’s petite figure. Speaking soothing words into Ifia’s ear, Amelia patiently consoled her.

 

Ifia was a simple-minded and innocent girl. Initially, Amelia might have seen Ifia as an amusing new toy, but as they spent more time together, her perspective began to change. Perhaps Ifia had been promoted from a toy to a pet? Even as a demon, Ifia’s cuteness was undeniable, and sincerity might be her lethal skill. Or perhaps, Ifia’s gentle and fragrant presence made her endearing, and there was no annoying noise.

 

In any case, Amelia’s patience with Ifia had grown, and she didn’t find the current act of comforting Ifia bothersome. In the past, it would have been unthinkable, crying or making a scene would only have hastened one’s demise in her presence.

 

Why is it that, just leaving the Darwa City for a while, I can’t help but worry like this? Is this the feeling of having a cute little pet?

 

“Take this money, go out with friends, explore the streets, buy some interesting things, and then you’ll see that I’ll be back soon,” Amelia reassured Ifia patiently.

 

Under Amelia’s patient comfort, Ifia’s emotions gradually recovered. Since coming to this world, apart from the initial few days of lying around, she hadn’t been separated from Amelia for too long. So, hearing suddenly that Amelia was leaving caught her off guard. This fledgling mentality wasn’t healthy, but Ifia couldn’t help it. She wasn’t the type to endure pain without making a sound.

 

Besides having a bit of money at home, she was just an ordinary person. Suddenly being shot, transported to another world, bound by a useless system to save the world, and facing a situation where she would starve in the slums upon opening her eyes—a thunderous start. Meeting Amelia was her stroke of luck!

 

So, even though the system harbored deep reservations about Amelia, Ifia paid no heed. When faced with difficulties and dangers, the system could only babble on, and only Amelia reached out to help her. With such a kind-hearted Amelia, Ifia found it hard to label her as a bad person.

 

However, after her emotions stabilized, Ifia suddenly felt a bit embarrassed. She slowly pulled away from Amelia’s embrace, obediently sat down, and avoided making eye contact with her, showing a shy expression.

 

(//•/w/•//)

 

Even the wallet that she initially resisted was quietly accepted. Unable to bring herself to expose Ifia’s adorable behavior, Amelia went along with it and started talking about other topics, gradually helping Ifia relax. This continued until they returned to the academy, and things returned to normal.

 

As the carriage stopped, Ifia looked at Amelia who had accompanied her and wanted to smile in farewell. However, she couldn’t resist the urge to be a bit clingy. She reached out and hugged Amelia directly, lowering her head. All that could be seen was her smooth black hair intertwining with Amelia’s silver hair as they embraced tightly.

 

“Come back quickly, okay?”

 

“Sure.”

 

Amelia was charmed by Ifia’s spoiled behavior. She, too, extended her arms and embraced Ifia, reassuring her once again that she would return as promised.

 

Later, after seeing off Amelia and the carriage she rode in, Ifia still felt a bit downcast. She walked slowly towards the dormitory, carrying a heavy wallet in her hand. However, there was no joy of sudden wealth. It wasn’t until she returned to the dormitory, casually tossed the wallet onto the table, and collapsed onto the bed that she sighed.

 

Ah!

 

Suddenly, she felt a lack of motivation. However, before Ifia could immerse herself further in the brief sadness of parting, the system suddenly spoke up.

 

[Important notice! Important notice! Important notice!]