The Villainess Refuses to Follow the Script-Chapter 55

The plan, according to Lila, was simple.

"Get in. Get out. No one notices a thing."

Beatrice narrowed her eyes at the princess. "That’s a terrible plan. That’s not even a plan. That’s just wishful thinking."

"Fine," Lila rolled her eyes. "Step one, put on the disguises. Step two, avoid getting caught. Step three, sneak into the underground market. Step four, profit!"

Beatrice pinched the bridge of her nose. "Why am I trusting you with this?"

"Because I’m a genius." Lila grinned, tossing a bundle of dark fabric at her. "Now, put this on."

Beatrice unfolded it, eyeing the cloak with suspicion.

"Is this supposed to be my disguise?"

"Well, it’s either that or you walk out of here with a sign that says arrest me. Your choice."

With a sigh, Beatrice threw the cloak over her shoulders. Lila had already changed into a much less extravagant outfit than her usual royal gowns, opting for plain trousers and a loose tunic. It was shocking how well she blended in when she wasn’t dripping in silk and gold.

Beatrice, on the other hand, had spent too many years perfecting the art of standing out. The idea of sneaking around like a common thief? Not exactly her forte.

"Alright," Lila said, peering out into the dimly lit hallway. "The guards do their rotation in five minutes. We need to slip out the side entrance before then."

"And if we get caught?"

Lila flashed a smirk. "Then we improvise."

Beatrice had a bad feeling about this.

It started smoothly enough. They made it past the first corridor undetected, keeping to the shadows. Beatrice, against her better judgment, found herself actually enjoying the thrill of sneaking around.

That was, until they ran into the first problem.

"Why is there a guard here?" she hissed.

Lila frowned. "He’s not supposed to be here. Maybe he’s new."

Beatrice groaned. "Fantastic. Just our luck."

The guard stood directly in front of the side entrance, looking entirely too alert for Beatrice’s liking. They needed a distraction.

Lila, of course, had no hesitation. She bent down, grabbed a loose pebble from the floor, and chucked it across the hall.

The guard stiffened, turning toward the noise. "Who’s there?"

Beatrice resisted the urge to smack her forehead. "That’s the oldest trick in the book. He’s not going to—"

The guard took a cautious step forward, squinting into the darkness. Beatrice cut herself off, eyes widening.

"Oh. He’s actually falling for it."

"Of course he is," Lila whispered smugly. "They never expect the pebble."

Seizing the moment, they slipped past him and out the door.

Step one: complete.

Step two: proving to be significantly more difficult.

As they navigated the quiet streets outside the palace, Beatrice realized two things. One, sneaking around in a ballgown would have been impossible, so she begrudgingly admitted that Lila’s insistence on simpler clothes was a good idea. And two, they absolutely did not blend in.

"You’re walking like you’ve never been outside before," Lila muttered.

Beatrice scowled. "I am trying to be inconspicuous."

"You look like you’re plotting a murder all the time."

"Maybe I am."

Lila snorted. "Relax. We just need to get to the market entrance without drawing attention."

"Easier said than done," Beatrice grumbled, glancing around at the few pedestrians still out at this hour.

That was when she noticed a patrol approaching from the other end of the street.

"Guards," she said sharply.

Lila tensed. "Quick, act normal."

"What’s normal?"

"I don’t know, just... blend in."

Beatrice turned away from the approaching patrol, grabbing the nearest object to pretend she was deeply interested in it.

Unfortunately, that object happened to be a basket of cabbages.

She froze, staring down at them.

Lila, ever the quick thinker, clapped a hand on her shoulder and declared loudly, "Ah, my dear cousin! So wonderful to see you again."

Beatrice blinked. "What."

Lila ignored her, turning to the cabbage vendor. "We’re just here for some late-night shopping, as you do."

The vendor looked between them, unimpressed. "You want to buy a cabbage?"

Lila nudged Beatrice, who was still holding one.

"Yes. She loves cabbages. Can’t get enough of them."

Beatrice gave her a look of utter betrayal.

The guards passed without paying them much mind, and Lila grinned triumphantly.

"See? Easy."

"I hate you." Beatrice shoved the cabbage back into the basket.

Lila patted her on the head. "Come on, cousin. The night’s still young."

After several more close calls and one very unfortunate encounter with a stray cat that nearly blew their cover, they finally arrived at the entrance to the underground market.

It wasn’t anything grand. Just an unassuming door tucked into the side of a rundown building. But once inside, it was like stepping into a different world.

The underground market buzzed with energy. Lanterns cast a warm glow over stalls packed with rare trinkets, contraband goods, and whispered secrets. The air smelled of spice, ink, and something distinctly magical.

Beatrice exhaled, taking it all in. "We actually made it."

"Of course we did," Lila said smugly. "I told you. Simple."

Beatrice shot her a look. "I had to hold a cabbage for five minutes."

Lila shrugged. "You made it look convincing."

Before Beatrice could strangle her, someone bumped into her from behind.

She turned, ready to snap, but the words died in her throat as her eyes met a familiar face.

A very familiar face. One that absolutely should not be here.

Francois Montague.

Of course, he’s here!

The crown prince raised an eyebrow at them, clearly unimpressed. "I’m not even going to ask what you two are doing here."

Beatrice swallowed. "That would be appreciated."

"Unfortunately for you, I was just about to ask the same question." He sighed.

Lila hummed, unconcerned. "Oh? And why is the noble prince lurking in such a seedy place?"

Francois gave them a long, exasperated look. "Because I’m working."

"Ah. Well, this just got interesting." Lila brightened.

Beatrice groaned. "I knew this was a bad idea."

"Too late now." Francois crossed his arms.

Beatrice sighed, resigned.

Step four: absolutely not happening.