My Niece, the True Villainess Lady, Says She Hates Dolls
After passing over a black joke that left me unsure whether to laugh or cry.
I fell deep into thought, wondering if there was any way to somehow get Liriet out of here.
'As far as I know, Liriet is forbidden from going out.'
Of course, if I, her uncle, took her out, there'd be justification for it.
The problem was Liriet's psychological resistance.
If I suggested going for a walk or touring the ducal territory.
She definitely wouldn't readily agree, if only because of her stepmother's words.
No helping it.
Sorry to our cute little niece.
Here, let's try the 'make her anxious' strategy.
I immediately devised the plan and sighed loudly, as if for Liriet—who had returned to study mode—to hear.
"Haa, this is quite the pickle."
"A pickle? Has something happened, Uncle?"
"Well, I was planning to buy a new doll today. But nothing quite caught my eye. So I thought I'd borrow my niece's power and came to ask for your help."
"My power?"
Liriet tilted her head, as if she didn't quite understand.
It was adorably like a doll had come to life.
"Do you happen to know if there's a famous doll shop in the ducal territory?"
"No. It's the first I've heard of it."
Yeah, of course it is.
I made it up, after all.
I figured a ducal territory like this must have at least one such shop.
"I was hoping to stop by there with you and get a recommendation for a new doll to bring home."
"...Ah!"
"But who knew my niece had no interest in dolls. What a bind. I even thought, since we're there anyway, I could buy you a cute one as a gift and show off a bit as your cool uncle."
"U-Um..."
Was she finally realizing her mistake?
Liriet's tiny hand wandered aimlessly, and she called to me in a trembling voice.
She must feel terribly awkward.
After all, she'd gone and said with her own mouth that she didn't like them.
And now she'd ruined her uncle's plans for no reason.
On the other hand, she must feel a pang of regret deep down.
She could have used me as an excuse to pick up a cute doll.
But even that chance was gone.
I felt bad for teasing Liriet like this.
But it was all for the greater good, so please bear with it just a little.
Now, there were only two paths left here.
She could muster her courage and admit she actually did like dolls.
Or she could make an excuse about helping me and insist on coming along.
"If Uncle needs my help, then I'm fine with it..."
And as expected, our clever niece chose the latter.
She decided to tell one more lie rather than become a liar who went back on her word.
What a naughty niece.
But this uncle forgives you completely.
"No, I can't trouble my niece when she should be focusing on her studies."
"Ugh..."
But forgiving doesn't mean I'll let it slide completely.
Forgive your contrary uncle.
I was just hoping you'd be honest, so I hope you don't hate me too much.
"U-Uncle."
"Did you call me?"
"I... I want to see the dolls too. Could you take me with you?"
Oh ho.
The reaction came faster than expected.
This might break down the walls in Liriet's heart even sooner than planned.
I looked down at my niece, who was clutching my sleeve with her small hand, her ears flushed bright red as she made her plea.
"Gilbert, are you outside?"
"Yes, young master. Did you call for me?"
I summoned Gilbert, who was waiting outside.
Then, glancing down at Liriet—who was probably suddenly gripped by anxiety and thinking oh no—
"Tell them Liriet is with me on important business. If anyone complains, drop my name."
I said it a bit loudly, for Liriet to hear.
At that moment, both Liriet's and Gilbert's eyes widened in shock.
Well, yeah.
The 'Baal Argent' I knew originally had zero interest in the family's internal affairs.
Of course, he wouldn't have known about Liriet being oppressed by her stepmother.
Or that she was being bullied by her one and only brother.
But my tone just now made it clear, to anyone listening, that I was aware of factions who might use a ten-year-old girl's brief outing as an excuse.
"Understood. Please go ahead without worry."
Quick on the uptake as always, Gilbert nodded without much surprise.
Now, all that's left is to take Liriet and go.
Time for some classic romance fantasy protocol here.
"Um, Uncle? This hand...?"
"It means I want you to take my hand."
"Is it okay for someone like me to...?"
"Someone like you? Escorting a beautiful lady is the greatest joy for any gentleman."
I knelt on one knee before the hesitant Liriet with an exaggerated flourish,
"My lovely niece. Would you grace this uncle with a bit of your precious time?"
"......"
I extended my hand with lines so buttery and oily it felt like I'd slathered them on.
It was so cringey I felt like my limbs were dried squid legs on a grill.
Pok.
The moment I saw Liriet carefully place her hand on mine and nod quietly, it all melted away like snow.
"...Yes."
Her delicate hand trembled faintly—it was so heartbreaking.
But seeing the reward for doing something out of character made me smile.
I sincerely hoped this child would be happy.
With that deep wish in my heart, I led Liriet out of the room.
Clop. Clop.
Each time the horse's hooves struck the ground in steady rhythm, Liriet flinched in my arms.
She must find it uncomfortable being held by her unfamiliar uncle.
"Niece, are you very uncomfortable?"
"Pardon? Ah, no. I'm fine. It's not discomfort, it's just..."
Not uncomfortable?
I thought it was her usual 'act like it's nothing' mode kicking in.
But from her expression, it didn't seem like discomfort at all.
Liriet glanced back over her shoulder at me, stammering,
"It's my first time riding alone with someone. I just feel a bit awkward."
"Your first time?"
"Yes. I've ridden in a carriage before."
A duke's daughter saying this would normally make people think,
Ah, she's been raised so delicately she's only ever used carriages.
But knowing her circumstances, I couldn't brush it off that easily.
If anything, it made my heart ache even more.
'Even my strict father rode with me on horseback and played sometimes.'
Horseback riding wasn't just for travel in this world—it was a form of recreation too.
Most noble children would have, at least once in childhood, ridden in their father's arms.
But this girl didn't even have such a simple memory.
Maybe that's why Liriet in my arms seemed subtly delighted.
"I'm glad if you're not uncomfortable. I felt bad for dragging my niece into one of my few hobbies."
"A hobby?"
"Yes. I spend so much time alone in my workshop reading books that occasionally riding out for a walk became a hobby."
Truth be told, it was hardly a hobby.
It was a compromise born from nagging by a certain busybody nearby: I had to go for walks, but I didn't want to walk on foot.
I'd originally planned to ride in a carriage reading books and circle the neighborhood.
But after getting an earful about whether that even counted as a walk, I settled on horseback.
I felt a bit resentful about why carriage no but horse yes.
But their argument that walks fundamentally meant getting sunlight was unbeatable.
I even asked if I could just open the carriage door, but they threw a book at me.
"The workshop is where you do your research, right?"
"That's right."
"It must be a really cool place."
"Nothing cool about it. It's just full of ink and musty paper smells all day. Maybe 'closet' suits it better than workshop."
"Not a workshop but a closet... Pfft."
Oh, she laughed.
I hadn't even aimed for it.
Was Liriet's taste in dad jokes, of all things?
Nothing like that in the original setting.
Whatever.
Seeing a cute girl laugh cutely was more than enough.
"By the way, I heard the news. Congratulations on reaching the 7th Circle, Uncle... A bit late, but sincerely."
"Thank you. Your praise means more to me than all the compliments from those old association fogies."
"F-Fogies?"
"They're around. Wrinkled old geezers and grannies enslaved to budgets."
"Aren't they all amazing people?"
"Mm... Well, yeah."
They do have their reputations.
But in my eyes, they're just booze-crazed, budget-obsessed fossils.
Some were once respectable figures.
But after taking disciples and setting up labs or workshops,
They all turned into budget slaves. It's tragic.
"I heard you reached the 7th Circle at an unprecedented speed. Is that true?"
"Embarrassing to say it myself, but yeah."
"Who was the previous record holder?"
"My master. Probably reached it at twenty-five."
"Three whole years earlier than someone that incredible..."
Liriet's quiet admiration held a child's pure sparkle in her eyes.
But somehow, it felt a bit lonely too.
Her lips pouted slightly up to her nose—I could guess her feelings.
"Don't worry. You'll become someone far greater than me, my niece."
"N-No, how could I ever surpass Uncle..."
So I gave her some encouraging words, and her ears turned bright red as she waved her hands wildly, as if I couldn't even see them.
She probably thought it was just empty flattery from an uncle.
The comedy was that she'd never even heard such common empty words from anyone around her.
"It's not flattery to win you over—it's the truth. So believe in this uncle."
Ironically, my words weren't some tender lie to build rapport with Liriet.
Because it does appear in the story.
Liriet's true talent.
This 'Beloved Lady' world has a very important setting.
Star's Grace.
Those who inherit this Star's Grace are born with unique abilities.
The male protagonist Leon is a prime example.
Leon possesses the trait called Inexplicable.
This is the one ability that can escape the world's laws and natural order.
True to its name, it turns one into an existence the world can't comprehend.
The effect is simple.
Unbound by fate, one gains immense power when resisting it.
With this, Leon could shatter inevitable outcomes in the original story and save those around him.
A cheat ability befitting the protagonist.
But conversely, it means nothing if you're not resisting fate.
So Leon's normal combat prowess wasn't exceptionally outstanding.
Early in the academy, he even lost a spar to Liriet.
Meanwhile, Liriet's Star's Grace is revealed only right before her death: Sword Aspiration.
It's an ability where power grows exponentially toward someone she admires—the stronger the bond and feelings, the greater the surge.
In the original, her object of admiration was naturally the protagonist Leon.
The problem? Those feelings weren't love or affection, but mere admiration.
Right before dying, learning this through the heroine Tiana, Liriet despairs and ends her own life.
Shocked that what she thought was love was just admiration.
Some might say it's inferior to Leon's.
But per the author, if Liriet followed a normal route, she'd become the empire's greatest swordswoman—a power with tremendous potential.
'If I extend my hand, it'll awaken even sooner.'
It doesn't even have to be me as the object.
Truthfully, no need to rush it.
Following the flow, she'll meet Leon at the academy and face that fate.
It's just my greed as her uncle, the person she'll grow most attached to.
I want her to realize that power sooner, grow faster,
And gain recognition from those around her that much earlier. A personal desire.
"Got it? Remember this uncle's words well, Liriet. You are special and precious, more than anyone."
"...Yes, Uncle."
Liriet's face still looked confused as she answered.
As if saying, 'Someone like me?'
I didn't force the words I'd just said into her head.
She'd realize it in time.
Because I'd make it so.
Neigh─!
Soon, the horse slowed to a stop.
We'd arrived in the ducal territory and dismounted side by side.
"U-Uncle...!"
"Kh!"
No, correction.
Precisely, I left Liriet—who couldn't dismount on her own and was at a loss—there for a moment because she was so cute.
Look at her flailing her arms and legs.
Adorable to death, seriously.