Taming The Villainesses

(EP-335.1) Of Hearts #4

335 – Queen of Hearts #4

The Lioness family was large.

Even those who bore the name numbered nearly a hundred, and if one included the extended relatives connected by blood, the number exceeded a thousand.

They were like a small army.

All knew very well that such a large number of members and relatives were their weapons and strengths.

Under the banner of lions, numerous lords and knights stood united. When they thrust their spears forward and charged, people would scatter in terror and flee.

Of course, being human, not all cousins could be close. Children were born constantly, and at family gatherings, unfamiliar faces among the relatives only increased.

All the noise from arguments over inheritance just made Elga want to plug her ears.

Now, rumors were circulating that the unity and cohesion of their Lioness family weren’t what they used to be.

Elga had to admit that she wasn’t particularly close with her cousin.

Aira Von Tarantera, a cousin from her maternal side.

Spending time alone with her, Elga always felt a strange tingling sensation, as if a spider were crawling on the back of her neck.... 

“Hehe, Elga, there’s a spider on the back of your neck.” 

Suk.

Aira reached toward Elga’s nape.

Elga felt something being brushed off her skin, and soon enough, a thin-legged spider rested in Aira’s hand.

There really had been a spider crawling on her neck...

“A red jewel widow. It's quite docile, but its venom can be deadly if bitten. Be careful, there are plenty of venomous spiders like this in Sandora~.”

Clunk. Creak.

Aira opened the dressing room window and casually tossed the spider outside. A venomous spider? Not that it mattered much—Elga’s sturdy body wouldn’t suffer even a scratch from a snake or spider bite.

Their soft fangs wouldn’t be able to pierce her tough skin. Aira knew this as well.

Should she thank her cousin anyway?

“T… Thanks.”

At Elga’s somewhat awkward gratitude, Aira opened her narrow eyes slightly.

“We’re family.”

As they began to undress, Elga felt a flush creep up her face as she looked at Aira’s smooth, pale skin and slender limbs.

Even as a fellow woman, Elga had to admit—Aira's body was undeniably attractive.

Smooth arms and legs without a trace of excess fat. The toned curves from her delicate ankles to both thighs. A slender waist. And one well-proportioned, beautiful chest.

She would look good in anything.

Then, two black eyes turned to Elga—those mysterious dark pupils. She couldn't tell what her cousin was thinking. 

“Elga, you can’t enter the hot spring with your clothes on.” 

“I know. Go in first. I’ll join you soon, my outfit is a bit tricky to take off.”

“Alright, then.”

That would've been bad if Aira had offered to help. 

Fortunately, her cousin was a cool-headed woman. Fully undressed, Aira casually draped a light towel over herself and strode off toward the open-air hot spring.

Thanks to that, Elga could finally undress as well.

Her slightly protruding belly.... 

Even someone as oddly oblivious as Aira would have noticed if she saw it. So, Elga wrapped a long bath towel over her smooth skin. 

Creak.

As Elga opened the dressing room door, she could see the steam billowing out. 

She paused for a moment. Soaking in hot water for a long time was not very good for pregnant women. But then she remembered that Sandora’s hot springs were known for their lukewarm temperatures.

Splash.

Dipping a foot in, Elga found the water was actually cooler than her own body temperature. Still, it felt pleasant. 

Supposedly, they were rich in energy beneficial to the body.

“Hurry and get in.”

At Aira's words, Elga finally sunk her entire body into the hot spring.

It was strange being immersed in the warm water, almost like being embraced by the comforting warmth of a mother’s touch..... Was this what Leonor, nestled in her belly, felt?

Just then, Aira spoke.

“They say this spring is good for women and pregnant mothers.”

“... Is that so?”

Elga responded casually but felt a flicker of tension. Did Aira already know about her pregnancy?

Peering carefully at her cousin, Elga suddenly noticed that Aira was simply gathering water in both hands and pouring it over her head. The way she cupped her hands together was like an otter.

As silence settled briefly between them, Elga decided to probe a bit.

“So, one day, when you have a child, you’ll need to come back here.”

“Me, having a child?”

“You’re a woman, and you’re at age. Aren’t you planning to find a husband at the martial festival, get married, and have children?”

“Hmm…”

Aira let out a long hum. 

Her response was rather lukewarm.

Slightly anxious, Elga added. 

“Don’t you like the idea? Imagine having a son or daughter who looks like you. Maybe two or three kids, and taking them on seasonal trips to places like the sea or hot springs like….”

Elga couldn't finish her sentence because Aira suddenly laughed. It was a light chuckle, as if she had just heard an amusing story.

That carefree laugh momentarily caught Elga’s attention. Just how many men had fallen for that smile?

After laughing for a while, Aira finally spoke.

“That’s a very Lioness-like way of thinking. Having children, living harmoniously with family.”

“Isn’t that something anyone would want, not just the Lioness family? Now that I think about it, you don’t seem interested in that sort of thing at all.”

“Interest, huh…”

“Is there anyone you like? A man who catches your eye?”

Elga pressed further.

But, of course, Aira’s response was indifferent.

“Not sure.”

“What about Theo?”

Elga wasn’t the type to beat around the bush. Today’s conversation was no exception—it was a direct charge forward. Though, as soon as she said it, she wondered if she had been too hasty.

But there was no taking it back now.

Aira casually replied. 

“Theo is cute. Watching him struggle with that small body of his, desperately trying to survive… It’s like watching a little squirrel. It’s fun~.”

“I see...”

Edit by: faker