Manhwa/Chapter 57

## Chapter Guide

**Opening Address** is the 57th chapter of the Villains Are Destined to Die (Manhwa).

## **Summary**

Reynold is shown shouting at Penelope about her attitude during the opening ceremony of the Hunting Competition. How she looks like she is about to shoot someone then and there. Penelope, placing her crossbow on her back, reassures him to not worry about it. He continues to scream at her about how the Eckhart's must look to the rest of the guests, what rumours will she be the star of. The Duke reminds him to not be so loud. Reynold doesn't understand why she is carrying a crossbow with her formal dress, he calls her a lunatic.

In Penelope's eyes, this is just a form of self-defence.

Derrick reminds her that it has only been a year since the probation and adds that she shouldn't be so rash. Penelope reveals that their father had already given her permission, the Duke bashfully turns his head away at his son's judgmental stares and quickly adds that nobody banned possession of weapons at the opening ceremony. He told them all to stop and sit at their table. They warn Penelope that if she causes another ruckus she will be jailed in the palace this time. Derrick reminds her that if she doesn't behave she and soils the family name it won't end with just her being detained.

The Crown Prince, Callisto Regulus, is announced at the entrance. Penelope comments that his hair is that same shining gold colour again. The first thing she would notice about the capture targets was the white number above their heads. But for Callisto (she calls him "that bastard") she always notices his shiny hair first. She quickly hides behind the table as their eyes were about to meet, pleading the game to save her.

Callisto tells to the guests of the Hunting Competition that the Emperor has gone to the south to recuperate and that he has come to the Hunting Competition as the Host. He adds that this year there are many guests from neighboring countries and that the competition will be tough. This time there are many exotic animals present from these nations, so he wants everyone to enjoy it as much as they can.

As the Crown Prince is about to leave someone demands his attention. It's Marquis Allan, the current Queens father, and the Second Prince's grandfather. He asks Callisto why hasn't the Queen or the Second Prince come to the Hunting Competition. He answers that the Queen doesn't feel well the same as the Emperor, she didn't even respond to the invitation. Marquis doesn't believe this because he had just seen her a while ago and she was fine. The Prince suggests that maybe the Queen is faking her illness because she didn't want to come to see him Host the event. Marquis Allen doesn't give up and asks about the whereabouts of the Second Prince. Callisto replies that his little brother was crying because he was going to miss their father during the competition, so he sent him south alongside him. "After all children that throw tantrums about wanting to be with their parents should be with them. Am I right?" he asks with a smirk.

The Marquis doesn't dare go any further and ends the discussion trembling in fear.

Penelope had attended the Second Prince's birthday party so she knew that he wasn't so young to be a child. Even if it was just a figure of speech. She guessed that the Crown Prince had gotten his payback from the ridicule he had faced by those two. Not to mention to do this in front of foreigners and his supporters (she thinks it's a shit show).

These scenes weren't in the original game. Since she keeps experiencing these scenes, she feels uncertain. Her eyes lock with Callisto's and he smirks. His Affection Score goes up to 3%. The Crown Prince announces that although originally he had planned to leave after the opening ceremony, he has changed his mind and that he will be attending all of the event. Penelope feels fucked and she wants to cry.

She notes that it looks like he will only converse with the nobles that support him, but that it seems like he slowly is creeping up to their table. Emily notices that Penelope isn't feeling well and suggests getting her some camisole tea, she agrees. Penelope remembers how Emily told her she will become her hands and feet, and how very observant she has become.

The Duke had already left the table to converse and pay his respect to other nobles. She is relieved to find the brothers (she calls them "idiot sons" here) by her side, guarding her left and right. She feels safe because even if the Prince was crazy he wouldn't interfere with her family around. But Reynold suddenly was leaving, Penelope quickly grabbed his robe asking him where he was going. He said he will meet up with some of his friends. She asks him to stay with her, but he only calls her crazy and leaves. Reynold bashfully leaves and his Affection Score raises to 22%. Now her only hope is Derrick, if only he didn't just go off to talk to some people as well.

Penelope is left at the table alone.

## **Characters**

* Derrick Eckhart
* Reynold Eckhart
* Callisto Regulus
* Duke Eckhart
* Emily
* Marquis Ellen
* The Queen (Mentioned)
* The Second Prince (Mentioned)