villainess chapter 5

“Jenny. Do you know what today’s date is?”

“It’s the 7th of March, 656 Imperial Year.”

The very year Flora, four years her senior, would make her debut into society. Two months from now, if she recalled correctly. Mother had been, if not kind, at least tolerant until her elder sister’s debut. Except for one… glaring incident. Flora, as befitting a future crown princess, had captivated everyone from the very moment she stepped into the ballroom. That, it seemed, had triggered something within their mother. The unknown anger and resentment the Duchess had kept buried deep within her had erupted like a dam bursting its banks.

“My lady, we shall assist you with your toilette now.”

“Yes, I’ll be there shortly.”

How it had happened, she still didn’t understand. Somehow, she had returned from the brink of an eternal abyss, rewinding time by ten years. She couldn’t face that wretched, meaningless death again.

This time, I will ensure we all live happily, including my sister and Mother!

She wouldn’t allow Flora to be hurt, wouldn’t allow those vicious rumors branding her a villain to spread. She vowed to witness her sister become the celebrated, just, and benevolent crown princess she was meant to be. To do that, she had to prevent the primary cause of Flora’s suffering: their mother’s cruel actions. She also yearned to understand why her mother harbored such animosity towards Flora. She prayed that the mother she loved, and who loved her in return, wouldn’t become a monster, consumed by an inexplicable rage and hatred, blinding her to other joys and affections.

She also planned to do everything in her power to prevent her own marriage to Arthur Harrington, a union that felt more like a sale. Even if she avoided that particular disaster, there was no telling what other entanglement might arise. Perhaps forging connections with other powerful ducal or grand ducal families beforehand would be a better course of action. The former Duchess, Vivian’s mother, and even Max’s fiancée—they all hailed from ducal families. The only remaining option was the Grand Duchy of Grey. 

However, a marriage to Evan Grey, the heir, seemed impossible. He frequently went to war, and his family traditionally formed alliances with foreign princesses. Moreover, the current Grand Duchess Consort was the Emperor’s own sister. Perhaps that was why she had only seen the Grand Duke once in her previous life, at her debutante ball. That disparity in social standing was the reason Max had been able to force through her marriage to Arthur, claiming there were no suitable matches of comparable rank and age. Of course, that was only one of his many excuses.

Therefore, she would rather remain unmarried and independent. If she could secure a portion of the family’s land to manage, she could easily support herself. In the Empire, the head of the family could bestow land and titles upon female descendants if they so wished. As long as her mother remained healthy, it would be best for them to live quietly together on their own estate. It would bring her peace of mind. Since she and Flora were their parents’ only children, her father might grant her a countship while he was still well.

Yes, that’s the best plan. A title would be beneficial if I wish to remain unmarried. And I could help Flora if needed.

Young Vivian’s hazel eyes shone with determination as she made up her mind. She clenched her small, delicate fists, resolving to stay sharp and avoid repeating the mistakes of her past.

First, I must carefully examine Flora’s debutante dress.

“My lady, your toilette is complete. As expected, your fair complexion complements these vibrant colors beautifully.”

At those words, she opened her eyes and looked at the mirror. Reflected in the polished glass was a young girl in a cream-colored dress. Her lustrous brown hair was loosely braided and draped down her back. Jenny was quite skilled with her hands; the hairstyle appeared effortless, yet it was securely fastened. It was the epitome of understated elegance. A subtle rosy hue flushed her still-chubby cheeks—the vibrant glow of the living, a color she had forgotten over the past three years.

“Thank you. I’m hungry. Let’s go downstairs.”

“Yes, my lady.”

Smiling faintly, she followed her maid to the dining room.

Click.

The large doors opened, and Vivian entered. At the head of the long table sat the Duke of Beaufort, Hugo Beaufort, the head of the family. Both sisters seemed to have inherited his hair color. His warm brown hair framed gentle blue eyes, which crinkled slightly as he smiled. Vivian curtsied, lightly holding her skirt.

“Good morning, Your Grace.”

“Good morning, Vivian. It is a fine morning indeed.” he replied in a soft voice that matched his expression.

To his right sat a woman with dark blonde hair. She had the same hazel eyes as Vivian and smiled warmly. It was the Duchess, Christine Beaufort, Vivian’s mother.

“Vivian, did you sleep well?”

“Yes, Mother. Did you sleep well?”

“I did, my dear. Come and sit here.”

It seemed Flora hadn’t arrived yet. Vivian took the seat one space away from Max’s.

“Good morning, Brother.”

“Morning,” he replied coldly. He had the same pale platinum blonde hair and blue eyes as the former Duchess. From the moment she entered until she sat down, he hadn’t looked at her once.