villainess chapter 6

He had always been this way, ever since they were children. He was relatively kind to Flora, his full-blooded sister, but not to their mother or her. Vivian had always been uncomfortable around Max. That was why she hadn’t been able to refuse outright when he pressured her into marrying Arthur. She had fled his study, overwhelmed by the coldness he exuded. The memory of that day made her breath catch in her throat.

That was the past, a nightmare. It won’t happen again.

She blinked slowly, calming her racing heart.

Finally, her sister arrived. Sixteen-year-old Flora was radiantly beautiful, her youthful freshness striking. There was an air of maturity about her that belied her age, but it only added to her mystique.

“Good morning, Your Grace, Mother.” she greeted her parents in a low voice.

“Good morning, Flora. Did you sleep well?”

“Yes, Father.”

The Duchess gave her a cursory, indifferent glance before elegantly turning away.

“Good morning, Brother.”

“Good morning, Flora. It’s a lovely morning,” Max replied, his tone markedly warmer than it had been with Vivian. A small smile even played on his lips. It was a stark reminder that, for him, she had long ceased to be family. Pushing aside the sting in her heart, she greeted her sister, who sat beside her.

“Good morning, Sister.”

“Good morning, Vivian. Did you sleep well?”

“Yes, Sister. Did you sleep well?”

“I did. I should have come down earlier to see you, but I ended up being the last one here.”

Flora, at this time, was like a gentle spring breeze. Her bright emerald eyes sparkled as she looked at Vivian. The sight of her nearly brought tears to Vivian’s eyes.

I will protect you, Sister. There will be no more nights spent crying together, no more suffering for you.

The Beaufort family was finally assembled, and breakfast began. The meal was simple: warm coffee or tea, juice, bread, and soup. The servants placed the food on the table, starting with the head of the table and working their way down. The aroma of warm, savory chicken soup filled the air, tempting her appetite. The bite-sized pieces of chicken and colorful vegetables looked delicious. She couldn’t remember the last time she had enjoyed such a peaceful morning. Lost in thought as she contemplated her soup, a sudden memory surfaced.

Oh, right. Flora’s soup… I should offer to switch with her.

The memory was from some time ago. Young Vivian had been flitting through the gardens like a butterfly. As usual, she was slowly exploring every nook and cranny of the vast mansion. For some reason, the door to the servants’ quarters was slightly ajar. Curiosity piqued, Vivian paused. She peeked through the crack in the door. Inside, she saw her mother’s maid with one of the kitchen maids.

Were they acquaintances? Otherwise, why would a maid and a kitchen maid be meeting alone?

“Here’s this month’s supply. Just add it to the soup as usual.”

“But what if we’re caught…?”

“Shh.”

A small, unmarked pouch was exchanged between them. ‘This month’s supply?’ Was it some kind of special spice? Vivian’s mind filled with questions. She glanced around, confirming that no one else was around. Then, she leaned closer to eavesdrop.

“As long as we keep quiet, we’ll be fine. Make sure you don’t breathe a word of this.”

“But if Lady Flora keeps taking this medicine…” The kitchen maid trailed off, her words cut short by the maid’s hand clamped over her mouth.

Flora? Medicine? What’s going on?

Vivian’s eyes widened in confusion, having stumbled upon a shocking secret. She struggled to control her breathing.

“It won’t show any effects after just a day or two. And even if this comes to light, you’ll be the only one punished. You mentioned your mother is unwell, didn’t you? I’m sure you understand what I mean.”

“Y-yes, I understand.”

Their clandestine conversation ended. As the maid turned to leave, she noticed the slightly open door and jumped in surprise. But the spot was empty, as if no one had been there. Only a faint scent of roses lingered. The maid tilted her head, staring at the empty hallway before closing the door and walking away.

Vivian fled, not to the gardens as she had originally intended, but back to her room. She ran without stopping, afraid of being discovered by the maid or the kitchen maid. Panting, she thought, “Could Mother really…? No, it can’t be true.” She shook her head vehemently.

That evening, innocent Vivian went to her mother and recounted the conversation she had overheard.

“It seems the servants are up to no good. Don’t worry, my dear. I’ll give them a stern warning.”

Her seemingly benevolent mother simply smiled, as if slightly inconvenienced.

Not long after, the kitchen maid disappeared. The young maid who served her mother also left the mansion, citing marriage as the reason. Vivian never discovered what the medicine was. Back then, she had foolishly trusted her mother, unable to imagine her deceit. But now, she wasn’t truly twelve years old.

Vivian turned to look at Flora. Fortunately, her sister hadn’t touched her soup yet.

‘Whatever it is, they said it wouldn’t have any immediate effect. Flora still looks healthy. I’d rather be slightly unwell myself than let her suffer.’

In a cautious, quiet voice, she addressed her sister.

“Sister.”

“Yes, Vivian?”

“Would you mind switching soups with me?”