villainess chapter 12

“Just pick a dress already,” Evan said, stifling a yawn and urging his sister to make her choice. Even as he spoke, his thoughts were consumed by Vivian. Vivian, with her large, luminous eyes like a young deer. Vivian, with her soft, fragrant brown hair that smelled sweet when the warm spring breeze blew. Vivian, with her tiny mouth that nibbled even the smallest piece of chocolate slowly and delightfully. Vivian, so intelligent yet kind and innocent, a fragrant target for lurking hyenas.

“I can’t let some clueless vermin covet her,” he muttered. He was prepared to protect her, no matter how long it took or what it required. Even if Vivian didn’t remember him at all. Until he reclaimed his beloved, he wouldn’t let anyone else lay eyes on her. He would protect her, by any means necessary, from those who dared to covet and harm her. His dark eyes, swirling with a mix of emotions, sank into a deep abyss.

Naturally, and unfortunately, Vivian was completely oblivious to the twins’ thoughts. “Oh, I’m late. I need to hurry back and help her choose!” Anxious about the delay, she hurried back to the reception room where her sister was waiting. The staff member who had guided her opened the door. Vivian stepped inside, her eyes darting around. The low table remained as they had left it. 

A few design sketches they had been looking at were scattered haphazardly. The teacup with its faint orange-tinged bottom, her half-empty glass of milk, and the untouched plate of cake and chocolates were all still there. The curtains on one side of the room remained drawn, just as before. But Flora, the most important person, was nowhere to be seen. The sofa where her sister had been sitting was slightly indented, suggesting she had been there just moments ago.

Vivian’s heart plummeted. Her clear vision blurred. Had her mother really resorted to such blatant tactics, even though Vivian had accompanied Flora? Had something happened in that short time? Had Flora gone to the restroom? She hadn’t seen her on the way there or back. Vivian tried to calm her racing heart, but the anxiety wouldn’t subside. Her voice, beyond her control, trembled as she called out, “Sister?”

“Yes, Vivian! I’m trying on a dress right now.”

“Oh, thank goodness.” Hearing Flora’s voice from behind the drawn curtains, Vivian felt a wave of relief wash over her. She remembered the madame mentioning that they would assist with fittings after choosing a design. She chided herself for letting her thoughts run wild. Her shaky legs carried her to the sofa. She dabbed at the cold sweat on her forehead with a handkerchief.

“Surely, Mother wouldn’t do anything like that in someone else’s establishment.” No matter how much her mother disliked Flora, she was still a young girl who hadn’t even made her debut. There was nothing Flora could have done to provoke her mother’s ire. The incident a few days prior must have put Vivian on edge. It hadn’t been long since she had regained consciousness.

“I’m sorry, Mother.” As her anxiety eased, thirst set in. She drained the remaining milk to soothe her parched throat. The rustling sounds stopped.

Swish

The sheer beige curtains parted, revealing Flora, looking like a goddess of the forest. She wore a flowing ivory dress, crafted from a shimmering, luxurious fabric. The loose, non-clinging silhouette exuded a free-spirited elegance, reminiscent of an ancient goddess or nymph. There were no delicate lace or sparkling jewels, but the subtly revealed feminine curves and the draping of the fabric were exquisite in their own right. It perfectly complemented Flora’s pure and innocent image.

“What do you think, Vivian? This dress doesn’t require a corset. It seems comfortable to move in, too.”

“Your Highness, this dress was inspired by the Earth Goddess…” The boutique’s chief designer, who had appeared seemingly out of nowhere, chimed in. The madame must have gone to attend to the Grand Duchess. The dress complemented Flora’s long, wavy brown hair, which cascaded down to her waist. Flora’s breathing seemed much more relaxed, thanks to the absence of a suffocating corset. This dress looked like it would allow her to dance vigorously, even if there was no chance of that happening at the imperial palace ball.

After slowly turning to display the full design, Flora disappeared behind the curtains once more.

“Now, let’s see the next design.” More rustling sounds followed.

Soon, with another swish, Flora emerged again, this time in a dazzling gown. Unlike the first, this one was fitted with a built-in corset, accentuating her slender waist. As expected of the most beautiful woman in the Aeternum Empire, she looked flawless from head to toe. The dress, layers of pale blue silk and tulle, held a different kind of allure. Beads and jewels, meticulously sewn onto the fine fabric, shimmered under the lights, resembling waves breaking under the summer sun. Compared to the first dress, this one highlighted Flora’s blossoming maturity.

“What do you think of this one? Is it too flashy?”

“This design contrasts with the previous dress. A craftsman meticulously hand-sewed each precious jewel…” The designer’s eager explanation fell on deaf ears. Vivian’s eyes were fixed on her sister, who looked beautiful no matter what she wore. This sky-blue dress, in particular, seemed as if the madame had poured her heart and soul into creating it specifically for Flora. It would surely catch everyone’s attention, sparkling brilliantly under the chandeliers or sunlight. Yet, paradoxically, it also exuded a pure and innocent aura.

“Vivian, what do you think?”