villainess chapter 13

“Sister, what should I do? Everything suits you so well that my advice seems entirely unnecessary.”

Words she’d never normally utter tumbled out, as if by magic. Flora was simply radiant, even in a simple, bright dress, needing no adornments. Coming along to help choose a dress today had been a good idea. Her younger sister, not yet debuted, couldn’t possibly accompany her to the Imperial Palace. It was a way for Vivian to vicariously enjoy the experience while also ensuring the dresses were perfect. This was Vivian’s contribution to her sister’s successful debutante ball.

Flora giggled, seemingly embarrassed by the praise. The sight of her younger sister, so earnest in her admiration, filled her with a warmth that made her want to hug her tightly.

“Vivian, have you been taking rhetoric classes at the Academy? Still, I want you to choose.”

“Well, then, I think this one, and the one from earlier…”

Before Flora could even finish, Vivian’s eyes lit up, sharp and focused. As if waiting for the go-ahead, she quickly began selecting dresses. Flora, though it was for her own debut, left the choices entirely to her sister, only offering a few suggestions here and there. Any necessary alterations could be addressed at the next fitting.

Hours flew by, and finally, the dress selection was complete.

“Whew, we’re finally done. I think I’m more excited than you are, Sister.”

“Nonsense. Choose whatever you like, Vivian. I trust your judgment.”

Coming back to herself, Vivian realized Flora had been agreeing to everything she suggested. She must have gotten carried away by the excitement of seeing so many dresses.

Having successfully concluded the day’s task, they scheduled the next fitting and, hand in hand, left the dress shop. The sky was beginning to blush with the hues of a crimson sunset.

Several days later, a gold-embossed envelope arrived at the Beaufort mansion in the capital. It clearly came from a family of considerable influence. Though marked “urgent,” the contents appeared to be an invitation. Hugo, having received the missive from the butler, eyed it with suspicion.

“Grey? An invitation from the Grand Duke to Vivian?”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

After a moment of contemplation, he instructed the butler, “Ask Vivian to come here for a moment.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

The butler departed, and soon after, light footsteps echoed from the hallway. Even the sound of his precious younger daughter’s delicate steps was endearing. Though she’d become quieter since graduating from the Academy, she remained his beloved youngest. The gentle footsteps stopped at the door, and a servant announced her arrival.

Knock, knock.

“Your Grace, Miss Vivian is here.”

“Come in.”

Click.

The door opened, and his cherished daughter flitted in like a butterfly. On a table in the corner of his study were her favorite sweet treats and milk.

“Sit here, Vivian.”

With a warm, affectionate smile, he guided her to the most comfortable seat on the sofa. As she took a sip of milk, he handed her the invitation.

“Vivian, this arrived from the Grand Ducal family. May I ask how you became acquainted with them?”

“Of course, Father. I met the Grand Duke’s twins by chance when I accompanied Sister Flora to her dress fitting a few days ago.”

At her innocent reply, a flicker of coldness crossed the Duke’s blue eyes.

Twins? Then the Grand Duke’s heir must have been there as well. I hope they weren’t up to anything.

The thought was so fleeting that Vivian didn’t notice. He maintained a gentle smile as he inquired further.

“Is that so? Was there anything else of note?”

“No. The Grand Duchess thought I was adorable the moment she saw me. I believe this is an invitation to tea. She said she wanted to invite both of us to their mansion.”

After her explanation, Vivian lightly bit her lip. It was still embarrassing to hear herself described as adorable. The twenty-two-year-old inside her cringed.

The mention of the Grand Duchess eased the Duke’s unspoken concerns.

“Our Vivian is indeed adorable… Very well. Would you mind if I also looked at this invitation?”

He cautiously asked for his daughter’s permission, just in case. She readily nodded, a sweet smile gracing her features.

“Of course, Father.”

Crumbs from the madeleine she’d been nibbling clung to her lips. Hugo took out a clean handkerchief and gently wiped them away.

The invitation contained only the time and place of the tea party and a polite invitation. A sudden worry crossed Vivian’s mind. Would attending a tea party before her social debut negatively impact her sister?