villainess chapter 17

Flora’s spirits lifted at the compliment directed towards Vivian. “Oh, thank you for your kind words. Anyone would find Vivian adorable. You have a dependable younger brother, don’t you, Your Highness?” Her emerald eyes, bright as summer foliage, curved into a gentle smile. Watching her, Caroline thought, A classic beauty with a refreshing aura, a warm and affectionate older sister. A sweet and lovely younger sister, almost as if she’d smell of confection, yet unexpectedly composed. What good deeds must Duke Beaufort have done in a past life to be blessed with such daughters? Overcome by the heartwarming sight, her inner thoughts slipped out. “I’m so envious.”

Vivian, overhearing the Grand Duchess’s quiet murmur, asked, “Pardon?”

“Oh, please, have some tea before it gets cold. Our pastry chef is quite skilled.” Caroline, forcing a smile, smoothly redirected the conversation to the tea and treats.

A warm atmosphere blossomed as they chatted, and before they knew it, they were on a first-name basis. Their conversation flowed from debutante balls to current hobbies. Flora brought up the upcoming ball. “So, Your Highness, will you be attending the ball with the Grand Duke?”

“I suppose so. Honestly, the thought of dancing with him makes me dizzy.” Caroline sighed, pressing a hand to her forehead.

The sisters tilted their heads at this unexpected aversion to her brother. “I believe I’ll be attending with my brother as well. Dizzy? Has something happened?”

“Evan is skilled with a sword, but he has no talent for dancing. And the thought of having to hold his hand and entrust my body to him… Ugh.” The Grand Duchess lightly teased her brother, shaking her head.

Vivian swallowed the question rising within her. Strange. His Majesty danced well when he was twenty… Certainly, the Evan she remembered as Grand Duke led his partners skillfully. She had been the nervous one at her first ball, stepping on his feet at least three times, even worried she wouldn’t be able to keep up. Yet, Evan had led her smoothly, without a hint of discomfort. Well, he was an adult then. Things might have been different four years ago.

Meanwhile, Flora naturally shifted the conversation to hobbies. She had recently become engrossed in horseback riding. “Oh, I heard you practice swordsmanship, Caroline. Horseback riding is tiring enough for me; you’re amazing.”

“Oh, it’s nothing. It’s customary in our family for all children to learn, regardless of gender. Speaking of which, Vivian, haven’t you learned to ride yet?” Caroline asked, turning to Vivian, who had been quietly listening.

Savororing the sweet and tart, fresh strawberry juice, Vivian replied, “No, not yet. I only recently graduated from the academy, so I plan to cultivate such noble pursuits gradually.”

“Having graduated two years early, you must have much more leisure time. Since we’ve met like this, it would be lovely to arrange a time to enjoy horseback riding together. Of course, your thoughts on the matter are most important.”

“It would be an honor.”

Just as the cheerful atmosphere among the young ladies was reaching its peak, a small bird landed on the edge of the table.

“Oh, how cute! It must have been drawn by the sweet smell.” No sooner had Vivian spoken than the bird fluttered its wings and took flight.

Clink—Splash—

The bird, hovering nearby, ended up knocking against a nearby teacup. The tea splashed onto Flora.

“Goodness, Flora! Are you alright?”

“Sister!”

“Oh, I’m fine. Fortunately, the tea had cooled.” The half-full cup of tea stained her pastel green skirt crimson. The empty cup, having soaked the hem of her dress, fell silently onto the grass. Thankfully, the soft ground prevented the cup from breaking, and no one was injured.

“I’m so sorry, Flora. Your beautiful dress…”

“It’s nothing to worry about. The maids will clean it. It’s alright.” Flora reassured her, genuinely unconcerned.

Caroline paused in thought, then with a gasp of realization, she offered tentatively, “Our heights are quite similar. I have a new dress I haven’t worn yet. I’d like to gift it to you as an apology. Would you like to come to the dressing room with me?”

“Oh no! There’s really no need. The dress can be cleaned, or I can buy a new one. I have plenty of unworn dresses at home, so it’s quite alright.” Flora waved her hand dismissively and shook her head.

However, the Grand Duchess persisted, her tone beseeching. “Mmm, I wouldn’t feel right. Please accept my offer. Vivian, would you like to come along as well?” She extended the invitation to Vivian, intending to gift her dresses and jewelry as well. Lacking sisters of her own, she was drawn to Vivian’s sweet nature. The way Vivian’s eyes had lit up at the sight of the desserts reminded her of a girl her own age. Moreover, she had heard how Vivian had approached her brother without hesitation at the academy, despite his pretense of being a commoner.