villainess chapter 27

Flora frowned, displeased by the expression. “Vivian is resting after taking a sedative.”

“I see.” Max’s blue eyes held no discernible emotion. He then turned his gaze back to the boy. The Duke was at the Imperial Palace for an urgent meeting and had not yet returned. The Duchess was also away from the mansion, attending a tea party hosted by a marchioness. It was only due to their absence that the boy had been brought in so quietly.

Flora explained the situation to the physician. “When I saw him, he was lying in front of the carriage, but he hadn’t been directly struck. Those injuries and scars seem to be pre-existing.”

“Yes, Your Highness. I’ll examine him.” The physician examined the boy even more thoroughly than he had Vivian. After attending to the minor scrapes the boy had sustained that day, the physician spoke, his face grim. “It appears this boy has suffered long-term abuse, or perhaps even been forced into combat.”

“Abuse? Combat?” Max asked, a puzzled look on his face. Is it possible there are still such uncivilized families abusing children in this Empire? The Empire severely punished any violence against children, even those of slaves or criminals. While their social advancement might be limited, the abuse of children was strictly forbidden. If not abuse, then combat? Unless he’s a mercenary driven by desperation… but with such a frail body? He swallowed his rising questions and looked at the physician.

“Yes. It appears to be more than simple assault prior to the accident. Judging by the varying states of the scars hidden beneath his clothing, it’s likely he’s been subjected to sustained violence since childhood, away from prying eyes. Some of the scars are quite deep. I can hardly believe it, but several appear to be from a sword.”

“Is that so? I understand. See to it that no unsavory rumors spread about this.”

“Yes, Young Master.” The physician, having completed Arthur’s examination, departed. The siblings moved to the adjacent room. With serious expressions, they began to discuss the situation.

Max spoke first. “He appears to be a commoner. Though his body is covered in wounds, he bears no slave brand.”

“I agree.”

“He isn’t one of our people, but given the Duke’s reputation, we’ll let him go once he recovers his strength.” The boy had run into the path of the Duke’s carriage, but he hadn’t been seriously injured by the carriage or horses. However, Max, enjoying the privileges of nobility, valued his reputation. He was generally lenient towards lower-ranking nobles or commoners in unfortunate circumstances – provided, of course, they were honest and truthful.

Flora responded impassively. “No. Have him moved to the annex when he wakes. If you’re worried about the abuse continuing…”

“Why?”

“Vivian was terribly frightened by this boy. So much so that she fainted upon returning home.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“According to the coachman, this boy suddenly appeared and ran into the carriage’s path. No matter how important our public image is, is there really a need to keep a suspicious person at the mansion? He could be a spy trying to infiltrate the dukedom.” Outwardly, Flora didn’t hide her anger, but inwardly, she was searching for a justifiable reason. She recalled her sister’s trembling breaths and choked sobs. The physician’s explanation also bothered her. There shouldn’t be any connection between this mysterious commoner and Vivian, but one could never be certain. Flora felt the need to thoroughly investigate the boy, just in case she was missing something. She also disliked the idea of this boy, with his unsettling aura, being near Vivian.

Max sighed lightly at her sharp reaction. “That child’s presence always seems to bring trouble.”

“She’s still a child. And the accident wasn’t Vivian’s fault. Why do you dislike her so much?”

“I don’t dislike her. I’m simply being cautious, considering who her mother is.”

“She’s different from the current Duchess. She’s a kind and innocent child, incapable of suspicion.” Flora defended her half-sister with a firm expression. Max’s expression, as he looked at her, was filled with concern, a stark contrast to the coldness he usually displayed towards the Duchess and Vivian.

“In any case, having someone of unknown identity in the mansion could be dangerous, so as you suggested, we’ll move him elsewhere when he wakes.”

“Yes. I’ll speak to Father about it. It happened while I was out with her.”

“Very well.”

As the Beaufort siblings finished their conversation and turned to leave the room, a small shadow that had been lurking silently near the door slipped away unnoticed. Sensing the movement, Max paused, staring at the spot for a moment.

“What is it, Brother?”

“Nothing.”