villainess chapter 11

Evan sighed deeply as he watched his sister. “Caroline, please don’t do that outside the manor. It’s mortifying.”

“Why? It’s better than you running up to her and calling her by her first name. She’s even more clever and beautiful than I’d heard.”

“Haah.” Evan’s head throbbed at the renewed chatter. He furrowed his handsome brow slightly. The daughters of the Grand Duke’s family all shared this talkative trait—a personality that didn’t quite match their languid, predatory appearance. Of course, this was limited to family and those within their carefully defined inner circle. And it seemed his sister had fallen head over heels for Vivian at first sight, judging by her relentless affectionate barrage. Too bad. Even if they shared blood, he couldn’t give Vivian up.

“She has an air of maturity beyond her years, but even that is charming and sweet.”

“Yes, that’s true.” Evan found himself agreeing without thinking. Vivian’s charm stemmed from the gap between her sweet appearance and her calm demeanor. Vivian probably didn’t realize it, but she had been quite popular and well-known since entering the academy. Her fame wasn’t solely due to being a Beaufort. Her round, kind eyes, her small, upturned nose, the soft, plump cheeks of a young girl who hadn’t yet lost her baby fat, her full, red lips as she ate… She had always been a lovable girl, from the moment she entered the academy to her graduation. Evan decided to stop his train of thought here, sensing he was veering into unsettling territory. He’d been wearing a dreamy, lovesick smile without even realizing it.

Caroline stared at her brother with a look of genuine annoyance. If they were in the training grounds, she would have lashed out at him for that expression. Yet, even as she glared, she recalled Vivian’s adorable appearance. “Honestly, you’re one to talk. Oh, those big brown eyes, and that shiny, curly hair! Doesn’t she look like a cute little poodle?”

“A poodle? That’s disrespectful to the young lady.” Evan’s face hardened at the comparison of Vivian to a puppy. Despite his young age, an inexplicable pressure emanated from him. Others often froze when he spoke in this tone, claiming he radiated a chill colder than midwinter. His sister, however, simply scoffed. “Don’t get all serious with your older sister. It’s just an expression. I’ll say it again, comparing her to a small animal is better than you abruptly using her first name.”

“That was a mistake.”

“Vivian didn’t seem to notice anything.”

A crucial fact suddenly struck Evan. He would have to tell her someday, but not yet. She, with no memory of him, would likely be distant. “It’s fine. Vivian’s debutante ball is still four years away.”

“Hey, four years fly by. And she’s a Beaufort; even now, her beauty is extraordinary. It’s only because she’s overshadowed by her older sister. Plus, she graduated early from the academy. What do you think will happen?”

His sister had a point. Evan flinched as if struck. The girl they found so adorable wouldn’t be exclusively theirs. Everyone would likely admire her. “As you know, many are already vying for her, just based on her family name alone. There’s the academy, the unofficial tea parties… She hasn’t been cooped up in the manor all day, you know.”

“I know.”

“While you’re like this, don’t you think prominent families and even kingdoms might be making their moves?”

“Do you think the Duke will just sit back and watch?”

That was true. Nobles of this empire, and even those from other kingdoms, coveted the Beaufort daughters. Countless letters arrived at the Beaufort manor daily. This was often noticed by those around them first, so Flora and Vivian were unaware before their social debuts. Flora, as a potential crown princess, wasn’t a major concern. Vivian, however, was different. The Duke had been carefully selecting suitors, with her debutante ball as the deadline. 

After her debut, he planned to further deliberate, extending the deadline to her coming-of-age ceremony. The Duke could have easily married Vivian off to royalty from another kingdom if he wished. But an unexpected, unknown illness had taken the Duke before any of that could happen. And so, Vivian had to marry Arthur and live a miserable life. Evan’s eyes turned cold for a moment.

Watching her brother, Caroline leaned back languidly on the sofa. “Well, that’s true. We won’t just stand by and watch either.” Her smiling eyes gleamed with a golden light, reflecting her determination to welcome the sweet Vivian into their family. She was far too good for that rude younger brother of hers, a fairy-like being, but what could she do? He was smitten. And she, too, was quite fond of Vivian. She resolved to bring Vivian into the safety of the Grand Duke’s manor and cherish her with all her heart. Even if she were to marry royalty from another kingdom, she would visit often.