villainess chapter 20

“Does the Grand Ducal family intend to use Vivian and the Beaufort family for political gain?”

“Wow. Not at all.” Caroline flatly denied the accusation.

But the seed of doubt, once planted in Flora’s mind, refused to wither. There had to be an ulterior motive. Why else would the Grand Duchess invite a young lady she had no prior acquaintance with? What is she after?

“Then why extend a personal invitation to the manor?”

“I wanted to get to know her personally. And if this leads to a closer relationship between our families, wouldn’t that be mutually beneficial? Truly, there’s no other meaning.”

Flora’s delicate brow furrowed at Caroline’s seemingly disingenuous, almost brazen attitude. An icy voice, utterly incongruous with her angelic appearance, slipped past her pale pink lips. Her words were clipped, as if forced through gritted teeth. “I won’t pry into your motives. However, if anything should happen to cause her even the slightest distress, the Beaufort family, myself included, will not stand idly by, even if it is the Grand Ducal family.”

Her emerald eyes, usually filled with warmth, now gleamed with a chilling resolve. This was a side of her she rarely showed to others – a side reserved, perhaps, only for Vivian.

Intrigued, the Grand Duchess responded calmly, a hint of admiration in her voice. “Your devotion would make any precious jewel pale in comparison. Rest assured, My Lady, I have no intention of putting Lady Vivian in harm’s way. On the contrary, if anyone were to target you, the Grand Ducal family would also move to protect you. But seeing your spirit, I doubt there’s any need for concern.”

“It’s because it concerns Vivian.”

“I, too, though perhaps not as much as you, her family, wish for the lovely Lady Vivian to always be happy and safe. No one can stop that girl when she’s angry, you know.” Caroline chuckled, adding the last part as an aside.

Flora, about to end the conversation, sharpened her gaze at the casual use of “that girl.” She issued a warning about a presence Caroline seemed to have momentarily forgotten. “Oh, and please tell the Grand Duke not to take Vivian lightly.”

“Oh dear. Poor Evan. I’ll be sure to pass that along.” This will be interesting. I haven’t seen him squirm in a while. The Grand Duchess unfolded her fan and hid a playful smile behind it, her golden eyes sparkling with amusement.

Finally, Flora withdrew her frosty demeanor, ready to conclude their exchange. “We will have a new dress made and return this one shortly.”

“Very well. Oh, Lady Vivian must be waiting. Let’s get you changed and go out.”

Tinkle

Caroline pulled the bell cord, and the waiting attendants filed back in. The delicate, pale pink gown was completely out of character for the Grand Duchess. Moreover, several dresses clearly Vivian’s size hung in the dressing room, as if prepared in anticipation of this day. What is she really planning? Flora’s emerald eyes narrowed as she observed the gown. She was overthinking it, but for Caroline, it was simply a matter of finding Vivian adorable.

Flora, having changed quickly, donned a smile once more and headed back to the garden where her sister awaited. The sight that greeted her ignited a spark of anger. The Grand Duke, looking undeniably shady in her eyes, was clearly flirting with her sister, who wore an expression of clear discomfort. That man! How dare he look at Vivian that way! Her sweet sister was undoubtedly trying to politely extricate herself from the unwanted attention. 

Flora had experience with this; at the academy, she had often fended off young lords who underestimated Vivian’s age and pursued her. They wouldn’t dare approach Flora herself, but they saw the younger Vivian as an easy target. Due to their different class schedules, Flora couldn’t always be by Vivian’s side, but whenever she witnessed such presumptuous behavior, she swiftly put an end to it. Suppressing her rising anger, she forced a bright smile and called out to her beloved sister. Just seeing Vivian’s face brought a warm smile to her lips.

“Vivian!”

“Sister!” Her sweet, cotton-candy-like sister waved back, her hand a white blur. That old man, harboring such intentions towards my precious little sister? And if he was approaching her with insincere, fleeting affections, it was utterly unacceptable. The Grand Duke was the same age as Flora, only four years older than Vivian. But Vivian seemed so much younger, so innocent. Flora wasn’t ready for anyone to approach her, not yet. Moreover, though Vivian didn’t remember, she had been targeted at the academy. An unknown criminal group, preying on high-ranking nobles, had attacked her. Shadow knights had been assigned to protect Vivian ever since. 

The academy, recognizing the severity of the situation, had made an exception for Vivian. The trauma must have been so profound that Vivian had seemingly erased the memory entirely. Regardless, Flora felt a duty to protect her sister. She wanted Vivian to find love and marry someone safe, someone who posed no threat. Anyway, the Grand Duke is definitely not the one. And he’s frivolous. He knew about the tea party today. How indecent to show up in such a shirt at a gathering of ladies. 

Evan’s shirt was the same style Hugo and Max wore at the Ducal residence. But to Flora, consumed with protecting her sister, that fact was irrelevant. Wearing such thin clothing, is he trying to seduce a child? The spot Evan had chosen to rest was the most secluded corner of the garden, far from the tea party. He had initially planned to discreetly observe Vivian from a distance and then leave. Unbeknownst to him, in Flora’s mind, he had become a scheming, frivolous character.