villainess chapter 23

Hugo quietly swallowed his anger. He took a deep breath, reminding himself that Flora was standing before him. These nobles of the Empire have the patience of a gnat. Letters from other families, not just the Grand Duke’s, piled up almost daily. The Duke was grinding his teeth and burning them all, yet the nobles acted as if the word “give up” didn’t exist in their vocabulary. They persistently sent missives and pestered him every time he went to the Imperial Palace. I suppose the Grand Duchy isn’t easy to ignore. This is going to be tiresome.

Flora, equally composed, added her own thoughts. “While that’s understandable, Vivian’s reaction to him was rather strange. Her face went pale when he approached.”

“Really? Had she met him before?”

“If they’ve met, it could only have been outside the Academy. I heard the Grand Duke’s heir hasn’t left the mansion due to health issues. I’ve never seen him before either. Although, judging by today, that rumor seems to be false.”

From what Hugo had been told, the heir to the Grand Duchy had never encountered Vivian. He, too, had found it odd that the Grand Duke had recently sent a letter suggesting a desire for harmony between their families. Not only had the veiled heir of the Grand Duchy finally appeared, but he had also shown interest in Vivian, whom he was meeting for the first time. The Duke couldn’t shake the feeling that he was missing something.

“I see. I understand. I’ll handle it. And from now on, if anyone approaches Vivian, please let me know.”

“Yes, Father. Vivian will be alright now, won’t she?”

“She will be. She’s under our family’s protection.”

Their voices were filled with concern and affection for Vivian. Ever since Vivian’s incident at the Academy, they’d been constantly worried about her. They only wished for her safe graduation and return to the family. It hasn’t been long since Vivian came home, and yet everyone seems to want her. Hugo’s worries deepened, knowing that ill will could easily be disguised as goodwill. He hid his inner turmoil and offered Flora a kind smile. “Let’s increase the shadows assigned to Vivian and do everything we can. Flora, don’t worry too much.”

“Yes, Your Grace…Father.”

“Good.”

The brief conversation ended, and Flora left his study. The soft sound of her characteristically light footsteps faded away. When he could no longer hear her, the Duke gestured once in the air. A figure, cloaked from head to toe, appeared as if from thin air and knelt before Hugo, awaiting instructions. The Duke spoke in an impassive voice.

“You heard everything?”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“Watch Vivian’s surroundings more closely and strengthen her guard. We must never again allow Vivian to be put in danger.”

“By your command.”

The shadow vanished without a trace, leaving only a profound silence in its wake. The Duke felt another headache coming on, fueled by his mounting anxieties. If Vivian’s safety is threatened again, then… The despair of potentially losing a family member was a pain he only wished to endure once. Besides, his youngest daughter was still a young girl, her debutante ball still far in the future. Alone in the room, he pressed his temples and murmured softly, “Vivian, my precious daughter.”

***

Back at the Grand Duke’s townhouse in the capital, the sun was beginning to set, signaling the approach of evening. A warm, vermillion sunset gently painted the once-azure sky. The blend of blue and orange hues created a mystical harmony, like a watercolor painting. Vivian glanced up at the enchanting sky. The reddish-golden light warmly illuminated her face.

The three young ladies’ pleasant teatime had come to an end, and it was time to part ways. Caroline looked back and forth between the Beaufort sisters, their appearances as contrasting as the twilight sky.

“My goodness, it’s already evening. I completely lost track of time.”

“It’s a shame we didn’t become acquainted sooner, Your Highness, even back at the Academy.”

“We were both busy with our studies then. I’m glad to have met you now, Lady Beauforts. I hope we can spend time together like this often.”

“We would be delighted. Please invite us anytime.”

Vivian observed the exchange between Caroline and Flora, sensing a newfound closeness between them. A small, pleased smile touched her lips. I think the first meeting was a success.

As she thought this, Caroline asked her kindly, “Did you enjoy yourself today, Vivian?”

“Yes. The garden was beautiful, and the sweet desserts and creamy milk were delicious.”

“I must commend the gardener and the pastry chef. You’ll come again, won’t you?”

“Of course, Lady Caroline.”

“Thank you, Vivian.”

Flora watched Caroline’s undeniable kindness towards Vivian, her gaze softening considerably. The Grand Duchess, at least, seems to have genuine affection for Vivian. If only the Grand Duke’s heir could be kept in check.