villainess chapter 24

Each harboring their own thoughts, they slowly made their way to the mansion’s main entrance. The Beaufort sisters received the same warm farewell from the Grand Ducal family as their welcome. This time, Evan personally escorted them. Flora’s gaze, as she watched him, was icy. It grew even colder when she saw the particular tenderness in Evan’s expression as he held Vivian’s hand. Evan, perceptive as he was, didn’t miss the chill. He sighed inwardly. She’s still incredibly sensitive when it comes to Vivian. Should I consider this fortunate or unfortunate for me?

Flora and Vivian climbed into their carriage. Evan returned to his family’s side and bid them farewell.

“Safe travels.”

“Lady Flora, we’ll see you at the upcoming Imperial ball. Lady Vivian, I’ll see you soon as well.” Caroline beamed, anticipating their next meeting. Her golden eyes, usually sharp and intense, were infinitely gentle towards the Beaufort sisters. Flora responded politely.

“Thank you for the invitation. We had a wonderful time. We’ll see you soon.”

“Thank you.” Vivian dipped her head slightly beside her sister. Despite being a young lady fresh out of the Academy, she possessed a perfect poise, devoid of any awkwardness. The Grand Duke and Duchess watched them with pleased expressions. A gentle evening breeze ruffled the Duchess’s hair. Noticing this, she lifted her hand to tuck a stray strand behind her ear. What’s that? Is it a shadow? Something dark, like a mark, flashed beneath her sleeve. It almost resembled the shape of a black snake. Vivian’s curiosity was short-lived, as the Duchess quickly lowered her arm after smoothing her hair. 

The sleeve of her dress once again covered her hand, the lace and ribbons at the cuff fluttering like dancing ribbons in the breeze. It must have been the shadow of the fabric or ribbons. Her Highness wouldn’t have any scars or tattoos. Members of the Imperial family were considered sacred; any injury was immediately and flawlessly treated, with the Empire’s few healers ensuring no scars remained. Tattoos were reserved for slaves or clandestine sorcerers. What Vivian saw must have simply been a trick of the light. She dismissed her fleeting question and settled into a composed posture.

The coachman closed the door, and the Beaufort carriage slowly began its journey, escorted by several knights riding both in front and behind. The Grand Ducal family remained at the entrance, watching until the carriage was out of sight. The carriage then proceeded towards Beaufort House.

Flora, sitting beside Vivian, spoke first. “Vivian, do you mind if I ask what you and the Grand Duke’s heir talked about?”

“Oh, it was nothing much. He asked me to call him by his name, but I refused.”

Flora’s lips twitched involuntarily. A bright laugh escaped her. While the dark-haired heir’s request was presumptuous, her sister had handled it well. For once, Vivian’s lack of awareness in such matters had been an advantage. Sometimes, even at a young age, such firmness was necessary. Flora wouldn’t always be there to protect her. Vivian seemed to be handling things well on her own now, without Flora having to intervene. Even at the dress shop, despite being frightened, she quickly regained her composure and responded with dignity. Flora felt a surge of pride at how much Vivian seemed to have grown.

“Why did you refuse? It could be beneficial for building connections between our families.”

“It was only our second meeting. It’s different from Lady Caroline, who is also a young lady like us.”

Vivian’s hazel eyes, reflecting the hues of the setting sun, shone with intelligence. Flora nodded in agreement with her sister’s sensible words. At this rate, I won’t have to worry too much in the future. Our Vivian is all grown up. Flora gently tucked a stray strand of Vivian’s hair behind her ear. Vivian smiled innocently at her sister’s proud gaze, pleased with her decision to refuse Evan’s request. She wasn’t sure why, but she sensed that Evan genuinely wanted to become closer to her. 

Why is the Grand Duke’s heir trying to be so friendly, both last time and today? Could it be love at first sight…? Vivian’s face flushed as her imagination ran wild, embarrassed by its exaggerated direction. No, don’t be silly. I need to be careful not to become the subject of gossip. Unless, by some stroke of luck, he became her official fiancé, she didn’t want to be entangled in rumors before even entering society. He was merely a connection for her sister. I want to see my sister safely and scandal-free, taking her place as the Crown Princess. After that, I’ll live quietly in the countryside with Mother. I can’t become a risk factor.

Just as the Beaufort sisters exchanged affectionate glances and continued their conversation— Heeheehee-hing! Thud! Thud! Bang! —their carriage suddenly lurched violently. The horses, startled by something, whinnied and thrashed wildly, shaking the large carriage. Flora’s eyes widened as she saw Vivian, unable to catch her breath and huddled in fear, about to be thrown from the carriage. With another jolt, the small girl’s body was flung upwards. Simultaneously, Flora’s ear-splitting scream filled the carriage. “Vivian!”