Chapter : 62
“….”
“….”
Wow… a father and daughter can exchange such perfect silence while eating together. The only sounds are the clinking of silverware.
Right now, we’re having a meal together because the count said he had something important to discuss before attending the banquet. So I made time in the middle of preparing for my debutante to come here, and this is what I get? I feel like I might choke.
Even to me, who has just begun learning etiquette, the count had excellent table manners. No wonder Evangeline’s mother fell for him. Tch. People aren’t defined by what you see on the surface.
Without realizing it, my mood soured. I threw aside all the etiquette lessons Rodeline taught me and started stabbing the steak roughly. The meat was cooked rare, and the juices seeped out, spreading across the white plate. Ugh, my appetite’s gone. I’m a well-done kind of person. I lost all appetite and just cut the meat without eating it.
I was clearly showing my displeasure, so the count finally set down his utensils. What is it? Are you uncomfortable because your daughter has terrible table manners? Well, do you think I’m not uncomfortable?
Of course, the ones who suffered the biggest shock were the kitchen staff, who had been told suddenly that we’d be eating in the dining room. The server who was doing the course service was trembling so badly that he almost spilled the wine when our eyes met. Since I’d been watching out for any accidents from the nervous servants today, I quickly caught the tilting glass and set it upright. Whew, not a single drop spilled.
“You should be more careful.”
“Yes, y-yes. I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”
After that, all my dishes were served by Yulma, who had been pushed forward. I heard she was in charge of cooking at Daisy’s orphanage, and she was working in the kitchen here as well. I wondered why someone assisting in the kitchen was also serving, but apparently she was sent because people thought she was the least likely to make mistakes.
“Yulma, you’re the only one who won’t tremble in front of the young lady.”
“You’re the kitchen’s hope! Go!”
“I’m so glad you came to the kitchen.”
“Why are you all so scared? The young lady isn’t going to kill you just for making a mistake.”
“What kind of heart do you even have?”
They were gossiping, but they were speaking too loudly, so I had to pretend not to hear them. When I glanced over, the count was calmly eating as if he couldn’t hear them either. Well, ignoring what you see and hear is a noble’s virtue.
Yulma finished serving and bowed her head politely. It felt like it had been a long time since I’d seen her. Well, since I don’t usually come to the dining room, it really had been a while. Still, she’s someone I rescued, so I wanted to ask how she’s been.
“You seem to be doing well.”
“Yes. Thanks to you, young lady.”
At least now that Yulma is here, I don’t have to see the kitchen staff crying, begging, or banging their heads after breaking plates.
“Was the food not to your taste?”
Yulma asked while glancing at the steak I had mangled. Ah, right, I was being picky in front of the cook.
“I don’t like it when it’s bloody.”
“Pardon?”
“What? Did you think I would like it?”
What, is there some rule that villains must eat dripping, bloody meat?
“No, not at all. I’ll be sure to inform the head chef of your preferences.”
Mm-hmm. Please do. Every time meat is served, it’s always rare, so Kanna and Jelly have been finishing it for me. Now that I think about it, I should have told them to change the cooking method earlier. I kept eating whatever was given to me like a subordinate instead of acting like someone in charge.
“How about coming down more often to eat here?”
Are you serious? Do you even know how much chaos erupts every time Evangeline shows up in the kitchen? The last time, I saw a maid who had glass shards stuck in her but still knelt down and begged for her life without caring at all. For reference, that maid was treated with holy water and reassigned to another area.
And you expect me to see that every day?
“You all would be uncomfortable.”
“That way, they’ll get used to it. How can a chef not know the young lady’s taste?”
“I’ll consider it.”
Yulma grumbled, already overflowing with professional pride. Still, I couldn’t really blame the chef—it might be that I simply don’t have a defined palate because I’m a transmigrator. Evangeline, being the real villainess, might have preferred rare meat. Since I usually ate with others, the plate was always cleared, so they probably assumed I enjoyed it.
After giving Yulma a casual response and sending her off, the count, who had been silently watching, finally spoke.
“As Floks said, you’ve become quite presentable.”
What’s that supposed to mean?
“You’ve become more… human.”
Ah. So he meant Evangeline had shed her beastly image. Evangeline, just how rebellious were you before I possessed your body? I’m acting pretty insolent myself right now, yet the count says I’ve become human.
All I did was catch a falling wine glass and chat with a maid, and I’m getting comments like that? I can’t even imagine how awful her personality must have been. No wonder people immediately realize I’ve possessed her.
“If you attend today’s banquet, I hope you’ll behave properly. Just as you are now is more than enough.”
The count finally got to the point. It turned out to be a warning regarding the Crown Prince’s birthday banquet today. Honestly, this guy… calling his daughter after a long time just to tell her to behave?
“Isn’t a greeting more appropriate when seeing your daughter after so long?”
If her father is like this, no wonder Evangeline went off the rails and became a legendary villainess. Even I, who am relatively composed, feel like causing trouble after hearing that. At this rate, the count is beyond saving for any “family regret” trope. If anything, he’d need a different family branch for that storyline.
“…Yes. How long has it been?”
“Probably since my funeral.”
So it’s been about two months? He neglected his child for two months? Though considering Evangeline’s age, she’s not exactly a child anymore. Still, a daughter? You neglected your daughter? And you call yourself a father?
“Indeed. It has been a while.”
The count seemed to yield slightly, avoiding my gaze as if conceding.
“Was that all you wanted to say? Calling me here just to have a needless meal together?”
When I mentioned eating with the count, Kanna and Misha had been so disappointed. Kanna because she couldn’t eat with me, and Misha because she insisted on fasting since a banquet was coming up anyway.
“No. There is something more important.”
The count paused as if building suspense. Just say it already.
“Duke Hosaquin will be attending the banquet.”
Duke Hosaquin, huh. The relationship between father-in-law and son-in-law sounds pretty strained. Well, given the estrangement from his daughter, it’s no wonder.
“Strengthen your relationship with the duke.”
“What? You’re the one who was cut off, so why am I the one cleaning up your mess?”
He should handle his own aftermath properly. Wait… is this heading toward a “family regret” arc? But Evangeline is already grown up.
“Now? Why?”
Isn’t it too late to start a parenting arc? Unless there’s regression, there’s no fixing this.
“I hear he’s in poor health. Rumor has it he doesn’t have much time left.”
Tch. This guy really is too gullible. If he hears a rumor, he’ll believe I’m a monster who wears human-skin dresses. If you saw the duke in person, he’s probably far from dying.
“When people grow old, they become sentimental. Perhaps he still longs for his deceased daughter. Your face resembles Amaranth’s, so he may be quite shaken if he sees you.”
Amaranth? Where have I heard that before?
“Amaranth was Evangeline’s—your mother.”
The count added an explanation, perhaps remembering my amnesia.
Ah. So that’s her name. It sounded vaguely familiar.
Now that I think about it, based on the portraits I’ve seen, her face did resemble Evangeline’s. Though her mother had a warmer impression. If anything, her demeanor was closer to Kanna’s kind and gentle aura.
“Even if not the title, you are entitled to inherit her estate.”
The count finally revealed his true intention. In other words, since inheritance would soon be distributed, he wanted me to go and curry favor to secure some money.
Wow. Trash. Truly a villainess’s father.
While silently scoffing, a thought suddenly struck me. Is this an event? In the original story, Evangeline probably received a similar directive.
So Evangeline approaches the duke. The grandfather realizes something is off and, instead of accepting her, adopts another heir—Kanna. She resembles Amaranth in aura if not appearance.
Kanna, who lacks only background despite being otherwise perfect as a romance-fantasy heroine, gets adopted by the duke and gains a solid status upgrade. And then she can properly take revenge on the villainess. What a satisfying episode!
Suddenly, I became a bit interested. As I was thinking, the count added more weight to the scales.
“If my proposal doesn’t appeal to you, consider it a transaction. Is there anything you desire?”
“A transaction…”
Hmm. What should I ask for? I don’t really have material desires. I already have the money left by Evangeline’s mother. What I want, if anything, is a peaceful future without execution—but I doubt the count can provide that. From what I can tell, he’d likely flee and get caught later if things go south.
Even if I don’t need anything, I can’t approach the duke empty-handed. Of course, I have no intention of claiming inheritance or handing it over to the count.
“Then I hope it’s within my capacity.”
The count added conditions, thinking I might ask for something outrageous. I do have common sense, you know. Though I can see why he said that—Evangeline might not have had much sense.
What do I need… what do I need… ah. Looking at the count gave me an idea.
A diary.
When I sent letters, I had been tearing out and attaching parts where Evangeline’s mother insulted the count. That reduced the volume quite a bit. She probably kept more than one diary, but I couldn’t find any in the mansion. Maybe they’re in the estate?
And perhaps other diaries contain summoning circles or similar things.
“Your presence disturbs the influence of the paintings.”
Gabriel’s words suddenly came to mind. Though I was labeled as socially inept by the male lead himself, there might be summoning circles capable of calling entities other than spirits!
“I’d like to visit the count’s estate.”
“The estate?”
The count frowned slightly and asked about timing. After the debutante, I’d be busy with social events, so maybe in a month or two.
“In about a month… or two if preparation is needed.”
“Very well. I’ll notify them in advance.”
He nodded, then muttered to himself:
“Was there ever a room for Evangeline in the estate?”
Huh? What does that mean? Why wouldn’t she have a room? Is there some hidden secret about her birth? Though considering her resemblance to her mother, that seems unlikely. Was she abused?
“Why don’t I have a room?”
If she had been abused, I wouldn’t let that slide.
“You may not know, but Amaranth disliked going to the estate and always stayed in the capital with Evangeline. I was the only one who went to the estate.”
Ah. So she simply preferred city life. Fair enough.
“I’ll have a room prepared. One or two months should be enough.”
I’d prefer a cozy wood-toned room… but there’s no need to say that and burden the staff.
“Is that all you require of me?”
“That’s not all. I’ll write if I need anything else.”
Do you really think I’d be satisfied with just that? I’m a woman who knows no limits.
“Very well. But do not send those unpleasant curses.”
Hmph. I will. It’s my choice.
“Why not? They’re heartfelt confessions of love from my mother. I only sent excerpts where she called for my father. Since she cannot come in person, letters are the only option. Or would you prefer she come in person?”
As I sipped my tea, the count shuddered. Is he afraid of ghosts? Heh. Serves him right.
“You’re quite diligent for someone who didn’t even know Amaranth’s name.”
“Of course. I have amnesia.”
And diaries are first-person narratives, so names don’t always appear. It’s not like Evangeline’s mother wrote her name on the cover.
“Will you continue behaving like this?”
“Don’t worry, Father. I’ll behave properly at the imperial palace, just as you instructed.”
At that, the count fell silent.
“Father, you should be careful too. At least show some concern for your sick daughter suffering from amnesia.”
In my opinion, the count is the real problem. With no interest in his daughter, he allows rumors to spread unchecked. That only fuels gossip claiming he abandoned his own daughter.
The count, struck at the core, said nothing.
“Well then, I’ll be taking my leave.”
There was nothing more to discuss, and Misha had told me to come early to prepare for the debutante, so I should head back.
And the moment I returned, I regretted it.
“You’re late!”
Misha was waiting with fierce eyes.
The moment I arrived, I was captured and managed from head to toe. This was the first time since possessing Evangeline that someone handled me so thoroughly! Even with Gabriel, the male lead, all I did was hold hands and kiss the back of his hand. They used so much perfume during the massage that my body smelled like flowers.
Under Misha’s supervision, Daisy and Hena handled the makeup and hair. Kanna, lacking skill with her hands, was banished to a corner.
My hair was styled with gold powder and set to enhance its natural curls. Instead of tangling, it flowed smoothly when touched. Was this the craftsmanship of a master?
The dress had also been altered slightly. Though it had been completed before, fitting revealed more adjustments were needed—like a “final_final_final” version.
Some changes were subtle, but others were obvious. Ruby gemstones shaped like flowers were attached. Traditionally, debutantes carried bouquets, but nowadays corsages or hair ornaments are more common.
“Fresh flowers are especially in trend.”
Since they wilt over time, some nobles even bring attendants just to replace the flowers.
“Since you’re more mature than other ladies, we’ve chosen a different approach rather than fresh flowers.”
Misha politely called me “mature,” but she really meant older. Debutantes are usually around sixteen, so Evangeline is about four years over the typical age. Like a senior among freshmen. Definitely not someone who should wear flowers like the others.
Fortunately, ruby-crafted flowers suited Evangeline far better than real ones. The vivid red matched her eyes as well.
As I admired the jewelry, Misha smiled slyly and winked.
“And the jewelry—it was prepared by Sir Gabriel.”
Gabriel? Suddenly, the jewelry felt heavier. That guy, who I was stringing along, went and prepared something like this? How embarrassing…
The preparations ended with white lace gloves. They felt warm because Kanna had been holding and warming them.
“It’s raining outside,” Kanna said shyly. “I was worried you might catch a cold.”
“Catch a cold, young lady?”
“Yes! You’re fragile.”
“Oh… Kanna really worries about you.”
Misha looked impressed.
Thanks to Kanna’s care, my heart felt warm despite the gloomy weather outside. I thanked her with a smile I tried to suppress.
“Thank you.”
“You look absolutely beautiful, young lady!”
Just as Kanna said, I looked stunning. My flowing hair resembled silver threads, and my lips and cheeks had more color than usual, making me look like a living doll. This was the level of impact needed to be a romance-fantasy villainess—someone who captivates both heroine and hero alike.
Misha suddenly staggered after looking at me.
“I have no regrets….”
“Miss Artemisia? Snap out of it!”
Daisy caught Misha as she collapsed. Was she fainting? Upon closer inspection, she was softly snoring.
“She seems to have fainted from exhaustion.”
No wonder she collapsed standing up. She must have been overworked preparing the dress on short notice. We should definitely reward her generously…
“We can’t leave her like this. Let’s move Misha to her room.”
“Yes, young lady.”
Hena and Daisy carried Misha out. Her feet dragged along the floor due to her height. Maybe they should’ve carried her differently.
“Someone died in the young lady’s room…!”
“She’s still alive.”
Apparently, someone was outside, and Hena’s explanation could be heard through the open door. Though… saying “still” implies she’ll die someday…
“Please take her to her room since she fainted from exhaustion.”
“Yes, yes…”
It seemed the two couldn’t manage Misha alone, so they asked for help. By tomorrow, rumors would likely spread that I had caused Misha to faint. Technically, she fainted from overwork making my dress, so it wasn’t entirely false.
Another rumor added to the pile. As I held my head in my hands, the two returned after delivering Misha. With preparations complete, it was time to depart.
“Young lady, shall we leave now?”
“When does the banquet start?”
“It begins at eight, so we still have about three hours.”
“Then… please ask the count when we should leave.”
I wasn’t sure when was appropriate since I’d never attended a banquet before. Should I have arrived early to socialize? Hmm… no, the protagonist should make a later entrance.
As I pondered clichés, a maid spoke cautiously.
“Young… young lady, the count has already left.”
“What?”
He didn’t even wait, despite there still being plenty of time before the banquet? How inconsiderate. I didn’t intend to ride with him, but it still irritated me.
Fine. I’ll go at my own pace.
While killing time playing with Pudding, Jelly suddenly spoke while looking out the window.
“Master.”
“Why are you calling me that again?”
Ever since the last time, Jelly had insisted on calling me “master.”
“There’s someone approaching.”
“Someone?”
Who could it be? In this heavy rain? Gabriel?
I went to the window, but all I could see was rain. Then again, Jelly is a beastkin—his eyesight is sharp.
After following his gaze, a vague shape appeared, then a horse suddenly came into view. Not Gabriel—his horse is a black steed resembling its owner.
A cloaked figure dismounted in the rain and stopped outside the closed gate, unable to enter.
“I sense someone unfamiliar… seems like they have business with you. Shall I bring them in?”
Jelly cautiously asked for permission after being reprimanded last time for acting on his own. I nodded, and he wagged his tail excitedly before teleporting away—and in the blink of an eye, returned with the cloaked figure.
“Jelly! I meant to go down and escort them, not teleport them directly in front of me…!”
“Just as you requested, I brought them safely.”
“That’s not what I meant… but fine. Good job, Jelly.”
Suppressing my headache, I focused on the cloaked figure. Their cloak was soaked through.
“Evangeline Young Lady….”
“Toten Madam?”
As I removed the hood, an unexpected face appeared. Why is she here? She had been out of contact, and now she appears right before the banquet begins? Is this some kind of dramatic entrance?
Madam Toten’s face was pale from the rain. Even with a cloak, it couldn’t fully protect her from the downpour. She must have ridden all the way here in this weather.
Hearing my voice, she looked around in confusion.
“Wh-what…? I was just outside…”
“…You said you were looking for me, so I had you brought here. Is that not correct?”
I decided to play along. Madam Toten seemed disoriented from the storm, so I pretended not to notice Jelly’s teleportation.
She gathered her thoughts.
“…Yes. I came to see you.”
Thankfully, she confirmed she had business with me. Perhaps she had come to serve as my chaperone?
“Please come inside. You’re soaked.”
“Well… I hurried here in case you had already gone to the palace.”
So she rushed through the rain, fearing I’d arrive first and reprimand her? She must think very poorly of me.
Daisy added more firewood to the stove, and Hena brought towels. Madam Toten only wiped her tears with the towel instead of her body—she should really avoid catching a cold.
However, she didn’t look in good condition to attend the banquet. Her hair and face were soaked, her eyes red—she looked as though she had been crying heavily. Perhaps she came to cancel rather than serve as my chaperone?
Maybe she had been avoiding contact out of guilt and only came now.
“Either way, it’s too late to decide.”
It would have been better if she had contacted me earlier, whether to accept or decline. Ah, that came out more sarcastic than intended.
“You’re right… I’m too late…”
She responded tearfully, looking deeply remorseful. Ah, I misspoke.
“I’ve been waiting.”
I took the towel from her and gently wiped her face myself. Surprised by the sudden touch, her eyes widened.
“It seems I arrived just in time.”
“Will you be my chaperone?”
At this point, even if she refused, I would beg her. If she agrees, I won’t have to tremble in front of the exorcist at the banquet.
“I need someone who will stand by me as I am.”
“Alright. I’ll do anything. Anything.”
It seems my words had an effect—she agreed without hesitation.
“Yes! I’m glad I stayed home instead of leaving immediately. Since Madam Toten is here, I have a reason to decline Priest Marik.”
I felt relieved, having avoided the dangerous exorcist accompaniment. That was close—this almost turned into an exorcism ending. I had been bold when speaking to Raphaela, but truthfully, I was a bit scared. Considering medieval torture methods, isn’t that normal?
“You… were you expecting me to come?”
“No. I’m not a god. I can’t predict the future.”
“…I suppose so.”
Honestly, I hadn’t expected her.
“If someone like you, Young Lady, believed I would eventually come to you, then…”
Madam Toten looked disheartened.
Ah, she’s upset that I didn’t trust her. But wasn’t it unreasonable to expect trust after disappearing?
“My son Rider was ill.”
If her silence was due to caring for her sick son, then she’s not at fault.
“He had a high fever, and only today did I think of you. I’m late… but Young Lady Rohnson, do you remember what you once said to me?”
“What did I say?”
I couldn’t recall anything specific—maybe I had just complimented her before.
“You told me to rely on you.”
“Me?”
I said that?
“You clearly told me I could depend on you.”
Her eyes burned with conviction. It didn’t look like a lie.
Ah… maybe I did say something like that while comforting her. Probably just words to appear favorable.
“If that offer still stands… please. Please help me.”
She leaned closer, bringing her face near mine. I leaned back slightly, feeling overwhelmed.
“…Is this about Rider?”
“Yes. You’re the only one who can help him.”
Ah. Hearing her explanation, I understood the situation.
“…Please. Help me save Rider.”
Her eyes filled with tears again. I hadn’t expected her to ask for help, given what she had said before about not knowing a solution.
“If this continues, the butler will take over the marquisate using Deas.”
“The butler?”
She explained further. In short, the butler and the husband’s younger brother were conspiring to eliminate Rider and seize the marquisate.
This was far more serious than expected. Not just a medical issue, but a succession struggle tied to the estate.
“…Please help me. You’re the only one I can turn to.”
She had no options left. The only way forward was for Rider to recover and secure his position. She must believe I can help because of Evangeline’s reputation, wealth, and apparent recovery from illness.
But could I really help? Evangeline’s recovery is only because I possessed her body. After thinking carefully, I made a decision.
“Hena, how much time do we have?”
“Enough to stop by the marquisate briefly.”
Hena checked the schedule and confirmed. Good enough.
Although I may not be the miracle solution she hopes for, I can at least listen and share some of the burden. Even if I can’t cure Rider, I can use Evangeline’s reputation to counter the butler and protect him.
Ignoring this would weigh on me too much.
“Yes… I’ll help.”
I decided to accompany Madam Toten.
