I Become the Villain's Bride - Chapter 10

Chapter 10

In front of him, still innocent and unaware, Freesia gave a bitter smile.

Kind Matthew seemed to hope for him not to marry even at the cost of cheap sympathy, but cheap sympathy sometimes only makes people more miserable.

The days that opened here were dull but truly enjoyable.

It was a short time, but it became precious like a real family.

So, she could endure this much.

“I like you too. So, Matthew, please protect my family for me, even if it’s just for my sake.”

“Freesia. It’s not that I…”

“It’s okay. We can’t be sure how Duke Crowford will turn out.”

Whether he can endure carrying a debt of a million gallons or not, whether he can resist from that side, or whether he failed to see the hidden flaws of Marquis Gondair, who was so infatuated with your sister from the start, it’s your fault.

“Our Lily is still very young. Since she seems to rely on you quite a bit, please take good care of my sister.”

“You shouldn’t do this, especially when you think of Lily. Do you think Rose will stay silent?”

“This is my choice, Matthew Naphier.”

Even if it’s always good to go along with what’s good, when it’s not, you have to clearly express that it’s not. That’s just the way it is now.

With a determined refusal, Matthew bit his lips repeatedly and clenched his fists.

“I…”

“Leave.”

The carriage left, leaving Matthew behind. The stewards of the Naphier family stopped him from following.

The considerate old servant intentionally made a muffled sound for the lonely lady.

To prevent her sobbing from leaking outside the carriage.

The cruel moon, on a day like today, might be so beautiful, but there was no way to soothe the heavy heart.

* * *

In the deep night, Jade read the report that had come in and smiled bitterly.

“Did you know?”

“I knew. Rose Devlanc’s business seems quite promising, but her parents were utterly unworthy individuals.”

Despite the considerable assistance from Viscount Naphier, the troubles caused by the Devlanc Count and Countess still cast a shadow on the future of their three daughters.

“Rose Devlanc is also unlucky. If only she had decent parents, she wouldn’t have had to face such misfortune.”

Gondair Marquis’s son was considered the most undesirable among the undesirable in social circles.

With no suitable path for his son who had nothing outstanding, Marquis Gondair had been searching for a suitable marriage while stumbling upon Rose.

“Gondair Marquis has probably paid her a visit by now. If she’s a woman with her head screwed on right, she’ll come to me.”

The words spoken to the proposed partner for marriage were excessively indifferent.

It’s unclear why he shows such an attitude, and Jade cannot fathom his inner thoughts.

“You didn’t like Lord Gondair, did you?”

“Despised him terribly. That’s why it’s even more necessary to handle things properly, but there hasn’t been a chance until now.”

Having risen to this position after beating his brothers, it was difficult to dismiss someone he didn’t like without proper reason.

Facing a master who throws bait quietly, he simply observes the situation without intervening.

“Because of that man’s foolish pursuit of Rose Devlanc, my marriage issue has become a bigger problem. Isn’t that reason enough to harbor resentment?”

He may not initiate a fight, but once a fight is started, he never avoids it. Facing Jade with a simple idea, there was no response.

“So, when do you think she will come?”

“If my expectations are correct, tonight, or at the latest, by tomorrow.”

“Even if it’s a marriage issue, won’t your family get involved?”

“She adores me, doesn’t she?”

Despite knowing everything, Jade cannot shake off the awkward feeling in front of the owner who is clearly talking nonsense.

If Marquis Gondair’s scheme works, Rose Devlanc business will fail, and ultimately, one solid investment opportunity will disappear.

But if she doesn’t reach out first, Jade is not inclined to step forward and help his master.

“If she ultimately refuses, shall I consider other ladies?”

“That would be difficult. The drama is so perfectly crafted, suggesting meeting another woman at this point?”

“Understood. However…”

“Your trust in the master seems to be diminishing, Jade.”

It is not the duty of a loyal subordinate to repeatedly protest against the confident words of the duke.

He is just not kind, and during the time he has served him, there has not been a single wrong judgment on the part of the master.

Even though he is like a wild beast, he has been kind to his people. Of course, he is far from being an ideal husband.

On paper, the three sisters seemed to get along well, so Jade secretly hoped that his master’s speculation would be off the mark.

As the late night approached and the moon raised its head, the duke sat in his study without any movement.

Watching him leisurely, as if waiting for someone, Jade’s heart became even more anxious.

While guarding the door and preparing the carriage, a servant suddenly approached him.

“Master, a guest has arrived.”

“At this hour?”

Having given a hint in advance, the servant whispered even more quietly.

“She said she is Lady Devlanc.”

“Which Devlanc?”

Even a whispered word cannot escape the master’s ears. Hearing the command from the study, the servant barely managed to speak, swallowing anxiously.

“She said her name is Freesia.”

“I will receive her in the reception room.”

“Prepare the utmost courtesy for the future mistress. I’ll be down soon.”

Ignoring the questioning gaze of the servant, Jade looked out the window at the humble Devlanc family carriage.

Since the master declared her the future mistress, no rudeness should be shown under any circumstances.

May everything be perfect.

He calmly adjusted his breath while fixing the ribbon on the steward’s collar.

* * *

“I’m Ada, housekeeper of Crowford.”

Despite the late hour, the elderly lady, wearing thick glasses, greeted the guest in a flawless maid uniform. The maids under the Lady’s command behaved as if they were treating royalty, bowing with a dignified attitude.

“I hope warm drinks have been prepared for the coachmen who came along with me.”

“As you command. Lady Devlanc, please come this way.”

The old stablehand, shabbily dressed at the unexpected honor, followed the other maids with a troubled glance.

Even if they had an unrefined master, the prestigious Crowford family wouldn’t engage in such behavior without cause. Rushed and not bothering to change into a newer dress, she couldn’t be concerned about such things now.

The reception room, already illuminated as if prepared in advance, was filled with blooming flowers. This was a luxury that could only be enjoyed in wealthy households.

Trying to suppress her excited heart, she barely noticed when the maid, who was bringing tea, tripped and accidentally stepped on Freesia’s dress.

“Oh, I’ve committed a grave mistake!”

“I will prepare a change of clothes for you.”

“But…”

She wasn’t in the right state of mind to care about her dress now. Asking the maid not to scold her for the mistake, Freesia, with conditions, headed to the dressing room with the Lady’s assistance.

The dress prepared seemed as if it were made just for her and was the vibrant color of Freesia’s namesake. Despite it being a clear and vivid color that could easily look old-fashioned, she was surprised at how well it suited her.

Whether by chance or intention, she couldn’t tell. But the situation seemed rather suspicious, with everything fitting together like gears in a deliberately crafted machine.

Returning to the reception room, even though she had hesitated, fortunately, the Duke had not arrived yet.

“I am Jade, the steward of Crowford.”

“Apologies for the late hour. Our coachman…”

“The coachman has been sent back. Don’t worry; we have provided warm tea, blankets, and a fair reward.”

With the steward’s words that seemed to already know everything, her mouth remained agape in astonishment.

The Duke of Cromford, whom not even the emperor could easily deal with, was treating an ordinary count’s daughter with such deference for one reason only—his master’s command.

Her hands holding the teacup were trembling. She knew well of his cruelty, as she had read about it in the newspapers. The sadistic nature of her master was not to be taken lightly.

With a bitter smile born from disappointment, she said, “Isn’t the tea to your liking?”

“It’s delicious. The dress fits perfectly and is comfortable.”

Though spoken in a customary manner, the response was overtly marked by everyone’s relief. Just one command from the master seemed to be the sole reason for treating an ordinary earl’s daughter with such deference.

As they finished their tea, the Duke finally arrived.

“Your Highness.”

“A guest at this late hour. You’ve all been through a lot.”

In response to the subtly offered words of the master, the steward checked everyone present without a word.

“I will take my leave now.”

Judging by the master’s complex scrutiny, it seemed that even the steward didn’t escape ordinary judgment. Putting down the tea cup with still-trembling hands, Freesia, with her awkward Frisian-colored dress, gripped the hem.

“Is that a habit of yours?”

“Pardon?”

“Although it seems like we’ve only just met, strangely, you seem to read my thoughts well.”

They had met face to face only twice, and their conversations hadn’t exceeded twenty words.

Yet, with just that, he managed to unravel Freesia’s innermost thoughts with a deduction ability rivaling Sherlock Holmes.

“Coming at this late hour despite knowing it’s rude, and even the reason for your visit.”

“Your Highness mentioned that the late night doesn’t matter.”

“That’s true, but it’s rare to find someone bold enough to execute it.”

“If Your Highness finds it impolite, I can visit again tomorrow.”

The Duke doesn’t favor craven individuals.

Even if they embezzle wealth and, while begging for mercy, trample on the subordinate’s wrists to make them disabled, he would spare their lives as long as they didn’t forsake loyalty.

Despite exhausting all her memories to find some clue, what she can do now is gather the tattered shreds of her dignity.

Just as she was about to sincerely leave the room, his voice was heard from behind.

“The situation with Rose Devlanc has become unfortunate.”

Holding the doorknob and facing Freesia, the Duke, with a strangely pleased tone, asked, “Did you come to ask for a favor?”

Even as the greatest villain, he seemed to know everything about the difficult situation she was facing.

“Smile Love”