I Become the Villain's Bride - Chapter 12
Chapter 12
Duke Wilfred Crawford.
A formidable villain appeared in “Leveling Up Because of the Antagonist.”
Despite being the main antagonist who tormented the protagonist and their party for over a thousand episodes without meeting his demise, there was usually a reason behind his villainous actions.
Although the story did not conclude, and not all the protagonist’s plot points were resolved, the reason why there was no mass reader exodus despite him being the main villain was singular: he was never the type to initiate conflicts.
“Of course, he tormented them so severely that it would be better to die if the protagonist didn’t have buffs.”
Gondair, the Marquis who valued honor highly, was bound to face some form of torment. The one to solve this mystery was Rose, the older sister.
“Gondair Marquis’s nude painting was displayed on the main street.”
With that single statement, peace also returned to the Devlanc family.
The revenge methods of the duke, more terrifying than pulling out nails or slapping faces, lay in making people underestimate him.
He would rather stab you with a knife or punch you in the face, and you’ll never be able to hold your head up high again.
“How did such a disaster happen…”
“He drew it himself and gave it to the person he was flirting with. What kind of balls did he have to do that?”
Since there were more than a few victims, it was impossible to deduce who the culprit was. Strangely, nobody knew the story behind the painting ending up on the main street.
“The Marquis was raging to come down, but unfortunately, he was tied up in a hard-to-reach place. Moreover, today is market day, so a lot of people witnessed that horrible sight on the main street.”
“Wow, that’s dreadful.”
“Rumors say that the Empress was furious after hearing about it. It sullied the honor of a high noble, so even within the nobility, the reaction is not positive.”
With such a situation, the possibility of a proper noble meeting tomorrow drastically decreased. Rose, who couldn’t share her worries with her siblings before, only revealed the situation after everything was resolved.
“Thanks to that, the bill that was trying to strip me of my authority also went down the drain. They say the casino investigation will start soon, so it seems like father’s debt problem won’t be pursued either.”
“The culprit? Did you find out who did it?”
“There are suspicions, but no evidence.”
The ability to handle a situation flawlessly without leaving a single piece of evidence is a rare trait.
Giving sweet potatoes generously to the protagonist’s party was also because of this. He committed evil deeds without hesitation, but without evidence, and facing him with force wouldn’t be easy given Crawford’s power.
In essence, he continued his villainous role without disgrace, as powerful as the protagonist’s buffs, to the point where people sarcastically referred to him as practically a top two.
“Could it be the work of Duke Crawford?”
Only the fearless Lily could casually mention his name.
After confirming that there was no one listening, Rose comfortingly stroked her relieved siblings’ heads.
“If Marquis Gondair’s scheme had succeeded, the damage on their side would have been greater than mine.”
No matter how intelligent and capable her sister was, Rose could only remain silent in the face of Marquis Gondair’s scheme. Seeing her sister genuinely relieved made her heart ache for no reason.
“Are you okay, sister?”
“I am. Don’t worry, and go ahead and order Lily’s new dress.”
Watching her sister take on such responsibilities at a young age filled Freesia with pride and warmth.
Smiling at her two happy siblings, Rose suddenly recalled a memory.
“Come to think of it, there’s a story that the reason the Duke of Crowford is so angry is because of his fiancée.”
The Duke, who rarely made requests unless necessary, had unexpectedly requested an audience with the Emperor early in the morning today.
Furthermore, mentioning that the reason for this unusual audience was the prevalent gambling issue within the capital was not enough. It was said that the Emperor’s wrath intensified even more because he specifically aimed at Marquis Gondair, revealing the story that had circulated openly within the palace.
“Rose, Freesia is saying that the Du…!”
“Oh my, I wonder what Lily has stuck in her mouth.”
Freesia hurriedly covered her sister’s mouth, pretending as if nothing serious had happened.
Ignoring Freesia’s sweating expression, Rose continued her story.
“I didn’t know he had a fiancée. Having a personal grudge seems more convincing than the law when there’s someone else involved.”
“I see.”
“Apparently, the fiancée is young and hasn’t received the family’s approval yet. I wonder who she is that the Duke went all the way to the Empress for help.”
“That’s right, whoop, whoop, whoop!”
“Our Lily. It seems like you heard something, so you should drink some water.”
No one knew when the conversation had taken this turn.
Only after giving Lily a meaningful look to keep quiet did she finally close her mouth.
With a lighter heart, Rose, who had gone to wash up, faced Lily’s inquiries.
“Why aren’t you talking? It’s a problem that big sister should know someday.”
“I don’t know about that.”
The unidentified fiancée became a convenient excuse to dispose of Marquis Gondair, who had cornered himself.
He was undoubtedly a clever man. Having persuaded the Emperor to resolve the situation, he had fulfilled his role more than enough.
Well, that’s right. Marriage, what an absurd notion.
“Now that it’s resolved, don’t tease your sister. Got it?”
Having successfully shut Lily up, there wouldn’t be any more unpleasant stories leaking out.
With a sense of relief, Rose organized her documents, and soon after, she finished bathing.
Wiping her damp long hair without any concern, she opened her mouth with her usual attitude.
“Come to think of it, Freesia. I heard a ridiculous rumor today.”
* * *
To prevent Marquis Gondair’s pressure regarding the debt, Rose came to the office early in the morning to organize collateral.
Utilizing her experience from her time as a knight, the business of dealing with various knight orders was growing smoothly. However, no matter how successful it was, the amount Duke Crawford desired, one million gallons, was far from enough.
“I might as well borrow money.”
If she used her title as collateral, she might barely manage to repay the debt.
“Rose, the guest has arrived.”
“Ah, yes. I forgot about that.”
As a potential investor contacted her, she considered the option of selling the entire business.
One could always start anew with work, but she couldn’t bear to bring harm to her two younger siblings.
With the right parents, they wouldn’t be in this mess, but that doesn’t mean they’re stupid.
She has two sisters, Freesia, who doesn’t mind being poked in the eye, and Lily, who’s a little more reserved but all the more demanding because of it.
Rose willingly assumed the role of matriarch, hoping that her sisters would not feel the same misery as she did.
Rose quickly organized her desk and opened the window for some fresh air. At that moment, something grotesque and fluttering caught her eye.
“What’s that?”
She intentionally averted her gaze from the large nude painting of Marquis Gondair, which was something she couldn’t bear to look at.
“Come this way.”
She closed the curtains to block the view, something she couldn’t show to the guests.
“I’m Jade.”
The guest, representing one of the major noble families in the capital, unexpectedly offered a large sum of money, expressing the desire to invest.
Initially, Rose suspected it might be someone sent by Marquis Gondair, but the guest, without giving her a second look, immediately went on to the main topic.
“My master highly evaluates the future of Devlanc’s business. Please check the profit distribution ratio.”
“The conditions are really good. Moreover, it’s 2 million gallons. Even if I buy the entire business, there will still be leftover money.”
“To be precise, the investment is 1 million, and the remaining 1 million is compensation for you, Rose Devlanc, who will be managing it.”
It was practically money akin to a salary, and she was free to use it as she wished, which made Rose suspicious.
“How can I accept such a large sum of money? It’s too much.”
“Right now, the future of Devlanc’s name may be uncertain, but if your younger sister becomes the future wife of Duke Crawford, things might change.”
“Looks like another false rumor has been spread about my sister.”
Due to Lily’s dazzling beauty from a young age, various speculations had been poured out. While Lily might indeed have the potential to aim for the position of the crown princess, the age difference with Duke Crawford was too significant.
“She’s still too young. She can’t become the duke’s wife.”
“I thought the second lady was not old enough to be called young.”
“Are you talking about our Freesia?”
“That’s what I know. I heard that Duke Crawford has already requested permission for marriage from the Empress.”
“You must be mistaking another young lady with a similar name; it could not be our Freesia.”
Even with Rose’s firm assertion, Jade shrugged his shoulders, not yielding his stance.
“I heard that it was Freesia who was in a similar situation. If she becomes the next Duchess Crawford, the circumstances will change.”
“There must be a mistake about my sister.”
Trying to play it cool, Rose’s younger sister Freesia showed a similar reaction to Lily, avoiding eye contact and looking into the distance.
“Um, well, you know.”
“Anyway, now that it’s settled. Don’t even think about sending my sister to someone like Duke Crawford.”
“Is that so?”
Although she tried to divert the conversation, her silly sister, like Lily, showed a similar reaction to the news about Freesia.
“Um. Our Freesia is way too valuable. Today, we just concluded an important contract and received a substantial investment. I want to grow the business a bit more with this.”
What should she say when faced with a happily smiling sister? The helping hand that came at such an oddly perfect time doesn’t seem entirely benevolent.
“Who invested such a large amount?”
“He said his name was Jade. He’s a representative of a noble family that didn’t want their name disclosed.”
The name Jade seemed familiar. The butler at Duke Crawford’s mansion was undoubtedly named Jade.
“Is he the one with blue hair?”
“Yes, it’s a rare color in the capital. Isn’t it fascinating?”
With the mention of a 2 million-gallon investment, Rose was breathless.
“Thanks to that, I can finally breathe. Since Marquis Gondair won’t be able to interfere anymore, I’ll make sure to earn a lot of money and treat you to something delicious.”
Looking at her sister making such confident promises, it almost felt like tears would come despite the laughter.
So that’s how it was. That’s how it was. But if her sister is so happy, there’s nothing she can do.
“Coincidentally, I had planned to meet the investor tomorrow to express my gratitude, but an important meeting suddenly came up. What’s with the timing?”
“Tomorrow?”
“Yes. So, I was wondering, could you go in my place to thank the investor?”
“Smile Love”