I Become the Villain's Bride - Chapter 57

Chapter 57

Her skirt was suddenly drenched with wine.

“What should we do? I’m truly sorry.”

“This…”

Though it was clearly intentional, how could it be proven?

Madame Benoit, deliberately making a fuss, quickly instructed Ada as planned.

“Escort Her Highness inside.”

“I’ll prepare a new dress. This way, please.”

Madame Benoit’s determination to nip any trouble in the bud was evident.

As the perpetually fuming princess disappeared, the other ladies, who had been quietly watching, began to show interest in the books laid out in front of them.

The sound of pages softly turning echoed around the room. Meanwhile, Lily, with brownie crumbs still clinging to her lips, approached Madame Benoitand spoke.

“You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”

“The one who sets the mood must ensure they aren’t swept up in it.”

“My sister is completely clueless about these things.”

Lily’s voice, unusually sarcastic, carried a sharp edge.

Madame Benoit handed her a handkerchief with a smile.

“But at least you’re by Freesia’s side, and that’s what matters.”

“Believe me, my sisters all treat me like an immature child.”

Though Lily stuck out her tongue, playing the part of a brat, Madame Benoit saw her differently.

“Rose’s too straight, and Freesia’s too soft, so I’ll give you credit for today’s achievement.”

“I think you’re giving me too much credit. I don’t feel like I’ve done anything worthy of such praise.”

“Do you really think so?”

Freesia might not be well-known in high society, but everyone knew “Lady Lily’s sister.” Even if the attention sometimes felt overwhelming, Freesia always adored Lily genuinely.

“My sister gave up so much because of me.”

“She was in pain.”

Even though, on the surface, it seemed Freesia married the duke for Rose’s sake, Lily carried her own share of guilt.

“If it hadn’t been so difficult, my sister wouldn’t have had to marry the duke.”

On stormy nights, Freesia would always call Lily to her bed, holding her close and whispering that nothing could harm her. Without those reassurances, Lily might not have survived those dark times.

When she was gossiped about at a ball for her lowly family background, falsely accused of flirting with someone she had no interest in, or when she learned that a friend had betrayed her, Freesia was there. Freesia, who said none of it was her fault, helped Lily survive it all. Without her, Lily wasn’t sure she could have made it through.

“That’s why it’s my turn now. I’ll do anything to protect my sister.”

“I can see that. If only all three of you were my daughters, raising you would have been a joy.”

“Madame Benoit.”

Though the three Devlanc sisters often bickered, they were close. Rose constantly scolded Lily for her immaturity, but Madame Benoit understood Lily’s hidden feelings.

“Remember this, though: your sister loves you much more than you think.”

“I know that much.”

Lily always thought that, since she was to blame for ruining Freesia’s life, she deserved any resentment or anger. But Freesia always told her, with all sincerity, that she was her pride and joy.

“That’s why I want to reach the top. I want to protect my sister so that no one can bother her again in this society.”

“I believe you already know how to achieve that.”

The princess’s hostility toward Freesia stemmed from the royal family’s ambitions to take over Crowford. In the noble circles bound by blood, Lily knew the quickest way to bring the royal family to her side.

“Can you help me?”

“Of course, I can.”

The royal family’s plan to marry Princess Hyacinth to the Duke of Crowford had fallen through, leaving their ambitions temporarily stalled.

“Your sister doesn’t seem interested in marriage, so I imagine suitors will start coming for you.”

“…Viscountess Naphier mentioned the other day that I should meet with Matthew.”

Despite having the powerful Duke of Crowford as their protector, Viscountess Naphier still considered the Devlanc sisters as a backup plan for her son.

“Matthew is practically family already. It’s ridiculous.”

“The Viscountess is simply out of luck.”

“Well, I can’t really blame her for dreaming.”

Seeing Lily’s indignant expression, Madame Benoit stifled a laugh.

“My target is the crown princess’s position.”

“If you aim that high, you’ll surely be able to protect your sister.”

Everyone might have just been talking about it, but Lily’s intentions were genuine.

With that in mind, she had hoped to use this opportunity to sway the princess, but the royal envoy had left in a huff without even the chance for a proper conversation.

In high society, where one’s status must be certain, connections with noble families must be made through introductions by someone of equal standing. At least now Lily knew that Viscountess Naphier wasn’t on her side, which was some consolation.

Shrewd as always, Lily gladly took Madame Benoit’s hand.

“By the way, don’t tell my sister what we talked about.”

“Of course not.”

“I’ll go back to my sister now.”

Watching Lily, the doting sister, leave, Madame Benoit smiled contentedly.

Though they lacked parental guidance, the three sisters had grown into remarkable adults by relying on each other.

“If only they could have had that kind of relationship.”

Wilfred had originally asked to withdraw from the competition for the family head position.

But the Crowford brothers never believed him when he said he had no interest in the title.

With a sense of melancholy, Madame Benoit made her way to the room where the princess was waiting.

* * *

Since it was a ladies-only social club meeting, Luca was naturally unable to attend today. As a result, he found himself with some free time, which led the duke to summon him to the study, handing him a stack of papers.

“Wilfred, sir.”

“Yes.”

“I’ve marked all the parts I didn’t understand.”

Luca’s assignment was to read aloud from a book, and any parts he didn’t grasp had to be written down and presented to the duke.

Ever since arriving in this unfamiliar place, Luca had managed to adapt, thanks entirely to Freesia’s kindness. But no matter how many times they met, the duke always remained a figure of overwhelming authority to him.

“Not bad.”

“Thank you!”

“That doesn’t mean it was good.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’ve brought the tea.”

As Jade handed Luca a teacup, he subtly gauged his master’s mood, which seemed somewhat tense. Jade had long understood the reason the duke brought Luca here, but the boy himself was completely oblivious to the duke’s intentions.

“Luca, come this way for a moment.”

Wilfred, engrossed in his newspaper, sipped his tea, paying no attention as Luca stepped aside.

Seeing Luca’s downcast expression, Jade unexpectedly spoke up.

“Would you like to visit the main house?”

Luca’s gaze often strayed toward the door, revealing his true feelings—though he seemed unaware of how obvious they were. 

Luca hesitated, biting his lip before speaking softly.

“I’m scared of getting scolded.”

“Don’t worry. My master may be poor at expressing himself, but if you truly wish to visit, he’ll surely allow it.”

“Really?”

Encouraged by Jade’s confident tone, Luca finally mustered the courage to ask.

“Um, would it be alright if I went to see Lady Freesia?”

“…You want to go to the main house?”

“Luca seems to desire it so much. Perhaps a little stroll would be nice?” Jade suggested.

To Luca’s surprise, rather than the scolding he expected, the duke reluctantly put down his teacup and reached out a hand to him.

“If you insist, I suppose it can’t be helped.”

“Th-thank you, Your Grace!”

“I’ve told you to call me Wilfred.”

“I’m sorry.”

Whether he was being praised or scolded was unclear, but the thought of seeing Freesia made the journey exciting for Luca.

As they walked, Luca, looking up at the much taller duke, carefully asked something that had been on his mind for a while.

“How can I grow tall like you, Wilfred?”

“Lady Rashita’s husband, Vino, stretched his legs every night, telling him to grow taller.”

“Really?”

“Nonsense.”

Even as Wilfred reprimanded Jade for the joke, he didn’t let go of Luca’s hand. Seeing this rare moment of kindness from his master, Jade smiled fondly.

“You’ll grow taller in time, Luca.”

“I can’t wait to grow up.”

“Growing too fast isn’t always good. Pushing yourself too hard won’t make you improve any faster.”

“I-I’ll keep that in mind.”

Wilfred continued with practical advice: don’t be picky with food, sleep early, and be careful not to injure yourself, lest it affect your growth. Listening to these mundane warnings, Luca finally understood Jade’s intentions.

“Wilfred, what do you like most about Lady Freesia?”

“What about you?”

“I like how she takes care of me. I also enjoy listening to her talk about her sister, Lady Lily.”

“You don’t have anything to say about me?”

“Uh…”

While Luca had heard a lot about Lily, Freesia rarely mentioned the duke. Unsure if this was another test like earlier, Luca glanced at Jade before carefully responding.

“Lady Freesia said I should grow up to be a fine adult, like you, Wilfred.”

“A fine adult?”

Wilfred paused for a moment, gazing intently at Luca.

“Really?”

“I-I mean it.”

As Luca’s voice grew louder in his nervousness, the duke gently placed his hand on the boy’s head.

Luca flinched, fearing he might be scolded again, but instead, the duke simply straightened his hair and muttered under his breath.

“…Watching over a child isn’t so bad once in a while.”