I Become the Villain's Bride - Chapter 84

Chapter 84

When the matter of Lily’s selection as crown princess began to surface, it was already expected that their parents would take action first.  

Of course, no one had anticipated that they would go after her sister directly, but thanks to careful preparation, Rose was able to move swiftly to the next step.  

“It seems the news of the crown princess selection has made things even more difficult for the princess.”  

The hardliners began to rally around the princess, seeking to crown her instead of the weak crown prince. Especially since the emperor openly favored his brilliant daughter.  

After the engagement proposal fell through, there were numerous speculations that the emperor would sever ties with Crowford and shift his support to the princess.  

“But with Crowford nominating Lily as the crown princess, the princess has been dealt a severe blow.”  

“So… that’s how things are?”  

“Exactly. Last time, the duke himself escorted Lily. If it had been me instead, things wouldn’t have turned out this way.”  

It was more than just luck. At the very least, it had become undeniable that Freesia was a constant thorn in the princess’s side.  

“They really are tangled in a bitter fate.”  

“So, what are you going to do?”  

“What else? I’ll make them taste the bitterness of life.”  

Since the princess’s faction had been using people through social clubs, now it was time for them to experience a proper betrayal. They must be feeling smug about catching some weakness by now.  

“Things don’t always go the way you expect.”  

“You’ve changed, Freesia.”  

Seeing her younger sister take initiative felt strange to Rose, who was used to her retreating in the past.  

Freesia smiled confidently at her curious sister.  

“Well, what do you expect? I’m your sister, after all.”  

“Oh, you’re something else.”  

Rose, who had been on the verge of tears, finally burst out laughing.  

Somehow, as they both grew older, it felt like Freesia only became more brazen, but at least she no longer felt afraid.  

“From now on, I’ll protect you, Sister.”  

“That sounds reassuring.”  

It seemed Freesia had prepared a perfect strike. After all, there wasn’t much time left before Lily’s engagement ceremony.  

—

Wilfred reviewed the reports from the estate and glanced at the calendar.  

After the hunting tournament, which doubled as the harvest festival, he planned to return to the estate with Freesia. He would stay there for the foreseeable future, including New Year’s and until the baby was born.  

Having spent her entire life between the Deblanc estate and the capital, Wilfred was determined to ensure she would feel no discomfort, sparing no effort in preparation.  

As he was wrapping up the paperwork, Jade cleared his throat to remind him of the time.  

“Sir, it’s almost time to leave.”  

“Right.”  

Unlike his modest wedding, which was held in haste, the crown prince’s engagement ceremony was being celebrated grandly, with foreign dignitaries invited. Among today’s guests were relatives from the eastern continent, invited by Viscountess Blado.  

“Let’s hope they don’t pull anything unnecessary.”  

Freesia seemed to be planning something as well, but everyone involved kept tight-lipped, leaving him in the dark.  

Even when Wilfred tried to pry information out of Luca during sword practice, the boy just laughed, pretending to know nothing. Luca seemed particularly happy about not having to wear a dress this time, and Wilfred didn’t know what to say to him.  

“Will things be okay?”  

“What do you mean?”  

“…Nothing.”  

Watching the boy’s eager eyes sparkle, Wilfred found himself growing attached to him. The boy’s straightforwardness, much like a chick following its mother bird, was endearing.  

“The Bailey family reached out. They want to take you in.”  

“Me?”  

“Lady Bailey seems to have taken a liking to you. It wouldn’t hurt to establish some connections for the future.”  

“I know now… that you’re not going to send me away against my will.”  

Though Luca had once been anxious and wary of being discarded, he seemed to have grown more trusting.  

With the boy proving useful both as a spy and through his endearing antics, Wilfred saw no reason to send him away.  

“By the way, I also got a letter from Countess Zenon.”  

“A letter?”  

“She said she wants to take that girl, Lucia, as her daughter-in-law.”  

“No! Absolutely not!”  

Wilfred chuckled. He had already declined the proposal but couldn’t resist teasing Luca. The boy’s reactions reminded him of his own childhood.  

Just then, Rashita approached the two of them, who were enjoying their playful exchange.  

“Lily’s preparations seem to be complete. Luca, you should go now.”  

“Yes, Lady Rashita.”  

As Luca hurried off, Wilfred and Rashita locked eyes. They both knew whom the other was thinking of.  

“You’ve grown quite affectionate.”  

“Uncle Vino was the same, wasn’t he?”  

“Yes. Back then, I really resented him.”  

He was a man who would always bring his nephew along on dates, clinging to him like a burr.  

Despite being too gentle to kill even an insect, he had sacrificed himself without hesitation to save his nephew.  

“I’m sorry.”  

“…Saying you’re sorry won’t bring him back.”  

Wilfred had repeatedly apologized in front of his uncle’s lifeless body, saying he was sorry to have survived.  

Hearing such words from a child had drained all the anger from Rashita, leaving her numb.  

“I still hate you.”  

“I know.”  

“…You know Freesia is pregnant, don’t you?”  

“Yes, I know.”  

“Congratulations.”  

“…I’m sorry.”  

Rashita, who had longed to have a child with her late husband, could only offer congratulations through clenched sorrow. The one she had loved so dearly was no longer in this world.  

Because he meant so much to her.

Though Rashita hadn’t smiled lightly since losing her husband, Wilfred could now see how she had gradually brightened over time.  

Her heart hadn’t changed. Rashita wasn’t the type to forget someone easily. She was simply adapting, little by little, to a new life.  

Wilfred was going through the same process.  

“What do you plan to do about Luca?”  

“I’ll keep an eye on things a little longer.”  

It was Lady Bailey, an ally, who first reached out. Somehow, she had convinced her eldest son—the current head of the family—to express their desire to take in and raise Luca.  

“It’s probably just a polite gesture.”  

“The Baileys are a respectable family. It’s too soon to make assumptions.”  

“…Perhaps.”  

If Luca were sent to the Bailey family, Viscount Blado’s side wouldn’t take it lightly. But once they returned to the estate, there would be no need for a guard. Providing Luca with a stable home and proper education might be for the best.  

“I didn’t intend to grow attached to him.”  

“Well, maybe because he’s endearing.”  

Now Wilfred understood why Freesia had been so fond of the boy. Someone who once seemed cold as stone had now begun to show hints of warmth.  

Men in love really are simple creatures.  

Rashita smirked and playfully jabbed Wilfred in the ribs.  

“Ow!”  

“So, you’re that fond of Freesia?”  

“…Yes.”  

“Look at you!”  

Rashita burst out laughing at her nephew’s increasingly shameless demeanor. Compared to the sharp and guarded person he once was, he had indeed become more human. And, in truth, she had changed as well.  

“If he could see you now, he’d be so happy.”  

“…Yes, I believe he would.”  

“That man.”  

Though time could never fill the void he left, neither did she want to erase his memory. Even the scars that would never heal were precious remnants of the life they had shared. He had given a drifting soul like her a reason to live.  

“If only I could hate him… maybe that would make things easier.”  

As Rashita rarely showed her emotions, Wilfred placed a hand on her shoulder as she wiped away tears. The painful memory of that day returned vividly.  

Even knowing that it was kill or be killed, he couldn’t draw his sword in time. Only after paying the ultimate price—his uncle’s death—did he realize the harsh truth: without taking action, one loses everything.  

“I won’t give up on anything anymore.”  

“…Good.”  

Rasita quickly wiped her tears and returned to her usual composed self, as if nothing had happened. Just as her pride was embodied in her sharp axe, Wilfred gazed up at the towering Crowford estate with newfound acceptance.  

The name Crowford, which he once loathed, now seemed a little easier to bear.  

Just then—  

“Brother-in-law!”  

With a voice far too loud for someone on the eve of her engagement, Lily waved her hand enthusiastically. Next to her, Freesia—her eyes red from crying—was busy dabbing at her tears with a handkerchief.  

“Why are you crying on such a happy day?”  

“Sending off someone you’ve raised must feel like this. I can’t let my sister go! There’s still so much I want to do for her.”  

“That’s unnecessary meddling.”  

As charming as Lily’s exuberance was, it was clear that Freesia shared the same doting nature. Neither sister seemed capable of living without the other.  

Watching them cling to each other, Wilfred couldn’t help but feel a bit left out and teasingly chimed in.  

“You can send your sister off, but we’ll have our own little princess to raise.”  

“Who said she’ll be a princess?”  

“She’ll definitely be a daughter, and she’ll look just like you.”  

“And what makes you so sure of that?”  

Whatever Freesia said, Wilfred paid no mind.  

By now, the princess would have sent word, but Seriel had remained silent until the end.  

Madame Benoit, veiled as always, finally emerged into the lobby. As one of the most enigmatic figures in the royal court, even Wilfred couldn’t read her intentions.  

“What do you plan to do now?”  

“…We’ll see. In the end, everyone will pay for what they’ve done.”  

“What do you mean?”  

“You’ll find out soon enough.”  

With her inscrutable expression returning, Madame Benoit approached Freesia and adjusted her hair ornament.  

“I thought this would suit you.”  

“Really? Thank you, Madame Benoit.”  

Wilfred suspected that Madame Benoit was the one enjoying this little family game the most. But perhaps, for now, that was enough.  

“Shall we leave?”  

“…Yes.”  

The Crowford family, now a large household, boarded a procession of carriages bound for the royal palace.  

Under the clear autumn sky, where white flowers scattered from the lavishly decorated carriages, crowds gathered to celebrate the birth of the new crown princess.  

There was no room left for retreat.  

This was the final battleground.