The Queen of Villains - Chapter 6 part 2
While the two of them were bickering, Killian was in his study as Emily was teaching him about the prominent families of the Bancent Empire.
In fact, as someone involved in the liquor business with the nobility, he had a fairly good understanding of their tastes and power relations. However, if he appeared to know everything, he wouldn’t have an excuse to meet with Emily under the pretext of education, so he was quietly learning from her.
“You have a good memory. Since you’ve memorized everything I mentioned, I have nothing more to teach you “
“Is that all?”
“Yes.”
The problem is that Killian should have pretended to be more lacking. Aside from his poor family background, this naturally gifted man didn’t know how to pretend he was lacking.
“Well, then I’ll go back to my room now.”
Other than matters related to education, it was still awkward for Emily to be alone with Killian, so she stood up from her seat.
“Please do.”
Killian, who had no words to hold her back, nodded and let her go. As Emily walked out of the study and started descending the stairs, she soon came face-to-face with someone.
“Oh! Madam, long time no see.”
“Mr. Nox, what brings you here?”
In response to his friendly greeting, Emily warmly greeted Nox.
“Haha, it seems you remember me.”
It’s hard to forget someone who made such an unusual first impression. Emily nodded casually and smiled. Killian, who came out at the sound of voices, frowned as soon as he saw Nox.
“Who invited you?”
Nox lowered his shoulders, looking somewhat disappointed at Killian’s cold reaction.
“Giovanni asked me to come quickly, so I came. Why are you reacting like this?”
“Giovanni…”
Killian’s energy became fierce. Nox didn’t really know what Giovanni did, but he expressed condolences and glanced around the mansion. At that moment, Alvin the butler, who was carrying fruits up to the study, appeared on Nox’s radar.
“Hey, Alvin! What are you doing here? Didn’t you say you were going to clean up District 7?”
“N-Nox?”
Alvin’s shoulders trembled, and he dropped the tray. It was his first mistake in his life as a butler. Nox casually picked up the tangerine that rolled down to his feet and ate it.
“Mmm, it’s sweet.”
Emily, who overheard the conversation between Nox and Alvin, raised an eyebrow.
“Cleaning up Sector 7?”
Killian’s back started to tense up. When he turned his head, Alvin, in a hurry, tried to cover Nox’s mouth as well. But Nox had already noticed the maids passing by below the stairs and cheerfully greeted them.
“Cézanne, Chili, and Roxy are also here! Why is everyone wearing that maid outfit? Are you trying to infiltrate the Giuliano family like that?”
The three maids looked up, startled by Nox’s voice. Oh my God, did that idiot expose our identities in front of the madam?
“Infiltrating the Giuliano family?
Only then did Emily realize the situation and start to hiccup in shock. If you roughly put together Nox’s words, all the servants in the house are part of the Starr family mafia.
“Damn it. Nox, please shut up!”
As the madam’s face turned pale, Alvin, who had been at a loss, finally succeeded in silencing Nox.
“Mmph!”
“Alvin, get him out quickly.”
When Killian commanded with a grim expression, Alvin, feeling anxious, carried Nox on his shoulder and rushed down the stairs.
“Ack! Why all of a sudden!”
Nox, who was being dragged without knowing why, kept shouting while clinging to Alvin’s shoulder.
“You should explain why I’m being left out and why everyone’s gathered here! Hey!”
But there was no one here to leisurely explain the situation to him. The three maids quickly closed the door and retreated as soon as Alvin sent Nox out of the castle. Silence fell between Killian and Emily.
“I will explain.”
“Yes… *hiccup*”
Now it was Killian’s turn to educate her on the mafia.
Alvin returned to the study and placed a plate of fresh fruit on the table for the two of them as they sat down again.
“Would you like some Earl Grey tea?”
“Yes.”
As Emily timidly responded, Alvin’s pupils trembled.
“M-Madam…”
Unable to continue speaking due to the shock, Killian spoke up instead.
“Treat Alvin and the other servants as you did before.”
“But Alvin is not an ordinary butler. And everyone else…”
As Emily still seemed uncomfortable, Killian angrily ran his hand through his hair.
‘I’ll have to deal with whoever catches my attention first, whether it’s Giovanni or Nox.’ [T/n: Killian is thinking this to himself]
He signaled for Alvin to leave, who left with a tearful look on his face.
“First, I apologize for not telling you.”
Emily scratched her cheek, surprised by his apology.
“It’s difficult to recruit people without risking having spies.”
“I see.”
Instead of an ordinary citizen, another gang could send one of its members in to spy.
‘Wait, then I’m in danger too, right?’
She recalled that in the original work, the Giuliano family had aimed for her life. Clasping her own neck protectively, Emily looked at Killian with worried eyes.
‘There could be many other threats besides that.’
Trying to calm Emily, who was trembling with her fists clenched, he cautiously called her name.
“Emily.”
“Yes, yes! I’m fine. I completely understand. It’s only natural to be wary of spies. By any chance, do you think I might need someone to protect me? After all, I’m the weakest member of the household.”
As Emily’s words poured out like a waterfall, momentarily leaving Killian speechless, he finally opened his mouth heavily.
“…The ones standing by your side, offering protection, are the most skilled individuals.”
Emily pressed her hand against her chest as if relieved.
“Then I’m glad.”
“Is it alright if I keep those individuals by your side without replacing them?”
“Of course.”
As she quickly changed her attitude, Killian realized something and let out a bitter smile. Emily was afraid of being threatened because she had married into the mafia. The thought that she might regret marrying him began to weigh heavily on Killian’s mind.
‘How can I reassure you that I can protect you?’
***
Translator note: I couldn’t find my cat earlier today and started freaking out, after an hour searching the neighborhood it turns out she was underneath the cupboard the whole time. I went back in to get some tuna to take with me as I went around the neighborhood again and sure enough as soon as that can opened, she squeezes out and trots up for a snack.-_- ~Mae
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