The Villainess Captured The Grand Duke - Chapter 181

Chapter 181

Raygrain and Jess departed just a fraction earlier than the central subjugation force, taking advantage of the time it took for the Imperial Knight Order to assemble their hunting party, which was much longer than expected. Concerned about any potential issues arising from the agreements, Raygrain and Jess, without informing anyone, slipped out of the palace through the back door that Zeros opened for them.

Scheuer, gazing at the now empty window, turned to Zeros and asked, 

“How much damage would two monsters cause? ”

While Raygrain was away, Zeros, who had taken over Scheuer’s protection, rubbed his chin, contemplating before responding.

“Well, it depends on how wild the monsters get, but they could easily flatten a small village.”

“They don’t normally come down to residential areas, do they? ”

“Hm. That’s the problem.” 

He hesitated before continuing in a steady voice. 

“As you know, monsters rarely descend into residential areas. The timing of it all is almost as if someone is controlling them.”

Even though the black stone had been discovered, no one had yet considered the possibility of someone manipulating the monsters. However, if there were those who had set up mining operations in the north, this wasn’t an entirely impossible assumption.

Seeing her silent, Zero seemed to regret bringing it up and moistened his dry lips with his tongue. 

“Don’t worry. Thanks to His Grace, the swordsmanship is intact, and two monsters wouldn’t even be a concern.”

Scheuer quickly turned around to face him and asked, 

“Are there many people living near the border? ”

“The good news is that it’s not an area densely populated with homes.” 

He answered quickly, as if relieved. Since he didn’t outright deny it, it seemed that people did live there. Scheuer immediately called out loudly for Tiola. 

“Tiola, are you there? ”

“Yes, Your Grace. I’m waiting outside.”

“Can you get more chamomile from the center? ”

“Of course. How much should I bring? ”

“As much as possible by today.”

“Understood!”

With her cheerful voice, the sound of her footsteps faded away.

Zeros watched her with a somewhat mature smile. Whether it was because he had a somewhat grumpy younger brother like Jess or because of her gentle demeanor, his face held a playful expression, while his eyes carried the wisdom of an experienced knight. It was almost as if he were looking at a much younger sibling.

“Her Grace is really…”

“After the subjugation, would it be possible to send flowers to the affected areas? I’m worried it might cause some issues with the agreements.”

She widened her eyes in surprise, and Zeros grinned as he replied, 

“As far as I know, there’s no such restriction. But if it becomes a problem, I’ll purchase and deliver them with my own money.”

Relieved by his reliable answer, Scheuer smiled brightly. 

“I’m glad Zeros is here in the central region.”

It didn’t take long for Tiola to bring the flowers. Scheuer, with her light touch, made all the chamomile bloom, preparing for any unforeseen circumstances. Then came a knock at the door, signaling a visitor.

“Your Grace, a guest is requesting an audience.”

“Who?”

There weren’t many who would come looking for her now. Tiola’s voice carried a familiar name to Scheuer’s ears. 

“Lady Annabelle has requested a tea time.”

The expression on Zero’s face hardened instantly. With Raygrain absent, they couldn’t allow anyone inside.

Especially considering Lady Annabelle’s temperament, it would have been advisable to avoid meeting her, even under favorable circumstances. Having grown up in the capital and familiar with her notorious reputation, Zeros was ready to outright reject the request. However, Scheuer responded more quickly.

“Where is the location? ”She asked.

“Shall I arrange another location within the palace? ”Tiola suggested.

“She’s a guest, and the lack of an appropriate venue means His Majesty would likely show this much leniency. Please make the arrangements,” Scheuer instructed.

“I’ll relay your message.” 

Tiola replied, just as Zeros immediately followed up with a question.

“Are you sure about this? ”

“There’s something I needed to ask her anyway. It’s better now, while no one else is around.” 

Scheuer answered. It was actually the perfect timing since there was no one who could back Lady Annabelle at the moment. Silcaro had long left to lead the central subjugation force, and Duke Litton had all but withdrawn from the situation. Scheuer was similarly positioned, but at least Zeros was by her side.

The moment Scheuer gave her answer, one of the many available rooms in the palace was swiftly prepared for the tea time. However, despite the room being ready quickly, Scheuer took her time. She slowly made the flowers bloom and took her time changing her clothes, to the point that Tiola started to become concerned.

“At this rate, won’t she leave before you’re ready? ”

“She made an unexpected request, so she should expect to wait. Whoever is more in need must be the one to wait,” Scheuer remarked.

There was no reason for Scheuer to move just because Lady Annabelle had requested it. Despite backing from Silcaro, Annabelle was still only a duchess, and Erina remained the official fiancée.

By the late afternoon, Lady Annabelle, who Scheuer thought might leave, had stayed and waited for a considerable time. If nothing else, her patience was commendable.

“It can’t be delayed any longer,” 

Scheuer thought to herself. After leisurely passing the hours, she finally adjusted her attire and made her way to the room where Annabelle awaited.

When Scheuer appeared, Lady Annabelle immediately lifted her head with a bright, welcoming smile.

“It’s been a while, Your Grace! ”

“It has, indeed, Lady Annabelle.” 

Scheuer replied as she took a seat on the opposite sofa. Then she corrected herself. 

“Or should I be calling you Miss Annabelle now? ”

At that question, Lady Annabelle’s gaze briefly shifted to the space behind the sofa, where Zeros stood. It seemed she was conscious of Zeros overhearing, as the matter was still highly confidential. Nonetheless, Lady Annabelle soon gave a sheepish smile and replied, 

“It’s a bit embarrassing. But I’m not meeting him with just a light heart.”

A faint blush crept onto her cheeks, a sight that was almost unsettling. She appeared much younger and happier than she had before, which made Scheuer’s heart ache in contrast to the image of Duke Litton.

“What brings you here? ”Scheuer asked, her politeness lacking true warmth.

Lady Annabelle, in response, cautiously gestured towards the distant maids, saying, 

“Could you step out for a moment? ”

The maids glanced at Scheuer for her approval. Although Scheuer was tempted to let the rumors spread, she didn’t want the Litton Duke’s sons, who were central nobles and lived in the palace, to bear the burden of having their mother’s affair whispered behind their backs.

This was an issue that the people involved would have to bear responsibility for. Once the maids withdrew, Annabelle lifted her cup and took a sip of the now-cold tea. Then, with a surprisingly firm voice, she spoke.

“I wanted to talk to you about Prince Silcaro.”

Was she trying to seek understanding for her illicit affair? If that was the case, Scheuer was ready to rise and leave without hearing another word. Just as Annabelle was about to continue, a sudden knock interrupted her.

“Your Grace, I apologize.”

It wasn’t a maid but the rough, urgent voice of a knight. Zeros excused himself and opened the door. The knight quickly relayed something before saluting and departing. Zeros returned to Scheuer, leaned in, and whispered.

“The monsters have been taken care of.”

“By the Grand Duke?” Scheuer’s throat felt dry.

Judging by Zero’s calm demeanor, it didn’t seem like there was any serious disaster. He continued his report in an even quieter voice.

“Yes, but there seem to be many injured. There’s also considerable tension with the central subjugation forces.”

“Did he cross into central territory?”

“No. It seems that, since His Grace distributed the chamomile flowers to the northern people first, there’s been some backlash.”

The wounds inflicted by monsters couldn’t be healed by divine power, so it appeared that the people of the north were relying heavily on this remedy. Scheuer could vividly imagine the resentment brewing when only some people received the flowers while others, suffering from the same injuries, did not.

This wasn’t a situation that could be left unresolved for long. At first, the imperial knights might take the blame, but eventually, the anger would turn toward the north, Scheuer thought.

It was strange how people worked. The Grand Duke of Blen was not at fault for prioritizing the northern people, but when there was a way to help, those who were left out felt it was unfair. Fortunately, Scheuer had anticipated this and had a room full of chamomile flowers ready for such an emergency.

However, there was a reason Zeros couldn’t simply suggest sending them immediately. Scheuer glanced at Lady Annabelle, who was still sitting there clueless, and made her decision firmly.

“Zeros, please deliver the flowers.”

“Are you sure?” 

Zeros hesitated, as he was assigned to guard Scheuer and couldn’t leave her side.

Scheuer quietly muttered, 

“Send a few capable imperial knights in your place.”

With a respectful bow, Zeros responded, 

“Thank you, Your Grace. I will return shortly.”

“Wanting to be someone else is a waste of who you are.” – Kurt Cobain.