The Villainess Captured The Grand Duke - Chapter 41

Chapter 41

Certainly, Silcaro must have understood her intentions, but he continued to speak as if he were oblivious, maintaining a gentle tone.

“It’s okay. The first time is precious for everyone. But now that I think about it, the Duke going out for suppression again must be due to the Duchess.”

The North had always been under Raygrain’s protection. Silcaro pointed out the obvious, a fact that was so natural and unchanging.

Raygrain responded with a stern voice, 

“I didn’t expect the Royal Family to care so much about the affairs of the North.”

“If the Duke doesn’t do it, who else will protect the North in the Walker Empire? You know I like the Duke, don’t you?”

“Don’t forget the treaty.”

As soon as Silcaro finished his gentle words, his cool and dry voice covered the floor.

The air in the hall became dense, as if flower petals had fallen without anyone noticing.

Silcaro tilted his head slightly, responding with his characteristic harmless expression, “It’s a document written in the previous era. The next era must be led by the next generation. If the Duke is having a hard time, please feel free to ask for help. The Duke’s command is not the Empire’s, isn’t it?”

At first listen, it could feel like a considerate remark. However, it might not be the same for Erina by his side.

Once they started receiving help from the central region, they would undoubtedly try to expand their influence in the North.

Fortunately, Raygrain calmly cut off his affectionate words.

“The North will manage itself.”

“This kind of talk doesn’t suit a day like today. I apologize.”

The stern conversation ended with Silcaro’s apology. Scheuer, playing with the bouquet silently, looked at Raygrain and asked, 

“Your Grace, do you know what I like more?”

“…That’s sudden.”

She smiled subtly at Silcaro and Erina before turning her head back to Raygrain, dragging him towards the cake.

“Please eat the cake. You must eat the part with my name on it.”

“Why?”

“I don’t want someone else to eat my name.”

The maid standing by quickly and neatly cut the part with Scheuer’s name. Scheuer handed it to Raygrain.

He casually examined the cake. 

“Just eating the name is enough.”

Taking off one glove, he used his ring finger to wipe the cream with her name on it and brought it to his mouth.

“Is it done?”

Even in the icy atmosphere of the hall, Scheuer and Raygrain behaved as if nothing had happened.

After tasting the sweetness filling his mouth, he slightly wrinkled his nose, but the aftertaste wasn’t bad.

Then, Scheuer gently extended her hand with a glint in her eyes.

Now or never.

Resigned, Raygrain handed her his handkerchief.

***

Even in the sinking atmosphere, Scheuer moved briskly. It was not particularly surprising that she finished the piece with Raygrain’s name in three bites. Scheuer, holding a cake plate, directly mingled among the young ladies and nobles, distributing the pieces.

“Would you like to try it?”

“Oh, yes… Your Highness, thank you for your consideration.”

Since the Duchess had asked, it was impossible to ignore, and it wasn’t easy to refuse when the Nettri Duke was present. Scheuer even suggested to Nettri Duke and Erina first.

“Wouldn’t the Nettri Duke like to try it too?”

Since she had spoken words of congratulations, there was no turning back. Eventually, Nettri Duke and Erina awkwardly accepted the cake. Scheuer added a cheerful remark.

“Our Duke doesn’t like sweet food either. Isn’t he cute?”

Seeing Erina nibbling her lips as if she wanted to say something, Scheuer, with her dress fluttering, walked towards others to share the cake, dragging Raygrain along. Raygrain didn’t stop her.

Approaching a group of young ladies, Scheuer asked, “How is it?”

“Your, Your Highness.”

They were so surprised, as if they were about to be devoured, that Scheuer smiled and asked, 

“Do you like desserts?”

“Yes, well…”

“In the North, there wasn’t much time to eat. So, I always wanted to ask when I came to Central. What’s the most delicious thing here?”

One of the young ladies, who had been glancing at each other awkwardly, answered hesitantly, 

“If you go to the downtown area, there’s a bakery run by a patissier who used to work for the palace. It should be good.”

“Is this also made by the palace patissier? Is it a bit different?”

“This person is famous too, but the bakery in the downtown area is known for making bread crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.”

“It sounds delicious… Can I eat it anytime?”

“W-well, not anytime. There are time slots…”

In response to Scheuer’s subsequent question, even the young ladies, who had been sending cautious glances, began to speak comfortably.

“Do you not have bakeries in the North?”

“We do, but it’s too cold to go out.”

Laughter mixed with Scheuer’s resolute words. Shortly afterward, the atmosphere in the hall gradually softened. Scheuer looked around and noticed Raygrain watching her from a distance, waving a smile.

As always, he was expressionless, and it was impossible to gauge what he was thinking as he observed her.

“I’ll go to His Highness for a moment. You must take me to the bakery later!”

“As long as he’s in the Central.”

After finishing the chat, Scheuer smoothly moved towards Raygrain, waving her hand. He always had an expressionless face, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking while looking at her.

Scheuer, walking towards Raygrain with her back turned to the young ladies, showed a cheerful smile. This was how she needed to change the existing image of the villainous Scheuer. This way, she wouldn’t be a weakness for the North any longer.

Scheuer, reaching him, smiled brightly and asked, 

“Did you call me?”

“I didn’t.”

“You were looking at me.”

“Why does that automatically translate to calling you?”

Scheuer blinked and said, 

“We made eye contact, and you’re just going to ignore me like that? We should meet eyes at least once more.”

As she spoke, she lowered her head, and when she looked up directly into his eyes, Raygrain’s eyelids moved slightly. But soon, without any further movement, they returned neatly to their place.

“The party seems enjoyable.”

“I’ve gathered quite a bit of useful information. I found a place that sells sleeve garters suitable for the Duke. Next time, I’ll buy one for you!”

As a maid passed by them, Scheuer made a small gesture. 

“Sorry, I have something to ask when you’re not busy.”

“Yes, Your Highness. How may I assist you?”

Perhaps due to Raygrain’s sharp gaze or Scheuer’s infamous reputation, the maid kept an eye on their interactions.

Scheuer spoke as gently as possible to her. 

“There’s a bouquet in the room. Could you bring it to me?”

“Ah, I understand.”

As the maid quickly disappeared, Raygrain asked casually, 

“So, you like flowers?”

“I have to return it.”

Scheuer turned her head to observe Silcaro, who was talking with Erina. With a glance towards Scheuer, Raygrain asked, 

“I thought you liked flowers.”

“Smile Love”