HSDTVM| Chapter 10

Episode 10

Luckily, the story about Rutana was progressing well, so I could breathe a little easier. Even if I had to spend money like water at the Sprout Lab, I could at least protect the Duke’s family.

Ilia smiled brightly.

Today, both Luel and Riheel had improved a little, so they could all have a meal together in the dining room.

‘Things are going well!’

Ilia’s little heart was fluttering like a bird’s.

Watching Luel and Riheel get better was a joy for Ilia. It felt like she was saving them instead of Doyun, who she couldn’t save herself.

It was nice to eat with others instead of being alone, and Ilia’s dimples appeared as she smiled.

“This is delicious. This too, this too.”

Ilia happily served food on Luel and Riheel’s plates. What else was tasty?

“…Ilia, aren’t you going to eat?”

Riheel asked Ilia. She had been so busy taking care of Luel and Riheel that she hadn’t eaten anything herself.

“Hmm… I can eat slowly!”

Riheel looked at Ilia’s slim arm, which was thinner compared to his plump cheeks. Ilia, like Riheel, seemed to need to eat more.

Riheel scanned the table. He had lived in this mansion for a long time and knew the cook’s skills better than anyone.

He knew exactly which food was the best.

‘What would my wife like?’

Cough, cough.

Riheel thought to himself, but felt embarrassed and cleared his throat. “Wife…” He had never called anyone that, but his father always called his mother “wife.” Maybe someday, if the right time comes…

For now, it was his turn to recommend food for Ilia.

He added some of the foods he used to enjoy to Ilia’s plate.

“Squirrel… no. Ilia, try this. It’s really delicious.”

“Did you just call me a squirrel?”

Ilia’s eyes grew wide.

“Hmm. Don’t like it?”

“It’s not that…”

Though the author had written it that way, Ilia had never thought of herself like that when she looked in the mirror.

She thought she looked cute, but… with her eyes wide open and her cheeks puffed up, Ilia tilted her head. She had her little fist pressed to her cheek.

So…

So that’s why he called her a squirrel.

Luel answered instead of Riheel.

“Ilia looks like a squirrel! So cute!”

Since Luel was still young, he was being honest.

“You’re cuter, Luel…”

Ilia blushed and fiddled with her fingers. No, Ilia was the cutest… Riheel swallowed what he had been about to say.

The Duke’s family had long attracted talented people. During the time of the previous Duke, almost all talented people from the Empire would flow into the Duke’s family.

Even at the Empire’s Academy, the Duke’s family was considered the number one place to work.

Because of this, the Duke’s family had great influence in the Empire, but after the deaths of the Duke and Duchess, the talented graduates from the Academy had started leaving.

They seemed to think that the Crownhats Duke’s family was a sinking ship.

Even those already within the Duke’s family were starting to feel uneasy.

The Rutana business would bring new energy to this declining Duke’s family.

The long winter was passing, and a very short summer was approaching. Around this time, the Academy’s graduation ceremony took place.

To show the strength of the Duke’s family, Ilia decided to attend the ceremony in person.

Ilia and Norman visited the Academy to meet the graduates. Perhaps because she was nervous, Ilia sat stiffly, but the carriage had been prepared with sweet cookies and chocolates to comfort her.

Today, even the Head Maid had been allowed to eat five cookies. They thought that such a small thing would be too much for fragile Ilia, who was already under stress. The carriage had been thoroughly repaired for today’s outing.

The cushions inside were made fluffier, and the durability was reinforced so Ilia wouldn’t feel any shaking. Even the wheels had been changed. Plus, a magical refrigerator was added so Ilia could have snacks whenever she wanted.

‘The Madam will be riding it.’

‘We need to make the strongest carriage in the world.’

‘Since she might feel car sick, it should shake as little as possible.’

Thanks to the Duke’s family’s servants, the carriage was perfectly prepared. Ilia didn’t feel any shakes as she chewed on the cookies. The sweet cookies melted in her mouth and slid down her throat. No matter how much she ate, she never got tired of it.

At least it seemed to ease her worries.

Ilia knew she was the unwanted princess of the Imperial family, and her existence probably contributed to the Duke’s family’s bad reputation. She hadn’t wanted to go, but…

‘Once they see the Madam, everyone will change their minds!’

‘Really! People can’t hate her.’

‘Just give them a strong fist!’

Ilia couldn’t understand why the fist mattered, but every time she made a fist and tilted her head, the Duke’s family’s servants cheered.

Additionally, Norman had strongly insisted that the person who was the initiator had to come along, so Ilia had no choice but to get in the carriage.

“Do you think I’ll do well?”

“What… Madam, you don’t need to do anything. Just be yourself and talk to me as usual. Be comfortable.”

“… But, the obstacle I need to overcome isn’t just that, Norman. My status isn’t well-liked. I think my existence might even be a burden to the Duke’s family.”

Ah, how perfect our Madam is!

She’s so thoughtful, and her voice is so gentle and pretty. If I were with Ilia, I feel like I could conquer the world.

In fact, Norman saw this as an opportunity to solidify Ilia’s position in the Duke’s family. Once people met her in person, they would realize that most of the rumors about her were false, and they would see that the girl who joined the Duke’s family wasn’t a useless princess, but a talented and lovable one.

Norman was aiming for that.

But for now, comforting the downcast Ilia came first.

Her sulky face didn’t help Norman’s heart at all. Ilia was at her best when she was smiling brightly.

“It’s okay, Madam. We need to let everyone know what you’ve done for the Crownhats. Once they know, they’ll see you differently. They will surely like you. People don’t hate capable people.”

In the end, Ilia was supposed to be loved because she was capable and deserving of it. Ilia, who had been absent-minded, blushed at his words.

“Only you, Norman, see me so positively.”

“… That’s a huge misunderstanding.”

Norman waved his hands, but Ilia didn’t believe him.

“It’s okay. You like me, right, Norman?”

Then she smiled brightly.

Ugh. That just made my heart race.

Norman clutched his heart as he watched Ilia smile. What had she eaten and grown up on to be so lovable and cute?

The best thing the current Imperial family had done recently was giving birth to Ilia, and the second best thing was sending her to the Crownhats.

Norman took a few deep breaths, trying to calm his heart.

If only Ilia and Riheel could go together on future trips like this, it would be even better. Seeing the two of them together made him almost tear up because they looked so beautiful.

“Yes, yes! I really respect and love the Madam!”

Norman’s loud voice made Ilia widen her eyes.

“Ah, thank you!”

Ilia’s voice also got louder in response.

The current Avery Imperial family had three direct children besides Ilia, who was born as a bastard.

Unia, Tail, and Dave. The eldest princess and two princes were the main characters. Among them, Tail Avery had been crowned the Crown Prince for 10 years. He was already 17 years old.

And now, the task of meeting the graduates had fallen to Tail. He scanned the list of graduates with an indifferent expression.

The Emperor had told him countless times that he would try his best to steal talented people from the Crownhats Duke’s family. The Duke’s family still had competent officials left.

But Tail thought they should be where they belonged.

Those who were suited for the Imperial family would come on their own, and those who weren’t would leave.

‘If it comes down to it, pressuring Ilia would be a good option. She’s weak, so I’m sure she won’t help them get a job.’

Crack-

“Eh? Crown Prince, sir…?”

His assistant was about to ask what was going on, but stopped himself, seeing Tail glaring at the papers with a murderous look.

The assistant lowered his head, pretending not to notice, but Tail was thinking about Ilia.

Ilia Avery.

The youngest of the Imperial family, who had been sent away to the Crownhats. But even now, the Emperor still treated her like a mere tool.

Was it just the Emperor?

From the Empress to Unia and Dave, they all treated Ilia as something to be discarded. Of course, Tail had been no different back then.

But now, things had to change.

Tail Avery had changed!