~Chapter 6~
Seraphina’s face turned ugly.
“Lari, stop joking.”
“I really don’t know.”
Honestly, how could I know what was inside without opening it?
Besides, I didn’t even think my letter would reach the lady in the first place.
‘Maybe… she’s replying to scold me for sending such a rude letter…’
A cold sweat ran down my back at that thought.
But judging by the twisted looks on their faces, the two of them seemed lost in their own imaginations.
Perhaps imagining that the Duke’s daughter and I had some secret relationship?
“Lari, you really…!”
“What did you say to Lady Claudius?!”
Watching their anxious faces was… incredibly satisfying.
‘Since it’s come to this, should I put on a show, no matter what’s written?’
I leisurely opened the letter with unhurried hands, enjoying how their eyes were glued to it.
‘Huh?’
I hadn’t expected this content.
[To Lady Ansi,
This is Evangeline.
You said something quite interesting.
I am intrigued. If possible, could you visit the Duke family townhouse today?
I have sent a carriage for you.
I hope to see you as soon as possible.
—Duchess Evangeline Claudius]
“…Amy.”
I turned stiffly towards Amy and whispered.
“Did the Duke family send a carriage?”
“Yes!”
Amy nodded enthusiastically.
‘Ah, so it’s true?’
My eyes sparkled.
“Hmm…”
I folded the letter back into its envelope, then looked between Seraphina and Gregory.
Finally, I smiled radiantly.
“Lady Evangeline invited me to the Duke family townhouse. She wants to see me alone.”
“What?!”
Gregory’s eyes widened in shock.
“That can’t be! I’ve never even been invited by her!”
Seraphina shouted, her voice rising.
“Honestly, Lari, there’s no reason Lady Evangeline would send you a letter.”
Ah, so she can’t stand that someone like me is getting attention before her?
I looked at Seraphina coolly, then nodded generously.
“I don’t know either. But what can I do? That’s how it is.”
I replied indifferently and rose from my seat.
“So, can you two leave now?”
“W-What?”
“I have to prepare to visit Lady Evangeline.”
It was a clear dismissal.
‘Ha, this feels amazing.’
Until now, they had dismissed me countless times.
I had never once done so to them.
“After all, I’m visiting the Duke family townhouse. I have a lot to prepare.”
“But Lari, weren’t you sick?!”
Seraphina shot me a sharp glare.
I shrugged proudly.
“I am… but it’s Lady Evangeline Claudius’s invitation.”
“S-Still!”
“Surely you’re not telling me to ignore her invitation, are you?”
I asked calmly, without even raising an eyebrow.
“Seraphina, I appreciate your concern for my health… but suggesting I commit such rudeness seems inappropriate.”
“N-No, that’s not what I meant…”
For once, Seraphina was speechless.
I gave her a victorious smile.
“I’m glad that’s not what you meant.”
“Lari!”
“So please leave now? I need to wash up and change.”
But Gregory and Seraphina didn’t move.
I clicked my tongue softly and turned to Amy.
“Amy, please escort Young Master Gusto and Lady Lopez out politely.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Amy rolled up her sleeves, revealing her strong, well-trained arms.
“L-Let go of me! Let go!”
“Kyaa!”
And so, the two were dragged out of my bedroom.
“Take care on your way out!”
I cheerfully bid them farewell and slammed the door shut in their distorted faces.
Bang!
Taking a moment to catch my breath, I clenched my fist tightly.
‘This feels incredible!’
* * *
Until just now, I felt as refreshed as if I’d downed an entire bottle of soda.
‘W-What should I do?’
Now, sitting in a luxurious carriage bearing the Claudius family crest, I was trembling like a baby rabbit before a predator.
‘Am I… really visiting the Claudius Duke family?’
Reality hit me so hard I felt crushed.
The Duke family.
A family so powerful they could topple kingdoms.
…And I was meeting their daughter, the villainess of this world.
What if she was just as cruel as in the novel?
‘Oh god, am I insane?’
Unable to calm my anxiety, I bit my lips repeatedly.
‘Me, meeting Lady Evangeline Claudius alone?!’
I-It’ll be fine.
Her letter didn’t sound angry… so it should be okay…!
Trying to calm my wildly beating heart, I suddenly realised—
The carriage had already passed through the townhouse gates.
“Welcome, Lady Ansi.”
A maid bowed deeply to me.
“Lady Evangeline is waiting for you.”
And just like that—
In the blink of an eye, I found myself face-to-face with the one and only Lady Evangeline Claudius.
“Ah, so you’re Lady Ansi?”
In a garden blooming with roses, Lady Evangeline, more beautiful than any of them, looked at me calmly.
“I-I greet Lady Evangeline Claudius.”
I hurriedly bowed.
She pointed to the seat opposite her with an indifferent expression.
“Sit.”
“Y-Yes.”
I sat reflexively.
I could feel her overwhelming noble aura.
“Sorry for inviting you so suddenly. Did I startle you?”
“N-No…”
My voice trailed off.
Honestly, with such a difference in status, I expected her to look down on me.
But somehow… she seemed kind.
“That’s good. Would you like Darjeeling or Earl Grey?”
“D-Darjeeling.”
I answered without thinking, then felt as if I’d been struck.
Because I realised—Seraphina and Gregory had never once asked about my preferences.
But now, Lady Evangeline, the supposed villainess, was caring about me.
‘Oh no, I think I’m going to cry.’
My nose tingled with emotion.
At that moment, she poured tea for me herself.
The fragrant aroma spread softly through the air.
Startled back to reality, I tried to stop her.
“L-Lady Evangeline, you’re pouring tea for a lowly noble like me….”
She looked at me sideways.
“Are you always this annoying?”
“…Sorry?”
“It’s just pouring tea. Why are you suddenly belittling yourself?”
I flinched.
Why indeed?
If I searched for a reason—it was because Seraphina and Gregory always said:
“Be grateful someone like me is staying engaged to you.”
“Who else would be friends with someone like you?”
I knew in my head.
That they were rude, and Lady Evangeline was simply treating me with basic respect.
But still.
‘This… is the first time for me.’
Tears welled up in my eyes.
