I Reincarnated As A Villainess, But Why Did I Become A Cat Butler Instead? - Chapter 142

Chapter 71.2

Swallowing dry saliva, she glanced at the butler who came out to the front door.

“The Duchess had called for me.”

“Are you Avila Teruell? Welcome. She’s been waiting for you.”

After showing the letter to the butler, he escorted her into the drawing room.

Avila walked nervously, stumbling over a threshold and nearly burying her nose in the butler’s back as she tried to keep pace.

Just as she was about to sit down and set her bag on the sofa in the drawing room, it suddenly opened, spilling its contents across the floor. As she hurriedly scrambled to gather everything back into the bag, the Duke of Blois suddenly appeared in front of her.

She had heard of the Duke as violent and unruly, a man who ran rampant on the battlefield like a grim reaper. She had imagined someone with a formidable presence—perhaps horns on his head and a rough, muscular build.

However, the Duke of Blois standing before her was nothing like she had imagined.

The first thing Avila noticed was his tall, slender frame and his sleek, handsome appearance, more reminiscent of a theater actor. He possessed an aristocratic air that was both elegant and intimidating.

Having met many nobles at the imperial palace, she had always thought they were no different from commoners, aside from their jewelry… but the Duke of Blois was different. He stood apart from other nobles in a way she hadn’t expected.

‘He looks like someone from another world… His movements keep catching my eye.’

As she gazed at the Duke idly, Avila suddenly met his gaze as he crossed his arms and looked down at her.

‘Cat.’

Long, vertically slit eyes were staring at her.

His eyes, full of strength and confidence, somehow had an aggressive glow. The moment the Duke’s pupils opened and closed once, Avila instinctively felt fear and lowered her eyes. At the same time, the Duchess slipped between the Duke and her.

“Is there anything on my husband’s face? You’ve been staring at him so closely.”

‘…Oh my.’

It seemed that she had made a mistake. It was the first time she had seen an aristocratic shapeshifter, so she must have stared at him too much because she was curious.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t even realize…”

Avila swallowed dryly.

She had heard from a friend that the Duchess of Blois had a very violent temper. Not only did she do all kinds of evil to the shapeshifters, but she also used her hand against the people below her. Because of that, Avila was nervous that the Duchess would catch on to her rude behavior.

However, the Duchess didn’t even criticize her and just invited her to sit down with a soft voice.

“Have a seat. I want to talk to you about something.”

‘Phew…’

Avila, who sweated alone, signed inwardly.

Even after that, she remained on edge. The couple was incredibly quiet and graceful in their movements, barely making a sound. Yet, every time she moved, they glanced at her swiftly.

It truly felt like walking on a bed of nails.
[ T/N: The phrase is figurative. It means the state in which one has to deal with a very uncomfortable person or situation. ]

‘They’re so vigilant and sensitive. And it’s… difficult.’

It was true that the Duke was a cat shapeshifter, but even the Duchess exhibited very similar behavior. When Avila first met her, she thought the Duchess was simply shy, though when she was with the Duke, their resemblance became far more apparent.

“Well, there’s something I’d like to tell the Duchess first before I hear your story.”

Avila spoke with difficulty to the duchess, who had a stern impression.

“I’m grateful for your last offer of sponsorship, but after careful consideration, I’m sorry that I won’t be able to accept it.”

“Why?”

‘…Why? Because I don’t want to be sponsored by people like you.’

Despite what she meant, Avila chose her words as best as she could.

“That’s because my capabilities aren’t enough to achieve results that would satisfy the Duchess…”

However, the Duchess didn’t seem to be listening to her. She interrupted Avila and immediately brought up a surprising story.

“If sponsorship is burdensome for you, that’s fine, but would you mind taking care of the dog shapeshifters who have nowhere to go?”

“…Yes?”

“I know Avila has a special place in your heart for dog shapeshifters. We’re planning to soon destroy the bad slave traders and rescue the captive slaves, and we need your help.”

“What?”

“I’ll support you in everything. Would you mind helping the dog shapeshifters until they are socialized and able to live independently?”

Avila blinked in confusion.

‘…Is this a trap?’

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