I Reincarnated As A Villainess, But Why Did I Become A Cat Butler Instead? - Chapter 171

Chapter 86.1

Fortunately, Elaine seemed to think Dimitri was joking. She laughed brightly like an innocent girl.

“I’ve heard that the Duke of Blois has a taciturn personality, but it’s actually quite amusing to meet you in person!”

“I’m not kidding…”

Tugging the solemn Dimitri away and sending him to the back, I smiled at Elaine.

“He’s a delightful person once you get to know him!”

“I’ve heard that you’re a devoted couple, and the two of you look really good together.”

“Thank you.”

I hurriedly clung to Elaine and pushed her into the mansion before Dimitri could intervene.

“We’ve got the largest room on the third floor ready for you.”

“I came here unexpectedly, but thank you for being so welcoming.”

“Not at all. If you need anything, please talk to the butler. He’ll assist you.”

“Thank you.”

After guiding Elaine to the third floor, I came down to find Dimitri, who was facing off with Cadis while snarling at each other. No, more precisely, he was threatening Cadis, who lowered his gaze as a sign of surrender.

“To step into this place twice without fear. Do you want to die?”

“I’m only following orders.”

“Don’t you have any pride?”

“It’s my pride to carry out orders…”

I sighed inwardly and grabbed the two of them by the shoulders to spread the distance.

“That’s enough, Dimitri.”

“Are you taking his side again, Rowaine?”

“What do you mean by taking sides? I greeted the First Princess and thought it would be nice to rest together while having some refreshments since I was tired.”

It was only then that Dimitri’s momentum subsided. With the intention of taking Dimitri like this, I firmly crossed my arms and spoke briefly to Cadis next.

“Go and unpack with the knights who came with you. The butler will guide you the way.”

“I…!”

Cadis fidgeted and tried to follow me, but I stopped him by holding up my hand as a sign to wait.

Later.

As I shook my head with that meaning, he stood in place and looked at me sullenly. Until we disappeared up the stairs, he stood still as if rooted to the spot, staring at me endlessly.

‘…Somehow, it feels like I’ve done something terrible.’

̊ · : * ✧ * : · ̊

In the evening, there was a lavish banquet that showed off Blois’s wealth.

It was more of a dinner arranged to showcase Elaine to the influential figures that the ducal couple had invited rather than to entertain her personally. Every detail had been meticulously planned for days, ensuring that no misstep could tarnish Blois’s reputation.

‘Even if she is considered a nuisance within the imperial family, it doesn’t mean that the entire imperial family would allow outsiders to disregard her.’

Elaine, with her joyful laughter and whimsical demeanor, looked as if she was thoroughly enjoying the evening. Despite being twenty, she had an air of innocence about her, like a sheltered child who hadn’t yet grasped the complexities of court life.

I watched closely as she shyly said, “I’m not good at drinking…” and declined the expensive wine. Instead, she accepted a glass of peach champagne with a lower alcohol content.

Watching her carefully, I signaled the butler over and whispered a specific instruction.

“If after the dinner the princess… then, use the excuse of… to…”

At my words, he caught a glimpse of Elaine, who seemed slightly tipsy from drinking champagne and in a cheerful mood. It was a puzzled look, but he simply nodded.

“Yes.”

I focused again on the sound of Elaine chatting away like a chattering lark about the things she’d seen since coming to Blois. Her innocent pink eyes sparkled with vibrant energy as if they were filled with starlight.

Everything she said was so trivial that Dimitri had long since lost interest and was stifling a bored yawn while Madam Elbas listened with a forced laugh once in a while. As for me, I pretended to listen while focusing on the various fancy dishes the chef prepared in the kitchen.

The only one truly paying attention to her story was Grandma Rosanne.

Such a boring yet splendid dinner ended peacefully.

̊ · : * ✧ * : · ̊

After returning to my room to rest following dinner, it wasn’t long before I received a report from the butler.

“As you instructed, it has been done.”

“You did well.”

The butler, who bowed and turned to leave, paused for a moment and asked me.

“By the way, may I ask how you knew that the Princess wouldn’t fall asleep right away?”

I shrugged my shoulders and shook off any lingering concerns.

“It’s just… because she looked so excited.”

“I see. Well, have a good night.”

After seeing the butler off, I smiled contentedly and flopped down on the bed. The words I ordered to the butler were, “If the Princess finds it difficult to fall asleep after dinner, bring her a bottle of the finest wine from the cellar on the pretext that it will help her sleep.”

It was because…

‘She may have acted like an innocent little girl, but Elaine is actually a great drinker.’

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