I Reincarnated As A Villainess, But Why Did I Become A Cat Butler Instead? - Chapter 180

Chapter 90.2

“I went horse riding with Rowaine yesterday. We competed in a race and somehow became close. Isn’t that right, Rowaine?”

It was a question with the intention of keeping the fact that he had been drinking a secret. Since I hadn’t revealed the lie about my pregnancy to Madam Elbas yet, admitting to drinking alcohol was out of the question. Consequently, Elaine’s attitude brought a sense of relief to the situation.

“That’s right. You were really good at riding.”

“Oh, you’re too kind.”

Elaine blushed her cheeks shyly.

Her face didn’t show the slightest sign of a hangover. On the contrary, her skin was glowing as if she’d had a good night’s sleep.

‘…Surely she drank more than I did.’

The horse was just a wordplay*.
[ T/N: The author used the word ‘말술이라더니,’ which is often used to describe a situation where someone tries to deflect blame or responsibility by using clever or tricky words. It implies that the person is being evasive or using manipulative language to avoid addressing the real issue—wordplay or using rhetoric—to avoid the main point. So, in this case, being good at riding horses, as Rowaine and Elaine were talking about, was ‘being good at drinking.’ ]

As a maid refilled my cup with tea, I sipped the warm tea, hoping to soothe my queasy stomach due to the hangover.

Throughout the tea time, I remained vigilant, constantly on the lookout for any subtle attacks from Madam Elbas, and I tried my best not to make any mistakes. However, much to my surprise, it appeared that she didn’t hold any grudges against me. She simply asked casual questions about my equestrian skills and when I started riding.

After staying long enough not to be considered impolite, I excused myself first and left the place.

̊ · : * ✧ * : · ̊

Lena, one of Rosanne’s personal maids, had been quietly but diligently observing and listening while wandering around the Blois mansion.

Today as well, she wandered around with a basket, making various trivial excuses while keeping an eye on the tea party. It seemed very suspicious to her that Cayetana was suddenly having tea with Rowaine.

‘Why would they suddenly have tea outdoors?’

Having been by Rosanne’s side, Lena had observed Cayetana for a long time.

Keeping her presence discreet, she attentively observed the maids as they cleared the crockery after teatime.

As the maids meticulously placed the expensive teacups into the basket and went to rearrange the chairs and tables, she stealthily approached the basket containing the teacups. With swift movements, Lena dipped her fingers into the small amount of remaining tea in one of the cups that Rowaine had used.

She sniffed it carefully and then touched the tea to the tip of her tongue to taste it…

‘This is…!’

She picked up the other teacups and did the same thing, she immediately rushed over to Rosanne.

“Grand Madam.”

When Rosanne, sitting in an armchair with reading glasses on while reading a book, looked up, Lena approached her and whispered something with a serious expression.

“It seems that there might be something in the tea…”

“Hmm. I think it’s best to keep an eye on it for now. The three of them drank together, so we couldn’t be sure right away.”

Sighing quietly, Rosanne turned the book over in her lap.

“Keep watching Cayetana closely.”

“Yes, Grand Madam.”

̊ · : * ✧ * : · ̊

After parting ways with Madam Elbas, I spent some time with Coco and Sasha at the annex.

Excited about making a contract with a demon, Sasha had been clinging close to Esca, trying to figure out what it was like when Dimitri first summoned his demon.

On the other hand, it seemed like Coco still seemed to have a penchant for sneaking out of the main annex and exploring the mansion in secret. Since he hadn’t fully assimilated with the other cats, it seemed like he needed personal space and time, so I decided to turn a blind eye to his little adventures.

‘Coco moves around stealthily and he wouldn’t be seen by anyone, so it should be fine.’

Besides, I needed the information Coco could provide about the secretive happenings in every corner of the mansion. With the frequent friction between the employees’ Madam Elbas brought in and the existing ones, his information would prove useful in resolving any misunderstandings.

Still, I warned him to stay out of sight of the people from the imperial family. Technically, he was still considered a slave, and any conflict could lead to complications.

‘I don’t know if Elaine is completely on my side yet. Besides, her employees aren’t her helpers since they are just the Empress’s spies.’

Keeping that in mind, I made my way towards the main building, where my biggest challenge of the day awaited—meeting Dimitri.

As I tried to recall yesterday’s events with a clear mind, I had expected the circumstances surrounding the kiss to be more vividly remembered. However, even the faint memories I managed to hold onto vanished while I slept, leaving only the recollection of Dimitri scolding me, saying I shouldn’t drink again.

‘Ung, no. Ah… it’s going to be so awkward. How will I face Dimitri with such a strange expression on my face?’

Taking a few steps, I stopped before walking again. I repeated this pattern until I leaned my forehead against a nearby tree. Though instead of the tree trunk, something warm and soft cushioned my forehead.

It was someone’s hand.

“….?”

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