I Reincarnated As A Villainess, But Why Did I Become A Cat Butler Instead? - Chapter 186

Chapter 93.2

Unable to witness their friend’s humiliating state, they turned their gazes away.

‘By the time the trial concerning the slave issue with the Emperor concludes, it seems that Blois’ council of elders will undergo changes once more.’

I could sense such signs as I glanced at Dimitri, who scrutinized the elders as if they were prey.

When Count Schdental clearly brought up the topic related to the shapeshifters’ shelter once more after Count Charlerois’s exit, the elders turned their attention back to me and began speaking again.

“There are many orphans in the world and plenty of poor people as well. We can’t waste taxes on caring for shapeshifters and looking after them.”

Anticipating such a question, I responded firmly.

“If you’re so concerned about orphans, why not have the elders step forward and volunteer their services instead of confining the responsibility only to Blois?”

“I’m mentioning this because we have the welfare budget that can be utilized for such purposes within Blois, don’t we? We’re also putting efforts in our own way towards welfare…!”

In order to get the desired answer, the debate went back and forth in circles without making any concessions.

It was then that Count Schdental, pretending to calm down the overheated atmosphere in the meeting, opened his mouth in a meaningful tone to me.

“It might be worth keeping in mind that besides the emissaries of Blois, many nobles of the Empire are also observing the actions of the Duchess.”

He seemed quite composed for someone who was ostensibly paying attention to Dimitri’s reactions.

However, aside from that, during the meeting, Count Schdental didn’t take as prominent a role as expected, despite the fact that he had originally raised the issue of the welfare fund’s usage, pointing out that it was the personal fund of the Duchess of Blois, which fell under my jurisdiction.

He made it clear that if I remained firm in my stance, it would be an issue the council of elders couldn’t obstruct any further.

‘…He’s backing off too easily, considering he urgently convened the council of elders.’

It seemed I wasn’t the only one who found it odd. As we left the meeting and gathered in my office, Dimitri cautioned me.

“It seems like Count Schdental is orchestrating something.”

“I thought the same. The council of elders has been suppressed enough, and now everything has been hurriedly concluded after saying it’s my responsibility, right?”

“It might be a good idea to keep an eye on the elders. If you notice anything strange, let me know.”

“Alright.”

As I was about to part ways with him, I hesitated and sat back down.

“Is there something else you wanted to say?”

“It’s not certain yet, so I was planning to tell you a bit later.”

“I’ll listen to you, so please go ahead and tell me.”

“It’s about Dieppe Leon.”

When the topic of a relative came up, Dimitri narrowed his brows as if he wasn’t pleased.

“Did that herbivore-like guy do something?”

“Herbivore-like…?”

I recalled my first impression of witty Dieppe. Even though I thought he seemed to have about twice as many teeth as others*, I remembered him not giving off a particularly gentle and mild impression like a herbivore.
[ T/N: I mentioned this before, but just in case somebody forgot! The phrase ‘이가 두 배쯤 많다’ (literally, ‘having about twice as many teeth’) is often used metaphorically to describe someone who is quick-witted, clever, or sharp-minded. Also… he also literally has more teeth than normal people. ]

Sensing my curiosity, Dimitri explained with a nonchalant expression.

“Those who eat plants tend to have many teeth.”

“Hmp!”

If I had been drinking something, I would have spewed it out. Unable to contain myself due to our unexpectedly seamless telepathy, I burst into giggles.

“If I told you that you looked too much like Duke Blois, would you believe me?”

Why did Elaine’s comment from earlier come to mind all of a sudden?

‘Similar? Maybe…’

As I laughed a little too much, Dimitri, who didn’t seem to have been joking, also chuckled.

“Laughing at someone else’s appearance… pfft, it’s not right, Dimitri.”

“How hypocritical of you since you’re the one who laughed first.”

“To be honest, my sense of humor is too shallow to extend to anyone other than my cats.”

“If that’s the case, it doesn’t matter since I never had a good sense of humor to begin with.”

Forgetting that we were in the midst of a serious conversation, we exchanged jokes for a while before finally returning to the main topic.

“Anyway, I wanted to mention that Dieppe left.”

“Did he look like he had something up his sleeves?”

“Madam Elbas seemed quite fond of him. I wondered if there was a reason why they brought him here while the elders were in turmoil? Perhaps they intend to use him as a focal point to gather the scattered council members back together?”

Dimitri raised an eyebrow. He seemed to think that I was the only one who noticed that Madam Elbas intended to make Dieppe the next Duke.

“Sometimes you have an eerily good sense, Rowaine.”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

I smiled obligingly and pretended to slightly lift the hem of my skirt.

“I’ve attached someone to Dieppe, so I’ll let you know about his movements.”

Dimitri said the exact same words that had been on my mind.

“Sounds good. If he’s suddenly trying to increase his influence within Blois’ social circle, it’s safe to assume that Madam Elbas and Count Schdental have prepared a significant countermeasure.”

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