I Reincarnated As A Villainess, But Why Did I Become A Cat Butler Instead? - Chapter 214

Chapter 107.2

It was a tranquil forest that was both gloomy and mysterious.

One thing that was surprising was that, despite appearing to be a long-untraveled forest without any visible paths, the coachman skillfully found a route for the carriage to pass through.

‘Why is there a carriage path?’

The carriage continued unabated along the uninterrupted road.

After winding through the forest for a while, they suddenly passed through a cluster of unbelievably massive sequoia trees. The trees grew to an immense height that no matter how hard you stick your head out the window and bend your neck, you couldn’t see the end.

While marveling at the giant trees that seemed to require ten soldiers holding hands to encircle their trunks, I spotted a hidden building in between.

“Is there a castle in a place like this?”

In response to my question, Grandmother Rosanne calmly explained.

“It’s a fortress that was abandoned in the distant past. They say it was here long before the Blues ruled territory. Although the stone castles are uncomfortable for people to live in, they have the advantage of not easily crumbling and lasting for a long time.”

Then, she smiled strangely.

“A useful place known only to those who know.”

“A useful place?”

“It’s said to be useful when you want to bury a secret. Today, you might find out its true use.”

The smile on grandmother’s face as she said that somehow sent shivers down my spine.

‘It seems like a place someone occasionally frequented.’

So, it seemed like the carriage path hadn’t disappeared and remained intact.

As we reached the castle, I could see the carriages that had arrived before us were scattered throughout. I stepped out of the carriage with Grandmother Rosanne and entered the entrance of the castle. At the entrance, where there should have been a wooden door, only a rusted door knob lay haphazardly on the ground. Grandmother, as if familiar with the surroundings, navigated through intricate corridors and stairs with her cane, entering a large room whose current purpose was unclear.

The people who came first were standing there waiting for her.

“Everyone’s here.”

As Grandma entered, the people greeted her politely.

Judging by the atmosphere, it seemed like they weren’t the ones she had commanded to be brought.

At first glance, Count Schdental and his entourage were completely out of sight. Among the elders, many faces of neutral figures were seen, as well as several vassals who weren’t elders. While not all as prominent as Count Schdental, they were individuals with considerable influence in Blois, so they were easily recognizable even in the dark.

Grandmother Rosanne looked back at them and opened her mouth.

“I summoned you in haste because I have a favor to ask. It may seem amusing for me to step forward in my aged position, but I dare to rely on our past friendships.”

At that moment, one of the neutral elders stepped forward.

“Currently, there isn’t anyone among the nobles unaware of how precarious Blois’s position is. If that’s the reason for your summons, there’s nothing we can do even if you mention that.”

Saying so, he looked at me. It wasn’t a kind gaze.

“The issue will be resolved when the Duchess concedes. There’s no need to operate the shapeshifter shelter so rigorously, putting Blois at risk.”

Before I could utter a word, Grandmother furrowed her brow and stepped forward.

“Baron Leville, such headache-inducing discussions would be more appropriate in the council of elders. I didn’t summon you here to debate right and wrong.”

Upon hearing this, Baron Leville obediently closed his mouth and stepped back.

Grandmother continued her words.

“I think by now everyone must be aware of what Cayetana is plotting with Count Schdental.”

Even thinking about it again, she let out a small laugh as if it was absurd. The subdued laughter echoed through the room, reverberating against the stone walls.

“Even if Dimitri is a shapeshifter, he seems more capable of holding his position than the foolish second son of the Leon family. Do you truly believe that Dieppe Leon could ascend to the dukedom when all he knows how to do is follow Cayetana’s skirt?”

The neutral elders, who had vaguely guessed the situation, cleared their throats and averted their gaze. Then, those who had not yet connected the dots from the discussion about the shapeshifter shelter to Dieppe Leon, due to a lack of information, started muttering, asking what we were talking about.

Grandmother Rosanne added an explanation.

“If you turn away from Dimitri now, Cayetana and Count Schdentall are scheming to create an opportunity, drive Dimitri out, and promptly establish Dieppe Leon as the duke.”

Hearing those words, the expressions on the faces of the nobles who had only now realized the truth were colored with astonishment.