I Reincarnated As A Villainess, But Why Did I Become A Cat Butler Instead? - Chapter 305

Chapter 153.1

The day of the horse race.

I stepped out of the carriage, wearing a wide-brimmed hat tilted slightly to the side. It felt like my head had turned into a giant Saturn with rings.

‘It’s pretty but seriously inconvenient.’

It seemed that women had always worn wide-brimmed hats at horse races, traditionally held on sunny days with little shade, to protect their fair skin from the blazing sun.

As the hats became more extravagant, so did the dresses. It was said that women used horse racing events as an opportunity to flaunt their individuality and style with elaborate outfits. Perhaps that was why the racecourse was now bursting with vibrant dresses and fancy hats in every color.

‘It’s a tradition and part of proper etiquette, so I can’t skip it.’

I tried my best to keep my head steady so I wouldn’t accidentally bump into anyone with my hat. But despite my efforts, Dimitri kept accidentally bumping into me from the side.

“Are you alright, Dimitri?”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

Dimitri apologized with a slightly dazed expression.

At first, I thought it was my fault for constantly bumping into him, but seeing his dazed expression made me realize that wasn’t the case.

“Why do you keep looking around?”

His eyes were darting around, unable to focus on me.

“It’s nothing.”

He gave a small smile.

Noticing his pupils were slightly dilated, I asked worriedly.

“Is something wrong?”

“It’s just that the surroundings are a bit distracting.”

He glanced back at the crowd and frowned.

‘Well, unlike other parties, people are dressed ridiculously extravagantly today, so it’s no wonder he’s overwhelmed.’

Even I looked like I had a giant Saturn ring on my head.

Dimitri grumbled.

“They all look like clowns.”

“Exactly.”

“I don’t like clowns.”

“Why not?”

“Because they’re confusing.”

I was about to ask what he meant by confusing, but then I saw Elaine stepping out of a carriage in the distance. She was dressed in a cute, light beige bell-line dress with pink-feathered decorations in her hair. The whole look made her seem a couple of years younger than she actually was.

She smiled with the same innocent expression she had when she first came to Blois, like a young girl who knew nothing and had no worries.

But I noticed the dark circles under her eyes.

“She doesn’t look so good. It’s probably because of Cadis.”

I felt sorry for her, seeing her hide behind that innocent mask.

After her biological mother, Empress Serena, was dethroned by the Emperor for political reasons, Elaine, who was still very young, had to wear that naive mask to survive under Iris, the new Empress. I knew how charismatic and tough she could actually be.

Knowing her, she must have spent sleepless nights anxiously worrying about Cadis and trying to find a way to save him.

‘Because I carelessly fell into Herman’s trap…’

Just then, I saw Herman step out of the carriage and offer his hand to help Elaine. He smiled warmly and gently, and I could hear people around whispering in admiration as they watched him.

“Count Heres is dazzling as always today.”

“There’s no one in the Empire who can match his looks.”

I was completely dumbfounded.

‘He’s nothing more than a sly womanizer.’

Anyone who knew how much he used that face to indulge in debauchery at promiscuous social clubs wouldn’t be singing his praises for his beauty.

I grew impatient at the thought of Elaine being tainted just by Herman’s touch.

As I glanced around, I saw carriages bearing the imperial crest, similar to the one Elaine had arrived in, approaching one after another in the distance. They were carrying the Emperor and Empress.

I gave Dimitri a signal.

“Dimitri, I’ll be back. You haven’t forgotten what we talked about earlier, right?”

“Don’t worry.”

“Alright, I’m counting on you.”

I gave him a wink before turning away. As I turned, my expression darkened into a scowl.

Now, it was time to truly act as Rowaine.

̊ · : * ✧ * : · ̊

Herman spotted Rowaine approaching from a distance.

“Please have a seat, Your Highness.”

He escorted Elaine to the seat reserved for the imperial family, then casually sat next to her.

Elaine responded with a harmless smile.

“Thank you, Count Heres. It’s been a while since we last met. It’s an honor to have you as my escort today! Aren’t you usually by His Majesty’s side?”

“His Majesty gave me special orders to attend to you today, Your Highness.”

As he said this, Herman glanced briefly at Rowaine, who was approaching from behind Elaine. He gave a slight smile when he noticed her stiff expression as she looked their way.