I Reincarnated As A Villainess, But Why Did I Become A Cat Butler Instead? - Chapter 308

Chapter 154.2

When Renée suggested that the punishment was not about her but about preserving Dimitri’s honor, Rowaine bristled, her body trembling with rage. Standing before the Emperor, however, she couldn’t act on her anger and instead clenched her fists, grinding her teeth in frustration.

Renée looked Rowaine over with a smug expression before turning back to the Emperor with a playful suggestion.

“How about this, Your Majesty? Let’s hold a tournament. If that dog shapeshifter wins, we spare him. If he loses, we execute him on the spot. What do you think? Doesn’t that sound entertaining?”

“A tournament, huh.”

“Let’s have the hunting dogs fight each other!”

A spark ignited in the Emperor’s eyes.

He had always been drawn to violent and thrilling spectacles, so there was no way he would turn down such a brutal event, filled with bloodshed and high-stakes tension.

“Not a bad idea. I’ll discuss it with the Duke of Blois. After all, we can’t disregard his opinion in this matter.”

Rowaine cried out in frustration.

“What are you saying, Your Majesty? I was the victim! Why are you discussing this with my husband? I don’t want that hunting dog to have such an opportunity!”

“Duchess of Blois.”

The Emperor regarded her with a detached gaze.

Not long ago, at the party, his eyes had been filled with jealousy and desire whenever he looked at her. Now, all of that was gone, replaced by a chilling indifference, as if those feelings had never existed.

The cold expression, along with his use of her formal title, made Rowaine falter.

“Keep your voice down. What kind of disgraceful behavior is this? If you continue to cause a scene, I’ll have no choice but to order the knights to escort the Duchess away to calm her.”

“….!”

The Emperor lowered his voice.

“You wouldn’t want to leave in such a manner with so many people watching, would you?”

Only then did Rowaine notice the nobles staring at her. She bit her lip hard, her fiery attitude visibly deflating. In the meanwhile, Herman inwardly lamented as he watched his plans unravel.

At that moment, oblivious to the tension, Elaine chimed in.

“Oh, that’s an excellent idea, Your Majesty! I’m certain the hunting dog will win the tournament and avoid execution!”

It was a final jab meant to provoke Rowaine even further.

Herman was pleasantly surprised to see that Elaine, by cluelessly chiming in, had rekindled the fire just as it was about to be extinguished.

Already reeling from the Emperor and Renée, Rowaine snapped at Elaine.

“What did you say, Your Highness? Ha! This is absurd. Please don’t get involved. You’re far too young for matters like this.”

Then, she muttered under her breath.

“No wonder people call you a fool.”

Only Herman and Elaine caught the whispered insult as Rowaine turned her back on the Emperor.

Herman inwardly rejoiced.

‘What a spectacle.’

He had always thought Rowaine was anything but ordinary, but to insult a member of the imperial family right in front of the Emperor?

Even though she had muttered it quietly, it was still the kind of remark that, if the Emperor overheard, would be impossible to overlook. Now that his affections had shifted toward Renée, if he decided to accuse Rowaine of insulting royalty, she would have no choice but to face punishment.

Rowaine must have realized this as well as she made a hasty exit, almost as if fleeing the scene. However, it seemed Elaine had no intention of letting her go so easily.

“Duchess! What did you just say to me? Wait, Duchess!”

Angry, Elaine huffed as she stormed after Rowaine.

It was a complete spectacle.

‘What a mess.’

Irritated, Herman stood up. If they were going to fight, they should’ve done it in front of everyone. Why move the scene elsewhere?

“I’ll go and stop them, Your Majesty.”

“Go ahead.”

William replied with a lazy wave of his hand, clearly uninterested.

His attention was entirely focused on Renée, who was flirting playfully by his side.

Herman hurried after Elaine and Rowaine, intent on finding a way to keep them from leaving and making sure their fight unfolded in front of the crowd.

̊ · : * ✧ * : · ̊

‘Good. Just as planned.’

I smiled in satisfaction as I watched Elaine and Herman trailing after me. In the distance, I spotted Dimitri, who had been pretending to have no interest in us, slowly weaving his way through the crowd, waiting for the right moment to step in.

I discreetly signaled to Dimitri, Elaine, and Renée.

‘Everyone’s playing their part perfectly.’

I inwardly gave a thumbs-up to Renée, who was doing an impressive job mimicking the original Rowaine beside the Emperor.

‘I’m really surprised at how good Renée’s acting is.’

Everything was unfolding exactly according to the script I had planned.