The Villainess Lives Twice: Butterfly's Dream (IF Story) - Chapter 15
Cedric couldn’t help but smile bitterly at the attitudes of the retainers. While it was surprising for them to see a thirteen-year-old familiar with such documents, to him—who had governed the Empire—these were merely a few personal papers.
‘It would be wise to dispose of the two estates in the East. The fishing rights in the South Sea… this will incur more management costs. After disposing of them, I’ll need to figure out where to invest the money…’
Under his guidance, the details of his assets were neatly noted. No one understood better than him how the times were changing and what the future held.
Most of the assets inherited from his mother were now ready to be sorted. If he had a trustworthy merchant company, it would be better to invest there.
It would also be better to liquidate some of the real estate and interests Grand Duchy Evron held in the east and south and reinvest that in the north. Having learned from Artizea, he now knew how to start that process.
Especially since he wasn’t in a situation where the Emperor was keeping a tight grip on him as before, he felt more at ease.
“I’d like a list of small to medium-sized merchant companies managed by Evron. It would be even better if they still trade as far as the north.”
“Understood.”
The treasurers responded politely. They understood the purpose behind his request.
“Don’t worry. When we go to Evron this time, I’ll discuss everything thoroughly with the retainers and make decisions.”
Cedric spoke as if he could see the worries they hadn’t even voiced yet. The treasurers all bowed their heads in acknowledgment.
Now, the tasks for the day are finished. Next up would typically be history class, but Cedric had informed the instructor in advance that he would not be attending today.
In fact, these classes were quite tedious. Physical training in martial arts or horseback riding made sense since he would need to train his body anyway, but having to relearn ancient languages and history now felt cumbersome.
Of course, he wasn’t so confident as to claim he was perfect without learning anything, but the level of education provided to a thirteen-year-old was far too low.
‘It would be strange to suddenly ask for a higher level class than a week ago.’
In the end, it would be better to follow the regular course, even if it was boring. Because of this, he was eager to set off for Evron quickly.
As he had missed classes for an entire week, Ansgar had a slightly worried expression, but he understood given how much Cedric had been managing. However, starting next week, that wouldn’t be an option.
It was already the case now.
Cedric felt a bit awkward when he encountered Viscountess Pescher in front of the study.
“Good morning, Lord Cedric.”
“It’s a bit late for morning greetings. I suppose Viscountess Pescher is here to fetch me?”
“I heard you decided to skip history class today. You also missed your ancient language and mathematics classes yesterday. The day before that…”
“I had my reasons.”
“There must have been a good cause for your absence.”
If it had been Pavel, it would have simply been a case of skipping class. Cedric read that implication in Viscountess Pescher’s smile and managed a wry smile in response.
“I just wanted to convey that the Empress is concerned.”
“Yes, I apologize for causing any worry. I have much to prepare before the trip to Evron. I am fully aware that my greatest duty is to learn well and practice diligently.”
After hearing this, Viscountess Pescher smiled sympathetically.
“You’re growing into quite the adult.”
“I’m not just responsible for myself. If Her Majesty permits, I’d like to bring Lady Rosan to dinner. What do you think?”
“There won’t be a dinner schedule, so I’m sure she’ll allow it. Family is always welcome.”
Though Cedric was the only one included in that family circle, he didn’t feel particularly concerned. After all, in the original world, the Empress had taken a liking to Artizea, and it was likely the same here.
He bid farewell to Viscountess Pescher and returned to his quarters.
Then, he felt a sense of panic. He had planned to have lunch with Artizea, but she was nowhere to be found. Ansgar was also absent.
“Where’s Tia?”
Worried that perhaps Milaira had come by, he called for the deputy butler and asked. The deputy butler calmly replied,
“She has gone to the stables with Prince Pavel.”
“Pavel? Why?”
Shouldn’t he be in history class at this hour? The deputy butler remained composed as he answered again.
“He came by in the morning, had breakfast with Miss Artizea, and then left with her.”
There must have been a philosophy class before history. Those were exactly the kind of subjects Pavel disliked, so it was understandable that he would skip those classes.
Still, it was absurd that he took Artizea out with him.
‘Should I have given him a proper answer when he asked yesterday?’
Cedric hadn’t thought Pavel would be old enough to understand, and explaining it seemed tedious, so he had just brushed it off. Now it seemed Pavel had come to see for himself.
Cedric sighed.
“I see.”
He had an inkling of where they might have gone, so he turned to leave. Although Pavel was curious and reckless, he wouldn’t engage in dangerous pranks with Artizea.
Maybe.
Feeling suddenly anxious, he hurried out.
* * *
The stables and riding arena attached to the palace were Pavel’s favorite places. They were also among the few spots where he could ride without permission.
“Wow!”
Seeing the gentle-eyed foal blinking up at her, Artizea exclaimed.
“It’s ten days old. Isn’t it cute?”
Pavel said proudly.
“Is that its mother?”
Artizea asked, glancing at the horse standing closely beside the foal. Pavel nodded.
“Yep. It’s my horse. Father gave it to me as a birthday present last year.”
“It’s so beautiful! The foal is adorable too!”
The light brown mare had a graceful figure and was incredibly lovely. In comparison, the still-fluffy foal, with its baby hair not yet shed, looked a bit shabby.
But it was still very cute. Artizea stared at the gentle eyes of the foal, captivated.
The mother horse seemed uncomfortable with the unfamiliar onlookers and subtly bent her long neck to shield the foal.
Artizea sighed in awe again, “Wow…”
“Do you want to ride it? It’s small, so it’s not scary.”
“Ride it?”
“No! It’s still too young.”
The stableman hurriedly intervened. Even if it’s a prince’s command, no one could sit on a foal that had only been born for a few days.
Pavel looked displeased. Artizea cautiously asked the stableman.
“Can I at least touch it?”
“That’s fine. It’s a gentle one…”
With the stableman’s permission, Artizea carefully reached out her small hand and lightly touched the mare’s nose.
“It’s beautiful.”
As she whispered without realizing it, Pavel nodded with satisfaction.
“Right? Horses are really wonderful and great. Riding them is even better!”
“Will it be as pretty when it grows up?”
Artizea asked, looking at the foal. The stableman smiled.
“It probably will. It may look like this now because of its baby hair, but it closely resembles its mother.”
“How nice…”
Artizea whispered, her voice barely audible.
Not understanding the emotions behind her words, Pavel cheerfully said.
“Then let’s go out.”
“Out? Where?”
“To the riding arena. Since we’re here, you should try riding!”
“Ah.”
Pavel grabbed Artizea’s hand and began to pull her along.
“I don’t know how to ride!”
“You can learn!”
He shouted enthusiastically. He couldn’t imagine anyone not wanting to experience the most fun thing in the world.
Artizea looked at Ansgar in confusion, but he just chuckled.
So, in the end, she found herself being lifted onto the horse.
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