The Villainess Lives Twice: Butterfly’s Dream (IF Story) - Chapter 17

The Young Lord is returning.

It was a cause for celebration among the people of the Evron territory. While Cedric was not officially forbidden from coming to Evron, the journey was difficult, and with the Emperor’s reluctance, he rarely visited.

“He was still so young before, but now that he’s thirteen, it’s about time for him to come.”

Given the educational environment, it was much better for him to stay in the capital’s imperial palace than in this remote place, where there were no suitable guardians among the elders.

Still, there was a sense of loss.

“I hear he will stay for a while this time.”

“Perhaps for a few months?”

“That’s a good thing, but it’s also a concern. He’s at the perfect age to learn.”

“Just the other day, I received a letter from my younger sibling in the capital, saying he’s grown up to be very clever and admirable.”

Even though they hadn’t seen him for a while, the Young Lord’s figure existed mostly in the imaginations of the people of Evron, as he hadn’t visited for years during their growth spurts.

But there were worries too.

“I hear he’s been betrothed.”

“To the Emperor’s command, no less…”

A quiet murmur of anxiety followed.

“They say she’s the daughter of Millaira.”

“What on earth does the Emperor think of Evron to impose such a marriage?”

“Let’s think positively. Isn’t this how we get the Young Lord back?”

“Well, I wonder if it’s something to be pleased about… Did the Emperor want to get rid of the daughter of his mistress by sending her to us?”

“While she’s referred to as the daughter of the Marquis, no one knows who her real father is…”

Twelve-year-old Hayley Jordyn couldn’t contain her curiosity. After all, the status and bloodline of the person in question shouldn’t matter at this point, right?

“Didn’t the Empress get angry?”

Margaret looked at her daughter in surprise, but Hayley continued as if it was obvious.

“That’s the biggest issue, isn’t it? Cedric is living in the imperial palace. If he’s engaged to the daughter of the Emperor’s mistress, that would certainly…”

“No! How did you hear such a thing?”

Margaret was taken aback, shocked that her twelve-year-old daughter was talking about a mistress. The tutor and nanny were summoned, and even the younger Fiona got scolded. While being reprimanded by her sister, Hayley grumbled silently to herself.

“No, I’m not a fool. Why wouldn’t I know that? And everyone else thinks the same. Who cares who the father of Lady Rosan is? What matters most is what the Empress thinks.”

But no one was there to explain such matters to Hayley. Due to Margaret’s strict enforcement against those spreading rumors, the situation only became more frustrating for her.

Of course, the young Hayley was not the only one thinking about these things. Both the Empress and Cedric were well aware of her thoughts. The Empress handled the matter with ease by deciding to send Prince Pavel along.

“Wow! The weather is amazing!”

Pavel exclaimed excitedly on the ship gliding over the North Sea. While it was still hot in the capital, the northern region greeted him with the cool autumn weather he loved.

Cedric watched his cousin’s back and couldn’t help but smirk. Pavel had barely left the capital in his life. While he had gone to a summer retreat at a separate palace, it was never far from the capital, and with so many nobles following the Empress, it would have been difficult for him to escape the constraints of etiquette.

That said, Pavel was hardly a boy who adhered strictly to etiquette.

‘He better not get into any trouble.’

It was difficult to impose special political significance on a thirteen-year-old boy traveling to his cousin’s territory. Yet, it could also demonstrate that the Empress still trusted Evron.

Suddenly tasked with looking after the prince, Evron was in a tight spot. It would be a disaster if there were any provocations from Karam while Pavel was there.

As Cedric recalled, there hadn’t been any major battles until he turned fifteen, so he wasn’t overly concerned. As long as they were cautious about accidents, everything should be fine.

As the ship moved up the river, Pavel continued to marvel at the vast plains.

“Ced, Ced, look over there! It would be amazing to run there!”

“It’s different from just watching. It’s much wider and farther than you can imagine.”

“And the mountains are huge! Should we go hunting?”

Cedric just chuckled. Hunting in this region was vastly different from the hunting games Pavel had experienced for entertainment. While it would be fine to let him have a little outing, actual hunting was another matter.

He turned his attention back to Artizea, who had been suffering from seasickness during the journey. Her already thin face looked even more haggard.

“We’ll arrive soon. How’s your stomach?”

“I’m okay.”

“Are you cold?”

“A little.”

Still, Cedric didn’t tell her to stay inside. Artizea’s face was openly displaying her wonder and admiration for the new scenery.

This was a good sign. Artizea would now be able to gaze upon Evron without guilt.

It was beneficial for her to see and experience many things. They would spend the year in Evron, and perhaps next winter they could use the excuse of visiting the south. After that, they could travel to the east and west.

As Cedric was lost in thought, the ship docked. As soon as the gangway was connected, Pavel squeezed through the guards and ran off excitedly.

“Pavel!”

Cedric shouted. Pavel, having dashed down the gangway, landed on the ground and shouted.

“Ta-da! I’m first!”

But the next moment, he was taken aback by the startled faces of the people waiting on the dock.

“I greet you, Prince Pavel.”

Count Aaron Jordyn bowed as the representative of the territory. It was only then that Pavel remembered this was actually an official occasion.

“Ah, I apologize. This….”

Cedric, holding Artizea’s hand and following behind him, informed him in a bewildered voice.

“Count Jordyn.”

Pavel quickly followed.

“Count Jordyn, thank you for the warm welcome.”

“It’s my pleasure. I’ve been eagerly awaiting your visit, Your Highness. This is my wife, Margaret.”

Aaron smiled and offered his welcome to Pavel again. Pavel bowed appropriately.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Countess. I will be in your care for a while.”

After finishing the greetings, Aaron and Margaret turned to Cedric.

At that moment, the entire welcoming crowd gathered on the dock knelt on one knee in unison.

“Congratulations on your return, Young Lord!”

The unified voices echoed loudly into the sky.

Artizea instinctively hid behind Cedric. Cedric helped Aaron to his feet and said,

“Everyone, please stand. I’ve just come home for a brief visit. There’s no need for congratulations.”

“We’re just expressing our joy.”

“I know. I’m happy too. I’ll be able to come here more often from now on.”

As Aaron spoke, the crowd began to get up one by one. With a smile, Aaron asked,

“So this is your betrothed, as you mentioned?”

“Yes. Tia, you should greet them.”

Cedric said this while placing his hand on Artizea’s shoulder and gently pulling her forward. Artizea shrank back slightly.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Rosan. I am Aaron of County Jordyn.”

“And I am Margaret of County Jordyn.”

Having already received a letter from Ansgar explaining the situation, Aaron and Margaret greeted her with warm smiles.

Artizea bowed as politely as she could.

“I am Artizea of Rosan. I look forward to your guidance.”

The two smiled gently. This timid girl was hardly older than their youngest daughter, and they had no intention of regarding her with political caution.