The Villainess Lives Twice: Butterfly’s Dream (IF Story) - Chapter 2

The Empress’s palace where Cedric was staying was completely different from what he remembered. It resembled something from a very distant memory, probably from before he was five, which he could barely recall.

Music someone was playing from a salon, could be heard in the hallway he passed. The paintings, sculptures, and furniture decorating the many rooms were unfamiliar to him.

While he remembered the palace’s decorations being of the highest quality, they had never changed since Artizea became the Empress. Even Cedric, who had been somewhat in the dark about such things, could remember everything.

But now, due to the newly introduced artworks and the spring decorations, everything was so different it was unrecognizable. The servants all had new faces, and the palace was bustling and splendid with ladies wishing to pay their respects to the Empress.

Each time Cedric walked by with a dignified stride, those who recognized the boy as the future Grand Duke Evron bowed their heads in respect. He felt a strange sensation.

The first half of his life had been marked by frustration mixed with resentment, and in its later years, he had shouldered responsibilities that felt like they could break his neck. But in this world, he didn’t have to feel either of those things.

Political disputes would always be fierce, and the power struggle between the Emperor and Empress would continue. But for now, that struggle was between Duchy Riagan and Duchy Orca. It wasn’t his fight.

He didn’t need to worry about survival. While he couldn’t predict the future, right now he was just a young boy under the protection of the Empress.

‘There’s no point in worrying now about how Lady Eloise will treat Evron.’

If things continue as they were, he would peacefully return to Evron and live a smooth life as Grand Duke Evron, just as planned from his birth.

This was the life he had most desired before meeting Artizea.

‘Tia…’

What was she doing now? Had she awakened in this world as well?

Or was she still a child who didn’t know who she was?

How could he meet her?

“What are you thinking so deeply about?”

At the sound of the kind voice, Cedric looked up in surprise and saw the person who had approached him.

“Lady Eloise.”

Momentarily startled, Cedric quickly recognized her as Princess Eloise and bowed his head. Though much more mature than in the portraits, it was clear she was in her early twenties and resembled Emperor Gregor closely.

Eloise looked at him with concern and said.

“I heard you were unwell.”

“I’m fine now.”

“You’ve suddenly grown up. Or is it that you’ve just lost your strength?”

Cedric smiled. He barely remembered the Eloise from his original world, and wasn’t entirely sure of the nature of his relationship with her in this world, but he could sense a genuine affection for her within himself.

He wasn’t immature enough to ignore or pretend not to feel such emotions.

“At thirteen, one should be able to handle oneself.”

“Since when did you become so mature?”

Eloise said with an amused smile. She didn’t seem to fully believe Cedric’s words. Since he didn’t know what he had been like a few days ago, Cedric could only manage an embarrassed smile.

The two of them walked side by side through two more rooms, heading towards the Empress’s sitting room. The door was open, and Pavel and Graham were already there.

As Eloise entered the sitting room, she bowed gracefully.

“Mother, we’ve arrived.”

Cedric followed silently and bowed as well.

Seated in the prominent position was Empress Catherine, dressed in a purple gown. It wasn’t extravagant but was made of fine silk that shimmered with light, adorned with matching jewelry on her ears and neck.

Cedric felt quite moved, as he had only ever seen her in mourning clothes for a long time. Although she had taken off the mourning clothes and worn other garments since becoming the Empress Dowager, she had always worn dark colors and predominantly black jewelry symbolizing mourning.

Her complexion was different too. Although her expression was still solemn, the long shadows of weariness and despair were no longer present.

“Come in quickly, both of you. The tea will get cold.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Cedric waited until Eloise took her seat beside the Empress before sitting in the last remaining chair. The Empress personally poured tea for him.

“I heard Cedric has been ill for a few days?”

“It was just a cold.”

“I was worried when such a rarely sick child like you fell ill. I thought it might be something serious.”

“I’m sorry for causing concern. It wasn’t anything serious.”

“I’m relieved. Are you feeling better now?”

“Yes, and I enjoyed the sweets you sent.”

Cedric’s polite response made the Empress smile warmly.

“Cedric is well-mannered. Pavel could learn a thing or two from you.”

Pavel, who had been making silly faces, straightened up in his seat at the comment. Eloise couldn’t help but chuckle.

“You can relax a bit. We’re family, after all.”

“Thank you.”

Cedric said sincerely. The fact that he was included in this family gathering as a matter of course was a clear sign of that acceptance, and he felt genuinely grateful. His memories before the age of five were vague, but he had not experienced anything like this after that until he married and had children.

There was one thing that was bothering him.

“Will the Emperor not be joining us?”

Cedric asked cautiously. He wasn’t sure what his relationship with Emperor Gregor was in this world.

It was possible there might be no emotional connection at all. At thirteen, he was too young for the Emperor to be concerned about him, but in his original world, he had already felt a deep-seated need to survive by that age.

But now, family gatherings like this were happening, and the situation in Evron was quite different. It might be that the Emperor considered him a relative or something akin to that. His parents’ deaths might have been a real accident rather than an assassination, and the Emperor might be keeping an eye on him.

He needed to keep any suspicion at bay as much as possible.

At Cedric’s question, Graham blurted out.

“Father is likely enjoying himself with Milaira. At that family gathering.”

“Graham, don’t say such things.”

Eloise chided Graham.

It was clear that there was no new reason for the Empress gathering her children for tea, but discussing such matters in front of young Pavel and Cedric was inappropriate.

But even a thirteen year-old knew everything. Pavel’s face scrunched up as he spoke.

“I don’t like Lawrence.”

“Pavel.”

Eloise’s voice took on a stern tone right now. The Empress spoke calmly.

“The Emperor is very busy. He cannot visit now because he is occupied with state affairs.”

“Yes.”

“And Eloise, you have a lot of work too.”

“It’s fine. It’s not difficult to spare a bit of time for Mother’s tea time. Pavel should behave properly during these moments.”

“Tch. These days even I…”

“Cedric is not a concern. It’s Graham I’m worried about.”

“Stop acting like a tutor.”

Graham grumbled, and Cedric watched their interactions with a smile.

After about an hour, Cedric made an excuse to rest and left the tea time. Although he felt sorry for those concerned about his recovery, being with them was quite stressful, given his lack of memories from the previous days.

More importantly, he planned to visit the main palace. He wanted to observe how the Emperor would behave if he tried to join ‘that family gathering’.

Or so he told himself. Cedric sighed inside. His main concern was finding Artizea. He wanted to talk to her about the current situation, what had happened to them, and what the future held.

While it was unlikely that Artizea would be involved in ‘that family gathering’, he needed to establish connections with her family in order to meet the young Lady.

The most practical approach was to build relationships with those connected to Lawrence, as it would be difficult for Milaira to interfere with someone of high nobility like the future Grand Duke Evron.

‘Even the thought of getting close to him makes me sick…’

Yet, in this world, Lawrence was still just an innocent child.

As Cedric walked through the corridors of the main palace, he was suddenly startled by a small commotion.

“Kyaak!”

The scream of a young girl echoed down the corridor.