The Villainess Lives Twice: Butterfly’s Dream (IF Story) - Chapter 28

As early winter arrived, the repairs to Grand Duke Evron’s residence in the capital were completed.

Although no one openly said it, both the political and social circles were a bit stirred.

Up until now, many had viewed Grand Duchy Evron as part of the Empress’s faction. While the Emperor and Empress were not openly at odds, there was clearly a factional divide. After all, people tend to side with their primary caretaker, and even before Princess Floella’s death, the relationship between the Emperor and Evron had already been strained.

However, if Cedric were to become engaged to Lady Rosan, things would be different. Marquisate Rosan was practically aligned with the Emperor, and with this engagement, Cedric would leave the Empress’s side. The shift from the Empress’s hands to the Emperor’s would seem almost inevitable.

“I never imagined he would use the mistress’s daughter for a political marriage.”

Marquis Luden said, frowning.

“What did he offer in exchange?”

Grand Duke Roygar added seriously

Anyone who gave it any thought would never have thought that young Cedric’s engagement was simply the result of his will. It involved the removal of the future Grand Duke Evron from the Empress’s influence. There must have been a massive transaction behind it.

What had the Emperor given to Evron in return?

“I’m more concerned with who made the deal than the cost itself.”

Marchioness Camellia, standing politely behind Marquis Luden, said cautiously.

“Evron is a conservative faction, and the Young Lord is still young. How could such a grand political arrangement have been made without causing a rift with the Empress? It’s impressive how they managed to walk such a fine line….”

“Was there anyone among the Evron retainers capable of pulling off something like that?”

Marquis Luden asked, unable to think of anyone. Grand Duke Roygar murmured.

“The North is vast. It wouldn’t be surprising if a new talent emerged.”

The three of them fell into silence, each deep in thought.

Duchy Orca’s influence seemed unstoppable, and Duchy Riagan, backed by the Empress, continued to flaunt their unshakable power. The Eastern noble alliance, led by Marquis Luden, was at most third in line. This was why the Emperor had overlooked the union between Grand Duke Roygar and Marquis Luden. To keep the two ducal families in check.

It was hard to imagine what kind of impact Evron’s shift toward the Emperor would have on the current political landscape.

‘It’s highly unlikely the Emperor will give that power to Duchy Orca.’

Grand Duke Roygar thought to himself.

For Marquis Luden, unless Evron became directly aligned with his faction, it would only pose a significant negative factor. However, that possibility was highly unlikely.

But for Grand Duke Roygar, things were different. Considering the Emperor’s desire to build a third faction, there was a chance he might try to bring Evron to his side.

If that happens, he would have a very important asset in his hands to counter Marquis Luden’s influence.

‘If only that happens…’

He almost smiled involuntarily but quickly closed his lips. Just then, he made eye contact with Marchioness Camellia, who had been looking at him for some time.

A feeling of unease washed over him, as though his thoughts had been read. He quickly spoke.

“There’s no point in dwelling on this now. I’ll meet Cedric and see what he has to say.”

“Hm… Will you?”

Marquis Luden asked, though he thought to himself that meeting with a mere thirteen-year-old wouldn’t be very useful. Still, he replied.

Grand Duke Roygar smiled smoothly.

“We can at least hear his thoughts on the engagement. After all, he’s the one directly involved.”

“That’s true…”

“Then I’ll take my leave today. Please let me know if you receive any further information.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Marquis Luden responded.

As Grand Duke Roygar stood up to leave, Marquis Luden followed suit. However, Grand Duke Roygar waved him off, saying there was no need to see him out, and left the study on his own.

Marchioness Camellia didn’t follow either. They likely had more to discuss among themselves—discussions that he was not privy to.

It was a similar situation for both of them. They were the strongest allies to one another, yet their positions weren’t entirely the same, which made certain matters unavoidable.

Grand Duke Roygar strode through the familiar hallways with purpose.

He knew well of Marquis Luden’s ambitions, but he also knew he couldn’t fulfill them entirely. As long as the Crown Princess and the princes were alive, he was merely a pawn in the Emperor’s game—a spare piece.

While walking, he heard the sound of music in the distance

“Oh.”

It was a simple melody, a dance tune. As he recognized who the song was for, a small smile crept onto his face. Just then, the door burst open, and a girl of around fourteen or fifteen rushed out.

“Ack!”

Grand Duke Roygar reached out to catch the girl, thinking they were about to collide. But the girl, instead of rushing into him, seemed to have stopped just before the impact, as if she had come to greet him.

Garnet was dressed in a light, flared skirt and tunic, likely having been practicing a dance. Her hair was loosely tied back in a half-up style, and she wore ballet shoes.

Her lovely cheeks were flushed a soft pink.

“Hello, Your Grace.”

“Hello, Garnet.”

Roygar greeted the girl politely, matching her bow. Garnet loved being treated as a lady.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“You came to your fiance’s house and were about to leave without seeing me?”

Garnet teased him, and Grand Duke Roygar, looking slightly awkward, apologized.

“I’m sorry.”

Their engagement had been established three years ago.

Originally, Marquis Luden had been considering Prince Graham for Garnet, but Empress Catherine had rejected the match, deeming it too soon.

In the Eastern customs, they were not too young for an engagement, but with even Crown Princess Eloise’s betrothal still undecided, it was hard to express any dissatisfaction.

[Everyone has their own dreams, and I’ll let them marry according to their wishes.]

The Empress had said this to Marquis Luden when he had personally asked her. She, too, had chosen the Emperor when she had come of age.

Marquis Luden had thought the customs in the central and southern regions were improper, but when the Emperor failed to show a positive response, he gave up.

He had no intention of raising his cherished youngest daughter to debut in society without even an engagement at the right age, and relying on her beauty to win a man’s heart.

Grand Duke Roygar knew that he had been the second choice. However, the union that this strategic marriage would create had clear benefits for both sides.

So, he accepted it willingly, although he sometimes felt ashamed about the fact that Garnet had been treated like a mere pawn in the transaction.

The marriage would happen once she became an adult, but the fact that she had no real choice in the matter remained unchanged.

Garnet, however, seemed completely unaware of his self-doubt. With a bright smile, she playfully draped herself over his arm.

“Are you busy? I’m on a break. Would you like to have some tea?”

Garnet spoke with a bright, sunlit face, and Grand Duke Roygar couldn’t bring himself to refuse. He was led by Garnet’s hand into the dance studio.