The Villainess Lives Twice: Butterfly’s Dream (IF Story) - Chapter 29

The dance studio had already been pleasantly aired out, and a small table in the corner had tea set for one person.

Garnet moved toward it with the graceful step of someone in the midst of a dance and called over to the maid to prepare tea for Grand Duke Roygar.

Though the setting wasn’t ideal for hosting guests, Garnet, familiar with him since childhood, often made herself at ease around him.

Thinking about it, Grand Duke Roygar realized that he might be more like a distant uncle than a fiance to her. Despite this familiarity, she never gave him the impression of being disrespectful, which was a virtue in itself.

Soon, freshly brewed tea was served. Garnet, draped in a shawl over her tunic, took a seat. Musicians called to accompany her dance practice began playing soft chamber music.

Grand Duke Roygar casually glanced around the well-kept dance floor. In a corner, an oversized bouquet of flowers, out of season, sat incongruously.

In a soft voice, he asked in a roundabout way.

“You seem to be enjoying your dance practice these days.”

Garnet had been trained in dance from a young age to cultivate her body and master graceful movements. She seemed to have some talent as well.

Taking a sip of her tea, Garnet responded casually.

“If I have to do something, I try to enjoy it. It’s not something I hate.”

“Have you ever said you hated it?”

Her face turned slightly red at his question.

“I just wanted to play when I was little.”

Though still young, Garnet had been raised with strict expectations, and Grand Duke Roygar, not wanting to upset her, simply nodded.

In hindsight, it was clear that she’d never had much freedom to make her own decisions. Learning to dance had been something her parents had decided for her, so it was understandable that there had been a time when she didn’t find it enjoyable.

It wasn’t a big deal, really. In fact, the conversation they were having wasn’t important either. Spending time with Garnet was necessary, but the discussions they had weren’t of much consequence.

‘It would be troublesome if she disliked me.’

Still, he couldn’t help but feel uncertain about what kind of conversation he should have with a fifteen-year-old girl. When she was eleven or twelve, all he needed to do was find her cute.

“Is something bothering you?”

Garnet asked suddenly. Grand Duke Roygar looked at her with a puzzled expression.

“You’ve been visiting my house often lately, and you had a troubled look just like now.”

“Well…”

Grand Duke Roygar hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to admit to his difficulties in conversing with her. Then, he suddenly thought that perhaps he could share this with Garnet.

“Actually, I heard that Cedric will be returning soon. He’s already boarded the ship from Evron.”

“You mean Young Lord Evron? The news of his engagement caused quite a stir.”

Though she hadn’t formally debuted yet, Garnet, at the age of fifteen, was certainly beginning to hear gossip about high society.

After all, Cedric was one of the most anticipated bachelors in the marriage market. Politically, he had no competition as the future Grand Duke Evron, and growing up in the Empress’ palace meant he and the Crown Princess had grown up as close as siblings. In some ways, he was a more suitable match than the princes themselves.

In terms of appearance, Cedric was tall, handsome, and charming, enough to attract the attention and admiration of his peers, especially the girls.

Grand Duke Roygar didn’t expect Garnet to be shocked by the news of his engagement. After all, Garnet, like most of society, was already familiar with the buzz surrounding his name, particularly since she was familiar with Milaira, who ruled the social scene.

“Now that the renovations of the Grand Duke’s residence are complete, when he returns, he’ll be moving there instead of the Empress’ palace. I was thinking I should visit him at least once.”

Grand Duke Roygar couldn’t speak about the conversation he had with Marquis Luden so he spoke about his personal thoughts.

“I haven’t really been able to take care of my nephew all this time, which I feel guilty about. I heard about his engagement through other sources, and I wish I’d paid more attention to him.”

He was sincere. He had a close relationship with his older sister from the same mother, Princess Floella, who had always taken good care of him. But he had failed to take care of the only son his older sister had left behind.

When his sister and her husband died suddenly, Grand Duke Roygar was still young and struggling to take care of himself. Even though he hadn’t been able to raise Cedric, he realized now that he should have paid more attention to him.

Now, speaking of these things felt awkward and somewhat belated. He had only thought about it after hearing of Cedric’s engagement, and he knew that it might come off as politically motivated.

But Garnet, after listening to him, widened her eyes and said.

“Then just say that.”

“Say what?”

“Apologize to Young Lord Evron. Tell him that you’re sorry for not taking care of him more, and I’m sure he’ll understand.”

“Haha.”

It wasn’t such an easy matter. But he couldn’t explain all of his complicated feelings to his young fiance, so he just laughed it off.

“Anyway, I do need to visit him. I’m not sure if Cedric will understand, though.”

“I’ll go with you.”

Garnet said cheerfully.

Grand Duke Roygar was taken aback and widened his eyes.

“You, lady?”

“We’re going to be relatives, aren’t we? It would be good to get to know him in advance.”

Grand Duke Roygar was flustered. Yes, they were going to be relatives, but he couldn’t imagine much interaction between Evron and Luden.

That was probably because he saw Garnet more as the daughter of Marquis Luden than his fiance.

But it wasn’t a bad idea. Grand Duke Roygar could guess that Garnet wanted to meet the people of the rumors, and yet, there was no harm in it for him.

Garnet was still young, and with her accompanying would make his visit look more like a family greeting rather than a politically motivated visit. After all, if he was visiting Cedric because of his engagement, it would be strange not to introduce his own fiance.

It would also allow the eight-year-old Lady Rosan to feel a bit more familiar.

Grand Duke Roygar’s tension eased, and he smiled. Garnet had really come up with a good idea.

“Well, I appreciate that.”

“Then, please let me know when the date is set. My mother will approve too.”

Garnet said with a bright smile.

‘It’s not a lie. It’s good to get along with relatives.’

Garnet thought to herself as she does have that kind of feeling. Garnet eagerly planned to brag about it to her friends later.

* * *

By the time Cedric and his group arrived in the capital, the temperature had dropped so much that they had to light a fireplace at night in order to sleep.

They parted ways with Pavel at the port. Pavel seemed happy to be home but also a bit lonely, as he firmly said to Cedric:

“You have to make a room for me at your place. Got it?”

“The palace and the Evron mansion aren’t that far. Just come visit.”

“No way. Make me a room. And Tia.”

“Yes?”

“Don’t forget about me.”

Tia was unexpectedly touched by his words, and her eyes welled up with tears. Pavel, flustered by her reaction, shouted,

“Wait, why are you crying? What did I do?”

Cedric shot him a disapproving look.