The Villainess Lives Twice: Butterfly's Dream (IF Story) - Chapter 38
His sister would smile kindly when he said things like that.
[Do you want him to grow up fast?]
[Yes, then I’ll play with him.]
He said this with enthusiasm, thinking that the future he envisioned was just around the corner. He was planning to teach him how to play billiards and give him a pony as a gift.
Strictly speaking, both Eloise and Graham were also his nieces and nephews, but Cedric felt like his first true nephew was him. He had touched his sister’s belly, feeling the baby’s movements, and watched as the wrinkled face of the newborn transformed into a soft, plump one.
However, he failed to keep any of those promises. Before he realized it, Cedric had grown up quickly, and now, even if he tried to keep his old promises, they wouldn’t mean much to Cedric anymore.
Cedric looked a little taken aback by Grand Duke Roygar’s sudden apology. He thought it was a mistake, but then Garnet grabbed his arm, smiling brightly, and said,
“The Grand Duke was worried that he might have been neglectful towards you until now.”
“Aahh.”
“And now he seems a little awkward about visiting, so I came along.”
Garnet’s cheerful tone had a way of making everything feel lighter. Cedric smiled and responded to Grand Duke Roygar.
“You’ve really over thought it. When my parents passed away, you were still young yourself. I don’t hold anything against you for that.”
Cedric didn’t know what he had thought at thirteen, but at the time, Grand Duke Roygar had only been a teenager who had just lost his mother and sister.
It wasn’t like there had been nowhere else for him to go, but there hadn’t been room for extra care for his nephew, especially one being raised under the Empress’s care. Cedric understood that well.
Grand Duke Roygar, hearing his response, cleared his throat awkwardly a few times, then said with a sheepish look,
“You’re more grown-up than I am.”
“Not at all.”
“After hearing that you’re engaged, I feel a little embarrassed to be visiting now, but I hope we can see each other more often from now on.”
“That would be nice.”
Cedric smiled.
In the original world, Cedric and Grand Duke Roygar were never close. When they were young, both had to endure the pressure of the Emperor, and later, as they grew older, there was concern that the association might make Evron appear to be a supporter of Grand Duke Roygar.
However, things were different here.
Cedric gestured for them to enter.
“Please, come in.”
Grand Duke Roygar cleared his throat again. Garnet, smiling, linked her arm with his and followed Cedric into the Grand Duke’s mansion.
Cedric guided them to the music room. He had planned to treat them as relatives from the start, not guests, which is why he had arranged refreshments here.
Grand Duke Roygar also recognized this and cleared his throat once more, slightly awkwardly.
The music room was a new addition to the mansion, a space that hadn’t existed before. It had been completely redecorated, with a wooden floor for dance practice and walls painted in light colors, adorned with paintings of young girls dancing ballet.
Garnet, noticing a small, beautiful white piano in one corner, gasped quietly.
“Wow. It’s so cute.”
“Do you like it? I’m glad you do.”
Cedric replied. He had chosen it based on its appearance, but since it wasn’t the highest quality, he was a little worried.
Garnet pretended to ask if she could play it and, seeing Cedric nod, she opened the lid and pressed a few keys.
A clear sound filled the room. Garnet smiled brightly.
“It sounds nice too! It seems perfect for a child to use.”
“Ah…”
It was then a voice, a bit higher-pitched than usual, echoed in the room.
Garnet stopped playing and turned to look at the door. Standing just inside was Artizea, holding onto Ansgar’s hand. She had been startled by her own voice and quickly covered her mouth with one hand.
Cedric, who had been sitting, stood up and approached. After recognizing the visitor, Grand Duke Roygar also stood to show his respect.
Cedric, as though receiving Artizea’s hand from Ansgar, took her hand and led her toward the table.
Artizea hesitated and cautiously spread out her skirt and bowed.
“I am Artizea of Rosan. It’s an honor to meet you, Grand Duke Roygar.”
“Nice to meet you, Lady Rosan.”
Grand Duke Roygar responded politely and gently. This time, Artizea turned to Garnet and greeted her.
“I’m Artizea of Rosan.”
“I’m Garnet of Luden.”
Garnet responded with an elegant gesture, spreading out her skirt and curtsying respectfully.
The movement was so rhythmic and graceful, almost like dancing, that Artizea blushed and stared, mesmerized.
“Your fiance is truly adorable. How old is she?”
“She’s eight.”
After answering, Artizea blushed even more, lowering her head in embarrassment. Garnet was the most princess-like person Artizea had ever seen.
With a bright smile at her cuteness, Garnet asked kindly,
“You’re the same age as Skyla. Why did you get so surprised earlier? Was it because I touched your piano without asking and upset you?”
“No.”
Artizea quickly shook her head. However, she didn’t explain why she was surprised. She felt it would sound too childish to say that she had thought Garnet was a princess.
Artizea knew that there was only one princess in the Empire, and that was Eloise. So, there was no princess to be had.
“Let’s sit down now.”
Grand Duke Roygar gestured, and Garnet gracefully sat down in the chair he had pulled out for her. Cedric tried to help Artizea sit on the sofa, but she refused.
The sofa was low enough that Artizea could sit without a footrest, so she settled down on her own. Garnet’s refined and ladylike manner was something she deeply admired.
Of course, the Empress, Viscountess Pescher, and other noblewomen also had grace, but it was easy to be drawn to someone younger, like an older sister, rather than an adult.
Ansgar brought in a trolley and poured tea into the cups. Artizea was given a floral tea with a hint of sweetness.
Grand Duke Roygar took a sip of his tea and spoke to Cedric in a calm manner,
“Actually, I was quite surprised when I heard you were engaged. I was worried, too. I meant to meet you afterward, but you went up to the North right after.”
“It wasn’t an ideal time to stay at the Grand Duke’s mansion while the repairs were going on, and I didn’t want to spend the winter in the North with Tia. It was also the right time for a visit.”
“I see. Well, it would have been odd if you hadn’t gone to your fief to establish independence. How did things go in the fief?”
“It was a pleasant trip.”
Cedric answered with a smile. Grand Duke Roygar understood that the engagement was well-received in Evron.
Garnet said with a cheerful expression,
“By the way, we brought a gift.”
“Oh, right.”
Grand Duke Roygar looked a little uncomfortable. It wasn’t that he had forgotten, but rather that he had been uncertain until the last moment whether it was appropriate to give it to Cedric.
Cedric looked at him with a puzzled expression. Grand Duke Roygar glanced at Ansgar, who responded respectfully,
“It has been brought down from the carriage. Shall I bring it in?”
“Please do.”
Ansgar left the room, and soon returned with a servant carrying a large, long box.
Artizea’s eyes widened in curiosity as she watched. The servant opened the box. Inside was a telescope.
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