The Villainess' Son is Innocent - Chapter 12
Chapter 6.2
“I like you. You’re handsome, and you’re good at studying.”
“…”
“And my mommy said it. You are not Princess Roveline.”
This was all I could say now. I stared into the wavering eyes of the hesitant boy.
“You haven’t hurt anyone, right?”
His eyes grew larger as if realizing some great truth, and they slowly reddened.
Just like he did in the past, Emil suppressed his emotions, but they’d been building up for a long time.
“Yeah. I… haven’t hurt anyone.”
“I know.”
“I never bothered anyone…”
“That’s right.”
“Really nothing to anyone…”
“…”
He seemed unable to continue, but his lips revealed unspoken inner emotions.
I led Emil as casually as I could.
“From this point forward, we’ll eat lots of delicious foods and have fun together.”
“…Okay.”
“I told you, I’ll make you happy.”
Emil murmured in a soft voice.
“…me too.”
This time, it was clear.
“Me too, I’ll make you happy.”
* * *
After obtaining the duke’s permission, I played in Emil’s room, rummaging through the books he had read.
It was more like studying than playing. We exchanged questions and answers, teaching each other in areas where one was unfamiliar. Emil seemed to enjoy it, so calling it a game wouldn’t be entirely inaccurate.
As the sun began to set, a familiar carriage approached the duke’s residence. The family seal was a white horned deer, set against a sword and quill pen.
“Did you pack all of your belongings?”
Emil still seemed unable to fully realize the fact that he was going to be at my home from now on.
“I don’t know what else to bring.”
“Unless it’s something really important or precious, you can just leave it.”
At my words, Emil glanced at me.
“…Then, I guess I’ll leave like this.”
He came empty-handed without even a trunk.
“You made the right choice. Mommy and I will take care of anything you need.”
“…Okay.”
“And then we’ll have dinner together, play together, and sleep.”
Emil couldn’t take his eyes off the carriage and our family seal. Although it had been quite some time since the carriage arrived, Dad hadn’t shown up yet. He was most likely talking with Duke Calixt.
After about an hour, Dad, with a slight frown, finally found me.
“It seems you’re getting yourself into these sorts of troubles as well.”
“Do you think I… caused trouble?”
“…No. Let me correct myself.”
Dad didn’t seem particularly happy. Perhaps it’s because he had just faced Duke Calixt.
“Your mother used to occasionally get herself into these situations. It’s fascinating seeing how you resemble her so much.”
“Hmm, I’ll take that as a compliment!”
I giggled and brought Emil over to my side.
“Emil, this is my daddy. He’s the Captain of the Imperial Guard.”
“…”
“…”
The two of them exchanged indifferent nods.
When we were young and Emil would occasionally stay at our house, these two never seemed to become close, despite exchanging polite greetings. Well, Dad was a bit awkward around Emil.
“…The sun will set soon. We should be heading back.”
“…Yes.”
It was time to leave the Calixt mansion.
“Are you leaving?”
Duke Calixt himself saw us off, although at first he was unable to come down due to some business.
“I had a fun day today. Thank you, Your Grace.”
I curtsied as a polite farewell, and the duke responded with a formal acknowledgement, saying, “It was a pleasure having you here today, Miss Lancaster.” With that, the duke looked down at his son.
“You’ll be going to a respectable place, so I expect that you won’t cause any trouble.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“And, Marquis Lancaster, I’d like for my son to return at least once a week.”
“Once a week?”
“Although we may not be the most affectionate father and son, it’s important not to lose sight of each other’s presence.”
Unwillingly, the father found himself becoming aware of Emil. He hadn’t shown any interest in how his child had grown up, and it left him feeling uncomfortable.
“I didn’t realize you cared so much about your son. I have no desire to spend even a minute more in this household, so it’s best we leave without further delay.”
Dad, expressing what I wanted to say, helped me onto the carriage steps. When he tried to lift Emil as well, Dad paused. Watching this, the duke smirked and let out a chuckle.
“My son doesn’t need any help. He can manage on his own.”
Emil, conscious of the duke’s words, confidently climbed onto the carriage.
“I wish you the best of luck.”
And finally, with the duke’s farewell, the door closed.
The journey was quiet and peaceful. When I opened the window to let Emil see outside, he maintained his silent and signature expression, unable to take his eyes off the scenery.
‘I wonder if I can breathe a sigh of relief with this.’
It was uncertain whether this action could alter the future.
But something seemed to have changed. It had to.
How far had we traveled? Emil muttered when familiar scenery came into view.
“Last time I was here, it felt like a different world…”
Emil didn’t even seem aware that he was speaking to himself. Though a quiet murmur, it was enough for Dad and I to hear.
“Where I used to be, it was the wrong place.”
* * *
Mom welcomed Emil warmly.
“Welcome. It’s nice to see you after such a long time.”
As described in the story, Roveline was a femme fatale beauty. An elegant villainess with glossy black hair, a dangerous allure, and a captivating charm, akin to a beast.
Mom found it surprising how Emil, born from someone like her, became more angelic with each passing day. She didn’t let Emil go until just before dinner, inspecting his every feature and stomping her feet like a little girl.
“Children grow up so fast. You had adorable chubby cheeks just a couple years ago, and now, you already seem so grown up.”
Mom stopped there, as if holding back more words. It seemed like she was remembering Roveline Castone.
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