The Villainess’ Son is Innocent - Chapter 14

WARNING: This series is on a HIATUS due to editing. Once a chapter has been edited, it'll be labeled as [REVISED].

Chapter 7.2

In his expression, a mix of gloominess and unmistakable joy coexisted as Emil stared at me.

“Because I want to be your friend…”

“Really?”

I quickly adjusted my stiffening expression.

“It doesn’t matter why you’re being nice to me. Because thanks to you, I feel like I can be a little happy.”

My heart skipped a beat. At the same time, memories of that day, the corridor and the blood, along with the ominous blade that stabbed me flashed into my mind.

Unlike that day, the Emil before me now was just a child, dried of affection, and yet I was nervous.

“If there’s anything you want from me…”

Internally, I reassured myself.

‘I’m doing well.’

No one is getting hurt. Ultimately, Emil will find happiness, and I will continue to lead a long, ordinary life with my family.

So, being insincere with Emil wasn’t entirely wrong.

“I’ll make it happen, no matter what it takes.”

As long as you don’t harm my family, that’s enough for me. My words conflicted with my inner thoughts. I quickly changed the subject.

“…You were curious about my room, right? I’ll show you now.”

Emil didn’t bother in rejecting me and followed. He probably knew that I changed the subject.

‘Why do I feel guilty?’

It remained a mystery.

* * *

It’s been a day since Emil arrived. With the visit of a special guest, the head chef displayed his skills more than usual from morning breakfast.

“Is the food to your liking?”

“Yes, it’s very delicious.”

Emil nodded softly after eating the fluffy scrambled eggs.

I expected him to have a short appetite, he not only savored the soft bread with rich butter but also took another bite. My family watched his actions with satisfaction.

“Growing children need to eat well to grow tall.”

“Yes, thank you.”

“It would be great if Emil could grow as tall as you.”

“…Finding someone as tall as me would be rare.”

Mom suggested that he might be one of those rare cases, offering another glass of milk. Emil obediently accepted it and Dad finished his meal in silence, not even the slightest bit jealous of the boy.

“Daddy, you should have another glass of juice, too.”

I took his empty glass and switched it with my full glass of juice. Dad’s hard expression softened.

“You need it more than I do.”

“Shh, I already finished mine.”

I whispered to Dad that it was just for him, and he smiled before quickly downing the juice.

After the meal, Dad went to work at the imperial palace as usual. I also received today’s routine from Isana and my personal maid, Elena.

“I roughly heard my mommy mention it yesterday, so I’m aware. We’re supposed to sort out Emil’s clothing in the morning and then look through ties and accessories in the afternoon.”

“Don’t you need anything, my lady?”

“Me? But won’t today’s visitor mostly focus on men’s clothing?”

“Yes, but if you make a request later, they’ll bring the catalog again tomorrow.”

Do I need anything? …Not really.

‘I’m considering preparing a gift for Emil just for the sake of appearances.’

As I pondered on it, the appointed time arrived. The carriage, laden with luggage, pulled into the mansion. By the time I went downstairs, luxurious fabrics were already neatly displayed in the drawing room.

Mom and Emil were already there first.

“Look through the catalog, and if there’s a design you like, please let me know. We can customize any part you don’t like.”

“I… I don’t really understand these things.”

“Then, would you mind if I help you? How about we look through it together?”

While Mom and Emil browsed through samples, I examined the fabrics. There were many excellent materials, especially the thick wool and cashmere, which would be quite reliable even in the harsh winter.

But amid this fabric extravaganza, Emil seemed quite confused.

“You don’t need to go this far…”

Emil tried to object but fell silent. His face, usually expressionless, was faintly tinged with red.

“…”

It was closer to embarrassment than shyness.

Even though Emil had lived through oppression and disdain, he was a child who never lost his dignity. Now, he felt embarrassed about himself in this awkward situation. Without saying a word, he locked eyes with my mom.

I feel ashamed of myself, but I don’t want to make the situation worse. Mom must have judged that adding more wounds to the mix wouldn’t be helpful.

“Come to think of it, there’s no need for you to worry.”

Mom, smiling gently, spoke.

“I’ll purchase all the fabrics you brought today. I will trust in your abilities and reputation for the design.”

At Mom’s unexpected statement, Emil’s eyes shook noticeably.

* * *

After lunch, it was time for the jeweler’s turn in the afternoon.

Unlike the morning, when they brought bundles of fabric, this time solid wooden boxes and precious gold-plated boxes were neatly carried in.

“First, would you show us the collar pins? It would be nice if we could see the ties and belts as well, since they will be used by this young lord here.”

After the seamstress left for the dressing room, Emil turned to my mom.

— You don’t have to go to such lengths. I didn’t understand, but now I do. Nobles consider these things natural… It’s just that, I don’t deserve it.

His voice that questioned if it wasn’t a waste to buy all the fabric for his sake echoed clearly. Mom, looking a bit surprised, listened to Emil’s story in silence before speaking.

— And why is it that you don’t deserve it?

— …What do you mean?

— Because you were born the son of a villainess?

Mom corrected him firmly.

— That’s merely prejudice; it does not measure what you can and cannot deserve.

— …

The expression on Emil’s face, where he seemed to suppress his emotions, was appearing more frequently than in my previous life.

— If it makes you uncomfortable, I’ll inform the jeweler not to come this afternoon.

— …It’s okay.

— Then, would it be alright if I helped you choose?

— …Yes, madam.

After that brief conversation, Emil seemed more genuine than before, and expressed his own preferences a bit more.