The Villainess' Son is Innocent - Chapter 28
Chapter 14.2
“You should be relaxing at home during your vacation, so why summon me here?”
“As I said, I wanted to check if you’ve picked up any news regarding House Calixt while I was gone.”
“And as I said, Emil Calixt has been holed up in Northern Ingscent, and it’s been ages since anyone laid eyes on him. The only news I caught wind of was his fleeting visit to the capital last season.”
He didn’t show up this time either. I couldn’t help but ponder Duke Calixt’s intentions.
‘Is he planning to confine Emil to that domain for the rest of his life, summoning him to the capital only when absolutely necessary?
But at the same time, as I thought about it, was there a possibility that my family could remain unharmed, as long as Emil never returned…? The thought repulsed me; capitalizing on someone else’s misfortune felt despicable.
During our tea session, Hil spoke up.
“You’re quite famous, you know.”
“For what?”
“From acing the entrance exam to maintaining the highest grades. Plus, Professor Rostad seems to have his eyes on you.”
Since enrolling at Rilford Academy, I had dedicated myself to mastering courses in alchemy and pharmacology.
To my surprise, Amon Rostad, the leading pharmacology professor at Rilford Academy, turned out to be the author of the book I discovered. Marquis Raymon also mentioned that he was in exile from a small kingdom and was being sponsored by the Croscentine imperial family.
As soon as I entered the academy, I tried very hard to catch Professor Rostad’s attention.
‘And from test scores to reports and practical work… I’ve excelled in everything.’
My efforts had paid off, and recently, I’ve been assisting him in his office, and although I was just an assistant, I was one of his best pupils, so that was a significant achievement.
“I’m still uncertain about the benefits of attending Rilford and residing in a foreign country.”
“It’s refreshing to escape the weight of others’ expectations here. If you were feeling so unsatisfied, you could have come along.”
“I can learn about administration here well enough. Going all the way to Croscentine would only bring discrimination.”
“You’re such a scaredy-cat.”
I chose these words to tease him a bit, even though I hadn’t ventured all the way to Rilford because I was brave.
“Do you honestly think I’d fall for that?”
“No? You’re fourteen now. I don’t see you as a little kid anymore.”
“Don’t treat me like a kid just because we’re the same age.”
Even so, he’d forever exude the aura of an annoying younger brother. I chuckled, and the guy scowled.
“Anyway, if anything comes up, especially if Emil makes an appearance, inform me. It doesn’t matter if it’s sudden. And are you still keeping an eye on the Costney family, like I mentioned?”
“Stop worrying, I’ve got it under control.”
I guess it was time to head back since I finished my tea. As I prepared to leave, I tried to settle the bill, only to have the owner shake his head.
“It’s already been taken care of.”
He already paid for me. As a way to say my thanks, I purchased two additional bags of cookies on the display.
“Hil, would you try one of these, at least?”
Accepting one of the bags, Hildred made a strange face.
“Velsia Lancaster, may I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
Crunch, crunch, the flavor of the cookies was amazing. I couldn’t help but let out a sound of delight, but Hildred quickly squandered it.
“Do you have any reason to be concerned about Emil Calixt?”
That struck a chord, making me feel like I’d received the question before. If this had been shortly after I time-traveled, I might have hesitated, but now I was used to such inquiries.
So, I nonchalantly offered a composed response,
“Because he’s my friend.”
But now that he had matured significantly, Hildred didn’t seem like someone who was easily swayed or fooled.
“Don’t be absurd. Your vigilance suggests otherwise. It’s more like you’re monitoring him or being cautious.”
Sharp. His insight cut through my facade. Despite my efforts to conceal it, my true intentions were transparent.
I was trying to protect my family from the catastrophe that was Emil’s madness.
Therefore, continuing my routine check-ins on his condition, ensuring there was nothing wrong with him, was something I couldn’t afford to avoid. Crack, I split my cookie in half.
I had to laugh it off like it was nothing.
After all, this boy wouldn’t believe me, even if I told him about the things I’ve been through.
“That’s not true.”
“You purposefully smile when you try to act nonchalant.”
“No, I don’t.”
Breathing felt tight.
I gave him a farewell, saying I would leave first, and exited the café.
I had the urge to take a walk, so I left the mansion alone and quietly, which turned out to be a foresight on my part.
I breathed a weary sigh into the wind.
‘If Hildred starts to get suspicious, it’ll be a problem.’
Should I plant someone to infiltrate the Calixt residence? Sending someone to his domain to monitor Emil’s well-being might not be a bad idea either.
It was nothing short of stalking, but I felt restless. It had been two years since I parted ways with that ticking time bomb, and I hadn’t seen him once.
I had no idea about his current state, or how he had grown. Each passing day made me more and more anxious.
‘I trust Elena the most, but it’ll be uncomfortable having someone else tend to me if I send her…’
To be ready when needed, I had to create new connections. Suddenly, Tilly crossed my mind, as I remembered she helped me once before.
When people are lost in thought, they often fail to notice their surroundings. When I realized that a carriage with a familiar seal had passed by, it was already moving away.
‘Wait a minute…’
My eyes widened a beat too late.
“Calixt?”
It was the carriage of the House of Duke Calixt.
In a rush, I turned to see where the carriage had gone, but it was already too far away, and determining its direction was not an easy task.
Was the duke on board?
That seemed to be the most likely possibility. But why?
A subtle feeling kept nagging at me, making my heart race with countless what-ifs.
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