The Villainess' Son is Innocent - Chapter 37
Chapter 19.1
But as I watched the performance, and the more I thought about it, the less sense it made. Why apologize now, after four years? If anyone deserves an apology, it’s Emil, not me.
My gaze drifted to the VIP boxes on the second floor. Most of the seats were filled, even though this play was barely growing to be popular.
Rastain sat in the largest box, overlooking the stage with a woman who appeared to be his sister. Just as I turned my head, our eyes met, even from a distance.
‘It’s awkward since he’s not alone.’
Sighing, I looked around for a drink, and Hil requested something warm.
“Do you have any idea why Rastain is looking for me?”
“No clue. Nothing comes to mind.”
He handed me a pair of theater binoculars just as the curtains opened and the play began.
The story was similar to modern-day “Beauty and the Beast.” A prince under a curse and a heroine trying to break it.
I knew it was purely fiction, but the play’s parallels to my own situation made me feel uneasy.
“Here.”
Hil passed me a cup of hot chocolate. Since I always ordered iced chocolate when we met, he must’ve thought to order me something similar.
“Thank you.”
“You know, you’re allowed to take a break now that you’ve graduated. Why not clear your head a bit?”
“It’d only last for a moment. Once March arrives, I’ll be too busy preparing for my debutante ball.”
Even though it was just the end of the year, the most renowned boutiques in the capital were already fully booked.
I was hesitant to attend the ball because of all the preparations required, but since the banquet would be held at the imperial palace and I also received a letter from Valencia saying she would also debut into high society this spring, I decided to participate alongside her.
‘But first, I need to focus on my research with Professor Rostad.’
Perhaps it was because I had a lot on my mind, but throughout the two-hour play, I barely managed to focus a handful of times. By the time the final curtain fell and the cast took their bows during the curtain call, I still couldn’t shake my restless thoughts.
“You didn’t seem too into it. Was it not to your taste?”
“No, it was good.”
“Well, let’s hope dinner will suit you better.”
I enjoyed the story itself. The misunderstandings between the two protagonists caused plenty of unnecessary complications, but it all ended with a happy ending, and the overall plot was well-structured.
As Hil blabbered about which noble family was sponsoring which actor and which household was friendly with the lead performer, someone suddenly interrupted.
“Now that the performance has ended, we can talk now.”
Rastain Lucretius, draped in a fur-lined cloak, grabbed my hand.
“Come with me for a moment.”
“Excuse you.”
Dragging someone off without so much as asking for their consent, what kind of manners are those? I shook off his hand, and Hildred came to my defense.
“Shouldn’t you ask for her partner’s permission first?”
It was as if Rastain only just noticed him, and he apologized flatly.
“I didn’t see you there.”
Regardless of what he wanted to say, his blatantly rude behavior was beginning to irritate me.
“Lord Lucretius, what is it you wish to say?”
“I believe it’s best not to discuss the topic here, especially with unnecessary ears listening in.”
“Then rather than dragging me off without explanation, it would’ve been polite to ask both Hildred Raymon and myself for permission first. I am not at your beck and call.”
“…”
His calm and elegant face now carried a faint trace of displeasure.
“Very well, I’ll admit my mistake. I apologize for my rudeness.”
He properly apologized, albeit reluctantly.
“Thank you for your apology, Lord Lucretius.”
But because of this lingering irritation I felt, I didn’t want to comply and follow him. That would be too easy.
Maybe I needed someone to direct my resentment toward. And maybe, because of his attitude just now, an impulsive question might have slipped from my mouth.
“Why didn’t you apologize during the princess’s birthday celebration?”
If he had, Emil wouldn’t have been hurt so deeply. He wouldn’t have ended up being dragged away by the duke in the first place.
My voice was full of resentment, and it was clear I blamed Rastain. But he remained silent, even as my words turned even more cutting.
“Think. Who else do you owe an apology to?”
Rastain frowned slightly.
“Are you talking about Emil Calixt? I don’t regret what I said back then.”
Even if it had been an empty apology, if he had at least made an effort to reconsider his actions, I wouldn’t have been so angry.
“Emil was dragged back to the Calixt domain because of you, Lord Lucretius. Let’s not sugarcoat it, he’s practically imprisoned there. And yet you feel no remorse?”
“I have no intention of sympathizing with a weakling who does nothing to help himself.”
“Even though you contributed to his misfortune?”
I guess I’ve been harboring more resentment toward Rastain than I’d realized. Anger I didn’t even know existed surged out of me.
“I don’t know what you wanted to say to me, but I have no intention of wasting any more of my time on you, Lord Lucretius.”
With a burst of anger, I grabbed Hildred’s arm and stormed off. If I stayed there, looking at his face any longer would only make my anger explode.
Once we exited the theater, I released Hil from my grip, who had silently followed me out as I dragged him along.
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t focus, and all I did was cause unnecessary trouble.”
“Forget it. This time, he was in the wrong.”
He didn’t criticize my behavior at all. Thankfully, the cold air from the carriage ride helped clear my head and slowly helped calm my somber mood.
Once we arrived at the restaurant we had reserved, Hildred turned to ask me,
“What’s got you in such a desperate situation?”
Any other time, I would’ve played dumb, pretending I didn’t know what he was talking about. But now, I simply felt drained.
I’d been silently stewing in anxiety and frustration over an uncertain future, and seeing Rastain’s complete lack of remorse had pushed me over the edge.
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