The Villainess' Son is Innocent - Chapter 8
Chapter 4.2
‘She heard it, his remark about whether he’s my friend or not.’
Anyway, I’m good at being two-faced. Playing the role of a gracious host seeing off a guest, I eased a hint of regret into my tone.
“I heard that Marquis Raymon has been busy lately.”
Hildred did not fail to counter with a beaming smile.
“I have more literature to analyze. I wanted to hang around more, but it seems I have to go.”
Then, he got down on one knee, took my hand, and kissed it.
“Happy birthday.”
Hildred offered a formal congratulations, then rose. Before passing Emil, he lightly touched his shoulder.
“Invite me again next time. I’d like to build a friendship with Lord Calixt as well.”
He approached first, and it seems he decided to ignore Valencia’s existence altogether. Bastard.
After I reacted with a silent smile, Emil, who had been observing quietly, turned to Hildred.
Come to think of it… Hil doesn’t know much about Emil yet, does he?
“You?”
Emil coldly countered.
“…With me?”
Emil had a tendency to be defensive and straightforward.
“You don’t like me.”
Hildred’s smile faltered at his blunt rejection. I took Emil’s hand, pulling him closer to me.
“Sorry, but Lord Calixt will be too busy playing with me.”
I won’t let you isolate this child as you wish. His already anxious emotional state might worsen.
“It looks like I won’t have enough time to spend with you, then.”
I feared that if this explosive situation escalated, it could lead to the death of my family and I once again.
* * *
The birthday celebration ended quite well, which means it was a success.
“Send me a letter, Vee.”
“I-I’ll definitely send one!”
Agreeing to comfortably call each other by name before parting was worth the effort. After Valencia left, I looked out the window. Soon, Count Butte’s carriage slowly faded away.
“…She’s gone.”
Emil, who was beside me, murmured. Unlike his composed expression, there was a tone of regret.
Now, only the two of us remained. Seizing the opportunity, I hinted,
“Are you not going to wish me a happy birthday, Emil?”
Soon after deciding to speak comfortably, Emil seemed to glitch, as if he’d malfunctioned.
“But, before…”
“Huh? You never did. Are you not going to?”
“I—”
“I’m happy with the gifts, but still, I wanted to hear a congratulations…”
“I’m not good at those…”
“There’s no such thing as being good or bad at it. It’s all in your sincerity.”
When I hinted that I would be really disappointed if he didn’t do it, Emil’s ears turned red.
“H-happy… birthday.”
Finally, I smiled and thanked him.
“Thanks! Can I come visit you at the duke’s mansion next time?”
It was then.
“If that is what you wish.”
Surprised, I turned around.
“I’ll allow you to come at least once.”
The chandelier’s light shimmered softly on his snow-white silver hair. The lenses of the glasses he wore reflected the light just the same.
A man with a sharp and elegant appearance. It was Duke Calixt.
* * *
When Duke Calixt arrived, Emil noticeably went rigid.
“Miss Lancaster, do you like my boy?”
The duke asked. I found myself at a loss for words, staring at the duke’s unexpected smile. However, I quickly replied.
“Yes. Lord Calixt is handsome!”
Even though I’ve already faced Duke Calixt once, I still didn’t have a good grasp of him. So, instead of showing unwarranted caution, I played the role of an innocent child.
“This is the first time I’ve seen someone as handsome as my daddy.”
“You think so?”
“Yes, and he’s good at studying too… Can we go to the library together sometime?”
I smoothly shifted my attention to Emil, showing an interest in him rather than Duke Calixt. If I just looked like a girl debating about where to go with a boy she wanted to be friends with, it would look like I have a casual interest in him without any ulterior motive.
As I thought, Duke Calixt found my focus on Emil intriguing, as I wasn’t paying much attention to his questions.
“There’s also a nice place for a picnic. Just outside of the capital, there’s a lakeside…”
“Miss Lancaster.”
The duke called me again, and I apologized for getting too ahead of myself.
“I’m sorry, Your Grace.”
Instead of blaming me, he gently patted my head.
“It’s about time we call it a day.”
“Okay!”
“I hope to see you again soon.”
As the duke mentioned it was time to depart, Emil’s expression clouded.
“Thank you for inviting me. I’ll make sure to visit.”
“I’ll be looking forward to it.”
As the duke turned away, Emil followed with heavy steps. I walked outside to see them off.
“See you later, Emil.”
“…Yeah.”
As I waved, Emil hesitated, then awkwardly tried to imitate the gesture.
The two of them soon boarded the carriage. After confirming they had left through the main gate, I turned and went back inside.
‘Does the duke know about Emil’s madness?’
Duke Calixt.
Even in the novel, he was an enigmatic figure, but there was limited information about him.
In the story, he served as a strategic fiancé to Roveline Castone, and the extent of his presence was escorting her or getting slapped by her. And as their marriage progressed towards its conclusion, he showed great joy when Roveline gave birth to their son, Emil.
‘Looking back, he was so happy, yet Emil was left neglected after Roveline’s execution. Something doesn’t add up.’
Was it the shame of having a criminal wife?
Or some other reason?
I continued to climb the stairs, lost in these thoughts. Mom and Dad appeared at the top of the stairwell, and just in case they might sense my worry, I put on a cheerful smile.
“Did you have fun?”
“Very much. Thank you for the birthday party.”
But unlike the words exchanged with my parents, my mind was on high alert.
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