CH 46

Alexandra, who was speaking to Dylan, suddenly recalled Avril and made a gorgeous smile.

“…Speaking of Lady Avril’s family, I’ve been considering hiring your stepsister as my maid for some time now.”

“!?!”

Avril’s jaw dropped. Was Alexandra the type to make such jokes? No, it couldn’t be…

Moreover, she was aware that Avril was married off as a wicked lady because of her stepsister. It went without saying that for Avril, who wanted to be a villainess, that was a big problem.

…No way, Corinna can’t be a maid, it’s just impossible for her! Above all, there is no way she’d take kindly to it—!

In the first place, how did that even come to be?

While Avril contemplated her next course of action, Alexandra went on.

“The Count of Allingham household must be facing some sort of financial crisis. As such, I told them if your sister came to work for me, I’d give them a grace period to repay the debt. However, the appointed day came yet she never appeared in the royal capital.”

“W-well, that’s, that’s because my little sister is a bit…”

She tried to gloss over it, but Corinna was certainly not sheltered by any means.

Unbeknownst to her parents, Corinna would put on skimpy dresses, go to masquerade balls, and invite unknown gentlemen to her room. If there was something she didn’t like, Corinna would quickly shift the blame to Avril.

Yes, Corinna isn’t sheltered, definitely.

“I see, so your sister is sheltered.”

“Eh, y-yes… (The lack of money and my parents’ supervision are probably the reason.) She’s sheltered.”

“What was that unnatural silence just now?”

“…A-anyway, she’s sheltered. As such, it’ll probably take some time before she can acclimate to serving Lady Alexandra…”

Alexandra, who chuckled and seemed somewhat amused, already knew that Corinna was the real villainess. The conversation itself was nothing more than a farce for Dylan. However, Avril didn’t know that.

The family of Count of Allingham, which was originally in a tight financial position, fell into dire straits after Corinna messed with Alexandra’s former fiancée.

…It honestly wouldn’t be a bad idea for Corinna to serve as a maid to postpone the debt’s repayment!

By the way, the only reason why Avril cared so much about the Count of Allingham’s estate was because those who took care of her also lived there. She didn’t care if anything happened to her stepfamily.

…Last time, Lord Dylan said that he’d hire my former servants. I should affirm that before my house collapses…

As she pondered that, Dylan sounded somewhat perplexed.

“Lady Alexandra, I already told you the other day, I want you to be patient regarding that, as well.”

“Oh, why is that? When it comes to this, shouldn’t you be upfront?”

“I understand what you’re trying to say, but I want to wait until Avril is out of danger.”

Ever since the gigolo she didn’t remember calling came to visit the other day, Dylan seemed to be worried about Avril.

In other words, is Corinna somehow involved in that, as well? Was Lord Dylan aware of it…?

She was just assuming, and reluctant to confirm the truth. After all, depending on her choice of words, her ineptness at playing around would be revealed instantly.

‘Silence is gold. The mouth is the source of disaster (口は災いの元).’

At Avril, who recalled the expression of a distant country, Alexandra smiled as she sipped her tea.

“In the first place, this is happening because she’s still your fiancée! Why don’t you get married right away? I’m sure Lady Avril will become an excellent wife for the Duke of Lancester—both in name and reality!”

“…I’m a villainess, though?”

“Oh, right, sorry. That’s correct, you’re an excellent villainess… Anyway—”

In front of Dylan, Alexandra stood up and clarified that Avril was indeed a villain.

“Invite me to the wedding anytime? I’d like to hire a new maid, so I’m truly looking forward to seeing you as the Duchess of Lancester. Alright, time for me to go.”

“…”

“? I understand.”

Dylan didn’t answer, so Avril answered instead.

Unfortunately for Alexandra, the day where she’d become such a duchess would never come. Nevertheless, the wedding ceremony itself was a crucial part of the contract.

As a villainess, I have to fulfill my obligations!

As Dylan sighed beside her, Avril tightly clenched her fist.

***T/N: Dylan needs to lay a whole ass groundwork to get through this dense lady.