Chapter 17
Indeed, as described, the Grand Temple was exceedingly ornate. It probably rivaled the Imperial Palace. Even Hena let out a small gasp of admiration, but Kanna's words were dry. A child her age would normally marvel at such beauty, yet she even seemed to harbor faint hostility.
Hena assumed it was because Lady Rohanson disliked the temple, and the influence had rubbed off on her sister. Otherwise, what reason would Kanna have to feel antagonistic toward the temple?
Whether due to the coachman's deferential bow or disembarking from the splendidly adorned Count Rohanson carriage, people's gazes converged on them. The temple's main patrons were nobles, so the outer gardens were impeccably landscaped, drawing many for leisurely strolls.
"That carriage crest. Which family's is that?"
"What crest? That crow?"
"No, it's a phoenix. House Rohanson, the count's family."
"Does House Rohanson have any children? First time seeing this."
"That sickly daughter they have."
"Ah, right. So which of the two is she?"
"Who knows. Maybe the frailer-looking one?"
"Oh my. I heard she died, so it must've been rumors."
"Or maybe she revived like her family seal."
"What a joke. Haha."
Their leisurely chatter carried mockery. Is this why Lady Rohanson avoided coming? Hena knew the real reason was elsewhere, yet even she felt a twinge momentarily.
Did those fools realize their jesting mockery brushed perilously close to the truth?
Indeed, had Lady Rohanson been there, they wouldn't have uttered a word. Transcending status, Evangeline Rohanson exuded overwhelming authority. Before her, anyone would revert to mere humanity.
"Excuse me. Miss. Are you Lady Rohanson?"
From the group appraising them like merchandise, one particularly bold man approached. His gaze fixed on Kanna. With Hena beside her—face scarred from burns, hands rough—he seemed to mistake Kanna for the Lady.
"You must've misunderstood because we rode in the carriage. I'm the young miss's maid."
"Ah, I see?"
The moment he learned Kanna wasn't the Lady, the man's demeanor flipped. His gentlemanly air vanished instantly, revealing his arrogant, condescending nature.
Had Kanna been hurt by the sudden shift? Hena subtly checked her sister. Fortunately, Kanna remained unfazed, still smiling.
"Well, for Lady Rohanson, the outfit's too shabby anyway."
Hena flinched. Should've stopped at the dress shop as Kanna suggested. As a maid, she didn't mind, but hearing Kanna insulted stung.
Moreover, it tarnished Lady Rohanson's name. The Lady cared little for such things, so Hena should've been more mindful.
"Your young miss is too much."
"Too much, you say?"
"Sending you to the temple like this—couldn't she at least lend you decent clothes for public eyes? House Rohanson must be loaded. Oh, you probably wouldn't know."
"Know what?"
As Kanna asked, the man covered his mouth like sharing a grand secret. But his voice didn't lower—mere performative gesture.
"That young miss's maternal family is the Hosakwin Dukedom. Yet no support from them, it seems? Can't even afford clothes for her maids."
The man guffawed as if delivering the century's wit. His loud voice drew sidelong glances; others hid smirks behind fans.
Only Hena couldn't laugh. No—two couldn't.
Hena feared her sister's face more than the man's or nobles' sneers, unable to muster a smile.
Kanna's smile had frozen when Lady Rohanson was mentioned; now her expression vanished entirely. Even Hena, who cared for her so long, didn't recognize it. Or had she seen it once? When? Over Donau's suicide-pierced corpse?
Hena suddenly grew afraid. Would her sister kill the man? Absurd, yet she worried sincerely.
Fortunately, the man's and crowd's laughter died swiftly.
"…Lady."
No one could laugh frivolously before Evangeline Rohanson.
***
I wonder when Hena and Kanna will return…. It's been ages since they left, yet no word. My parents must've felt this waiting for late me. Suddenly homesick, tears prick.
Are they well, Mom? Mom, your daughter's a romance-fantasy villainess….
"When will they return?"
"They probably haven't reached the Grand Temple yet."
Clock showed barely time passed. So many events in between—I thought five hours gone.
Without Hena and Kanna, I went downstairs for lunch in the dining hall. First time in ages; all panicked. Chef nicked himself from nerves as I entered; serving maids trembled, dropped plates.
Apologizing on shattered glass, bleeding from hands and legs, yet eyed me. What villainess draws blood? Sent them off fine, told butler use Holy Water for treatment.
Count skips meals too, so I ate alone amid silence—no breathing even. Vast hall echoed only my utensils and smacks—mortifying.
Miss Kanna and Hena….
Befriending them won't dispel Evangeline's infamy. Past misdeeds don't vanish with new occupant. They think amnesia.
Without casually treating Kanna, emptiness hits hard. Worry too. Should've gone along? No courage for corpse painting, but could've waited upfront.
No helping it.
"Jelly. Let's go to Kanna."
I have isekai beastkin uber, no—shaman. Teleport in!
Feels like overprotective parent tailing kids' errands.
Changed first, grabbed cash. Rummaged dressing room for modest white dress. Evangeline's usual flashy—not my taste, few options.
For villainess escape, need modest style—buy some. Never left house, overlooked.
"Aren't you favoring that human too much?"
As I bustled, Jelly grumbled. Yet brushed my hair, picked parasol. Jelly's tsundere. Stoic knight, tsundere wolf beastkin—no overlap; next probably gentle noble smiling warmly.
"Overprotective, that."
No, Jelly. You don't get it!
Dark romance-fantasy—heroine kidnapped early, near-death. Heroines wrecked by carriage flips, assassins!
Post-kidnapping, kept Kanna close—no idea I'd worry so. My separation anxiety….
Our cat's independent though. Pudding out walking—left note. Good it's beastkin. Young, can't speak—reads writing? Jelly nodded. Apparently.
"Shall we go now?"
Jelly offered hand.
Physical contact for teleport—universal. Placed mine; Jelly cast, teleported.
Blink—inside carriage. No dizziness. Jelly skilled mage. With looks, definitely key romance-fantasy figure—must be capable.
"Teleported to carriage unseen. Satisfied?"
"Yes. Good job."
Rohanson carriage. Girls already out. Window showed Grand Temple.
Entered? Spotted familiar silhouettes in garden. Onlookers whispering, man talking to them. Temple-bound, snagged.
Well-dressed noble? Not the gentle one? Relieved at sleazy arrogance—not lead. Flirty extra then.
Meant intervene, paused. Classic: creep hits on heroine, male lead saves. Stole Gabriel's debut last time—hesitated.
Wait. Gabriel event at temple.
Listen to creep's drivel while waiting.
"…Outfit's too shabby."
That bastard?
Kanna and Hena wore casuals—not uniforms. Neat, pretty—shabby? Worse followed.
"Your young miss too much. To temple, couldn't lend clothes?"
Hena said carriage avoids hassle—backfired. Evangeline aggro.
Stings honestly. Excuse: ignored my clothes too. My fault, but irks from extra18-level punk.
"That young miss's maternal family Hosakwin Dukedom. No support? Can't afford maids' clothes."
