Chapter 18
What did that jerk just say? Hosakwin Dukedom? Whoa. I never expected to hear about Evangeline's maternal family here. It wasn't detailed in the diary, and I had no one to ask since even Kanna and Hena didn't know.
But look at this punk talking. I thought he was just hitting on them, but he's gossiping behind my back to build rapport.
Trash-talking me and putting down Kanna and Hena too. One stone, two birds. Noble rhetoric is scary.
‘Where the hell is Gabriel?’
I was wondering if I'd have to keep listening to this crap when Gabriel finally appeared in the distance. Gabriel, sortie now! Save Kanna! I cheered him on mentally, but he didn't budge. He was just observing Kanna. What the hell is this guy doing? Why isn't he stepping in?
No way he's ignoring her because he's into me instead of Kanna, right? Even if he's only sweet to his girl, as a knight, he should have some sense of justice.
With no sign of Gabriel intervening, Kanna hung her head like she was hurt, and Hena fidgeted beside her.
I couldn't stand watching anymore and stood up. Even if I've possessed her and turned this into a villainess possession story, treating the original heroine like this is too much!
"Let's go."
My voice sank low with irritation. Maybe it showed, because Jelly, who had been watching my mood, quickly opened the carriage door.
The door suddenly opening startled the coachman standing nearby tending the horses—he plopped down in surprise.
"...Wh-why is Lady here?"
Yeah. An empty carriage suddenly spitting out Evangeline would freak anyone out. I took a werewolf taxi! I'll explain later since it's urgent.
Jelly got out first and escorted me down. With nobles around, he was probably mindful of prying eyes. No matter how I look at it, this guy's more like an all-purpose butler than a reverse harem member.
After stepping down holding Jelly's hand, I opened my parasol. Jelly had good taste—it was quite pretty.
Plus, whether Jelly was handsome or not, eyes were already focusing on us. Evangeline was pretty enough to live up to her villainess reputation too.
As the surroundings quieted, Kanna and Hena turned around.
"...Lady."
"Miss!"
Hena sighed in relief like she'd seen her savior, and Kanna, who had been downcast, beamed at me like a flower blooming. I strode over and stood in front of the two.
"...R-Rohanson Lady?"
Yeah. The very Lady Rohanson you were just gossiping about! He stuttered, never dreaming the subject would appear.
"Y-You were here too? But why get out so late...."
In romance-fantasy terms: If you'd shown your face earlier from the carriage, I'd have known and not gossiped.
"I was resting in the carriage because I'm frail. And you are...?"
"Ah. Pardon me. I'm Anullen Benzen of the Benzen Marquisate."
Damn. Thought he was just a mob, but a marquis's son? What now! Evangeline's just a count's daughter—lower status! Why isn't the villainess a duke's daughter?! Ah, that's why the dukedom's her maternal family.
"So what were you discussing with my girls?"
Screw it, go all in. Thought the grandfather-granddaughter route was too late since they seemed estranged, but looks like I need it. Despite the disownment, I'll have to build ties going forward.
***
"I was just offering to guide you two since you seemed new here."
"Aha...."
Look at this guy backpedaling. I heard everything, and here you are brazenly lying!
"I thought you were mocking House Rohanson and the Hosakwin Dukedom together."
He dragged in the dukedom since count's status fell short. Anullen paled realizing I'd overheard it all. Anyone can gossip, but getting caught? Blame your luck.
"Am I dressed too shabbily for the temple too?"
I'd come out in a plain dress from the dressing room corner—no frills, no new purchases. The garden crowd was flashy, making me and my girls stand out plainly.
I'd dressed modestly to shed the villainess image, but his words made it seem like the count's family was poor—infuriating. I have money too!
"Answer me."
Anullen Benzen trembled, not expecting direct confrontation. Think I'll let you off acting scared? I'm escaping villainess but not becoming a pushover. No backing down till he answers.
As I stared him down silently, Gabriel finally approached from afar.
"Of course not. The Grand Temple always welcomes you, Lady."
"Sir Gabriel!"
"Young Lord Benzen."
Anullen called out gladly.
He watched without saving Kanna, but shows up now that I'm here? I even sent a letter entrusting the girls to him!
"I didn't expect you to come along."
I didn't plan to either, but glad I did. Gabriel's totally male lead disqualified. Though he was from the moment he fell for the villainess over the heroine!
"Ah... Are you two acquainted?"
"Yes. I invited Lady Rohanson to let me guide her. Due to my tardiness, Young Lord Benzen stepped in. Thank you."
"No, no. An honor to assist a knight."
Anullen bowed and slinked away without missing a beat. I won't forget this grudge. Vowing revenge, I glared at his retreating back when Gabriel drew my attention.
"Did you come to see the painting, Lady?"
Gabriel remained polite. If I hadn't seen him silent while the heroine suffered, I'd think he was a truly upright character.
"No. I worried sending the two alone, and was curious about the Grand Temple too. As you know, I've received much help due to my poor health."
On second thought, it's not Gabriel's fault. He didn't set his own character. He's just a gruff knight who's warm only to his girl. Right, he has no say in it.
I over-immersed. Thinking that calmed me.
Ultimately, blame me for stealing the route. Not Gabriel crushing on the villainess and ignoring the original heroine.
"While you view the painting, may I pray?"
So let's settle it. I'm at the temple—might as well pray. Could get a possession bonus chat with god.
***
The Rohanson carriage door opened. Hena stared in shock as Evangeline appeared from what should have been empty. Escorted by the monster called 'Jelly,' Evangeline Rohanson set foot on the ground.
With her white parasol, snow-white hair, and pure chemise dress, Evangeline Rohanson was entirely white.
Sunlight scattered over Evangeline's head. Despite the blazing sun, it felt like sudden night. All senses faded, leaving only Evangeline Rohanson in sharp clarity.
"Miss!"
Kanna called Evangeline happily.
Drawing all eyes, Evangeline strode to stand before Hena and Kanna. As she approached, the mocking gazes vanished. Instead, people held their breath to avoid her notice.
Hena didn't know why the Lady, who refused to come, had appeared so opportunely, but bowed gratefully.
If she'd arrived just a bit later, Anullen might have... Hena shook her head. No way her sister would do anything.
Kanna, raised indoors, was ignorant of noble etiquette—just rude. What power did she have to harm a man? No way.
***
"I'm Uriel, Lady."
"Uriel will guide you to the prayer room."
The Lady chose prayer over sightseeing. It felt oddly sacrilegious, yet like a masterpiece painting.
The Lady parted with Uriel, the knight Gabriel assigned.
"I'll guide you two."
Gabriel guided Hena and Kanna too.
The Grand Temple was lavish. Against its splendor, Gabriel in his white uniform looked especially delicate and ornate. Or perhaps his presence, overshadowed by the Lady before, now shone.
Hena clenched and unclenched her fists tensely at Gabriel's back.
In the garden, as everyone laughed, Gabriel watched Kanna. He'd noticed her oddity too. That's why he offered to guide them, not the Lady.
The Lady mentioned her past illness for prayer—during the roleplay, no rough actions.
"How's the progress?"
"I've done my utmost, but regrettably no advances. Rather, rumors are spreading...."
"Then those people came for the painting too?"
"Yes. Most of them."
Following Gabriel, they entered the Grand Temple.
