Translator: Nox

The Baddest Villainess Is Back

Chapter 15

“Since it seems hard for us to see each other anyway, I’ll just say what I have to say and go,”

Roselyn said.

In truth, Roselyn was already dealing with a headache from the sheer amount of things she had to organize before leaving the Capital.

She had no intention of wasting energy on a power struggle with her family.

She moistened her dry lips with wine before speaking again.

“When I went to see His Highness the 3rd Prince recently, I also met with His Majesty to discuss the annulment of the engagement.”

Duke Bellion shifted his gaze from glaring at his son to Roselyn.

“I received permission.”

“……Wait. The Emperor permitted that?”

Duke Bellion frowned and asked back.

That sly snake of an Emperor might look soft and generous, but he was a calculating man.

If he had decided to authorize the annulment through a mere conversation with Roselyn, without even consulting him as a Duke, there had to be a significant reason.

There was no way the Emperor would have approved the annulment if there was nothing in it for him.

‘He gave permission?’

Duke Bellion knew the Emperor better than anyone.

Marriage, love, even short bouts of small talk—everything moved under strict profit and calculation.

The Emperor was a man who could crouch and wait for over ten years just for a single hunt.

He was a man who held his breath until everyone let their guard down, then drew his sword and cut their throats in secret.

Either Roselyn had given the Emperor something he wanted, or the Emperor had taken something from Roselyn without her knowing.

“……I doubt he gave it to you for nothing.”

Roselyn nodded readily at Duke Bellion’s murmur.

“He said he would permit it if I handle the negotiations with Kaluta and resolve the unpleasant disappearance cases currently occurring in the city.”

“……What?”

For a moment, everyone seated at the formal dinner, including Duke Bellion, was rendered speechless.

“So, I expect to leave for Kaluta soon.”

Regardless of their reaction, Roselyn continued calmly.

“Marquis Gerren will be accompanying me to help solve the disappearance cases while serving as an escort.”

“…….”

“And as for the matter of the dresses…….”

She trailed off and picked up her water glass instead of the empty wine glass to moisten her throat.

“I happened to run into Marquis Gerren when I went to the Imperial Palace to see His Highness the 3rd Prince. And the Marquis had done something wrong to me at a banquet in the past.”

Duke Bellion frowned at the smooth flow of her explanation.

He had never heard that there was any point of contact between Marquis Gerren and Roselyn.

“Coincidentally, my wardrobe was empty, so I thought it was a good opportunity. I told Marquis Gerren to give me clothes instead of an apology.”

“Huh? Niece-nim, what do you mean your wardrobe was empty?”

“It was Lady Carmel’s doing. She either took all the good things or tore them up.”

Carmel used to harass her, noticing that she hated bringing useless talk to her father.

The desire not to cause more worry to a father who already disliked her.

The younger Roselyn would have endured it with sheer spite and stubbornness.

As if that were some remarkably grand defense mechanism.

Pretending the opponent’s attack didn't hurt doesn't actually make it a defense.

‘That’s why me speaking out so openly this time must have been a shock.’

She must have thought I would never say anything.

But Roselyn had lived until twenty-seven.

The twenty-seven-year-old Roselyn was mean and cowardly enough to use even a person’s life if it was something she could exploit.

“……That woman dared……! She laid hands on what?!”

“It’s my fault for not saying anything, so there’s no need to be angry.”

Roselyn waved her hand dismissively.

Aegis, who had been getting angry on Roselyn’s behalf, faltered.

‘Why is she talking about her own story like it’s someone else’s…….’

Her voice and her gaze were dry and utterly indifferent.

It was as if all these matters were merely a nuisance.

“Anyway, it’s been resolved well.”

Since she had gained several high-quality dresses, that is.

“……Resolved well?”

Cherti’s trembling gaze landed on Roselyn.

He struggled to suppress the emotions threatening to burst out.

Because if he grew enraged, not only this table but his daughter could be in danger.

“What do you mean, resolved well…….”

Cherti pushed down the rising emotion.

“Of course, it might not be to your liking, Father. But this is my best.”

“It would have been better if you had told me.”

Stay calm.

Cherti thought.

“It’s fine, I was able to solve it on my own.”

Yes, this wasn't the child’s fault.

‘I was the one who pushed her away from the start.’

So, naturally, he shouldn't be angry.

“Still, I don’t think this is the kind of thing I should be hearing like this.”

“…….”

Roselyn let out a small sigh.

Cherti’s heart plummeted at the nuance of extreme bother in that expression.

“I’ll consult you in advance from now on.”

Roselyn took a step back.

It felt as though she retreated not for his sake, but to avoid creating any more trouble.

Because of that, Cherti suddenly felt the distance between him and his daughter grow vast.

“Ah, and while we’re on the subject……”

Roselyn said with a faint smile in her casual voice.

“Marquis Gerren mentioned he owns a villa in the Capital. Since I’ll be collaborating with him quite a bit for a while, I’m thinking of staying there.”

“…….”

No, it wasn't just vast.

Cherti slowly closed and opened his eyes at the chilling sensation brushing down his spine.

It felt surreal.

“Later, when I return from Kaluta and the engagement is annulled, I plan to move out and head to the Del Kingdom.”

It was like…….

“That is all I wanted to say. Is there anything you don't understand or anything I should be careful of?”

It was like a declaration that they were no longer walking the same path.

No.

I hate this.

Why?

Have you come to hate me too?

No, I pushed you away first. This is only natural.

It was strange for anyone to like me in the first place.

It’s natural for that child to hate me.

I wanted her to hate me.

Me.

Because I took her mother away from her.

Because I, and no one else, killed your mother.

Such gloomy thoughts filled Cherti’s head.

Simultaneously, a purple mist began to slowly spread around Cherti.

Crash—!

Food spilled from the table as it began to melt, and those who were nearby had long since scrambled back.

Through his blurred vision, he saw the servants fleeing into the corners in a panic.

‘I need to calm down.’

Cherti thought as he slowly blinked.

‘Why am I even alive?’

His red eyes wavered.

He was born after killing his mother.

He killed the woman he loved for the first time.

The only thing left to him was Roselyn, and now even she had decided to leave him.

People were muttering something all around him, but he couldn't hear them properly.

The fierce voices of his father and Aegis drifted in and out of focus.

Cherti let out a hollow laugh.

He knew how miserable a life spent growing up without a mother's affection was.

He knew how much it could pierce a person's soul.

‘And yet I took that chance away from you.’

It was natural for the child to resent him.

He wanted her to resent him.

He didn't want her to come close.

‘What if I…… kill you too?’

His body trembled slightly at the mere imagination.

He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

The purple smoke flowed like his breath.

Roselyn was looking at him.

“……Don’t.”

Cherti stumbled backward.

“Don’t look……”

Roselyn was watching Cherti, still holding the wine glass she had grabbed before the table melted away.

“Don’t come.”

Roselyn gazed at him steadily.

Meeting her slightly dilated pupils, Cherti clenched his fists.

He didn't want to show her.

He didn't want to show her.

He didn't want to show her this pathetic side of himself.

This demonic form that couldn't even control its own ability and had killed its own mother.

‘……No, perhaps this is better.’

Then she would hate him even more now.

Of course, she would never come close again, but she would be safe.

So, it would be better to step back here…….

The viscous purple liquid dripping from his hands melted the floor.

With a sizzle, the rising smoke killed everything around it.

The flowers that had been in full bloom turned blackish and vanished without a trace.

Even the stubborn weeds turned pitch black and melted away, leaving nothing alive in his vicinity.

It was then.

Roselyn, who had been staring at Cherti, moved.

She pulled something from her pocket and strode toward Cherti.