Chapter 6

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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 6
Chapter Title: An Unexpected Invitation
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Serapina’s expression turned sour.

“Lari, don’t play games.”

“I really don’t know.”

Honestly, it’s not like I could see through the envelope. How would I know?

In the first place, I never even thought my letter would reach the Duchess.

‘Maybe… she’s protesting, telling me never to send such a rude letter again.’

For a moment, I felt a cold sweat trickle down my spine.

However, judging by the way their faces were contorting, it seemed they had already let their imaginations run wild.

For instance, that the Duchess and I had some sort of secret connection?

“Lari, you really…!”

“What on earth did you spout to the Duchess?!”

Seeing their faces stained with anxiety felt very, very good.

‘Since it’s come to this, should I put on a show, no matter what it says?’

I deliberately opened the letter with a slow, leisurely hand.

All the while, I savored the sight of their eyes glued to the paper.

‘Huh?’

This was not what I had expected.

[To Lady Ansi.

This is Evanjeline.

You made an interesting proposition.

I am intrigued by it. If possible, would you be able to visit the ducal townhouse for a short while today?

I have sent a carriage along with this letter.

I hope to have the pleasure of meeting Lady Ansi at your earliest convenience.

—Duchess Claudius, Evanjeline]

“…Amy.”

I turned stiffly to look at Amy.

Then I lowered my voice and whispered in her ear.

“Did the Duchy perhaps send a carriage?”

“Yes!”

Amy nodded her head emphatically.

‘Aha, so that’s how it is?’

My eyes sparkled.

“Hmm…”

I leisurely folded the letter and slid it back into its envelope, then looked back and forth between Serapina and Gregory.

Then, I smiled as brightly as I possibly could.

“The Duchess has invited me to the ducal townhouse. She said she wants to see me, just the two of us.”

“What?!”

Gregory’s eyes widened in shock.

“That can’t be! I’ve never once been invited by the Duchess!”

Serapina cried out, her voice rising.

“Honestly, Lari, there’s no reason for you to receive a letter from the Duchess, is there?”

Aha, so what she meant was, why would someone like *you* receive the Duchess’s attention over me?

I tilted my head, looking at Serapina, then gave a magnanimous nod.

“I don’t know either. But what can you do? It is what it is.”

I replied nonchalantly and rose from my seat.

“So, with that said, could you two leave now?”

“Wh-what?”

“I have to go and see the Duchess now.”

It was a clear dismissal.

‘Ah, what a thrill.’

And for good reason. Until now, those two had dismissed me countless times.

But I had never dared to do the same!

“I’m visiting the ducal townhouse, after all. I imagine there will be much to prepare.”

“But Lari, you said you were sick!”

Serapina shot me a sharp glare.

I shrugged my shoulders for her to see.

“That may be, but… this is an invitation from Duchess Claudius herself.”

“St-still!”

“Surely, you’re not telling me to ignore the Duchess’s invitation, are you?”

I asked Serapina back without batting an eyelash.

“Serapina, I appreciate your concern for my health… but I don’t think it’s right for you to suggest I commit such a discourtesy to the Duchess.”

“N-no. That’s not what I meant…”

Facing a rarely speechless Serapina, I returned a victor’s smile.

“I’m glad to hear that’s not what you meant.”

“Lari!”

“In that case, would you please leave? I’m busy. I need to wash up and change my clothes.”

But Gregory and Serapina didn’t budge.

I clicked my tongue briefly and turned to Amy.

“Amy, Lord Gusto and Lady Lopes are leaving now. Please see them out politely.”

“Yes, milady. Right away.”

As Amy rolled up her sleeves, the muscles in her arms, toned from household chores, bulged into view.

“L-let go of me. Let go!”

“Aah!”

And so, the two of them were unceremoniously dragged out of the bedroom.

“Have a safe trip back!”

After a cheerful goodbye, I shut the door in their distorted faces.

*Slam!*

After catching my breath for a moment, I clenched my fists.

‘This feels amazing!’

* * *

…A moment ago, I felt as refreshed as if I’d chugged an entire bottle of sparkling water.

‘Wh-what do I do?’

But now, sitting in a luxurious carriage emblazoned with the crest of the Duchy of Claudius…

I was shivering like a baby rabbit before a predator.

‘Am I… am I really going to the Duchy of Claudius?’

The reality of the situation, hitting me all at once, was truly about to crush me.

The Duchy.

A family whose influence was so great, it was said they could pluck birds from the sky.

…And on top of that, the Duchess, the villainess of this world.

She won’t have a nasty personality like in the original story, right?!

‘Wow, am I crazy?’

Unable to overcome my anxiety, I chewed nervously on my lip.

‘I’m going to have a private meeting with Duchess Claudius?!’

It’ll be fine.

Her letter didn’t seem that angry, so… so…!

As I desperately tried to calm my wildly beating heart, I suddenly came to my senses.

The carriage was already passing through the main gates of the ducal townhouse.

“Welcome, Lady Ansi.”

A maid from the ducal household bowed politely to me.

“The Duchess is waiting for you.”

And so.

In the blink of an eye, I found myself in a private meeting with the one and only Duchess in the empire, Duchess Claudius!

“Ah, you must be Lady Ansi.”

In a garden where roses bloomed in profusion.

The Duchess, more beautiful than any rose, stared intently at me.

“Lalitt Ansi, at your service, Duchess Claudius.”

I hastily paid my respects to the Duchess.

With a sullen look, the Duchess pointed to the seat across from her.

“Sit.”

“Ah, yes.”

I sat down reflexively.

I felt the distinct aura of pressure that came from the highest nobility.

“Well, I’m sorry for inviting you so suddenly. Were you surprised?”

“No…”

My voice trailed off without me realizing it.

Honestly, our difference in status was so vast that I thought I couldn’t complain even if the Duchess ignored me.

But strangely… she seemed almost kind?

“Glad to hear it. For tea, would you prefer Darjeeling or Earl Grey?”

“D-Darjeeling.”

Having answered instinctively, I felt as if I had been struck on the head.

I realized that until now, Serapina and Gregory had never once asked about my tastes or preferences.

But for the Duchess, the villainess of the original story of all people, to show me such consideration…

‘Oh no, I think I’m going to get emotional.’

Just as the tip of my nose began to tingle…

The Duchess personally poured tea for me.

The fragrant aroma of the tea gently spread through the air.

In that moment, I snapped out of my daze and tried to stop her.

“F-for Your Grace to personally pour tea for a lowly noble like myself…”

The Duchess shot me a sharp look.

“Are you always this irritating?”

“…Pardon?”

“What’s the big deal about pouring a cup of tea? Why the sudden self-deprecation?”

I flinched, my shoulders tensing.

Right, why did I do that?

If I had to find a reason, it was because Serapina and Gregory always told me:

“You should be grateful I’m still engaged to someone as gloomy as you.”

“Who else would be friends with you if not for me?”

I knew, logically, that their usual treatment of me was rude, and that the Duchess was simply observing common courtesy.

But.

‘This is… a first for me.’

I felt a sudden lump in my throat.