The next day, rather than Clarissa—the new maid—a man arrived at the mansion.

His hair was silver like Dylan’s, but his eyes were a deeper shade of blue. Furthermore, the man was shorter than Dylan and was pot-bellied.

…As he looked more like Avril’s father than Dylan, she couldn’t see him as a total stranger.

According to her prior knowledge, he should be 40 years her senior. But judging from his appearance alone, it was as if he was only slightly older than her.

Franklin Lancester, Lord Dylan’s father, also known as the ‘Lecherous Old Pervert.’

The former Duke of Lancester—Dylan’s father—laughed at Avril a she was introduced by Dylan as his fiancée.

“Avril Allingham, is it? You’re that infamous villainess.”

“Indeed. That is me.”

She was obviously being made fun of, but correcting him was too troublesome, so Avril affirmed with a smile.

Dylan tried to interrupt by saying. “There seems to have been a massive misunderstanding.” But the former duke scoffed, “It doesn’t make that much of a difference.”

“She doesn’t look too bad. If she’d been more ladylike and cuter, I’d have taken a liking to her.”

“That’s unnecessary. Besides, I only intended to introduce her to you. During her stay in the Duchy of Lancester, we’ll be spending our time in the main residence. Please keep out of our way.”

“Hmph. You’re still green. Don’t act so haughty just because I’ve given you the title of head family.”

“I wasn’t given the title by you. I received it from His Highness Lawrence. I despise you for choosing the path of debauchery rather than upholding your noble title.”

Oh, dear…

Just by listening to their brief exchange, she could already tell that the two didn’t get along well with each other. The several maids and butlers waiting in the drawing room—including the carefree Chris—seemed uncomfortable.

Amidst the tense atmosphere, Avril meekly tilted her head.

I’ve heard of the nature of their relationship before. By the way, didn’t the maids in the annex say that the former duke has a penchant for proper noble ladies? In that case, I need to maintain my villainess act to make things easier…!

Resolving herself, Avril slowly stood up. The former duke frowned in displeasure while Dylan quizzically stared at her—but she didn’t care.

Avril, who had transformed into a villainess, spoke with contempt.

“And what do you mean by that? …By cute, do you mean something like this?”

There was a tea set right in front of her. When Corinna was annoyed, she’d throw the cup (saucer included) at the person. As for Alexandra, even though she wasn’t a villainess, she had crushed an apple with her bare hand.

This will be perfect as a prop.

With that in mind, Avril reached for the teacup. The maids, who were still under the impression that she was a villainess, began to eye her warily.

At that exact moment, Avril paused and took a double take at the tea cup.

…This is—! I thought it was just an ordinary white teacup, but it’s a first-class item from a long-established brand—!

I was aware that the tableware and cutlery used in the Duke of Lancester’s house is pricey, but this one is especially so—!

“Meissen’s cup…”

Breaking it would completely be a waste—!

As soon as she said that, Dylan approached her. He quickly took the cup from Avril’s hand and said something unexpected.

“…I see, there are some stains inside.”

“? No, as you’d expect from a duke’s family, it’s been polished to perfection?”

“It’s also cracked?”

“???”

Dylan was trying to make it seem like there was something wrong with the cup. However, there was no way the extraordinary servants of the Duke of Lancester’s household would commit such a mistake.

But then, she realized something…

…Is Lord Dylan trying to support my play at being a villainess, perhaps?

When she glanced at him, she saw that Dylan was also giving her a look. From that look, she could gather that he was giving her permission to throw the cup. But she couldn’t. Avril couldn’t possibly smash such a high-class cup.

What should I do? I can’t throw such a wonderful cup, and above all, that’d be dangerous. But as a villainess, I have to do it—!

Apparently sensing Avril’s dilemma, Dylan flung the cup himself after a slight pause.

“You’ve just insulted my fiancée with your words and attitude.”

—Gasshan!

The thrown cup split in two against the table, and the tiny shards could be seen flying towards the former duke.

Huh!? This is bad!

As expected, the shards were dangerous. Avril reflexively moved and pushed the former duke, making him fall off his chair.

…Although it was different from what she originally planned, she had succeeded in making the former duke grovel at her feet?

Thus, the villainous scene was completed.

“Ouch… Hey, what do you think you’re doing?”

I’m sorry!? But I’m glad he’s okay?

Avril took advantage of the situation and said to the former duke, who’d fallen on the floor, utterly perplexed.

“I’m infamous—both in the country town and in the capital. Don’t get in the way of my fun. I’ll do whatever I want here.”

“O-okay…?”

“Lord Dylan, let’s go.”

Now, the former duke will no longer meddle in our business.

As she was about to leave the drawing room with Dylan, who gave his father a cold glare, the maids and the butlers quickly made way for them.

She casually made her way out—

“—His fiancée is wild, b-but, Lord Dylan, who’d always been a good boy since he was a child…”

Someone’s murmur reached her ears.

---

***T/N: Bwahwahwhahwuahwa, stay in the evil path, kids!!!

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