103: The Villainess Delights in Tea Time
Several days had passed, but Teresa was yet to be found. Avril, who was having afternoon tea in the saloon of the main residence, looked at her nearly empty cup with a sigh.
“So, Lady Teresa is still missing.”
“Indeed, but Prince Lawrence has dispatched more personnel. You don’t need to worry, Avril.”
Dylan must had been worried as well, yet he still reassured her. Perhaps she shouldn’t pursue the matter anymore.
Avril smiled and decided to change the topic.
“Today’s tea was prepared by Grace and Chris. They asked us to take some time to relax.”
“…I see. Is that why it’s so luxurious?”
In front of Avril and Dylan was a full assemble of sweets. A large strawberry tart the two would never be able to finish rested in the center.
Other desserts included a mousse cake with striking berry color, cutely decorated puddings, and cream-filled cupcakes. As a finishing touch, colorful macarons and other baked goods had been placed about. A sweet scent emanated in the air.
Under normal circumstances, such a gorgeous table set would only be reserved for when they were receiving a guest, even in the Duke of Lancester’s household in the royal capital.
As if in response to Dylan’s murmur, Chris, who was waiting in the corner of the room, smiled.
“Your stay here will probably be a little longer. If so, why not take a break once in a while? Lord Dylan and Lady Avril have been busy ever since they arrived.”
“Chris, Grace, thank you so much.”
When Avril politely thanked them, Chris and Grace laughed.
Yesterday, a large number of investigators arrived in the Myrtle Town following Lawrence’s orders. Now that the country had started moving, Avril and the others could return to the royal capital.
However, they were currently striving to demolish the separate building. Until that happen, Dylan probably wouldn’t leave the territory.
All of the mistresses living in that annex are very nice people… The fact that the Duke of Lancester has a special palace where mistresses are kept is a scanda. Also, regarding the issue of the demolition, I’ve no doubt this same issue will reappear as the former duke ages, so I guess we should deal with it now.
To begin with, polygamy wasn’t recognized in their country. Although many aristocrats had concubines, rarely did they do so openly and without the slightest bit of guilt.
I guess that’s why the former duke lacks a sense of ethics…
When they met the other day, the duke berated her for not being ladylike and cute. Upon hearing those words, Avril’s impression of the former duke sank.
She thought of Dylan’s troubles, and just as she began to feel sad, there was a knock on the salon door.
“Who could that be? Today, in order for Lord Dylan and Lady Avril to relax, other servants were prohibited from entering the salon.”
Curiously, Chris opened the door only to discover the least expected person standing there.
“Avril Allingham, you did well on doing away with my precious love.”
“…”
The former duke was giving her a nasty look.
In an instant, the words of Jesenia and the servants of the annex flashed across her mind. They advised Avril not to cross the duke’s path.
I feel like I’m a bit, no, I’m feeling extremely self-conscious, but… The information provided by our employees is often correct. In other words, I’m an evil woman hated by the former duke…!
From appearances alone, she felt like he utterly despised her already. Still, it was better to be wary.
So, she had to play the role of a villainess perfectly today.
Dylan was about to stand up, but Avril firmly stopped him with one hand. Slowly, she stood up.
“Me? What did I do to Lady Teresa?”
“How dare you! You were the one who ensnared Teresa in your disgusting trap, instigated her to jump out of the window, and made her flee!”
Except, if anything, Lady Teresa was the one who tried to set me up…!
While that did occur to her, Avril didn’t rebuke his statement. A villainess wouldn’t make excuses during such a moment. Fully aware that Dylan was desperately looking for Teresa, she didn’t want to drag that conversation in front of him any longer.
So, she decided to talk about a topic that the former duke might dislike. Over the past few days, Avril had been carefully reviewing the accounting records of the territory, and began to question how the former duke was spending money in the annex.
“How about you? Can you honestly say that you allow Lady Teresa to live a comfortable life?”
“What…!? Are you saying that it’s my fault that she ran away!? You absolute devil!”
“”
“”
“”
Avril cleared her throat, turned to the former duke, and spoke again.
“—The Grand Master regularly bestows gifts upon all his mistresses.”
***T/N: Avril the Bad Girl™ can never take a break, huh?
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