112: What was Once a Shackle
Ever since Lord Dylan visited the territory, he hasn’t only been fulfilling his duties as the lord, but also fulfilling requests from Prince Lawrence. Until recently, he has his hands full with Lady Teresa.
I can’t believe this man! What is he saying when Lord Dylan is already so encumbered?
Originally, all of it had been caused by the former duke.
If he had served his country as a duke and treated the people of his territory kindly instead of constantly playing around, Dylan wouldn’t have had to shoulder such a heavy responsibility at such a young age. Perhaps, his family wouldn’t have even fallen apart.
To make matters worse, the former duke’s annex, where his mistresses were being sheltered, was now suspected of being a base of operations for drug trafficking in the Duchy of Lancester.
Additionally, after listening to Lord Dylan’s story, the former duke apparently chose to be lazy that despite being a capable ruler …And yet, on a whim, he’s now deciding to pretend that he was never replaced…
I can’t forgive him for the commotion he’s caused, nor for tearing a rift across the Duke of Lancester family, and even less for exposing this house and the people that Lord Dylan cherishes to such strife!
Avril glared at the former duke and stepped forward to defend Grace and Sienna.
What came to her mind was the villainess from the mystery novel she’d been reading recently. And Alexandra. Unfortunately, Corinna couldn’t serve as a role model in that situation.
“First of all, they are my people.”
“W-what are you…?”
When she purposefully emphasized ‘mine’, the former duke’s eyes widened surprise. Avril, who stood in front of him, bowed and smiled.
At this moment, she thought of herself as a bad girl. Avril wasn’t accustomed to arguing with anyone, but she felt like she could do anything for the sake of protecting the honor of Dylan, Grace, and the others.
“Hehe, you do know that I’m a bad girl, right? Do you have any idea what it was I was thinking when I decided to marry Lord Dylan?”
“I… I’ve heard a lot of things. Are you trying to take over this house? But your actions don’t make any sense. W-what in the world are you planning?”
Avril pouted at the former duke who was eyeing her skeptically.
“I just want this house? This family has vast a territory, riches, fame, and everything else. Not to mention, the head of the family himself, Lord Dylan, is head over heels for me. With this much money, I can get anything I want. And don’t get me started on the family’s status. I can do whatever I want without fearing any repercussions… Oh, no. I’m beginning to sound just like the former duke!”
Avril gasped, covering her mouth, and the former duke was taken aback.
“You, you have to be joking right now…”
“No, I’m very serious. Therefore, I’ll do anything to take control of this house. I’ll also spare no effort in ensuring that this house continues to live up to my dreams. So, I need these two. I’d be troubled if they were fired without permission.”
“You are a newcomer to this family! Know your place!”
“Even if I’m a newcomer, unlike you, I at least put in the effort to remember everything about this house.”
“…What do you mean? Say that again.”
The former duke seemed a bit unnerved by Avril who wasn’t intimidated in the slightest. She was so confident that it was almost unnatural.
Her attitude definitely support what she was planning to do next.
“Okay, let’s talk about it.”
Avril spoke as if she’d been waiting for that very moment.
“Sienna Neil. Born 27 years ago as the third daughter of a merchant family in Myrtle Town. She graduated from primary school as the second best performer. However, in order to help her family, she didn’t attend secondary school. She was only fifteen when she found employment with the Duke of Lancester family. Back then, she was a kitchen maid who assisted with cooking, but her abilities were gradually recognized. She was promoted to housemaid and has been working at the main residence ever since. She also oversaw the cleaning of Lord Dylan’s room. Her specialty is sewing. As a former kitchen maid, the tea she brews is said to be exceptionally delicious within the mansion. The people of Myrtle Town also have a lot of trust in her. …Isn’t that so?”
Avril glanced at Sienna and saw how confused she was.
The same went for the former duke.
“What?” He muttered under his breath. His eyes had widened and his face was twitching as he looked at her.
That should be good enough.
Avril had the special skill of being able to memorize anything at once.
Her ability was said to be ‘revolting’ back in the Count of Allingham family, causing her to be estranged from them.
However, she never thought the day would come when she’d be able take advantage of it to try and silence someone.
It’s thanks to Lord Dylan and everyone in this house that I’m able to think like this.
“Grace Fisher. She is a 20-year-old maid who was employed at the townhouse in the capital five years ago. She’s my favorite.”
“!?”
Grace seemed startled, but Avril decided to pay no heed to her and continued.
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