What is happening?

Avril was shocked by the unexpected turns of events, and hurriedly stepped in to stop the former duke.

“F-Former Duke, please think carefully. I’m the Avril Allingham. I’m a villainess who refuses to obey men and is vying to usurp her house. I caused trouble for people, wasted money, and even let the Former Duke’s mistress escape. I don’t think I’m worth buying…!”

“You can read and interpret ledgers, write petitions to His Majesty the King, and write reports. Above all, you can remember and organize all kinds of information. This is but a small price to pay.”

“…!”

Avril gasped at the unexpected reply.

Come to think of it, even though Lord Dylan criticizes the Former Duke’s debauchery, he acknowledged the latter’s abilities…

Then, as if she had made up her mind, Sienna spoke from behind him.

“Lady Avril has a wonderful personality.”

“Si—…Sienna?”

“Not only did she reach out to help when a servant was scolded for no reason, she also pays attention to us and praised us when we least expecting it. She’s an indispensable person for the duke’s family. She’s by no means a villainess.”

Hearing Sienna’s words, the former duke nodded. Avril was in despair.

Sienna…?! I should’ve cleared up the misunderstanding after all…!

As far as that day was concerned, Avril didn’t really know what the “misunderstanding” was.  Nevertheless, she knew she was in a pinch. At this rate, she’d be bought at a high price, allowing the criminal organization to receive a hefty sum of money from the Duke of Lancester!

Afterward, the organization would probably use that money to commit more atrocities. She mustn’t let that happen!

“Uhm, would you mind reconsidering? Okay, how about this. You there, change the price. Increase it further. The customer says I’m too cheap.”

“You… you’re unfazed, I see. A true villainess. You’re right. Maybe we should increase the price a bit more.”

“Y-yes. Let’s add another zero.”

Avril didn’t lose the momentum and had the bad guys rewrote the invoice again. Seeing this, the former duke frowned in genuine confusion.

“Hey… didn’t you like Dylan? Don’t you want to return to him?”

“…Uhm…”

That’s right. I want to see Lord Dylan so badly. Which is why, if I am returned to the ship, he’ll definitely come to my aid!

She answered inwardly, but of course she couldn’t just say it out loud. On another note, did the former duke attempt to buy her to help her?

How strange. Didn’t the former duke dislike me? I’m also under the impression that the former duke doesn’t get along with Lord Dylan… Isn’t this just too good to be true?

The bad guys overseeing the transaction grew suspicious when they saw the meaningful conversation between the two.

“What? Do you happen to know this person?”

“! No, I definitely don’t know him.”

If it became known that she was the member of the Duke of Lancester family, moving forward would become difficult for her. Actually, if she wasn’t careful, she might get killed here.

Just as she was about to hastily deny it, the sound of the warehouse door opening and closing boomed.

A man entered in the last second.

Footsteps echoed. His characteristic reddish-blond hair swayed as he spoke in the cheerful tone of a merchant.

“Hello there, Mr. Brandon Lancester. Thank you coming to make a special deal today. Today’s good is an extraordinary villainess we obtained by chance. I haven’t seen her personally, but the people on-site are very excited because it’s a high-quality item.”

It’s Thomas Edgar…

Thomas hadn’t see her face at the masquerade, but what about at last night’s party? Moreover, Thomas even approached Avril and the others, speaking to them directly. He must’ve remembered her.

I managed to hide last night, but I don’t think I’ll be so lucky this time. Even if my face is slightly smudged with coal, but it’s not so black that it can deceive my features.

Thinking like that made her even more nervous. Thomas stopped right beside Avril. Then, he peered into her face.

“! You are—”

Just as she thought she’d been caught, the door to the warehouse opened once again.

This time, it didn’t close.

Previously, the warehouse had only been illuminated by the light filtering in through gaps in the ceiling and the walls. But now, it overflowed with brightness.

“You must be Thomas Edgar. We’re taking you into custody on suspicion of leading a drug trade and being involved in human trafficking.”

That voice! Thank goodness, we’re saved!

---

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***T/N: NICE TO SEE YOU DYLAN!!!

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