164: The Villainess and Those Around Her
After a smooth journey by boat and train, Avril and the others arrived at the Kingdom of Claughton.
The stone houses lining the main street as they entered the royal capital gave off a sense of history. The royal capital of the Kingdom of Branwill had many urban, functional buildings, but here, the ancient streetscape seemed to have been preserved.
While a shaky carriage was carried them to the royal castle, Avril looked out the window.
“The royal capital of Claughton, Lisson, is a beautiful city surrounded by nature, just as I’d heard…!”
Beyond the town, the mountain range that lined the royal capital could be seen. The rocky tops of the steep mountains were visible. Even though it was spring, they were still covered in snow. According to the books, they never melted regardless of the season.
The whole view was much more majestic than she had imagined, leaving her overcome by awe.
Furthermore, at the foot of that vast mountain range were lakes and grasslands. Many animals thrived there, making it a popular tourist destination. Apparently, it was also a popular villa location for the nobility.
“…This is a place where many people come to be healed by nature. No wonder stepmother and Corinna came here for vacation!”
“…If it were a normal family, Avril might’ve been included, too.”
“?”
Avril turned her gaze to Dylan at hearing his hesitant yet warm voice.
“It may be selfish, but I’m glad you weren’t there. Seeing you get surprised and excited at new sights is my privilege.”
“Me, too. I’m happy to think that every world I see in my life is the same as Lord Dylan.”
“Indeed. We shall witness the worlds ahead of us together.”
Dylan smiled and kissed Avril’s bangs.
Wow…
His casual gesture made her heart beat faster, but this time, they were there for a special mission. She couldn’t just relax. Somehow, she managed to refocus herself.
“The underground resources that Prince Lawrence wants are probably in those mountains. I think it’s inevitable that His Majesty of the Kingdom of Claughton isn’t proactive about developing them.”
Realizing that, the difficulty of their mission dawned on her. Dylan, who was smiling wryly at Avril’s sudden change of heart, took out a thick stack of documents he had received from Lawrence.
“Avril is probably our trump card for finding that clue… I don’t think you’ll need it since you have a good memory, but could you help me in going over these documents and our operation?”
“Yes! First of all, Lord Dylan will be visiting as the representative of the delegation, Marquis Dylan Sherard. If you introduce yourself as a Lancester, there’s a possibility that your connection to the Villainess Avril will be uncovered upon being investigated.”
“Yes, Marquis Sherard is the title I held before I became an adult, and it’s one I still hold now. It’s not a lie, so there’s no issue in using it.”
In the Kingdom of Branwill, high-ranking nobles often inherit their titles from childhood. So, even if they ask him about it, everything will be fine.
According to Lawrence’s preliminary investigation, the Villainess Avril was known to some as a mysterious figure.
In truth, it was just Corinna going out at night under Avril’s name. Since she lied regarding every aspect about herself, finding Avril Allingham was difficult, helping her become a legendary figure.
On the other hand, Dylan Lancester was unlucky because the previous duke was known to be a playboy. Therefore, if Dylan gave his real family name, he might end up being traced to the Villainess Avril, so this was the setting they decided on.
“If they were to learn about our mission and then discover the wife of the representative, Dylan, was the infamous villain, this whole plan would be ruined.”
“I don’t really want to think about that…”
Dylan sighed, making her tense up, but he didn’t falter and continued with the review.
“Chris, who came from my house, will be the evil Avril’s escort. Grace, likewise, shall be acting as your maid.”
“Their role is to get burned by me? I can’t wait.”
Avril smiled confidently, thinking she looked cool in Work Mode. However, Dylan’s eyes wandered slightly, for some reason. Before she could tilt her head, he went on.
“Lawrence told me to leave everything to Avril, but you can just ignore that. If you have any concerns, please consult with me about anything. That’s why I’m here.”
“Understood! I’ll consult with you if I’m worried.”
“…”
This time, Dylan didn’t reply. On the contrary, he looked at her with doubt.
I understand. You’re worried that I’ll do something reckless if my left to my own discretion. I’m sure of it…
She could only regret her behavior at the territory and on the Victoria. Avril spoke firmly to reassure Dylan.
“I’ll merely be visiting as the Villainess Avril, mistress of Prince Lawrence Geeson of the Kingdom of Branwill. I’m set to be villainess who can even manipulate the shred prince. I’m accompanying this delegation to request that the Kingdom of Claughton be more accommodating and accepting of our citizens who are on vacation.”
“I thought it was terrible when I read the documents, but when said out loud, it’s really devastating.”
“Hehe. I’m a villainess who forced her way into accompanying the delegation for the sake of having a pleasant vacation!”
“Yes… but there’s no need to force yourself.”
“I’ve memorized the setting well. All I have to do now was behave accordingly.”
“…”
Even though she answered with great enthusiasm, Dylan seemed worried.
However, this time, the setting was Alexandra’s idea. Avril was happy to play the villainess—of course, not that she would admit it out loud.
To explain the setting in detail, Villainess Avril was an entity that tore apart the relationship between the crown prince and his fiancée. The core of this set up revolves around Lawrence who frequently invites Avril to his private chamber, emphasizing her role as a meddling and scandalous woman.
Avril has taste for gold and silver, loves ledgers, and demands expensive jewels as gifts, all of which she appraises with her keen eye for aesthetics.
Sure, the setting sounded a bit bizarre, but Alexandra said, “Mixing some truths with the lies make it seem more realistic.” Incidentally, Avril didn’t really know which were lies and which were truths.
Moreover, in the setting, Lawrence once gave too much to Avril and was scolded by the king. Of course, it was a lie, but when Lawrence heard this setting, he laughed with satisfaction and was in a good mood.
Avril thought that couple were truly worthy of leading the country. Above all, she became a wonderful villain in the story!
“But why is Villainess Avril—that is, your sister, Corinna Allingham—famous in the Kingdom of Claughton? Do you have any idea?”
“…I remember that a few years ago, my stepmother and Corinna went on a vacation to the Kingdom of Claughton together. I wasn’t told any details, so I don’t know, but maybe something happened there.”
“I see. They got carried away while traveling. I understand.”
Dylan stared off into the distance, perhaps recalling his own father who’d pick up attractive young ladies on his travels and keep them.
“Corinna created a legend of some sort during her night out in the Kingdom of Claughton, and His Highness Lawrence has determined that this could serve as a catalyst for opening a hole in the currently stalemated diplomatic situation.”
“Apparently, Lawrence had contact with the new King of Claughton when he was young. He has a good eye for people. Surely, he assured you that your life won’t be in danger, but please don’t push yourself too hard. If something does happen, we’ll come up with something and escape before they catch wind about the truth.”
“Yes, I understand.”
Dylan smiled, but the worry on his expression remained.
For now, Avril was full of enthusiasm.
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