183: The Person I Want to Meet
In the afternoon, Avril, after being invited to Emilia’s room, had been introduced to the woman said to be Emilia’s tutor.
The reason was simple—Emilia was under the impression that Avril was going to take the national exam.
Of course, Avril intended to consult with Dylan about taking the national exam first, so as a matter of fact, it wasn’t incorrect, but she hadn’t yet received permission.
In front of Avril, who was bewildered by Emilia’s behavior that was slightly ahead of the truth, appeared a woman she had seen her in a photograph before.
She is…!
Beautiful, silky blonde hair, and gentle violet eyes. She had white, translucent, porcelain-like skin, and lips tinged a pale pink. She appeared just like a young girl.
The woman didn’t look like someone that age. She had such a beautiful, special presence.
Avril ended up staring entranced, while the woman, unaware of what was happening, smiled gently.
“I’m Anastasia, the daughter of Marquis Townsend.”
“Lady Anastasia Townsend…”
That was the name of the mother of the person most important to Avril, someone she’d never forget.
However, she had been informed that this person didn’t recognize Avril, or even Dylan now that he was grown. Avril had heard her name during the tea party with Listeard and Emilia, but never had she imagined she would appear before her.
Without thinking, she repeated the name aloud. Dylan’s mother— Anastasia —smiled sweetly.
“Fufufu. I was married once, so perhaps I’m no longer able to call myself a marquis’ daughter. Did I startle you?”
“Lady Avril, this is Anastasia, she is serving as my tutor. As she is staying in the Kingdom of Claughton for a somewhat extended vacation, she’s been kind enough to come to see me during that time. She knows all sorts of things!”
Emilia excitedly introduced her, likely unaware that Anastasia was Avril’s mother-in-law.
In other words, Lady Emilia believes that Lord Dylan and I have no connection to the Duke of Lancester. Considering the purpose of this trip, this is a fortunate misunderstanding, but it may be an unfortunate situation for Lord Dylan.
Dylan told her that Anastasia could hardly leave her home.
Having recovered enough to travel to a neighboring country like this was something to be happy about. Yet, even though they were now so close, the likelihood she and Dylan would meet was low. The joy of meeting the mother of her beloved was weighed down by the sadness of having to hide both herself and Dylan.
Meanwhile, Anastasia seemed to think that Avril was quiet due to being nervous. She continued to speak about herself.
“You’re from the Kingdom of Branwill too? I’ve been quite sickly, so I’ve been recuperating for the past few years. I can teach you about academics and etiquette, but I don’t know much about more recent happenings. If some of my knowledgeable is outdated, please forgive me.”
Avril hurriedly shook her head and gave a lady’s curtsy at the apology.
“I’m sorry for the late introduction. I am the Villainess Avril.”
Considering how Anastasia had introduced herself, it was unclear how much she currently understood about the present state of the kingdom of Branwill. Regardless, there was no harm in being cautious. With such thoughts in mind, and to leave an impression of who she was now, Avril introduced herself as a “villainess.” This seemed to puzzle Anastasia.
“Oh?”
“Is something wrong, Teacher?”
When Emilia called out to Anastasia, who had tilted her head, Anastasia frowned as if something didn’t sit right with her.
“…I feel like I’ve met you somewhere before… Your name too… I wonder if it’s just my imagination.”
“!”
This isn’t good. Maybe… it’s because of the wedding photo I sent her? She might vaguely recognize me.
During the midst of that, Emilia for some reason suddenly exclaimed, “That’s right!” and pulled open the luxurious velvet curtain.
“It was this! I’ve had this painting on display a few times while speaking with you! Now is the first time I am telling you the name of the person in the portrait, right? She’s Lady Avril Allingham, someone I admire very much!”
“…My, now that you mention it, she does resemble the person in this painting. I see, that’s what it was. Fufufu.”
Anastasia didn’t show any particular reaction even after hearing Avril’s name. Her graceful smile didn’t waver in the slightest. Each and every one of her gestures, which could even be taken as suggestive, held something special about them.
Avril found herself unable to look away. The fact that this woman was Dylan’s mother somehow settled into her heart with an almost startling clarity.
The atmosphere she carried is just like Lord Dylan’s… I never thought I’d meet her in a situation like this.
At the same time, Lawrence’s composed smile came to mind. Could this truly have nothing to do with the request he made of them? Considering how astute His Highness the Crown Prince was, such being the case was impossible.
Perhaps His Highness Lawrence knew that Lady Anastasia was in the Kingdom of Claughton. He might have thought to arrange a meeting while she was convalescing outside her family estate, which she rarely leaves.
As Avril pondered such, Anastasia smiled like a blooming flower.
“Lately, I’ve had more days where I am feeling well. Today, too, I was recalling how I once came to visit this country when I was a young girl.”
“I’ve learned a lot about the Kingdom of Branwill and its manners from Teacher, but this is my first time hearing about your youth. Please, do tell me more.”
That story from her youth most likely referred to a time before her marriage to the former duke.
Anastasia’s expression was bright as she spoke of those days. She didn’t look at all like a woman in need of medical care.
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