186: A Library and Being Confused (2)
After that, Avril ended up wandering around the library with Anastasia for a while.
Of course, she had to maintain her act as a villainess, and also, she couldn’t let the fact that she was Dylan’s wife be revealed. As such, she wanted to leave as quickly as possible.
However, no matter how many times Avril politely tried to decline, she was stopped with, “At least until the person accompanying me comes,” and ended up continuing the conversation.
Grace also tried to help Avril to take her leave several times, but when she saw the disappointment on Anastasia’s expression, she just couldn’t bring herself to firmly refuse.
Except, if it weren’t for these circumstances, I’d have wanted to pursue many more topics with Lady Anastasia. Hearing her express that she doesn’t understand Lord Dylan is so enjoyable, I can’t believe it.
However, Anastasia must’ve seen a recent photo of Avril.
The memory of having sent Anastasia the wedding photo she took with Dylan in Myrtle Town was still fresh. It was after seeing that photo that Anastasia had gifted Avril her tiara.
Even though we’re meeting like this, the fact that she hasn’t mentioned Lord Dylan’s wedding must mean that she’s still recovering from her fatigue…
Avril was both relieved that her duties as a villainess weren’t being hindered, and disappointed as she thought of Dylan who was worrying about his mother.
That was when, she happened to glance outside the window.
A strong wind blew in through a window that just happened to be open, and the white lace curtain fluttered up. Avril closed her eyes for a moment against the dazzling sunlight and wind.
The wind was stronger than she’d expected. The curtain spread out in waves, rising to eye level, and Anastasia froze, as if caught off guard.
“Lady Anastasia.”
“…”
There was no reply.
Just a few seconds ago, Anastasia had been explaining the geography of the Kingdom of Claughton and of the Kingdom of Branwill, but now her words had completely stopped.
“Lady Anastasia, are you alright?”
When Avril called out to her again, Anastasia seemed to regain her senses. Her eyes darted slightly before she lowered her gaze and muttered softly.
“…I wonder why. I just remembered a certain tiara.”
Anastasia’s tone was completely different from moments ago. Her voice was faint and trembling. When Avril looked at her again, Anastasia’s face was deathly pale.
The calm and cheerful atmosphere the older woman exuded from a moment ago seemed like a lie. Avril, in panic, knelt and looked into her face.
“Lady Anastasia, let’s rest a bit on the sofa over there. I’ll stay by your side until your escort comes, so please be at ease.”
She may have tired. We have been talking the whole time.
Without meaning to, Avril must have pushed Anastasia too hard. Avril had heard that Anastasia’s mental state was so delicate that she had, within herself, stopped the growth of her most beloved son.
At any rate, just as Avril took Anastasia’s hand and tried to guide her to the sofa at the end of the corridor, Anastasia came to a complete stop.
Though her complexion was poor, her eyes were clearly lit, as if she had something she wanted to say. Avril’s eyes went wide.
“Lady Anastasia?”
“I gave that tiara… to someone…”
“A tiara…”
Avril gasped, understanding what she meant.
However, Anastasia didn’t stop.
“Yes, to the beloved of my dear son. I saw a photograph just once. I saw it, but my father hid it, saying I’d be confused if I were suddenly exposed to too much information all at once…”
“!”
She’s referring… to me…
Suddenly, Anastasia seemed to recall the wedding photo of Avril and Dylan.
The fluttering curtains might have triggered a flashback to the wedding photo, which was then connected to a now-grown Dylan.
Anastasia had murmured like someone in a daze, but she quickly denied her own words.
“No… that can’t be. He can’t have a beloved. He’s still a child… No, that child… Where’s Dylan?”
Avril’s heart beat faster as Anastasia casually mentioned her son’s name. She knew that their relationship could not be revealed there.
If Anastasia were to understand everything in that moment, Avril would have to explain this complicated situation. However, they were on a very important mission—one where failure wouldn’t be tolerated.
And yet, Avril felt like she wanted Anastasia to know.
That Dylan had grown into an adult long before others his age.
That he had hated his father for hurting his mother, had removed him from the stage of pubic life, used him as a negative example, and that he had become the most capable and kind duke ever. She wanted Anastasia to know this.
But she also understood this wasn’t the right time.
This is just my own selfish wish…
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