I Did a Good Job For the Villain's Early Education - Chapter 49.2
Chapter 49.2
“Hehe, we’re practically family. Call me Tia, like when we were younger.” Noltie plastered on a friendly smile as she whispered, “You must have had such a hard time looking after the children.”
“Not at all. Your sister’s children are my children, too.”
‘What kind of twisted family tree logic is that?’ The siblings exchanged glances.
‘What’s wrong with her?’
‘I don’t know. She’s lost it.’
Oblivious to his children’s shared sentiment, Dane remained polite. “It’s not an easy task. I’m always grateful.”
“Really? I’m glad you think so.”
“Of course. You stepped up to care for Vel and Sana. I’m sorry I haven’t done enough for you.”
“Oh, I haven’t done anything.”
‘Don’t lie. Does she think money grows on trees?’ Avel scoffed and looked away. ‘If Noltie had actually, even with ulterior motives, been a decent caregiver, I wouldn’t dislike her this much.’ Listing her wrongdoings would take a thousand days.
“You’re up early today.”
“Oh my! Sana, dear. The sun is already high; of course, you should be awake.”
“Right. Of course.” But all Noltie had done as their guardian was… throw parties with her friends, suffer from hangovers, and max out their budget on clothes and jewelry. Such spending wouldn’t be noticeable in a wealthy family, but the Delaphions weren’t wealthy, nor were they lax with their finances.
Avel’s dark eyes landed on her younger brother, who had been managing the household accounts since he was ten.
“Father, by the way, I have something to tell you about the budget…”
“Sana! Let’s let your father rest and eat first.”
“…Sister.”
“Hmm? It’s my birthday.” Sananeth frowned silently at his sister. ‘Not now.’ If Sananeth explained the accounts, Avel pleaded their case, and the servants testified, Noltie would be kicked out today. But it wouldn’t be that easy.
Avel wouldn’t let her leave after living a life of luxury without any hardship. She would make sure Noltie experienced every possible trial before being thrown out. Avel sent a fervent signal to her brother and changed the subject. “Dad, you should go upstairs and freshen up. I’ve cleared everything.”
“Alright, thank you all.”
“And Noltie, would you excuse us?”
“Wh-what?”
“Suit yourself.”
Avel’s dark eyes flicked towards the front door. Tada-dada-dadadack! Hurried footsteps approached. Tada-dadack!
“Woof!” The door swung open, and a giant ball of fluff pounced on Avel.
Pant, pant, pant!
The fluffy mass, as big as Avel herself, pinned her down, licking her face.
“What is this… a dog?”
“It’s your birthday present.” Beyond the open door, messy blond hair swayed dramatically. Behind it, the Count’s servants moved with practiced efficiency.
“A present? This?”
“Everything from here to there. What’s so surprising?”
“What’s with this lavish treatment? You’re not usually like this.” Avel and Cardel’s relationship was strictly practical. Cardel’s eyes might light up when it came to sparring, but they weren’t close enough for extravagant birthday celebrations. Cardel, for once, fully embraced her noble lady persona and gestured to the servants. The mountain of gifts shifted like a giant pudding.
“It’s your first time inviting me to your birthday party. This is basic courtesy.”
‘Talking like some rich male lead who only has money…’ Avel swallowed the urge to ask for cash instead. “That aside… where did you get the idea to give a living creature as a present?”
“It’s the latest trend in high society.”
The large white dog, with its sleek fur and innocent eyes, stared up at Avel. Avel stroked its fur firmly. “Send it back. Keep it in your mansion.”
“Why? This is an incredibly rare dog! Even the royal family can’t get one! Isn’t that right, First Prince?”
“I don’t recall that.”
“When did you get here?”
“I’ve been here the whole time. We came in together.”
‘A villain buried under birthday presents… I must have raised him well, right?’
