The Baddest Villainess Is Back - Chapter 29
“Since it seems we rarely see each other, I’ll just say what I need to and leave,” Roxelyn stated.
In truth, she had much to sort out before leaving the capital, and it’s causing her such a headache.
She had no intention of engaging in any fights within the family.
She moistened her dry lips with wine before speaking.
“I recently met with His Highness the Third Prince, and I also had an audience with His Majesty to discuss the dissolution of my engagement.”
Duke Bellion shifted his gaze from his son to Roxelyn.
“I’ve received His Majesty’s permission.”
“…Wait. Are you saying that the Emperor agreed to it?”
The Duke frowned skeptically.
That snake-like Emperor, despite appearing lenient and carefree, was a thoroughly calculating man.
If he had decided to grant the engagement dissolution after a mere conversation with Roxelyn, without consulting him, the Duke, there must have been a significant reason.
The Emperor wouldn’t approve the dissolution without benefit.
‘He granted permission, she says?’
Duke Bellion knew the Emperor better than anyone.
Marriage, love, even casual conversations were thoroughly calculated for profit.
The Emperor was like a predator, lying in wait for years for a single hunt. He would silently bide his time, and when everyone let their guard down, he would unsheathe his sword and strike, unnoticed.
Either Roxelyn had given the Emperor something he wanted, or the Emperor had taken something from her without her knowing.
It had to be one or the other.
“…It doesn’t seem like he would just grant it without a reason.”
At Duke Bellion’s murmur, Roxelyn simply nodded.
“He said he would permit it if I resolved the negotiation with Kaluta and the current unsavory disappearance cases in the Empire.”
“…What?”
A moment of stunned silence fell upon everyone at the dinner table.
“So, I might be leaving for Kaluta soon.”
Roxelyn continued indifferently.
“Marquis Gerun will join as an escort and to help resolve the disappearance cases.”
Silence followed her words.
“And about the dresses…”
Her voice trailed off as she swapped her empty wine glass for a water glass, taking a sip.
“I met Marquis Gerun by chance when I visited the palace to see the Third Prince. Previously, at a banquet, Marquis Gerun had wronged me.”
Duke Bellion’s expression turned grim. He had never heard of any connection between Gerun and Roxelyn.
“Just so happened my wardrobe was empty, so I thought it was a good opportunity to have Marquis Gerun compensate by providing some dresses.”
“Whaaat? Dear niece, your wardrobe was empty? What do you mean?”
“It was Lady Carmel’s doing. She either took everything good or tore up what’s left.”
Carmel had always tormented Roxelyn, fully knowing that she didn’t want to bother her father with unnecessary concerns.
She didn’t want to add to her father’s worries, given that he hated her already.
The young Roxelyn had stubbornly persisted, thinking it a great defensive tactic—pretending not to be affected by the other’s attacks doesn’t make it a defense.
‘So speaking openly about it this time must have been a shock.’
They would have thought she would never speak of it.
But Roxelyn had lived until she was twenty seven years of age.
The twenty-seven-year-old Roxelyn did not shy away from using underhanded and cowardly methods, going as far as to even use human lives as long as it served her purpose.
“…That woman dared…! What did she touch?!”
“There’s no need to be angry. It’s my fault for not speaking up.”
Aegis, who was getting angry on behalf of Roxelyn, paused abruptly.
‘She talks about her own issues as if they’re someone else’s…’
Her voice and gaze were dry and indifferent.
As if all these matters were just a nuisance to her.
“Anyway, it’s all been resolved now.”
Quality dresses had been acquired, after all.
“…Resolved?”
Zerti’s flickering gaze met Roxelyn’s.
He suppressed the emotions threatening to burst forth. Expressing his anger would endanger not only this dinner table but also his daughter.
“What’s resolved…”
Zerti suppressed his rising emotions, knowing the consequences of his anger.
