The Baddest Villainess Is Back - Chapter 51
“In the near future, I plan to pass on the skills to capable technicians in our family and expand the workshop to start a business with this.”
“…”
“Roxelyn?”
At the sound of his voice, Roxelyn blinked slowly and lifted her head.
“…Ah.”
Roxelyn managed to utter a sound, her lips twitching.
“Father, if you don’t have anything urgent to do, can you do as I say…?”
“…What do you mean?”
“About choosing the technicians. There might be someone who could leak the technology elsewhere.”
Although they had cut off Lady Carmel, there was always a chance.
If she was persuaded in that other world, she could be persuaded in this one too.
They didn’t know how deep Makruxa’s roots had spread.
“I’ve used quite a bit of the ducal family’s money for research. It’s time to start recouping. The technicians are trustworthy, having dealt with our family for a long time…”
“But still. You never know. The money will be fine.”
If things go as expected, they would soon be exporting from the Nolan mines.
“Please discuss this with Grandfather and remain vigilant.”
“…”
Zerti’s expression became nuanced at Roxelyn’s sudden suggestion.
“Please.”
With one more word from Roxelyn, Zerti’s eyes widened.
“…Ahem, cough!”
He suddenly cleared his throat loudly, then nodded seriously.
“As it’s my daughter’s first request, I have no choice. I’ll hold off as much as possible.”
With an earnest look, Roxelyn hesitated and then suddenly got up and started pushing Zerti towards the door.
“I might be able to bring a ‘flowstone’ technician from Kaluta once things settle down there.”
After pushing Zerti out, Roxelyn escorted him to the door.
“…Roxelyn?”
“Yes, Father. I’m tired and going to rest.”
“…Are you okay?”
Zerti asked quickly, holding the closing door, feeling that his daughter’s behavior was unusually hurried and anxious.
“Yes.”
A brief reply came back, accompanied by a painted smile.
Then, thump, the door closed.
“…”
But Zerti neither moved nor spoke.
He sensed Roxelyn’s presence still near the door.
Those with the abyss had keen senses and could feel other people’s presence even when unseen.
“…Why.”
A small voice came from beyond the door.
Zerti didn’t move until he felt Roxelyn’s presence moving away from the door.
***
Roxelyn, who had left Zerti’s space after that, took a deep breath, clenched and unclenched her fists, and headed to her bed.
Roxelyn did not have any affection for her family.
Not that she resented her parents or family like a typical child might.
No, that’s not exactly right.
In fact, at seventeen, Roxelyn did.
She constantly compared herself to others.
She envied harmonious families.
Always wondering why she couldn’t have that too.
When someone criticized or hurt her, she couldn’t respond, just stood tall and glared, throwing objects.
She took all kindness as pity, finding it offensive. She glared, remained silent, and swallowed it all.
Then, one day, realizing this approach was futile, she started acting out and putting up her defenses.
She thought acting tough would make her truly strong.
Even though she wasn’t okay, she kept muttering she was, wearing herself out, believing she had the hardest life.
Thinking that crying was a sign of weakness, she held back tears until she forgot how to cry.
She pushed herself hard, thinking relying on others was a sign of their weakness, not hers.
Believing that being alone was a mark of adulthood, she chose solitude.
She wandered for a long time, unable to admit her loneliness.
She didn’t appreciate the small joys given to her, never thanking for the kindness shown.
Roxelyn lay on her bed, holding the dagger up high.
She gently traced the neat cursive script on the blade with her fingertips.
If there was one thing she regretted now…
It was that she couldn’t check if her name was engraved on this dagger in her original world.
Now, Roxelyn couldn’t confirm if she was loved back then.
In that world, her father was dead, her grandfather was dead, her uncles were both dead, and Roxelyn herself was dead.
There was a time when Roxelyn didn’t want to live.
She regretted being born numerous times, and felt a thrill when she realized she could die.
