The Villainess Lives Twice: Butterfly's Dream (IF Story) - Chapter 100

Milaira wiped her tears, but new ones kept slipping down, and she found herself staring blankly up at the sky. 

She couldn’t quite understand why she felt this way. Was she happy, sad, or angry? Even she didn’t know. She’d accepted ten years ago that Artizea was no longer just her daughter but someone who belonged to Grand Duchy Evron. So what was there to regret?

Still, there was a sense of relief, even happiness. If her daughter was to marry, it was best that she be cherished and wed with respect. It was a good thing. 

That foolish girl could never survive on her own. She needed someone by her side. Better this than having her bring home some useless troublemaker. This was by far the best outcome.

All those people had witnessed it. With the Crown Princess and other Grand Dukes as witnesses, the title of Grand Duchess Evron would always remain hers, no matter what happened in the future.

So why did she feel so hollow inside?

“That little brat, acting all grown up now.” 

Milaira muttered gruffly. She felt angry and sad. She refused to examine her other feelings too closely, fearing she’d feel even more wretched.

No, she was already wretched. Whether it was because her daughter, who seemed not to care about her own mother, was now gone, or because her own hand was bare and without a ring, she couldn’t say.

It felt as if there was a gaping emptiness inside her. When she tried to wipe her tears away with her palm, having ruined the handkerchief, Ansgar quietly offered her a second one.

His preparedness was oddly annoying to her and almost unbearable.

“You’re such an old man, even for a butler.” 

She wanted to curse at him, annoyed that he was always trying to act like the wise adult. But her throat hurt too much, so she let it go. Ansgar, whether he knew or not, just smiled gently and said,

“She’ll be happy.”

“…”

“That’s how it is with parents, isn’t it? When your children grow up, they’re bound to leave the nest. Even if you’re anxious and dissatisfied with all their choices.”

“Hmph, who says I’m worried? She stopped needing a mother ten years ago. Are you trying to act like you raised her or something, right in front of me?”

“I just mean that we all end up alone once we’ve finished raising them.”

Ansgar spoke softly, as if to reassure her, as if none of this was her fault.

“Try to be happy. You struggled to bring her into this world, and now she’s grown and ready to live her own life. Soon enough, there’ll be children again. When that time comes, you’ll be able to simply think they’re beautiful.”

Milaira snorted again, but didn’t reply. She stared off into the distance, dazed. Ansgar’s words were true. When Artizea had children, those children would be truly blessed. She herself would become the grandmother of those children.

Thinking about that, she felt her mood lift a little.

***

In the early hours before dawn, Artizea left the ballroom, arm in arm with Cedric excitedly. 

There were still some people dancing and drinking, but the party was winding down. The remaining guests would either continue celebrating on their own or move on to another gathering.

Normally, she would have seen Eloise and the others off, but tonight she just wasn’t in the mood. Instead, Artizea walked as if she was floating on clouds.

“Aren’t you tired?”

“I am, but it’s not the bad kind.”

“You drank a little too much.”

“It was just three glasses of champagne!”

“Your face is all red, you’re staggering, and your words are starting to slur.”

“Hoo…”

Artizea grumbled, not realizing she was such a lightweight. It was a bit disappointing.

“But at least I have more stamina now, right?”

“That’s true. How many dances did you do tonight?”

“Um… a lot.”

She tried to count on her fingers, then gave up and simply grinned, snuggling up to Cedric and toying with the ring now on her left hand.

She hadn’t expected him to have prepared something like this. If only he’d said something, it would’ve saved her so much heartache.

Before she knew it, they were standing in front of her room. Though she was tired and the party was over, she regretted that their night was ending so soon.

When Cedric knocked, Marie and Sophie poked their heads out.

“You’re back, Miss!”

“Did you have fun at the party?”

“Yes.”

Artizea answered, but she still clung to Cedric’s hand with a slightly sulky look. She tried to pull him inside, but he stood his ground, completely unmoved.

“Not tonight, Tia.”

“But we’re engaged now!”

“You’re not a child anymore. It’s much too late.”

Cedric smiled as he spoke, pulling a small black velvet pouch from his pocket.

Artizea looked at him curiously as he drew out a double-stranded diamond bracelet and gently took her hand.

“This is your birthday present.”

“Oh, it’s beautiful…”

She was sure she’d received flashier and more expensive jewels, especially the sapphire necklace from the Empress. 

But this bracelet was special. It wasn’t an extravagant piece to be worn only on rare occasions, but something she could wear every day. And Cedric was the one fastening it onto her wrist himself.

The size was perfect. Cedric spun her wrist lightly and smiled.

“I knew it would suit you.”

With a burst of courage, Artizea stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his neck. Cedric’s eyes widened in surprise.

She closed her eyes tightly and pressed her lips to his. The thought that Marie and Sophie might see never even crossed her mind. Perhaps the champagne had made her bold.

Cedric’s arms encircled her waist, hugging her. It wasn’t even their first kiss, but Artizea found herself too overwhelmed to notice any taste.

Lip to lip and the mingling breaths between them. This wasn’t their first time embracing each other, but Artizea couldn’t understand why it felt so different when they were children. 

She wondered desperately if Cedric was feeling the same way.

Her skin grew hot, her breath quickened. She wanted more, just a little more…. Unable to help herself, Artizea parted her lips. Cedric’s tongue softly tapped her upper lip twice, then retreated.

Disappointed, Artizea opened her eyes. She clung to him tightly.

“Won’t you come in for a while?”

“….”

Cedric gazed down at her, slightly flustered. To reassure him she didn’t misunderstand, Artizea squeezed his waist and tried to pull him closer.

Just a little longer. She hated the thought of ending things here. Wasn’t it okay, just this once? She was old enough to marry, and they’d become engaged tonight.

Tap. But before anything more could happen, Cedric gently pressed his finger to her forehead.

“You’re still too young.”

“I’m not.”

“Not until we’re married. Don’t make me out to be a scoundrel.”

When would that be, anyway? But then she remembered his whole ‘three days, a week, three months’ logic, and shut her mouth.

Three months. She could wait that long. But she couldn’t hide her disappointment completely.

Cedric gave her a quick kiss on her pouting lips, gently loosened her arms from around his waist, and nudged her toward her room.

“Now, go wash up and get some good rest. Take care of her, Marie.”

“Of course, don’t worry.”

Marie beamed and pulled Artizea inside. Sophie, blushing furiously, followed them in with a happy squeal.

Cedric sighed and touched his lips. Every day, it seemed, the temptation only grew stronger.