The Villainess Lives Twice: Butterfly's Dream (IF Story) - Chapter 61

“I wish Lord Lawrence would apologize to Lady Tia.”  

Lysia discussed this issue with Alphonse, the knight she was closest to. She felt that if she told Cedric, he would likely just tell her not to worry about it, and she didn’t want to let Artizea know that she was concerned.  

Alphonse tilted his head after listening to Lysia.  

“I think that might be difficult. I don’t know much about Lord Lawrence, but didn’t you mention before that his temperament is… quite sharp?”  

Alphonse phrased it carefully. Not wanting to tell Lysia that her judgment was wrong, he added,  

“Also, there are brothers who would never apologize to their younger sisters. I’m sure the Young Lord knows more about him than you do, and if he thinks it’s better not to meet, he must have a reason.”  

“That’s true…”  

Lysia tapped her toes on the stone floor, thinking deeply. Alphonse glanced down at her. Her serious expression made her look even more focused.  

Alphonse couldn’t help but smile secretly. 

While he didn’t know much about Lawrence’s character, he was well aware of his looks. Girls in their social circle, as well as women around Alphonse’s age, were all in a frenzy over him. Even the servants and knights would loiter in the lobby or tea room on days Lawrence visited.  

For a thirteen-year-old girl, a seventeen-year-old boy was the perfect object of admiration. And on top of that, he was the older brother of her best friend.  

It wasn’t surprising that Lysia showed interest. He decided to be a friendly and helpful adviser.  

“Why don’t you try writing him a letter?”  

“What should I say? I can’t just tell him to apologize to Lady Tia out of the blue.”  

“Start with, ‘Let’s meet,’ and go from there.”  

“Hmm.”  

Lysia fell deeper into thought at Alphonse’s suggestion. He was right, but she felt uncomfortable being the one to initiate the contact. It felt like she was conceding…  

“Is it because you think he won’t agree to meet?”  

“No, no. I think he will meet me…”  

“Then go ahead and do it.”  

Lysia looked at Alphonse with a pitiful expression. He smiled and reassured her,  

“I’ll go with you, so no one will know.”  

It seemed like Lysia wanted to meet without Artizea finding out. As a thirteen-year-old, she couldn’t go out alone, so Alphonse was happy to offer his help.  

Lysia’s face lit up.  

“Really?”  

“Yes, I’ll go with you, even if it’s on a holiday. Don’t worry, just write the letter first.”  

Alphonse thought it wouldn’t be bad for Lysia to make some memories before she likely returned to Evron soon.

* * *

Lysia really sent a letter to Lawrence. Her little heart kept thumping, worrying he would mock her for it. She wondered what she would do if she didn’t get a response, but that didn’t happen. As she nervously waited, Ansgar handed her the letter with a puzzled look on his face.

“Is something wrong?”

“Ah, no. It’s nothing. But, butler… I have a request.”

“Yes?”

“Could you please keep this letter…a secret from Lady Tia?”

Thinking about the sender, Ansgar nodded. From Artizea’s perspective, even knowing that Lysia and Lawrence had exchanged letters could be hurtful.

Of course, Lysia planned to tell Cedric about it. She had been instructed to do so in case something like this came up. But since she didn’t know that, she felt relieved and took the letter to her room to read it in secret.

There was nothing special inside. It was neatly written, saying that Lawrence had no intention of visiting Grand Duke Evron’s residence but invited her to come visit Marquis Rosan’s residence instead.

Lysia decided to go.

‘I’ll probably meet Marchioness Rosan, won’t I?’

She had seen Milaira from a distance but never spoke to her directly. From what Artizea had said, Milaira seemed to be the most beautiful and harsh queen in the world. She knew the beautiful part from looking at Artizea, and she could imagine what harshness meant when thinking about Lawrence.

But she didn’t think Milaira would be cruel like a witch to a guest. Since Alphonse would be going with her, it would be fine.

‘If I meet Marchioness Rosan, I’ll ask her to clear up any misunderstandings.’

She wanted to let her know how much Artizea missed her mother. Based on Lawrence’s words, it seemed like Milaira also thought Artizea had abandoned her family.

She knew it might not work out, but she decided to try her best.

She picked the most modest and beautiful outfit she had and set out for the visit.

“Where are you going?”

As she stepped outside, she ran into Alice, who blinked at her and asked. Lysia felt guilty about lying, but she still didn’t tell the truth.

“I’m going out with Sir Alphonse.”

“Oh, you’re going out with Sir Alphonse? Not going to learn archery?”

“I, I heard about a delicious bakery, and he promised to take me there. I’ll bring back a gift when I return!”

“Alright.”

Alice answered with a smile. She could tell Lysia was lying but didn’t think much of it. If she was going out with Alphonse, there was nothing to worry about.

‘Does Lysia like Sir Alphonse?’

It was just a thought. She had thought that she liked Lawrence.

Everyone at the Grand Duke’s residence, except for Artizea, knew about it, but it was still a somewhat secret outing. To make her feel special, Alphonse brought his small two-person carriage and gave Lysia a ride.

“But… won’t Miss Helena get mad that I’m riding with you?”

Lysia cautiously asked, thinking about Alphonse’s recent girlfriend. He responded calmly.

“It’s fine.”

His girlfriend was a bit possessive, but she wasn’t the type to get mad just because a thirteen-year-old was sitting next to him. She might complain about him spending the holiday, but that was all.

That was a bit concerning. On the way back, he thought he should buy something as a gift and leisurely drove the carriage.

On the way, Lysia stopped at a flower shop and bought flowers. She intended to give them to Milaira. Whether she was there or not, it would be a gesture for a guest.

They arrived at Marquis Rosan’s residence a bit earlier than the scheduled time.

The butler, Bill, who had come to greet them at the front door, was flustered and fumbled.

“Oh, oh! I’m sorry.”

Lysia stared at him blankly, not understanding what he was apologizing for. Bill quickly bowed and apologized.

“I was told that a guest would be arriving, but I didn’t expect such a lovely young lady.”

“Oh, yes.”

It wasn’t the most proper behavior for a butler. When guests were expected, it was standard to know their identity and status and prepare the appropriate reception.

Lysia knew that much, but she didn’t comment on the management of someone else’s household. She handed him the bouquet of flowers she had bought.

“I brought these for Marchioness Rosan.”

“Thank you. I’m sure she’ll be happy.”

“She’s not at home, is she?”

“No.”

Bill sighed in relief. He couldn’t imagine how Milaira would react if she knew a young girl had come to visit Lawrence as a guest.

“Young Master Lawrence is still in class. I’ll guide you to the reception room, so please wait for a moment.”

“Yes.”

“And the knight accompanying you…”

“We’re traveling together, so I’ll go in as well.”

Bill flinched at the answer from the knight but couldn’t object. He smiled, rubbing his hands together.

“Then I’ll have the servant take the carriage to the stable.”

“Please do.”

Alphonse responded politely. He didn’t plan to go into the reception room, but since he had come as a guardian, he couldn’t let Lysia go in alone.