The Villainess Lives Twice: Butterfly's Dream (IF Story) - Chapter 82
The official invitation from Cadriol with the date on it arrived the very next day. Cedric learned of this only after Artizea had sent a positive reply.
By then, the tasks in the capital had mostly settled, and he had met with everyone he needed to, so he asked Artizea about her plans.
“I’ve decided to go watch the yacht race.”
Artizea answered without meeting his gaze.
Cedric looked at her with a puzzled expression. He had been unsure since the previous day, but today it was clear. She was deliberately avoiding eye contact.
This had never happened before. Artizea had gotten angry or sulky before, but even then she would plead to be understood, never turning away or ignoring him.
Well, perhaps it was age-appropriate after all. In fact, it might even be late for such behavior. Cedric had raised two children to adulthood, so logically, he didn’t see it as a big deal…
“…With whom?”
His nerves were on edge, so he couldn’t let it slide.
“Prince Cadriol sent me an invitation, saying he’ll be competing.”
Cedric’s eyebrows twitched.
“I thought you weren’t that interested.”
“I don’t want to be rude again after the last time. Brother Pavel also praised the prince’s sailing skills several times.”
Her eyes briefly met Cedric’s before turning away again. He felt a sinking sensation in his chest.
There wasn’t a single valid reason to forbid her. Cadriol was not an enemy but a friend of Pavel’s. Old grudges were gone, and the chances of future conflict between Eimmel and Evron were slim.
“Understood. Don’t forget to take an escort.”
This time, Artizea looked at him wide-eyed but soon pouted and said.
“Yes.”
After she left, Cedric sighed and covered his face with his hand.
‘I’m the problem.’
Why couldn’t he control his feelings?
Rubbing his face once or twice more, he steadied himself, not expecting to have to use such patience.
Why did that guy have to suddenly show up?
The messenger from the Crown Princess’s palace arrived just as he resolved to focus on his duties.
***
Cadriol spent the days leading up to the yacht race productively.
The sudden visit of a foreign prince was warmly welcomed by the peaceful nobles of the Empire. Cadriol met ministers and foreign envoys during the day and attended social gatherings in the evening. Expanding connections was always valuable.
He knew accusations would come after his return. It would be claiming he had acted unilaterally visiting a foreign land so he aimed to gain enough to make it worthwhile.
Of course, he wouldn’t forget to subtly one-up Grand Duke Evron and, if possible, receive a pretty handkerchief from a charming girl.
Some advisors frowned at his antics, questioning whether the prince needed to involve himself personally.
How many young nobles in the capital had experience sailing? In contrast, Cadriol had learned to read wind and waves on a boat from the moment he learned to run on land.
Though called a race, it was really just a chance to show off skills and build friendships. Cadriol debated whether to participate. However
‘I can’t miss the chance to show off.’
Though the rented yacht wasn’t particularly impressive, the boats moored along the riverbank were all roughly equal in quality.
He thought the trend might help Eimmel’s trade if it continued.
‘Though the risk of small fast-boat technology leaking is a concern…’
While adjusting the sails himself, he noticed a lavish carriage arriving atop a hill.
Several carriages were parked there for guests invited by other competitors, but this one stood out for its extravagance.
Cadriol glanced at the carriage and felt a bit bemused.
He expected the most prestigious carriage to belong to Artizea, whom he had invited. Only the imperial carriage surpassed the grandeur of Grand Duchy Evron’s .
Yet, there was one carriage equal in status.
The doors opened, and Grand Duke and Duchess Roygar stepped out. Not only Cadriol, but also the competitors inspecting yachts or chatting with acquaintances, all turned in surprise.
And Artizea stepped out of the same carriage.
Cadriol smiled wryly, feeling bewildered. Artizea saw him and gave a slight nod from afar.
He strode briskly up the hill.
“Hello, Prince Cadriol.”
Artizea stepped forward to greet him. Cadriol did not hide his surprise and returned the greeting.
“Glad you came, Lady Rosan. I wasn’t expecting company.”
“It was too last-minute to mention, but I thought the prince wouldn’t mind, so I brought them along.”
“Why would I mind? It’s an honor, Grand Duke Roygar.”
Cadriol smiled brightly and shook hands with Grand Duke Roygar.
“Pleasure to meet you. We briefly met at the last banquet, but I regret not having the chance to speak personally.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Prince Cadriol. Welcome to Krates.”
“The Grand Duchess’s warm welcome is the greatest honor I could ask for.”
Cadriol lightly kissed Garnet’s hand and glanced at the girl standing just behind her. Artizea introduced her.
“This is Skyla, Lady Garnet’s lady-in-waiting. She is Young Marquis Camellia.”
“Pleasure to meet you.”
Cadriol politely greeted Skyla as well.
Until now, he had no connections with the eastern nobility. Though he had met members of the eastern noble alliance at social gatherings, that was very different from being personally introduced and forming a relationship.
Moreover, the fact that Grand Duke and Duchess Roygar had personally come to watch his yacht race was on another level entirely.
He wondered what Artizea thought. She must have known this kind of introduction wasn’t casual.
When he took a step closer and asked, she smiled openly and said,
“The prince wanted to promote Eimmel’s strengths widely, and Grand Duke Roygar is very interested in the south. We thought it would be a mutually beneficial meeting.”
Artizea didn’t say it outright, but Cadriol intended to meet merchants interested in investing in the south, and Grand Duke Roygar was one of the wealthiest magnates and a guild owner in the east. This promised to be a positive encounter for both sides.
Cadriol couldn’t hide his joy, but he also felt a sense of defeat. The presence had somewhat diluted the fact that he was inviting Artizea as a lady. That he was hosting a very important woman as a man.
Garnet smiled cheerfully.
“This is my first time watching a yacht race. I’m really looking forward to it. We’ve even decided to hang a wreath if the prince wins.”
“Now that you say that, I must win. Please look forward to it.”
Cadriol said as he looked at Artizea. She shyly took out the scarf she had carefully prepared and handed it to him.
It wasn’t embroidered, but being invited as a lady meant she naturally had to bring one.
“Thank you.”
Cadriol took it and wrapped it around his neck. With a cheerful smile, he said he’d do his best and strode toward the yachts.