The Villainess Lives Twice: Butterfly's Dream (IF Story) - Chapter 88
This marriage was necessary to restore legitimacy and heal old wounds. It was something that had to be done to eliminate the vulnerabilities of Marquisate Camellia and break free from the control of Marquisate Luden.
Skyla agreed with this. She knew that whether forgiveness and reconciliation were possible depended on Ian and his sister, and that as the child of sinners, it wasn’t her place to say yes or no. She felt she should be grateful for being accepted.
However, emotional issues weren’t resolved overnight. In any case, liking or disliking Ian himself was never the real issue.
Unaware of these complex feelings, Artizea looked at Skyla with sympathy. Skyla shook her head.
“It’s okay. Honestly, at first I worried he might be a dumb guy, but he’s not.”
“That’s a relief…?”
Artizea felt a mix of surprise and puzzlement. Sensing this, Skyla tilted her head.
“Why?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
Considering how Skyla typically dismissed most boys their age as “stupid” or “clueless”, this was definitely high praise.
“Anyway, I’ve been busy helping him study etiquette ever since we got back. He’s just starting to improve now.”
“Is that so? I was worried because you hadn’t replied to my letters.”
It wasn’t really because she was busy, but because she felt embarrassed in front of her friend. Skyla just nodded apologetically.
As they were chatting, Cadriol loudly called out, having passed the glasses around.
“Alright, everyone received their drinks?”
About fifteen guests all turned to him. Each glass was a different color but all sparkled in the sunlight.
“Thank you for attending my humble gathering. Toasts to my health or the empire’s prosperity are rather tiring, so let’s toast to the delightful conversation today.”
“To that!”
Six-year-old Agnesa raised her apple juice loudly and clearly. Laughter rippled among the guests like waves. Agnesa, embarrassed, quickly hid behind her mother’s skirt.
Cadriol smiled broadly and added.
“To Lady Agnesa!”
“To Lady Agnesa!”
The adults gladly echoed the toast. Agnesa’s face blushed even redder. Countess Martha smiled and tried to pull her daughter away from the crowd, but it wasn’t easy.
Cadriol cheerfully approached Artizea and Skyla, who gave him slight smiles. He asked with considerate manners.
“Do either of you suffer from seasickness?”
“Do we look pale?”
“Not at all. I was amazed to see flowers blooming even on flowing water.”
The blatantly obvious compliment made both girls laugh. Such jokes delivered without offense were clearly a talent.
“I asked because I was worried, many in the capital have never been on a boat.”
“I’ve been on boats quite a bit. It’s the safest way to travel to Evron.”
“Ah, that’s true. It must be quite far. Did you travel often?”
“When I was young, yes. But not last winter or the one before.”
Since Artizea turned fifteen, Cedric had stopped taking her everywhere as before. It was also when she began studying under Bishop Akim, keeping her busy during the winters.
Cadriol smiled.
“Then you’ll enjoy the southern trip. Though I wouldn’t recommend it for those prone to seasickness.”
“I’ve thought about visiting Duchy Riagan once.”
“You might come visit with Lord Pavel.”
“It’s hard to find opportunities to travel far.”
Cedric had to protect the north in winter, so he couldn’t leave the capital for long in other seasons. Artizea wasn’t old enough to travel alone.
“The south is wonderful in both summer and winter. Many seek refuge there in winter, and there’s plenty to do by the sea in summer.”
“I can’t sail yachts. I’m clumsy and have no skill… and I can’t even swim.”
“There are easier things to do in the water.”
At this, not just Artizea but also Skyla tilted their heads, intrigued, looking at him.
“You can dive in shallow seas to admire coral. You might even meet a school of fish with beautiful tails.”
The two girls were enticed. They’d heard stories about how beautiful the southern seas were.
Garnet was so pleased that she often talked about the southern villa where she honeymooned. Skyla had almost started to talk about it but suddenly noticed Ian still standing alone at the boat’s railing, realizing she’d made a mistake by neglecting to look after him while chatting with Artizea.
“I’m going to check on my fiance for a moment. Excuse me.”
She gave Cadriol a slight nod and went toward Ian. Watching her call Ian over and speak quietly with him, Artizea felt somewhat relieved.
Sensing this, Cadriol asked.
“I understand Lady Camellia and Lord Ian are betrothed by family decision. Cousin marriages aren’t common these days. Are you worried?”
“Somewhat, yes. I always thought Skyla would choose her own husband.”
“If you’re an heir to a title, you can’t ignore family matters. How about you, Lady?”
“Me?”
“I heard you were betrothed very young. Are you unhappy? Of course, Grand Duke Evron is a fine person.”
The last part was added awkwardly by Cadriol, feeling a bit embarrassed. Artizea didn’t even fully register that and blushed deeply.
“I’m truly grateful.”
Cadriol stroked his own cheek, looking down at Artizea.
‘Cute.’
The feeling tickled him inside, making him a bit flustered. He found her pretty and smart, had openly shown interest, but now she looked so cute.
He was a bit annoyed that she could look so cute while thinking of other men.
“Grateful doesn’t sound like a proper answer to whether you want to marry or not.”
Artizea’s ears turned bright red. Cadriol became more displeased and spoke somewhat aggressively.
“Could it be that you can’t say no because you think it’s just something natural from a young age…?”
“No!”
Artizea was startled and denied it loudly. Cadriol looked surprised too, so she thought she’d made a mistake.
“Ah, sorry.”
“It seems I said something foolish. I apologize.”
“No, it’s fine.”
Unable to hide her emotional turmoil, Artizea struggled to compose herself. But since she felt Cadriol’s question implied the opposite, she couldn’t hold back and said.
“I think it’s the Grand Duke who can’t say no, believing it’s natural from long ago, not me.”
“Is that so?”
She noticed others watching her. Pavel and Lysia, chatting and having snacks with Graham, hurried over to her side.
“What’s wrong, Tia? Don’t tell me Cadriol was rude to you?”
“Of course not.”
Feeling Lysia’s sharp protective gaze, Cadriol hurriedly explained to Pavel.