Chapter 7
I couldn’t understand at all what part of that conversation had made Jerome’s affection go up.
Still, it was better than it not rising at all.
Even if it was only 1 point.
While I was thinking that, the carriage arrived at our destination.
With Jerome’s escort, I stepped down and saw an impressive old building.
It was the largest and most stylish restaurant in the city.
Just as we passed through the entrance—
“Duke Jerome Winston?”
A woman’s voice called from behind.
When I turned around, I saw a young lady in a sophisticated dress.
She had long black hair and large sparkling eyes as she looked at Jerome.
“What brings you to the capital, Duke—”
Her gaze shifted to me.
For a split second, the warmth in her angelic eyes turned cold.
But just as quickly, her sweet smile returned.
“And who might this lady be?”
Right on time.
I slowly looked her over.
Vivian Angus.
The villainess who poisoned me.
The one I needed to eliminate in this playthrough.
Vivian tilted her head slightly.
“I don’t believe I’ve seen you around here before.”
Jerome answered.
“This is Miss Aisha, disciple of Lord Lowell Cyprian. And this is Lady Vivian of the Angus Count family.”
Vivian’s eyes widened.
“Lowell Cyprian? The chief mage of the imperial palace?”
“Yes.”
“No wonder. Miss Aisha has a different aura than ordinary young ladies.”
She smiled softly.
“Most ladies wear flashy dresses. But Miss Aisha feels… studious, perhaps? No wonder you’re a great mage’s disciple.”
So she meant I looked like a nerd.
This woman really knows how to insult politely.
I smiled as kindly as possible.
“Thank you. These days, many people focus only on outward beauty and neglect their inner growth. In that sense, I think there’s much I could learn from you, Lady Vivian.”
Vivian’s lips twitched.
What I said could mean two things.
One, that she was beautiful inside and out.
Or two, that she was a perfect example of what not to become.
Of course, I meant the second one.
Vivian paused briefly, then smiled again.
“Thank you for the compliment. By the way, I didn’t catch your family name. What is it?”
The heroine originally had no last name. She was an orphan.
But in noble society, having no surname meant being lowborn.
I couldn’t give Vivian that weapon.
‘I’ll just make one up.’
Then I remembered something.
When I romanced Crown Prince Caliton, he had granted me a surname.
“My name is Aisha Ambervia.”
Vivian tilted her head.
“I don’t believe I’ve heard of the Ambervia family. Where are you from?”
“I’m from far away. You probably wouldn’t know it even if I explained.”
“Oh my… so you came from the countryside.”
She looked at me with fake pity.
“Then life in the capital must feel new and exciting. I’ll show you around the city sometime.”
“Thank you, but I wouldn’t want to trouble you.”
So I’m a country bumpkin, huh?
Anyone could see the mockery hidden beneath her kindness.
But even a country bumpkin can fight back.
“And you don’t need to worry about me. If I want a tour of the capital, I’m sure the Duke will show me around. Isn’t that right, Duke?”
Jerome’s eyebrow lifted slightly.
Say yes. Quickly.
I had only said that out of pride, not because we had actually planned anything.
‘He’s not going to refuse, right?’
That would be humiliating.
After a tense moment, Jerome leaned forward slightly and answered calmly.
“If Miss Aisha wishes it.”
Whew.
I turned to Vivian with a victorious smile.
I have a Duke with 32 affection points who’ll show me around. You don’t.
Vivian looked calm at first.
“…Well, that’s good then.”
But I soon noticed her lips trembling slightly.
Serves you right.
Then Vivian turned back to Jerome.
“By the way, it should be about time for more incense. When may I visit the estate?”
Right. She used to bring purification incense to help with his headaches.
“If it’s not the incense I provide, you can’t even sleep properly, Duke.”
Since she couldn’t win verbally, she tried to emphasize her connection to Jerome.
“You needn’t visit anymore.”
Jerome’s answer was firm.
Vivian didn’t back down.
“I’m not bothered by such things. I would do anything to help relieve your headaches.”
“What I meant was, the headaches have been resolved. There is no need for incense.”
“…What?”
Vivian looked confused.
Jerome continued.
“Miss Aisha found the cause. The problem has been solved.”
“That can’t be…”
Her lips parted in genuine shock.
Tears shimmered in her eyes.
Seeing a beautiful woman look sad almost made me feel guilty.
If she had loved him for so long, losing even that small excuse to visit must hurt.
For a moment, I almost felt sorry for her.
Then I mentally slapped myself.
Get it together. She’s a murderer.
She poisoned you out of jealousy.
I hardened my heart.
No sympathy for someone who kills.
Vivian lifted her head again, her expression already composed.
“Since we met like this, would you like to come to my tea party this week? I would love to invite you, Miss Aisha.”
Here it is.
On the surface, it sounded like a kind invitation.
But it wasn’t.
This was the trap that killed me last time.
“I would be honored if you came.”
Vivian smiled sweetly and brushed a strand of hair from my dress.
“I’ll send the invitation to the Moon Tower. May I expect a positive reply?”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Well then, enjoy your meal.”
She lifted her skirt slightly in an elegant farewell and left.
After she was gone, Jerome and I were alone again.
“You do not need to accept Lady Vivian’s invitation.”
“Hm?”
I looked at him.
His expression was serious.
He’s more considerate than he looks.
“It’s alright. I’m curious how tea parties in the capital are held.”
If I refused, she might try something unexpected.
It’s easier to handle a situation I’ve already experienced.
As long as I don’t drink the tea, I won’t die.
Though this time, I intend to settle things properly.
She needs to learn that killing someone out of jealousy isn’t acceptable.
“I spoke out of turn,” Jerome said.
“No. I’m glad you were concerned.”
“….”
He cleared his throat awkwardly.
“Shall we go inside?”
“Yes.”
We entered the restaurant together.
***
After leaving the restaurant, Vivian entered her waiting carriage.
As soon as the door closed, her expression turned cold.
“I can’t let this continue… I can’t…”
She clenched the strand of Aisha’s hair she had plucked earlier.
Then she whispered,
“I need something stronger… but how? What should I do…”
Suddenly, something came to her mind.
“…Yes. That’s it. I’ll go to him.”
A chilling smile appeared on Vivian’s lips.
