Chapter 17

Chapter Seventeen: [Extra 3.3] The Struggle of Katrina Dunning

(Part III)

“Pardon me, Your Highness, what of the reward you’ve promised me?”

“Yes?”

“Eh? No, no. Wait a minute… No way… Did you summon me here so you could gush endlessly about Lady Emmeline!?”

“Hahaha!”

“This is no laughing matter!”

Won’t you please stop talking about Lady Emmeline!?

Then, I turned to Duke Thaddeus Est Franklin.

“Hey, Lord Franklin! This isn’t what we agreed upon!”

After being hit by a stray bullet, Thaddeus’ willow green eyes widened in surprise. Then, he spoke to Uriel in a reproachful manner.

“…Your Highness.“

Yes, tell him off, please!

“My apologies. I got sidetracked for a moment.”

“Is this His Highness’ true personality…?”

When I glared at him, all I got in response was a refreshing and perfect smile.

How frustrating. That handsome face is wasted on someone like him. What a shame!

“As promised, I’ll let you meet Lord Armitage. However, that’s about it. It’s up to you to get on his good side.”

“Of course!”

“As a side note, I had tasked Lord Armitage to guard Emmeline long before she was enrolled in the academy. Do you understand what that means?”

“I… I understand…”

In other words, he had witnessed everything I did to Emmeline first-hand.

In… In my defense, I thought it was just a game…!

“He’s a straightforward man. Considering that he has been watching over Emmeline for a long time, he must be truly aware of how much efforts Emmeline puts in daily. Probably even more than I do. Therefore, remember that he likely won’t have a favorable impression of you.”

“Yes, I’m aware.”

“Do you still want to see him regardless?”

“I do.”

I answered without the slightest hesitation.

His favorability for me was probably below zero.

Albeit reluctant, I believed he’d still meet me due to Uriel’s command. However, I was sure that there wouldn’t be a second meeting. He probably wouldn’t display his contempt, but that was because Uriel was present.

I deserved it.

After all, I had always looked down upon the innocent Emmeline.

In a way, Ralph would be condemning me in place of Emmeline. Rightfully so, because with Emmeline, I had always been at my worst.

Despite so, Emmeline didn’t hate me.

She was always sincere and kind to me. Because I was essentially using a cheat, I got acknowledged as a saint. In truth, Emmeline was the real saint.

…After everything I’ve done, what am I expecting?

Therefore, let’s accept it.

In terms of role, I was the true villainess. Moreover—

“…I see. That’s what you refer to as a conniving look.“

“…Your Highness, you’re being uncouth. Remember, she’s still a woman.”

“Look, she’s plotting something.”

“Ezekiel, you’re also being rude.”

In the first place, Lord Franklin, you’re rude. Also, what do you mean by that!? I’m obviously a woman. In fact, I always have been!

Back to the point, it was only to be expected for me to be hated.

So, what? If his opinion of me is at the lowest, then it can only go up from there! …Real simple.

Besides, to be stared at someone you love as if you were an insect was actually quite thrilling.

I’ll definitely win you over!

Just you wait, Lord Ralph Armitage!

“…It’s kind of bizarre, but I do admire her unyieldingness. In fact, should I learn after her?”

“Your Highness, I’ll advise against that.”

As if he had a headache, Franklin rubbed his temple.

“If anything, it’ll only make me pity Lady Arkwright even more.”

“But why? I’m obsessed because I’m in love.”

“…So, you are aware of that.”

“Of course. How long do you think I’ve been in love with her?”

Then, while crossing his arms, Uriel leaned on the chair.

Despite his absurd attitude, it was pretty picturesque of him.

“Thaddeus, I want you to tell me the truth.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s unusual for you to be concerned for Emmeline. What did Lady Entwistle say to you?”

“In short, she shares the same view as Lady Dunning.”

His Highness Uriel gritted his teeth.

Excellent assist, Lady Sylvia!

As a fellow girl, no wonder she could relate. After all, to be put under house arrest for more than half a month… It’s simply too terrible.

“Her constant nagging is slowly costing me my mental health. So please return Lady Arkwright to her parents’ house as soon as possible.”

“…I know. Since I’ve promised, I won’t go back on my words.”

“Then, it’s decided. Thank you for being so understanding.”

Uriel was frowning.

…Is he that reluctant to let her go home?

What is he, some kind of parasite?

Even so, Emmeline didn’t seem to object. Although considering her personality, she was probably smiling like a saint all along while saying, “Well, it can’t be helped.”

Even under house arrest, she’s still someone to look up to…!

“Well then, Lady Dunning, brace yourself.”

When I was about to shift the topic, Uriel suddenly announced that. I gulped and then nodded.

Then, Uriel uttered. “Come in.”

The door opened with a clicking noise.

For the first time, since coming to this world, I beheld my number one favorite character…

Ralph Armitage.