The Villainess Just Wants to Study

Chapter 9 ~ Flowers and Clear Skies

"My Lord," Dylan lifted her skirt and greeted her guest elegantly. "It is an honour to have you visit my father's estate."

When he first arrived, an awestruck gasp escaped from her lips at Edwin's improved appearance. His grizzled hair had been neatly combed and he was dressed in an expensive suit which looked custom-tailored to fit his build. 

Thanks to his sudden arrival, the attendants around them were in a state of tension. They had been expecting a commoner to visit and were suddenly taken aback by the presence of the former Marquis of Frederique. 

'I guess he is a noble, after all. His grandson is an heir apparent, so I expected as much.'

"Dylan," Edwin said, smiling warmly at her. "There's no need for formalities between us. This grandpa is the same as always."

Dylan chuckled. "Yes, of course. Please follow me to the garden."

She was so excited. A person that reminded her of home in this mansion. For Dylan, every day at the mansion was another day she felt herself slowly going insane. Day by day she was slipping away under the act of her biological father's personality. 

Dylan smiled bitterly when she saw her father walking towards them. "Father."

The Duke gave Dylan an immediate look, asking for an explanation.

"This is the former Marquis of Frederique, Edwin de Frederique—the man who I told you would be visiting. He helped me and my mother during our times of need."

Friendlier than before, the Duke smiled brightly and looked at Dylan with an affectionate face, and asked to have lunch with both of them.

"Mr. Edwin," the Duke said, "you've had a hard time after coming a long way."

"I am hungry," Edwin admitted, taking his seat across from Dylan. "I am thankful for your daughter's invitation."

As soon as they were seated, the attendants moved hurriedly and neatly so that they made no mistake. A series of elaborate dishes filled the table in a matter of seconds. 

Dylan had taken a few sips of her usual tea when her father questioned her: "Dyl, were you aware of Mr. Edwin's status? I was under the impression that the man you spoke about was a commoner."

She shook her head and smiled awkwardly. "No, father. I only just found out about it recently."

"Don't scold the girl too much," Edwin said with a chuckle, his hands handling his utensils elegantly. "I frequent a small shop I own more often than I do my son's estate. I intentionally disguise myself as a commoner to avoid attention."

Dylan smiled while she poked at her food like a rabbit. She was still having difficulty with her eating, but did her best to hide it in front of her guest. Her hand slipped when she tried to fork a bean sprout, the utensil falling loose from her grip and hitting the plate with a clink.

"Goodness Ruenz," the Duke said with a sigh. "Since when did you poke at your food like that? Your table manners are normally perfect."

Edwin's hands froze upon hearing the Duke refer to the deceased Marquis of Ruenz. Dylan cast him a warning look—as if her eyes were saying, "please don't say anything."

She hung her head and mumbled, "Yes. My apologies."

"You're acting strange," the Duke said. "Is something the matter, my old friend?"

"No," she replied, desperately trying to change the subject. "I was just thinking that the food was delicious."

"Then have some more."