The Villainess Captured The Grand Duke

The next day, Scheuer was assigned a maid (who did not relay an answer to her proposal).

“Sally, did His Grace say anything?”

“He said to send the rooster to the farm unless you intended to raise them yourself.” Unlike her childish appearance, Sally’s response was firm.

No matter my proposal, he’s more concerned about the chickens. Scheuer decided to phrase it another way. “…Is that all? Then did he give me permission to return to the South?”

“Oh, you can return anytime. We’ll prepare a mana stone for you.”

This, too, was not the answer that she had expected. A muscle spasmed near her eye, causing it to twitch. I thought you felt something, but it must have been an illusion.

…Had it been because of the chicken’s smell?

Yesterday’s traces had been washed away last night, but she raised her arm to smell it. Thankfully, it didn’t smell. Well, I should just be glad that I’m not being kicked out.

Originally, House Nataly and House Blaine—the two swordsmanship pillars of the Empire—did not get along at all. No, rather it was more accurate to say that they were enemies. House Nataly was dedicated to fighting against people in the capital, whereas House Blaine handled the demons of the North. They were considered rather brutal, causing people to respect and fear them at the same time.

“When you’re talking about swordsmanship, naturally the Blaine sword style comes to mind first.”  Like this, many important knights within the Empire preferred the Blaine style, despite the prevalence of House Nataly in the Capital.

Naturally, from the point of view of House Nataly, the existence of House Blaine—which occupied the trust of the citizenry and knights in key positions—was nothing more than an eyesore. Further, they argued that Blaine’s sword style stifled social relationships because it consumed emotions. Thus, it was hard to expect recognition or loyalty from them as they were stoic. Even ordinary, everyday conversations were hard to achieve.

This conflict had been going on for generations.

Perhaps this way of thinking was why the Emperor had left them in the North—precisely because there were so many restrictions when it came to human interaction.

In this complicated landscape, a young lady from House Nataly suddenly made an appearance in the North. As Scheuer said, it was already fortunate that she hadn’t been kicked out immediately.

“I’m sure it’s because His Grace has a lot on his mind today. The dispatched troops that were due to return aren’t back yet.” Sally spoke kindly, thinking that Scheuer was disappointed to be ignored.

“Then, will I be able to see his face in the evening?”

“That I don’t know.” Sally faltered in the face of the quick response.

Well, the surprise proposal hadn’t worked, so she needed to think of another way forward. Wouldn’t it be better to look at each other’s faces and speak to help regain his emotions? There was no way to return his emotions to him if they didn’t interact. She had to persist even if it looked like pure selfishness.

Scheuer felt a wall in the shape of Raygrein. While she’d only seen him for a short amount of time, she couldn’t deny that he was perfect—black hair and sharp eyes like a well-forged blade. If it wasn’t for the dark blue of his eyes, his appearance would be indistinguishable from the desolation of the North.

The original says that he always wears his uniform, but I saw him in his plain clothes! I can’t believe it! He’d just been wearing a simple shirt when she’d met him. When the cool look of his eyes came to mind, Scheuer unconsciously shivered in joy. “I was supposed to create a portrait and hang it on my wall. It’s a shame that I missed my chance.”

At this, Sally took a step backward. Though her tone was sweet, her behavior was a little… “I’ve never met anyone like the Lady in my life.”

“How great it would be if the Grand Duke said that.”

I’ve never met anyone like you. It’s a line that marks the beginning of a romance. Of course, that wasn’t something Scheuer really expected. She’d just wanted him to feel surprised or embarrassed when she proposed to him. Scheuer sighed as she looked at the white scenery of the North. The sun was in full view.

“Did you really come all the way to the North via carriage?” Sally asked in curiosity.

“Yes, it was easier than I expected. The merchant couple was very kind.” It’d taken about ten days to come via wagon. It was pleasant because she’d come in a wide carriage filled with chickens rather than a narrow luggage compartment.

…Of course, it wasn’t something that an ordinary aristocrat would be accustomed to.

“Do you like His Grace that much?” Sally asked in disbelief.

“Well, not many people can motivate one to live just by their appearance.” Scheuer wasn’t originally particularly devoted, but for Raygrein she could do anything. After all, I was willing to stand in line for the special edition novel starting from dawn.

No matter what she had to do, it couldn’t be worse than enduring Raygrein’s death. Her heart had also collapsed when the North—which he was more dedicated to protecting than anyone—fell. While others could at least mourn their favorite’s anniversary, she didn’t even know the date of his death. I must help him regain his feelings no matter what. I want him to be happy.

Sally stared at her with admiration in her eyes.

At that gaze, Scheuer could only smile shyly. “Now, speaking of, what is his usual schedule?” Her eyes flamed with curiosity.