“Lastly, there’s Olivia Grace.”
Cayena named Olivia, the protagonist of the novel, last.
Raphael recognized that last name. The Grace family was one that his own family supported.
“The Grace family is the most lowly of the three. However, while they have no fortune or power, they do have the interesting position of having been sponsored by the Kedrey duchy.”
Since Raphael had ears, he was aware of the fact that Cayena truly detested Olivia. But Cayena still mentioned her. What in the world was she up to?
“Personally, I think milord should meet with Miss Olivia Grace.”
“You mean that you’re recommending that I marry her?”
“That’s correct. The lady is clever and observant. She’s considerate, but she’s also self-reliant and strong.”
Cayena spoke this meaningfully, like she was negotiating.
Raphael examined her closely to find her real intentions. Looking back on their history, there was no reason for Cayena to be saying this.
So he asked her openly.
“I don’t know why you’re saying this.”
Their eyes met for a moment. Their gazes were deep and serene, as if they were looking inside each other.
“If it’s Lord Kedrey, I think you would know why,” Cayena said enigmatically. Her attitude showed that she had no intention of telling him the correct answer.
‘What sort of benefit would the princess gain if I were to meet with the lady?’
Raphael couldn’t even guess at what Cayena would gain from it.
But of course Raphael couldn’t know. Raphael did not know that this was a novel, nor what would happen in the future—and, of course, he did not know Cayena’s true goal.
‘Because the two of them are the main characters, they are bound to get together. So it will be beneficial if they think I helped arrange their meeting.’
Furthermore, Olivia will soon become one of her ladies-in-waiting, and then Cayena, Olivia, and Raphael will have their fates tied together like strings.
“The other ladies-in-waiting are arriving,”
Vera whispered as she approached them. In other words, it was time to end their current conversation.
Cayena was now certain that Vera was already emotionally distant from the other court ladies, to some extent.
“You’re a little late in preparing the tea,” Cayena rebuked lightly.
One of the ladies-in-waiting bowed her head.
They must have rushed to Rezef’s palace to tell him of this meeting.
Actually, that was why Cayena sent off all of the ladies-in-waiting save for Vera.
“I apologize, Your Highness.”
“It’s fine. Prepare the tea. You did make sure to prepare it well, correct?”
Cayena personally checked the conditions of the tea leaves and the teacups.
“Steep the tea strongly and mix it with milk for Lord Kedrey.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
The ladies-in-waiting put some charcoal into a small brazier and placed a tea kettle on top to heat it.
YOU ARE READING
THE VILLAINESS IS A MARIONETTE
Fiksi SejarahCayena, the Imperial Princess, was known as the most beautiful woman in the Empire. She was a woman who knew nothing but evil and luxury. However, she was destined for ruin: she would be used as a chess piece by her younger brother to secure his thr...
