Becoming the Villain's Family

Chapter 7

Translator: Latte Editor: BakaReem Proofreader: Adulldoll

'It's warm.'

Aria thought stroking someone's head was just a simple action, but it was surprisingly soothing.

'I guess this is why the hounds kept pestering the Grand Duke to pet them.'

Aria stared at Diana's hand, her eyes brightened with each stroke.

"Do you mind if I stroke you from time to time?" Diana asked.

Aria held out a [No.] card to her.

But she kept glancing at Diana's hand brimming with anticipation and hope, so the maid couldn't help but laugh at her innocence.

"Why were you leaning against the window?"

[The flowers outside are beautiful.]

Aria pointed towards the window with a quill in her hand. The garden was adorned with garlands of the most vibrant blooms.

[I can see the flowers. I like them.]

Count Cortez used to trap her in the mansion's attic. So all she could do was gaze out the window and admire the beautiful scenery.

It might seem boring and useless to others, but to Aria, the flowers symbolized her hope to survive.

"I see, so the young miss fancies flowers," she smiled. "Well, there are a lot of rare plants here in the mansion..."

'Rare plants...'

Aria spent most of her life in confinement. So when she heard the phrase 'rare plants,' she couldn't resist feeling curious.

Aria peered at Diana with gleaming eyes.

"O-oh! If you stare at me so imploringly..." Diana exaggerated.

'I just stared at her with puppy-dog-eyes, but she looks as if she's just been attacked.'

"It's raining right now, but would you like to get acquainted with the garden?"

Aria nodded.

"Alright! We'll dress you up with the outfits you brought from home," Diana said as she ordered the maids to bring Aria's luggage.

The House of Cortez sent the luggage.

"Which one of these cute dresses do you usually wear?"

All the dresses were actually brand new.

The clothes Aria usually wore... were rags.

'But I can't just tell her that...'

She hesitated for a moment but decided to answer honestly.

[I haven't worn any of these. My father bought them for me before we came here.]

Diana's expression darkened.

"...Upon taking a closer look, these dresses are hideous!"

'Huh? Didn't she just say they were cute?'

"The fabric and design used are of poor quality! It's unacceptable! The Lady of Valentine should wear no such thing!"

'Really?'

Diana made it seem as if the Count was a cheapskate who could only buy his daughter hand-me-down rags.

"Call the other maids. We'll be taking the Young Miss' measurements," she instructed.

'Aren't we just going to the garden? Why do they have to take my measurements?'

Aria wondered if she'd even have the time to go outside...