(DISCONTINUED) Defying death - A villainesses redemption

Chapter 2 - Talk over tea

I tapped my finger on the tabletop.

My tea was going to turn cold, and still no sign of mother.

The maids had humored me in setting this up so quickly, but it came off a bit ridiculous.

They had changed my clothes into a pretty frilly attire and placed a teddy bear on one of the chairs. Probably to keep my company while I waited.

"My lady... you can start eating already if you wish." Martha was looking at me, concerned.

"I shouldn't. I wish to have this tea with maman." I sighed. The whole point of this situation was to meet her after all.

"A-ah. I see." Martha quietly shuffled away.

It was exhausting being treated like this.

I wasn't a child anymore, hadn't been for quite a few years.

It was strange having people fuss over me, let alone having to act my age.

Before my thoughts could derail any further, I could see my mother approaching from the distance.

I automatically sat straighter, patiently awaiting her arrival.

"It's rare for you to ask for me instead of your father. To what do I owe the pleasure?" She looked tired and disorganized. Her dress was covered in tiny ink spots, and her hair was ruffled and haphazardly tied up.

"I'm aware of Papa's busy schedule. Maman, I have something to say to you." I grabbed one of the teacups.

"Oh. What's that?" She grabbed a piece of cake, a relaxed smile starting to form on her face.

"I am aware that you don't see me as qualified to inherit the duchy." I took a sip of my tea. It was lukewarm at this point.

"W- Antoinette! Who told you that?! Was it Martha?!" She seemed angry, glancing toward my nanny.

"No, it just doesn't take a scientist to guess that I as a ten-year-old wouldn't be ready to inherit a duchy, despite grand-père's will." I put the cup aside, staring at my mother.

"Huh? But, Antoine, how do you know about- never mind that- you're right.
We didn't think that you were ready yet for something as complex as inheriting the responsibilities of a duchess... even if that's what your grandfather wanted.
Not to mention that you're far too young to be married! You don't even have a fiancé yet." She seemed to be rapidly going through the five stages of grief.

"Yes, but please listen to me. Maman, I am aware of how busy you and Papa are currently, especially with regulating the funds of house Crawford."

"Yes... your grandfather took a toll on our budgets...." she huffed.

"That is why I'd like to make a deal. In the next eleven years, I will do my absolute hardest to try and improve the reputation of house Crawford. That includes getting first place in the royal exams, gaining business partnerships, and keeping my record clean." I closed my eyes, inhaling the rich scent of grass.

"Oh, uh.... well if you'd meet those, you'd practically be overqualified. But what-"

"But I have things I ask for in return.
One: I ask that I be given freedom to make my own choices, as far as it's appropriate.
Two: I wish to not be married." I stared at her.

She seemed to be dumbfounded at first before she started considering it.
"Not getting married would be a huge problem. You realize that marriage would solve our financial troubles, right?"

"I could solve our financial troubles right away. You'd just have to trust me." I smiled.

".... If you manage to do the things you've promised, then I will grant your requests. But only if you manage to do it in the next eleven years, and not a month more. Understood?"
She hesitantly extended a hand toward me, which I took without hesitation. "If you don't manage to do it, I would have to find you a fiancé."

"No worries Maman. I don't plan on failing." I smiled at her.

She smirked, rolling her eyes. "I'm sure you'll have forgotten all about this by tomorrow. This is such a strange thing to ask of me anyway. And didn't you want to marry the crown prince?"

"I.... changed my mind."