Unfortunately, I'm an Evil Villainess

Chapter 67 - Blooming Obsession (II)

How did I not see this coming?

Of course, God was on the female lead's side. The male leads just couldn't stay away, like moths drawn to the flame. My brother, after everything, was no exception. I cursed myself for getting too preoccupied with my fiance that I neglected the damned unscripted possibilities. This wasn't a mere novel, this was a world where I was destined to die, and I must be more cautious.

"You didn't tell me you were coming, Damian."

"No? Are you sure because you read all my letters?"

"Yes."

Technically, I had Zoe glance through and summarise them for me, but he didn't need to know that. Damian smiled childishly.

"I'm glad. Then how come you don't reply?"

"I do, just not to every single one. I can't when you send me multiple a day."

He frowned slightly and sighed, like he was the annoyed one here.

"Well, I wanted to surprise you. My sweet Val, aren't you happy to see me?"

"Of course I am, but if you'd told me, I would've prepared more. You deserve to see me in a much prettier dress than that pathetic excuse of a princess."

I had long mastered how to wrap my fingers around Damian completely, to make him feel special and remind him of his devotion. Without fail, he grinned.

"You're already stunning, Sister, though I wouldn't expect Her Highness to appreciate it. She's as charming as usual, very youthful and energetic."

"Oh? You've seen her?"

I still had to figure out where he'd met Catherine, and the princess was about as good a bet as anything. If Catherine had found her way to her, I also needed to see what their relationship was like.

"She threw a book at me for having manners."

I gave a laugh, careful not to sound too interested. The moment Damian was aware I really wanted to know something, he made it way more difficult for me to get it out of him. It may entertain him to annoy me, but I just had to sound bored and he'd spill in an effort to win my attention, like a desperate pet.

"Sounds like her. You threw it back, I hope?"

"No, I politely excused myself. It was quite a marvellous escape."

"I'm sure it was. Was Lady Catherine impressed? You never call anything marvellous unless there was a witness to dazzle."

Very casual, like my usual amusement at his endless torment of young ladies. He laughed.

"Oh, she's simply adorable."

I waited, but he wouldn't continue. I had to probe, gently, pretending I was focused on the princess.

"Was she tortured very much by Her Highness?"

"I would say so. I think she was being enlightened to the evils of society when I rescued her valiantly. She was glad to get back here, sacrificing royal company for saner ones. Do you know her, Sister?"

"Only vaguely. I think she was at one of my tea parties."

It was my turn to fall silent, seemingly rather bored with the topic. He rose up to the bait.

"Funny things people are saying about her. I thought you would know, actually."

"I don't think there's anyone that hasn't heard. Raised by a very unscrupulous character, wasn't she?"

"That's putting it lightly. I don't know anyone as capable of spreading stories as you, dear Val."

"I'm awfully accomplished indeed, but there are tales wild enough to need no help from me. No smoke without fire, after all. I merely find it mildly amusing."