ILTV - Steam Punk Loop

Chapter 7 - Life of M'lady

*** Based on the original I'm in Love With the Villainess novel

*** Some content is similar to the original so can be considered as SPOILERS

*** This is purely FANFICTION. I do not own any rights to I'm in Love With the Villainess

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** Claire's POV

"The Bumpkin looked so gallant as she calmly drove those thugs away! I only read scenes like this from a book. Never would I think that I would get to experience it myself. It was such a sight to behold."

"I am glad that you are safe, however what you did was very dangerous Lady Claire. If not for Miss Taylor, you could've gotten hurt. Please be more careful."

After the incident earlier, I told Lene what had happened as she was brushing my hair, preparing me for the night. She has scolded me a number of times since I told her what happened, which I understand that I truly deserve.

"And I have apologized numerous times. I am aware that my actions were quite reckless, but I just couldn't ignore the chance to see such a well made item in front of me. All I wanted was to see for myself how it worked."

"Still, I never expected you to be so invested in Steam machines, Lady Claire."

I twitched at what Lene said. An Aristocrat should not be interested in what the Lower Classes make, especially involving Steam machines. They are developing these Steam machines after all to prove a point against us. However, it was difficult to hide my very little enthusiasm towards it.

"I never said I was interested. I was just curious on how it works without magic. Especially after seeing one of the machines called Fly Orbs and how the Bumpkin explained the process so clearly and so easy to understand. I can't believe ice can be used as a fuel to make it fly. If only I got to see it up close."

"So Miss Taylor is knowledgeable about Steam machines?"

"I'm quite surprised by her intelligence as well. Despite not going to school, she appears to gain her knowledge by the people she encounters with her travels and deliveries. Her magic is also very impressive. My dress was with no stain when I got home all thanks to her magic. Her skills and intellect can equal that of an Honor student in the Upper Class."

"Hehe... Miss Taylor has really left quite an impression on you Lady Claire."

I fell silent to what she said. I mean, I did learn a lot from the Bumpkin and she did help me with my dress today. She also protected me from the thugs, then she held my han-

"No no! You are mistaken! I am simply trying to explain the things she has done today. There's nothing more to it."

"However, Lady Claire, before you wouldn't even think about defying your father, go head first into danger, or become curious about Steam machines. After meeting Miss Taylor, it's like you're a bird released from her cage and exploring the world for the first time."

Exploring the world? Like what the Bumpkin told me before? No, that can't be since when we first met I felt nothing but frustration towards her, so why would I even listen to her words? I shook the thought and had to change the topic.

"Speaking of exploring, it would seem Catherine and her family may not make it tomorrow. Father told me the weather in Loro turned so they had to stay another day."

"That is unfortunate. I am sure they will come back safely, Lady Claire."

"I hope so too. I have so many things to talk about with Catherine. I have not seen her for almost a week."