The Villainess Returns with a System

26: You've been Served!

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Three days before the start of the Exam...

On that day, all students were required to leave the Academy to ensure a secure environment, eliminating any opportunities for cheating. Even the wayward Robert Moore had to return home for three days before the exam in which Vivian wholeheartedly ignored him and he did the same until it was evening.

On this specific evening, the Academy will commence the distribution of Exam Notices to all students at their places of residence. These notices serve as a final notification regarding the exam schedule and each student's unique seat number. This unique numbering system plays a crucial role in preventing external parties from tampering with the exam results, ensuring the integrity and fairness of the evaluation process.

The entire family gathered in the drawing room. The Lord and his wife were drinking their tea, the third child, Robert, was examining the sword he would use in the Martial Arts exam, while the second child, Vivian, was picking up a new hobby... or rather an old one.

In the reception hall, stood a piano, seemingly ancient yet exuding an impeccable tune and meticulously maintained. Vivian was drawn to it, taking a seat in front of the instrument and directing her gaze to the music sheet placed neatly at its center.

This caught the eyes of Lord Julian and a perplexed look appeared on his face.

"I thought you hated the piano." He said half mumbling and half blurting out.

"Hm?" Vivian heard him and couldn't pinpoint any memory from the previous Vivian where she particularly hated it and she replied, "I don't think I did."

Her reply was more of a shock to everyone now since they all recall perfectly that Vivian insisted on never taking any lessons in music. This piano, in particular, was something that was the central reason for this whole thing.

It's her mother's.

The previous lady of the house was a famous pianist to the point where it caused the young Count Julian to fall head over heels for her.

The current lady of the house, Saskia, once tried to get rid of that piano and the memory of that day when the lord found out still makes her shiver in fear. If there is a taboo in this house, it is that damn piano.

Only the Lord and Old Theo were the ones allowed to touch and maintain it. Now that Vivian was approaching that thing, and as the daughter of the previous lady, Saskia could hear the beating heart of the Count almost jumping off his chest despite his masterful poker face.

"You learned how to play?" Lord Julian stood off his seat and walked behind Vivian, "This note may be too advanced for you."

"Yes. While I can practice, I prefer using the things I know." Vivian said as she put the sheet away.

The Lord smiled warmly despite his callous self, which is a rare sight. He felt an internal pride swelling from deep within as he put his hand on her back.

"Why don't you give it a try?" He said.

"Yes, Dad." Vivian replied as she felt the warmth of his hand on her and a strange feeling possessed her.

The previous Vivian was clinging on to her father and craving his attention. She may have a trauma from the piano since her precious few memories of her mother are closely related to it but the one who showed this interest in the piano was actually Nadia.