Wallflower Villainess

Chapter 4

When the awaited day arrived Celine finally took a proper look at her closet.

Celine lived in the western wing of the Aquitaine manor, habituated only by a small portion of the maids and Celine herself. Her father and brother lived in the rest of the mansion. She had her own garden to roam, food cooked to her tastes only, and more than that, she could roam wherever she wanted in her nightgown without consequence.

It was a bad habit, honestly. She had only started doing so after regressing in time.

Regardless, now was the second time she was properly picking out a dress to wear. The first time was Sirin's visit, but now, she was going on an outing.

The closet was filled with well-kept dresses of many styles and colors, but all of them suited her well enough. Celine picked out a white dress with blue rose patterns and ruffles that, though too childish for her tastes, suited her mild-colored hair quite well. Miriam tied her hair into a braided bun, secured her sunhat quite snugly, and then it was time to leave.

The two walked down the halls of the manor, the large windows casting diagonal shadows on the corridor. Celine had to pass through the other wing of the manor to leave through the main entrance, where her carriage awaited.

Celine honestly didn't want to see any family members even now, after years of not seeing their faces. But as her life typically went, she wasn't so fortunate.

Just as she entered the main hall of the Aquitaine manor, Albert bumped right into her. Celine was the one who stumbled back a few steps. She steadied herself before looking up at her brother, whose expression had gone from startled to slightly irritated.

Albert Aquitaine, the star child of the family, bearing the silver hair and eyes that spoke of the Aquitaine Duchy's bloodline. He was acquaintances with Prince Midas, and studied at the magic tower.

"Celine," he said, his tone clipped, "is it already time for your sole monthly excursion?"

Celine brushed herself off momentarily before looking up at him with apathy equivalent to her brother's. All these years without seeing each other and Celine hadn't missed Albert or their father and ounce. Sadly, she did feel a pang of guilt, which she promptly squashed.

There was no reason to feel apologetic towards any of them. Their honor had remained quite unscathed throughout her entire past life, Celene was the only one to die early.

She was the outlier, in every way. Hah, had she hoped they'd die along with her? Celine stashed the thought away before she had any ill-timed realizations.

"I'm just on my way out, brother," she said simply.

Albert gave her a once over then, eyeing her sunhat and dress.

"You've been quiet lately. I thought you'd mope after the engagement some more."

Celine nearly scoffed. Mope? Celine hadn't moped even in her past life. It has been a convenience! These fools didn't know a thing, seriously. But now, standing before him as a younger version of herself, she swallowed the bitter retort she wanted to give.

"Mope? I'm not moping, brother. I'm merely... adjusting. It's a lot to take in, you see." she said, placidly.

Albert raised an eyebrow. "If you say so. Well, do be careful. The capital is full with rumors about your engagement already. People will be watching you closely now."

Celine nodded at Captain Obvious, who strode past her without a second glance. How typical of the guy— distant, cool, and indifferent to her presence unless it concerned the family's reputation. Well, at least she hadn't been sad about his treatment of her in a long time.