The Baddest Villainess Is Back - Chapter 154

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Part 2, Episode 24
“There’s no need to worry overmuch, Miss Bellion.”
“Ah, Marquis Wilbred, sir.”
“There’s nothing for you to be concerned about.”
At Garren Wilbred’s words, spoken with a faint smile, Lilly Bellion’s eyes widened before she laughed awkwardly.
“Ah, forgive me. I happened to arrive and found myself overhearing your conversation by chance.”
“Not at all, sir. It’s quite all right.”
“In any case, I’ve already conveyed the matter to him beforehand and explained the circumstances. The Duke of Bellion was thoroughly displeased, of course—with your adversary, not with you.”
“Ah… My father…?”
“He was so eager to see you that he said he’d come himself. But given the situation on my end and your current condition, I declined on your behalf.”
Lilly Bellion’s eyes widened, and she carefully folded her trembling hands together, nodding.
“You’re blessed with a fine family. You’ve nothing to worry about.”
“…Yes! Thank you so much. I feel much more at ease because of you.”
The atmosphere had grown noticeably warmer and more affectionate than when Rozelin had spoken, and her expression turned distinctly subtle.
When she frowned and looked at Garren Wilbred, he smiled faintly and licked his lips.
“In my view, you’re still quite a ways off.”
“…”
Rozelin grimaced irritably and pressed her palm to her forehead.
“Miss Bellion, I’ve come to help with your preparations.”
“Ah… Preparations?”
“Since you’re meeting family for the first time in ages, I thought you’d want to look your best. Was I overstepping?”
“Oh no! Thank you… Thank you so much.”
Startled, she flushed and bowed her head deeply.
As Garren Wilbred turned to leave, Lilly Bellion thanked him repeatedly.
Rozelin followed Garren Wilbred out, her brow furrowed.
“What exactly do you think makes you and me different?”
“…To begin with, we’re not comparable subjects, so I’d rather you didn’t lump us together. Being compared to you alone troubles my heart.”
Garren Wilbred spoke with clear displeasure.
“Your advice is far too blunt.”
“What’s wrong with that? It’s practical counsel, isn’t it?”
“There are times when people need pleasant words to hear, and times when they simply need reassurance.”
Rozelin tilted her head, her brow furrowed slightly.
“I’d say I’m better than being as carelessly affectionate and indiscriminate with everyone as you are.”
At Rozelin’s words, Garren Wilbred’s gaze dropped.
She shrugged at the unspoken question in his expression.
“Mark my words—if I were Miss Hyde, I’d have left you long ago.”
“…What?”
“A man equally kind to every last soul is worthless to a woman.”
“Every soul, you say… That’s rather harsh. Aren’t those people your family, after all?”
“I said—speaking from Miss Hyde’s perspective.”
Garren Wilbred faltered at Rozelin’s words.
“My social graces may admittedly fall short of my wretched father’s, but when it comes to understanding a woman’s heart, I seem to have the better grasp.”
The child smiled at Garren Wilbred.
Still wearing an expression of incomprehension, Garren Wilbred looked down at the small child who barely reached his waist.
“What do you mean?”
“I’m going to get ready for the Ducal House.”
Rozelin waved her hand lightly and dashed into her room, leaving Garren Wilbred behind.
Her short legs pumped quickly, but her stride was narrow enough that he could catch up in just two or three of his own steps.
“…”
Garren Wilbred watched the child’s retreating figure in silence, then turned and made his way to Selena’s room.
Whenever he felt a twinge of unease, it was better to meet face to face and carefully sound things out.
Though he might not always understand a woman’s heart, Garren had experience and instinct, and rather than ignoring the vague discomfort and anxiety echoing in his mind, he acted on it at once.
* * *
“Lilly…!”
“Father…”
Devon Bellion, the Family Head of the Bellion Family Estate, rose from his seat with a fierce expression and strode toward Lilly Bellion, drawing her into his embrace.
‘When he was younger, he looked far more intimidating.’
His hair had been snow-white then, but now that his original color had returned, there was a weightier presence to him.
Frightening, in a word.
“Mm… Father…”
Lilly Bellion, who had never shed a tear with eyes open, finally broke down crying the moment she found herself in her father’s arms.
Devon Bellion’s face remained stiffly set, but he patted his daughter’s back with clumsy, tentative hands.
“Sob… sob…”
“You’re safe. Thank goodness. Thank goodness you came back safe…”
His face was fierce, his voice rigid, his movements stiff—yet Rozelin could easily see that Devon Bellion was genuinely overcome with emotion.
“…Lilly.”
At the soft murmur, Rozelin turned her head.
Isys Bellion stood with his mouth agape.
Looking around, she saw the gathering was full—word of the missing sister’s return had apparently summoned all the Bellion Family members.
Among them stood a father who looked remarkably young, and a small, sullen version of herself tucked into a corner, visibly tense.
“…Ah yes, this child here found you.”
After comforting his weeping daughter for some time, Devon Bellion settled the now-calm Lilly at a table and turned his attention to Rozelin.
“How do you do. I’m… of the Wilbred Family.”
Though it chafed her, for now she belonged to the Wilbred Family, and introducing her surname was necessary.
“I hear you went for a walk in the mountains, found a cabin, and went inside…”
“Yes.”
“And that you defeated bandits and rescued her yourself.”
At Devon Bellion’s words, Rozelin gave a small nod.
“Thank you for not turning away from your daughter and saving her.”
“Yes.”
She answered his gratitude with quiet composure.
“Well now—Lilly. It’s been so long. Our sister’s grown even lovelier in the time we’ve been apart.”
At Isys Bellion’s cheerful words, Lilly’s eyes widened before breaking into a smile.
“You’ve grown quite a bit yourself, brother.”
“Well, it’s not like I’ve been growing without taking a few hits, you know.”
“Then shut your mouth.”
“What, I didn’t say anything wrong, did I? You’ve been using me like some kind of practice dummy for Swordsmanship, beating me whenever you feel bored.”
“Quiet, I told you. If you lot would just do things properly, I wouldn’t have to open my mouth at all!”
“For gods’ sake, what do you expect—a newborn to run before they can walk? And you just keep nagging and nagging about it.”
Isys Bellion and Devon Bellion began raising their voices at each other.
Rozelin blinked at the raw, unfiltered exchange before her.
‘…Ah, so that’s what changes with age.’
Devon Bellion was called the true power of the Ducal House, yet he was an illegitimate child who, before being registered, had lived as street rabble in back alleys.
So in truth, his origins were not far removed from those back-alley thugs.
She had once heard rumors that since he inherited his title, he had become decidedly unbecoming of his position…
‘…Certainly lives up to his street rabble roots.’
Now she understood why Father found it so distasteful to be in the same room with his family.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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