The Villainess Hid Her Identity, and Now Everyone is Misunderstanding - Chapter 35

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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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The Villainess Hides Her Identity, and Everyone Misunderstands
Chapter 35

Upon noticing Genie’s eyes brimming with fear, I slowly lowered the hand I had been raising.
She stood in a defensive posture, gripping one of her own wrists tightly.
‘Now that I think about it….’
I examined her with narrowed eyes.
Ding!

[A clue has been detected by the Player’s 【Observation (B-)】.]

The system proves useful at times like these, I suppose.
There was a wound mark on Genie’s left cheek—a thin, red line as if scratched by fingernails.
And though I hadn’t noticed at first glance, she was oddly dressed in layers that covered her entire body. The weather had grown mild enough that there was no need to wear extra clothing underneath.
‘…What is this?’
It was difficult to dismiss this as a simple accidental wound. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have hidden it in such a startled manner.
Yet if she had suddenly acquired multiple wounds on her body….
‘Assault….’
The probability that she was being bullied was high.
I pressed my lips together firmly.
Was it because of me? Because she had taken my side back then, standing up for me… was she being tormented by the maids?
“You….”
But before I could even open my mouth, Genie interjected.
“You fell!”
“What?”
“You fell! Since this place isn’t familiar, you were hurrying and tumbled down the stairs! Hehe, I’m such a klutz, aren’t I?”
As if I would believe that now….

[Warning!]
[The story’s progression has deviated from normal parameters.]

Damn, how considerate of you.
I clenched my teeth tightly.
It was a warning from the system window telling me not to ask any further.
‘There’s no helping it.’
I eventually turned my head away.
“That’s why you need to be careful. You’ll hurt yourself being so careless.”
I could sense Genie letting out a sigh of relief from the corner of my eye.
But I had no intention of letting this slide. Since I caused this mess, I had to clean it up myself.
‘I’ll make sure they pay the price for daring to lay a hand on Evelyn Rosenthal’s maid….’
I ground my teeth and muttered under my breath.
Genie watched my expression carefully, then quickly tidied up the vanity and left the room. All her chatter had vanished.

* * *

The next day.
“Phew….”
I barely lifted my head and wiped the cold sweat from my forehead. I was startled to see my sleeves covered in black dust.
How on earth did people manage to live in a place like this….
The situation in the Tent Village had improved considerably, but there was still a long way to go before it could be completely resolved. Progress hadn’t even exceeded 70% yet.
Even though it was just a matter of securing distribution channels, the road ahead was long.
Given how short the timeframe was, it was all the more curious that rumors had spread in the meantime.
‘Money-bought rumors certainly have a different quality to them.’
It would have been absolutely impossible if the word had spread naturally.
I finished wrapping the bandage while growing irritated at the hood constantly obstructing my vision. I was in the middle of providing medical volunteer work to the people.
In the corner of my vision, the daily quota was shining brightly.

[Quest Name: Medical Volunteer Work]
[Daily Goal: 10/10 (people)]
[Today’s Bonus Reward: A Blue Hair Ribbon That Won’t Come Undone Once Tied (Durability: 5)]

Finally, I’ve completed it all.
It was a daily Quest that arose from my periodic visits to the Tent Village. Beyond medical volunteering, there were various tasks like food distribution, soup delivery, firewood sharing, and supply inventory checks.
Fortunately, I had prior experience following medical volunteers when building my credentials, otherwise I might have carelessly skipped these daily Quests.
Once I finished wrapping all the bandages and tied them securely, they held firm.
“There, all done.”
“Oh my, thank you so much…. The line at that other tent was so long, it was hard to find my way there….”
My work mainly involved seeking out those with mobility difficulties.
Of course, only those with minor injuries like abrasions, not critical patients. Serious cases naturally had to be left to doctors, not amateurs like me.
“Grandmother, this won’t heal quickly, so don’t let it get wet. I’ll come by again tomorrow.”
“Really? Oh my, you’re such a kind young lady…. I made this hair ribbon myself, please take it. My heart won’t be at ease otherwise….”
Looking at what Grandmother pressed urgently into my hand, it was a beautifully woven ribbon in a lovely shade of blue.
The bonus reward that appeared from just completing the Quest must have been referring to this.
I was just about to stand up after casually putting it in my pocket.
“May I ask what your name is?”
“Your name… me?”
I hesitated with an uncomfortable expression, gauging the situation, before finally opening my mouth.
“I’m… Eve….”
It was the same alias I’d used in the Capital City. Since I was already known as a maid of the Noble Family from coming and going at the Ducal Palace, it would be strange to change my name every day.
“Eve? Goodness, you’re that young lady?”
Ugh.
I quickly began organizing my medical supplies. I already knew what would come pouring out next.
“My daughter is so grateful to you, you have no idea. Wait just a moment, let me prepare something for you….”
“No, Grandmother! Please, don’t do anything. I’m busy! I have to go!”
I brushed off Grandmother’s grasping hands and quickly escaped from the tent.
The reason everyone in this place knew me was simple.
‘I shouldn’t have done the first supply delivery myself…!’
Since it was my first time and I wanted to check if things were being done properly, I ended up managing the entire process of several men moving and distributing supplies—an unintended side effect.
And if that person keeps showing up every single day to check on the situation with me? It’s the perfect setup for misunderstanding.
If they found out it was all because of Quest rewards, I’d be beaten to death.
“Ah, the Quest.”
I stopped my hurried steps toward home. There was still work left to do.
‘Let me see….’
I had nearly reached the entrance of the Tent Village when I stopped to check the Quest window.
“Lui, Lui! Danger!”

[Sudden Quest Triggered!]
[Quest Name: Save the Child
Reward: ???]

Someone was shouting and rushing out from inside.
‘A Quest!’
My eyes sparkled for a moment.
I hadn’t even realized the Quest reward was undisclosed.
I reflexively turned my head and witnessed a carriage barreling toward a child chasing after a rolling ball.
The Coachman I glimpsed was dozing off.
Before I could even think, my body reacted instinctively. I realized I was the closest one there.
‘Too late…!’
I grabbed the child and curled around them protectively, cursing inwardly.
‘Damn it, just protect the head!’
I couldn’t die here…!
The moment I squeezed my eyes shut and braced for the pain that would crash down on me, everything went eerily quiet.
“Lui!”
A woman who appeared to be the child’s Mother rushed over and pulled the child into her arms.
“Good heavens, Lui! Have you lost your mind?! Are you insane?!”
“Mom!”
Despite her warm embrace, her manner of speaking was quite harsh.
“Oh my… Thank you! Thank you so much, truly…!”
The Woman continuously stroked the child’s head and bowed to me with glistening eyes. Looking at the situation, fortunately the carriage had stopped before anything serious happened.
I awkwardly scratched my head and stepped away from the child.
“I’m, I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!”
The Coachman then hurriedly climbed down from the carriage. He bowed his head and apologized profusely to both the child and me.
“I, I must have been holding the reins for too long! I should have taken a break in between… It’s all my fault! I’m sorry!”
I glared at him.
So why would you do something that causes drowsy driving? If an apology could end it all, why would punishments and criminals exist in this world?
‘Anyway, who is the carriage owner that they’re working the Coachman this hard?’
I turned my head sharply and looked at the carriage door that had just opened.
And the person emerging from there was none other than….
‘…Rakiel?!’
I stifled the urge to scream and stared at him with wide eyes.
He descended looking flustered, then upon spotting me, became even more bewildered.
Rakiel’s lips trembled for a moment before closing. He seemed to know what took priority.
He walked toward the child’s Mother, and as if unconcerned about dirt staining his clothes, he bent slightly to lower his gaze to their eye level.
“Are you hurt?”
At his lowered posture, which clearly marked him as nobility, the mother and child
(母子)
were taken aback.
“This is my fault. I startled the child through carelessness. I apologize.”
It was clear they never expected him to apologize directly.
When the Woman was too flustered to respond, Rakiel gently turned his gaze toward the child.
“I apologize for frightening you. The anxiety you felt is entirely my responsibility. If you experience any discomfort, tell me at once. I will personally ensure everything you need is provided.”
With that, he straightened and called over the aide standing behind him—Hagen.
“Provide them with everything they require.”
“Yes, understood.”
Hagen responded with crisp precision, his pride in his lord evident in every gesture.
I found myself admiring the sight before me.
‘He’s far better than I expected…’
Simply observing how he treated a mere commoner—a refugee, no less—revealed everything.
The future of the empire that would unfold when he became emperor.
While Hagen exchanged brief words with the woman, Rakiel turned and approached the coachman. He spoke a few words to the bewildered man, then patted his shoulder twice.
It was as though he himself were the one apologizing.
Then he began walking toward me… wait, toward me?
I hastily checked the hood I’d already pulled down.
“Are you injured anywhere? I’m sorry—I put you in danger.”
He spoke with a worried expression.

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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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