47. Whose Dress is This? (3)

 By Antoinette Vanessa January 31, 2023

After seeing Alexandra off, Dylan spoke to Avril.

“…Avril, you must’ve thought that you need to do your best for the contract again, didn’t you?”

“!?!”

Did she accidentally blurt it out? Avril reflexively covered her mouth, but Dylan seemed to have different intentions.

“I’d like to discuss the details of our contract.”

“Oh, if that’s the case, there’s also something I’d like to clarify with Lord Dylan…”

After the contract expires, I have to remind him to hire the servants of Count Allingham…!

“In that case, let’s take some time off in the near future. Let us leave this mansion and go someplace else where we can take our time and enjoy each other’s company.”

“I understand. This is also a ‘date’, isn’t it? I shall gladly oblige.”

At Avril’s smile, Dylan smiled—albeit wryly. However, she couldn’t help but notice that he was much more relaxed than when he was talking to Alexandra earlier.

“To you, is a man’s invitation nothing more than a duel?”

“Well, that’s just how it is for a villainess.”

“…Why is it, for some reason, I feel like I lost even before challenging you.”

She wasn’t so sure about that.

Regardless, it had been a long time since she’d been out with Dylan. Apart from the obligation she felt due to the contract, she also looked forward to that day as well.

　◇

At that time, in a lounge for servants…

Carol—Corinna’s maid—paled at the letter from her mistress.

…She’s blaming me for the foiled infiltration. This month, my salary won’t be paid. As it is, my bills are already behind. My mother and my siblings will starve now…

Carol hadn’t heard of the gigolos from the other day. After all, Corinna simply instructed Carol to bring Avril to the garden’s gate at the specified time.

…However, judging from Corinna’s personality, it was easy to guess what she was up to. While Carol was employed by Corinna, she didn’t really agree with her ways, but as she lacked education, ability, and status to do anything about it. Carol had to obey her for the sake of her family.

Despite that, Avril’s nonchalant question caused her heart to waver.

Even though Carol was about to deceive Avril, she expressed concern for her.

A-at that time, I don’t know what got into me… Nevertheless, the fact remains that I forgot whom it is I work for… I must distance myself from Avril Allingham and obey Corinna’s orders…

As Carol crumpled the letter, the door opened behind her. Turning around, she saw that Grace—the maid who often took care of Avril, had entered.

In her hand was a basket, one filled with a dark green cloth that at a glance could be recognized as high quality.

“…Grace, what is that?”

“Oh, it’s Lady Avril’s dress. However, since it’s too revealing, I’m going to adjust it.”

Grace didn’t seem to notice the way Carol gazed at it.

…A revealing dress. While the color isn’t flashy, the high-quality fabric is in Lady Corinna’s taste.

Anyway, that angelic Avril wouldn’t wear such a dress. No, the doting Dylan probably wouldn’t allow it. As such, if Carol were to give it to Corinna, it might improve her mood.

In addition, if she were to send it with a letter saying, “The duke gave it to Avril for formality’s sake, since he never meets, let alone speaks, to her.” Corinna would definitely be pleased.

Recognizing it as an opportunity to clear her name, Carol tried to maintain her calmness.

“I see… If you don’t mind, let me do it instead.”

Grace frowned at the unusual offer.

“What is this about? Carol, usually, you refuse to concern yourself with Lady Avril.”

“No, that’s not necessarily true—I mean, even if you do fix it, would she even wear such a scanty dress?”

“Lady Avril is putting effort into wearing it, so my Lord personally instructed me to mend it.”

“Is that so?”

“This task was entrusted to me by my Lord and Lady Avril. Don’t worry about it.”

‘I’ll fix it later, so don’t touch it.’ With those words, Grace left the break room.

“…”

Carol saw Grace off before putting her hands into the basket.

***T/N: Smart move, Grace, just leave it there.