The Villain is Being Suspiciously Kind

It was a week after Estelles party. A week was a valuable amount of time to experiment with several schemes.

Lady Citrina! Our ateliers story is in the social gossip!

It was not on the front page of , but within the second page was a story about Citrina Jewel Atelier. It explained that simple or kitsch designs were gaining popularity with a trend started by lower nobles.

goes all the way to the academy, right?

Yes, Im sure! I recall that it was popular in high society because the princess subscribed to it.

Princess Iana was still at the academy. She was not the heir to the empire, but she must have a grasp of what is going on in the empire.

Its just a passing advertisement, and I cant make a good impression with these sorts of things. I need a strong shot. Thats probably Gemma.

-Why are you calling me, Citrina?

How did she read her mind?

She was unfamiliar with this feeling. Perhaps as her understanding of her spirit increased, their minds became more connected.

For now, she calmed Gemma down.

It was a mistake. Lie down, Gemma.

Im bored, okay!

-Yeah, since you are the hidden card. Its still time to sleep.

-Alright!

At the word hidden card, Gemma began to happily roll over the jewels.

It wasnt wrong to call it that. At the point, Gemma was Citrinas most powerful card. Adilacs craftmanship was artistic but unknown.

Adilac asked, sticking a jewel in front of Citrinas face.

Citrina, is this enough? Its the necklace Im going to send to Vonshe. [TL Note: Lol. I have no idea about how to romanize this. Its either Vonshe or Bonshe.]

The rose crystal sent by the dwarf and cut into the shape of a heart glistened on a neatly crafted chain.

Yes. Its plenty pretty.

I think Estelle introduced our work to many places. Its getting busier! Im so happy people are wearing the jewelry I mademy own jewelry!

Their actions so far had been minor. They were trivial moves that wouldnt threaten another atelier on Dartrin Street. Luckily for that reason, they were on the rise without an checks.

Ah, Citrina, you need to make more drafts, right? Im going to be more quiet and work now!

Adilac made a zipping gesture and laughed. Citrina went back to her design.

So far only a few people had visited the atelier.

Even so, it wasnt a bad achievement. Word of mouth was gradually spreading.

Citrina thought for a moment about the letter sent by a low ranking noble lady.

The letter was exceedingly polite to even call it a request.

Her attitude was also strange when she visited.

How could she put it, butit felt like how you acted with a superior.

She wasnt the only one who was weird.

Citrina, why are your hands stopping?

Adilac tried to start chatting.

Umits just a little strange.

Citrina was getting to know the latest trends one at a time as she entered high society. At the same time, was intended to find out about Duke Pietro.

She knew better than anyone else that her life was linked to Desian Pietros rehabilitation and his disposition.

What is it?

Im talking about Duke Pietro. What? Duke Pietro?

Im a littlecurious.

When she tried to hear rumors about Duke Pietro , not Desian, they shut up like a clam.

She understood that. Estelle could have tipped people off about her connection to Duke Pietro.

I cant find any rumors about Duke Pietro or anything in the latest newspapers or in older papers.

Citrina whispered, pointing to several morning papers on her desk.

Oh, it that right?

Adilacs eyes opened wide as if she had noticed.

Usually rumors about nobles were covered in the social gossip papers.

Of course, there was no way there would be anything too critical of the aristocrats.

Normally, if theres no rumors about nobility its one of two things, right?

One of two things?

No matter how powerful the duke was, people looked like they had sucked on a lemon whenever he came up on conversation.

Here, there was clearly something she didnt know.

Citrina quietly chewed on her lip with her front teeth.

Either theres nothing to gossip about, or they have hushed it all up.

Adilac once again let something slip.

yes, thank you, Adilac.

Citrina smiled at her and began to color in the design she had drawn up.

I should find out a bit more.

The Desian she knew personally was an extremely harmless man.

His attitude towards her was also gentle.

Then the attendant carefully caught Citrinas attention.

Excuse me, Lady Citrina.

What is it?

Theres a guest outside.

Guest?

Aaron, he said that you would know who he was.

Citrina tapped the pencil in her hand. It was a familiar yet unexpected name since she hadnt thought they would meet for a while.

Aaron?

Yes.

Tell him to come inside.

Understood.

Hi, Citrina!

However, before the attendant had even left, a good-looking man with black hair popped up behind the attendants back and waved at Citrina.

Looking at his drooping, smiling, cute eyes, Citrina thought that if he had a tail it would probably be wagging right now.

Are you doing ok?

Ive been ok. Have a seat, Aaron.

Adilac and the attendant left the room. Citrina sat across from Aaron at a round table inside the atelier.

How many years has it been? Its been too long!

Thats right.

The attendant brought some tea out and placed it on the table.

Citrina smiled at Aaron.

Ive tried hard till now to be worthy of the sword you gave me.

The boy, no, the young man that Aaron had become responded maturely.

He was different from when she had seen him a few years ago.

At twenty years old, his voice had lost all traces of childishness. He had broad shoulders and a strong build.

If they stood side-by-side, her neck might fall off from looking him in the eye.

I trained really hard.

Well done.

Ill take that as a compliment.

Aaron smiled so that his eyes crinkled at the corners. He was even like a puppy asking to be pet. In the past he was more like a small fluffy dog, but now he was more like a big dog.

I cant treat a young lord from a duchy like a dog.

But he enjoyed it more than anyone else.

Citrina justified her behavior, then raised her hand to stroke Aarons hair. Black hair delicately wound around her fingertips.

That feels good

Aaron closed his eyes as he felt Citrinas touch. He murmured as if he were dreaming.