She is the Daughter of the Villainess in a Ridiculous Novel - Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Slightly taken aback by the almost puppy-like attitude, Sylvia quickly regained her composure. The sight of the three of them together, up close, was more… more ordinary than she expected.

“The sandwich is delicious…”

“Yeah, who told you to skip meals and just roll yourself up in a blanket?”

“…That’s all because of Idel.”

“I believe it’s because you’re worried about Idel.”

At that moment, Sylvia felt she understood why Diane had described Idel that way. She must have seen how Idel behaved in a place where she could relax.

Just like now.

The snack time, which gave Sylvia a new realization, didn’t last long. Even when Gianna brought snacks with both hands full, there wasn’t much to go around.

Once Idel confirmed that the two had roughly filled their stomachs, she turned to face Sylvia. Before Sylvia could even offer an apology, Idel asked a pointed question.

“Are you thinking of quitting as the head maid and leaving the duke’s household?”

“How did you know, Miss Idel…? Did Diane or the Countess mention it?”

“No. I just thought so.”

“Oh.”

“Why are you quitting? Is it because you feel sorry for me?”

“Well…”

After taking a moment to choose her words, Sylvia slowly expressed what she had initially wanted to say to Idel.

“That’s correct, Miss Idel. I owe you an apology. From the very beginning, I approached you with prejudice, right up to this incident.”

“…”

“I’ve thought about quitting as the head maid, not only because I feel sorry for you, as you mentioned, but also because I feel this position is too much for me. I can’t help but reflect on how complacently I’ve worked.”

With a hint of self-deprecation, Sylvia revealed her true feelings and lightly shook her head.

‘What have I just said in front of this young lady?’

Embarrassment washed over her late. As she lightly bit her lower lip, she was about to correct her words, insisting it was nothing.

“Hey, why is your quitting your job an apology to me?”

“Excuse me?”

“If that person said they never wanted to see you again, that would be one thing, but if you feel sorry, shouldn’t you actually help that person instead?”

Idel’s gaze was calm yet directly pierced through Sylvia.

“I don’t think you bear no responsibility at all, so I won’t try to stop you from quitting.”

“…”

“However, if you reflect enough, then come back to the duke’s household. Help me out as much as you feel sorry for me.”

Sylvia didn’t respond to Idel’s words. More accurately, she found it hard to answer.

‘How can Miss Idel say something like this? It feels like she understands all my lamentations…’

Could it be that the praises Diane gave about Miss Idel being sharp and impressive weren’t an exaggeration?

With widened eyes, Sylvia stared at Idel and slowly closed her eyes.

It was a ridiculous situation, but it felt as if her complicated and heavy thoughts were clearing up.

‘Reflect and return.’

As she mulled over Idel’s words again, a faint smile appeared on Sylvia’s lips.

“By the way, I have one more thing to say to you, Miss Idel.”

“Another thing?”

“Yes.”

Idel’s eyebrows raised as if to say, “Go ahead, tell me.” Sylvia couldn’t help but let out a small laugh and spoke in a relaxed tone.

“I haven’t had the chance to thank you yet.”

“…Huh?”

“Thank you for revealing the truth between Veronica and Demaric. You also allowed me to wrap that matter up with my own hands.”

“What? That wasn’t really for you, though?”

Ah, so that’s what it means to be indirect.

As Sylvia realized one by one the things Diane had said, she added, “If it weren’t for you, Miss Idel, I would still have been blinded by the schemes of those two. I wouldn’t have been able to completely cut them out of my life, deceived by their sweet lies.”

With those words, Sylvia stepped a little closer to Idel. Then, she took off the necklace she was wearing and placed it around Idel’s neck.

“…What is this?”

“It’s one of the treasures passed down in my family—a ring blessed by the temple long ago. It’s said to protect the person who possesses it.”

“What? You’re giving me something like this? No way, take it back!”

Despite Idel’s shocked reaction, jumping back from her seat, Sylvia remained unfazed.

“You said if I felt sorry, I should help you, right? This is my first bit of help.”

“…”

Idel’s eyes widened in surprise as she processed her own words being thrown back at her. The sight of Idel looking so flustered was amusing, and Gianna, who had been eavesdropping on their conversation, burst into laughter.

“This time, Idel lost! What’s with that expression?”

“Right? Congratulations on receiving a nice gift!”

“Yeah, congratulations! It’s my first time seeing Idel lose.”

Gianna chimed in, laughing heartily, as if seizing the opportunity to tease Idel.

☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓 ☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓

Yes, that’s what happened.

‘Gianna laughed so much that I told Dante we should go back to our room.’

Idel quietly fiddled with the ring necklace around her neck, trying to shake off her thoughts. She could hear the Duchess’s soft warning voice in response to Sylvia’s request.

“Sylvia, I understand your intention to return after taking responsibility for what you’ve done. But you know, being dismissed will carry a significant stigma for you. No matter how much the duke’s household tries to rehire you, that stigma won’t disappear.”

“I understand. But doesn’t that level of stigma mean I’ve truly taken responsibility?”

“……Well, if you’ve made up your mind like that, there’s nothing I can do. Proceed as you wish. I’ll keep track of a suitable time for your reinstatement.”

“Thank you, Madam Rowena.”

Upon hearing Sylvia’s gratitude, the duchess smiled lightly and shook her head. Initially, she seemed reluctant about Sylvia leaving, but seeing her calm expression appeared to change her mind.

After confirming that the incident had settled, Idel cleared her throat in apparent dissatisfaction.

“Is everything done now?”

“Ah…!”

“If it’s all sorted out, I’d like you to leave the room now.”

At Idel’s blunt tone, the Duchess’s expression became cautious again. She reached out as if to say something more, but Idel had no intention of holding her hand.

‘For now, I still need to do as Melisa wishes.’

Idel’s firm rejection made the Duchess smile bitterly as she withdrew her hand.

‘Didn’t Sylvia say that the stigma of dismissal is something she must bear?’

If that’s the case, then this is a responsibility that she and Vincent must shoulder. As parents, they were responsible for not protecting their child.

‘I won’t make the same mistake again.’

To do that, she mustn’t be swayed by such rejections.

Quickly regaining her composure, Rowena gently stroked her husband’s hand. Even though he remained silent, she knew his feelings better than anyone.

His cold, hardened face seemed to echo the self-deprecating voice she had heard not long ago.

‘Farell Underwood said it. How does it feel to bury a person just because you were blinded by your young daughter’s tantrum? What on earth did that child say to make him feel so miserable?’

‘……’

‘In reality, all that child gained in this house was the torment from the servants and a biological father who couldn’t love her.’

With a short deep breath, Rowena erased those memories and turned to Idel with a gentle smile.

“You still need to rest your body, so I’m sorry for taking up so much of your time. Please take a good rest. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to come to me or Vincent.”

“……Yes.”

With Idel’s businesslike response, the three of them left the room.

And just as the door closed with a soft thud, the crow artifact that Sigmund had gifted her began to send frantic messages.

[Hey. Hey. Emergency]

[Master. Crazy. Move?]

[Meeting. Hurry]

It was as if it had been waiting for Idel to be alone, striking with swift and precise timing.