She is the Daughter of the Villainess in a Ridiculous Novel - Chapter 81

With a smile that was anything but elegant, he urged Idel for a response while subtly lifting his teacup.

“His name was Sigmund… right?”

“Uh-huh…”

“What kind of friend is he? Where did you meet? How long have you known each other?”

As the questions kept coming, Idel quickly brought the cup to her lips. The corners of her mouth, which had been forced into a smile, trembled slightly.

‘This guy… He wouldn’t have asked so many questions even if I had brought someone I was about to marry.’

She had anticipated that the “merchant” they met back then would convey the message to Melisa, but Melisa’s reaction was more proactive than she expected.

Looking down at the tea swirling in her cup, Idel felt certain.

‘Both Melisa and that black mqgician merchant suspect that Sigmund is a prince.’

The merchant might not know, but Melisa wouldn’t show interest simply because he was someone related to Vilred.

‘Unless that someone is “very important.”’

Moreover, that black magician merchant even said that Sigmund “surpassed his achievements.”

That meant the entire Nox were sharing matters related to the prince, and furthermore, it suggested that they had reached out to the imperial family.

‘If this continues, it seems more plausible that Vilred was once a member of Nox and fled with Sigmund.’

Perhaps there was some reason behind the villain Sigmund mentioned in her sister’s book report, just like Idel Clementine, who had been brainwashed by Melisa.

As Idel was contemplating various possibilities in her mind, Melisa, sensing the awkwardness of Idel’s silence, took a step back.

“Oh dear, I’m being quite nosy. You must have been surprised by how many questions mom asked, right? I was just curious since the only friend my daughter introduced was the cat, Katrina.”

Watching Melisa’s seemingly kind smile, Idel clicked her tongue inwardly.

‘It’s not Katrina; it’s Violet. She can’t even remember the cat’s name.’

Seeing how easily she was swayed by such superficial interest, it seemed that the original ‘Idel Clementine’ was truly starved for affection.

As she brushed away fleeting thoughts, Idel shyly wrapped her arms around herself.

“Uh, I don’t really know how to brag about it…”

“Brag? So, our Idel really likes Sigmund, huh?”

“Yeah! Sigmund is brave and handsome! And he’s kind!”

“Handsome? What does he look like?”

“His black hair is like the night sky, and his eyes sparkle like red jewels.”

Idel threw out the information that Melisa wanted, pretending to be an innocent child. She wanted to see any change in Melisa’s expression or behavior.

Indeed, she wanted to find out if Melisa knew Sigmund’s true identity. And in the next moment…

“Oh, really…? He must be quite handsome.”

Idel saw a faint joy flicker in Melisa’s eyes.

‘She knows. She knows who Sigmund is.’

It felt strange for her heart to sink when it wasn’t even her own business.

Unaware of Idel’s thoughts, Melisa clapped her hands with delight.

“That’s great! How about we invite our Sigmund to the duke’s residence? Since our Idel might still feel uncomfortable with Rowena and the duke, I’ll get permission. What do you think?”

“Uh? Yes! That sounds wonderful!”

“Seeing my daughter happy makes me happy too. Then shall we set a date soon? Hmm…”

While tapping her chin with her finger to choose a date, she let out a small gasp. Then, gently rubbing Idel’s cheek, she sweetly spoke.

“It’s a coincidence, but I never imagined our Idel would have such use. Well done, I’m looking forward to what’s ahead. You can do it, right?”

“…Uh-huh, I can.”

“Good girl. Then I’ll set the date and let you know. I need to hurry and see Rowena.”

After finishing her business, Melisa stood up and left the room. As always, she showed no interest in Idel whatsoever.

While Melisa walked out, Idel bit her lip, staring at the empty chair that had no owner.

‘This is truly disgusting.’

Regardless of how the original ‘Idel Clementine’ might be, Idel had no expectations from Melisa, not even a hair’s breadth.

Perhaps that was why she found Melisa’s distinctive way of manipulating people so repulsive.

‘Even when she compliments, she talks about ‘usefulness.’’

If she were Melisa’s biological child, it would be even more shocking.

Irritated, Idel lightly kicked the table leg and shoved the remaining cookie into her mouth.

‘Let’s fill up on sugar and get to work.’

As she chewed the cookie vigorously, she pondered deeply.

‘Now that she’s invited Sigmund to the duke’s residence, Melisa will surely create a situation where just the three of us are together. I don’t know what she’s planning, but she’ll definitely try to manipulate him too.’

It would be difficult to completely extract Sigmund from Melisa’s schemes. Therefore, she needed to make it seem like things were going her way.

‘Just like I did at the banquet.’

With her brows furrowed, Idel blinked a few times in contemplation before rising from her seat and leaving the room.

‘I need to meet Sylvia and Dante.’

This time, she couldn’t rely on Gianna’s help. Melisa had instructed her to keep her distance from Gianna.

As Idel walked down the corridor toward Sylvia’s office, a familiar voice called her name from the opposite hallway.

“Idel? Is something the matter?”

“Ah.”

“If I startled you, I apologize. You were walking so quickly…”

Startled? Not at all.

They say happiness and misfortune are two sides of the same coin, and she was just surprised to run into the person she had been looking for.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Idel strode over to Sylvia and pulled out the necklace she had been holding. Then, with a serious expression, she asked her.

“Sylvia, about the necklace you gave me, the family treasure…”

“Oh, yes. Is there a problem with the ring?”

“No, I have a question. You mentioned that having this would protect me from external dangers, right? That it was blessed by the temple.”

“That’s correct.”

“Then, can it also defend against mental attacks?”

Hearing Idel’s question, Sylvia rubbed her chin thoughtfully. After a moment of contemplation, she slowly spoke.

“I’m not sure what kind of attack you’re referring to, but… since it has been blessed by the temple, it should definitely be effective against evil entities. Although I can’t say how much the ring can withstand.”

“Evil entities…”

“Why do you ask, though? Is someone trying to harm you again…?”

“Of course not. Well, maybe something similar?”

“What do you mean?”

Sylvia’s expression turned serious in an instant. Idel, meeting her narrowed eyes and intense gaze, shrugged her shoulders, slightly annoyed.

“Lately, there have been people who would suddenly give me flowers and then disappear.”

“……What?”

“They come up to me without a word, trembling, and hand me flowers. No, it’s more accurate to say they throw them at me and run away. Are they trying to hit me with flowers or something?”

Despite Idel’s lightly furrowed brow, Sylvia couldn’t help but chuckle softly. She had a hunch about the situation.

‘This must be a repeat of what Diane said not long ago.’

She recalled the moment when the duchess had summoned all the servants.

‘If you don’t believe me, try delivering flowers or desserts to Idel! She’ll definitely say she doesn’t need them but will secretly keep them!’

The method of delivery might be… a bit off, but…

As Sylvia remembered Diane’s bold claims, she relaxed her serious expression and asked Idel.

“So what did you do with the flowers?”

“I gave them to Diane. What happened after that is none of my business. She can use them as decoration or whatever…”

As soon as Sylvia heard Idel’s response, she covered her mouth with her hand and cleared her throat lightly.

Seeing Idel’s slightly furrowed brow and her irritated demeanor made it hard for Sylvia to suppress a laugh.

‘In the end, she didn’t throw them away like Diane said.’

Sylvia recalled the vase she had seen in Idel’s room. Imagining how some of the servants might have reacted to the bright floral arrangement, she nodded calmly.

“You did well.”

“What do you mean?”

“Never mind. I’ll take another look at that matter before I leave the duke’s residence.”

“Alright. Oh, and there’s one more thing I want to tell you, Sylvia, while I’m out of the duke’s residence…”

Idel paused, glancing around before lifting her heel to whisper something to her.