I Won't Clear Up the Misunderstanding. I Don't Mind Being the Villainess. - Chapter 2
When I woke up the next day, Kevin was gone from the Duke’s manor.
In the original story, Erica would have noticed his absence while looking for him to say good morning. She’d then spiral, convincing herself he was avoiding her because their wedding night had been a disaster, and it was all her fault.
Naturally, I didn’t do that.
Instead, the Duke’s maid brought my breakfast and made sure to point out his absence with an unpleasant smirk.
“For His Grace to have left before dawn, and for the new Madam not to have bothered seeing him off, but to still be sleeping at this hour…”
“Tell me your name. I’ll be reporting that little speech of yours to ‘His Grace’ later. And I’ll also share my review of this truly awful cup of tea.”
The instant I shot that back, she went completely white.
Honestly, why do these types of people never expect anyone to talk back? It’s genuinely baffling.
Is it because Erica looks so young and frail that they assume they can disrespect her? Or are they just blindly believing the rumors that she’s a villainess and judging her out of some twisted sense of justice?
“I couldn’t care less what you think of me. But you are staff, and I am the employer’s wife. Do you understand how that hierarchy works?”
I took one sip of the bitter tea and pushed it away. The breakfast menu was a tiny roll and some vegetable soup, which tasted fine. Compared to what I got at the Count’s house—water and stale, rock-hard bread—this was miles better. But knowing the original story, I know for a fact:
This is an insultingly small meal for a Duchess. This is harassment.
The original Erica would have been delighted and completely oblivious. Her innocent nature was what eventually softened some of the staff. However, with my past-life memories back, I don’t feel the need, and probably couldn’t manage, to put on that act.
“Thank you for making sure both the tea and the soup were served almost lukewarm. It made them so easy to eat.”
I gave her a bright smile. I know they did that on purpose, too. But I couldn’t help but think that my step-sister, Rose, and her mother would have served both boiling hot and ordered me to down them quickly.
The Duke’s staff tried to torment Erica, but she had been treated far worse at the Count’s. That’s why the original Erica failed to notice most of the bullying, lived cheerfully, and even won the staff over, becoming the house darling.
In short, most of the Duke’s employees are easily won over. Even the maid standing right here would start bringing proper portions after watching Erica happily eat her small meals for a week or so.
But I’m not waiting a week.
“I’ll also be mentioning this meal to the Duke—a portion that would just about satisfy a five-year-old.”
“Oh, but, Madam…”
“If you’d prefer I didn’t, make sure to bring me a reasonable amount next time.”
“I-I understand…”
“I’m finished. Now take this and leave.”
I finished the meal in under five minutes and handed the maid the dishes.
“M-Madam, would you like a dessert, perhaps?”
“No, thank you. I’m tired now and wish to rest.”
I sent the maid away. The arrogant, spiteful smile she’d worn coming in was completely gone; she looked thoroughly defeated as she left.
She never did tell me why Kevin was away. But I already know.
He’s simply gone to the Royal Capital for work. The distance makes it impractical for a day trip, and he has a residence there where he stays.
So, his being absent from the manor has nothing to do with how the wedding night went. If he has a job in the Capital that will take a few days, he just stays there.
What is unacceptable is that he didn’t mention any of this to the person who, as of yesterday, is his wife. He didn’t even leave a note.
“No reporting or communication? How useless.”
I muttered to the empty room. I rubbed my belly lightly. For a teenager, that tiny meal was definitely nowhere near enough. If things were normal, I might have made her bring dessert.
“If things were normal, that is…”
I sighed and opened the curtains.
In the garden outside, a well-dressed older boy was screaming hysterically at a younger one.
Both of them looked a lot like Kevin.