The Villainous Noble Lady Turned Into a Child, and Her Cold Duke Husband Became Kind - 10 – A Complicated Relationship (2.2)

But that woman married Duke Alvis.

Even if it was for the royal family’s plans, if they just wanted a count’s daughter, I could’ve done it too.

Father happily gave her away, saying now he could have me inherit the house, but he quickly regretted it. He even said, “You’re the one who suits being a duchess.”

So she followed Father’s plan and got close to the foolish friend.

‘I’ve always loved Lord Leonhardt…! Only I can truly love him!’

‘I think so too. It’s sad Duke Alvis had to marry someone he dislikes.’

By agreeing with every word, she gained the friend’s trust.

‘I know a way.’

‘A way…?’

‘Yes, since you’re my dear friend, I’ll tell you something special—’

That friend, without realizing her plan, easily used black magic.

Once investigated, she would surely be found guilty and arrested.

But it would all appear as something she did on her own.

She went to the illegal shop that sold dark magic books. She bought the book.

She offered small animals as sacrifices. She cursed that woman with black magic out of Julius.

Even if she mentioned this one’s name, there was no proof.

Nothing was in writing. When teaching her, no one else was around.

Most importantly, she could say, “I had no reason to curse my sister.”

…Though calling her “sister” was unpleasant.

After cursing her and being used, the friend would be disposed of by the duke’s family.

Then, she would become the new duchess.

That woman would return here and seduce men as usual. When the time was right, she’d be married off to the richest man. Once an heir was born, she’d be useless.

This count’s house, with its loving parents and kind servants, was hard to leave—but the title of “duchess” was far more glorious.

…If I become a duchess, I can shine even brighter in society.

If I marry into the famous Alvis house, the royal family’s sword, I can gain ties to royalty.

I could build a better relationship with the duke than that dull woman ever could.

I can build a better relationship with the Duke than that unlovable woman ever could.

“I sent a letter to the Duke’s house. I plan to visit under the excuse of checking on her safety, but you should come too. It will be a good chance to meet the Duke.”

I attended the wedding between her and the Duke, but the Duke didn’t pay attention to anyone, so I couldn’t even greet him.

But one day, I will stand beside him and become the Duchess.

If I can win his heart, maybe even that cold Duke will kneel before me.

…Ah, how exciting!

This happiness—knowing my future will be bright and full of glory.

Loved by my parents, loved by the servants, popular in high society.

Even though I’m treated badly by my horrible sister, I still play the kind little sister who worries about her. It’s a very comfortable role.

“Yes, Father.”

I bowed and left my father’s study.

I’m in a good mood today, so I’ll take a walk in the garden.

Then tomorrow, I must call a merchant and buy some jewelry.

“A future Duchess can’t look shabby, after all.”

Everything in the world looks bright and colorful.

It feels like the world is on my side, and everything moves for me.

I hate that woman. She’s annoying and unpleasant. But thanks to her, the Count’s family has money again—we can buy dresses, jewelry, paintings, and furniture.

…I’ll allow her to live for the sake of the Count’s house.

She can be used up until she dies.

“Fufu, ahahaha!”

It seems that woman has now turned into a small child.

Maybe because someone inexperienced used dark magic on her, she’s even lost her memory.

Just imagining it makes me laugh—it’s so funny, so entertaining.

Even if the curse can’t be undone, Father would sell her to some perverted man for a large amount of money.

And even if she turns back to normal, by then she’ll already be divorced by the Duke and sent back here.

…Will she fall into despair? Or will she be angry?

I don’t care either way, as long as I get to see her face twisted in pain.

I still remember the moment she first came to the Count’s house and greeted us with the perfect curtsy.

I felt Julius, envy, shock—…and deep inferiority.

She was always beautiful, lovely, graceful, and very popular with noblemen.

I used to believe I was the best in the world. But she shattered that belief.

That feeling of inferiority I felt that day still haunts me.

…But I’m much, much better than you.

I’ll do whatever it takes to prove that.

At last, high society knows the name “The Poisonous Woman, Elicia Vander.”

That woman is never truly loved by anyone. People just gossip about her, and she lives a miserable life while being used by the Count’s house. That suits her. I wouldn’t be satisfied otherwise.

“…Still, I’m really looking forward to it.”

What does she look like now that she’s a child?

If she’s lost her memory, she might not even act like a proper lady anymore.

I’m sure the Duke’s household is struggling with her and dislikes her now.

They’ll definitely try to find whoever cursed her with dark magic.

I need to cut ties with that friend… she’s no longer useful.

“Oh right, I should talk to the other friends…”

One of those friends keeps asking me to talk with her, and it’s honestly annoying.

She keeps sending letters and talks too disrespectfully about the Duke. Since my sister married into that family, I don’t know what to do.

If I talk about this to my chatty little bird friends, they’ll happily spread the rumors.

Then I just have to say I’m the victim and have nothing to do with my sister’s situation.

After all, I haven’t done anything.

“There’s no way I’ll get caught.”

Fufu. Natalia Vander smiled with her cute little face.

…Ah, I really can’t wait to visit the Duke’s house!