My Child Is A Villain - Chapter 55
She’d already practiced several times. So she thought it would be okay, but when it actually happened, her heart raced.
To conceal her agitation, Adele pressed the center of her chest with her hand. She couldn’t help but wonder how she ended up here, but now there was no turning back. It was time to move forward.
As the announcer loudly called out their names, all eyes immediately focused on them. With such a large audience, the intensity of the stares felt even stronger.
“Oh, Sir Lucas. How long has it been?!”
Lucas was quickly surrounded by the gathering crowd. Despite her efforts to stay close to him, these men were too rude.
Should she say something, or pretend not to notice and maybe even step on their feet? Adele pondered, but then Lucas reached out and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
“Please give us some space. My fiancée is uncomfortable.”
Only then did some of the people who had been too close step back with sheepish expressions. Adele quietly withdrew her foot that she had raised to possibly step on someone’s foot.
“I finally get to meet Sir Lucas’ fiancée, whom I’ve only heard rumors about. Nice to meet you.”
The words sounded polite, but the glances were unpleasant. It felt like they were looking at something dirty.
After all, to nobles, commoners are insignificant.
Just being in the same place was intolerable. However, the only reason they couldn’t openly say it was because Lucas was there beside her.
Adele responded to their greetings with an equally insincere smile, “Nice to meet you. I’m Adele, Sir Lucas’ fiancée.”
“And what is your surname?”
Asking even though they knew she didn’t have one. Their manners were unpleasant.
Although it was rare for commoners to have surnames, Adele didn’t have one. This was because she grew up in a village deep in the mountains, and also because she didn’t have a father. Her mother never spoke about her father until the day she died.
Adele tilted her head, wearing an awkward expression. Lucas looked at her and replied in her stead, “Since we’re engaged, she’ll soon follow my surname.”
“So, does that mean Frederick will have a new mistress?”
They seemed quite curious.
“Not exactly.”
“No? Then what?”
The stares grew more unpleasant. Before they could say anything further, Lucas continued, “I am of the Frederick lineage. As a knight, I hold the title of count, so I intend to use that.”
“Ah, you are a great knight, indeed. Are you planning to return to the capital then?”
“Well, I’m still considering it.”
Lucas smoothly redirected the conversation and gradually moved away. However, people persistently followed him. Later, even an elderly-looking nobleman joined in, making it awkward for Adele to stay by his side.
“Excuse me for a moment.”
Lucas escorted Adele to a nearby balcony.
“I’ll be back as soon as possible, just wait here for a while.”
“Yes.”
Adele found this more comfortable. Since the emperor hadn’t appeared yet, she planned to stay here alone until then. There was no need to worry about someone else coming in. Lucas was blocking the balcony entrance.
With the curtains drawn, Adele was finally alone. Now she could leisurely enjoy her food and drink. Thanks to Lucas bringing some light wine and finger foods before he left, she had plenty to munch on.
Was it the alcohol? Her heart, which had been racing all day, finally calmed down. Lucas said that once they met the emperor today, there wouldn’t be anything significant afterward.
But we’ll have to wait and see if that’s really the case.
After leisurely finishing her meal, Adele leaned against the railing and gazed at the garden. It was much larger than the one she was accustomed to, offering more to see.
Then, she heard the sound of a door opening behind her. Perhaps Lucas had returned.
“You’re here?”
Adele turned with a smile but quickly stiffened. Entering the balcony was an elegantly dressed woman, probably in her forties or fifties. Judging by the quality of her dress, she was undoubtedly a high-ranking noble.
Adele recalled the noble registry she had studied before coming here and soon realized the woman’s identity.
Lucas’ mother. Currently, she was acting as the matriarch of Frederick.
So, she’s essentially my mother-in-law?
Among nobles, there were rules. If there was no prior acquaintance, someone of lower status couldn’t initiate a conversation with someone of higher status. They had to wait with bowed heads for the higher-ranked person to speak first. So, Adele inclined her head in acknowledgment toward Kayla. The woman merely stared at Adele for a while without saying a word.
Is this some sort of test?
Her neck was starting to ache. Nevertheless, Adele maintained her composure.
After what felt like an eternity, Kayla finally spoke up.
“Adele.”
Was that a greeting? Adele wasn’t sure, but her neck hurting, she decided to treat it as one.
“Hello, I’m Adele. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Kayla.”
“You know who I am.”
I saw it in the noble registry.
Kish even marked her as a person of interest, drawing a star beside her name.
“In that case, you can probably guess what I’m going to say.”
Of course. Adele steeled herself, recalling countless mother-in-law characters she’d seen on TV in her past life.
“You’re a commoner with a child. And yet, you’re engaged to Lucas? Do you think that’s reasonable?” Though her voice remained low, her tone was excessively cold. “It’s obvious what you’re after. Lucas’ wealth, power. Should I just stand by and watch?”
“You misunderstand.”
“What’s there to misunderstand?”
“Lucas and I love each other.”
Even though she said it herself, it felt itchy inside.
“Love?” Kayla chuckled. “Love is nothing but an illusion. It’s merely a fleeting passion at best. And you want to use that as an excuse to claim the position of the duchy’s mistress? Isn’t that audacious beyond belief?”
Wow, she’s so stereotypically villainous that it doesn’t even hurt. Just fascinating. How can someone like her birthed Lucas? It’s utterly incomprehensible.
“You’re utterly vulgar. If you value your life, step back gracefully. Before I show you firsthand what happens when you overstep without understanding your place.”
“That’s a bit problematic.”
“Problematic? Do you even know how dire the situation is? A commoner like you, a single mother, clinging onto my precious son! If you want to keep custody of your only child, you better watch your step.”
So, is this about Ronschka now?
Adele’s insides churned. She raised her head to face Kayla.
“Are you threatening to harm my child?”
“After all, that child has nothing to do with my family’s lineage. Whatever happens to him, why should I care?”
“You should care,” Adele replied firmly. Knowing how precious her child was, yet someone dared to speak of her child so carelessly. “I don’t mind you messing with me. But if you dare to touch my child, you’ll regret it.”
Kayla scoffed at her words, “How so? Would you still say the same if your limbs were torn apart?”
“Yes, I’d find a way to seek revenge, no matter what. Even if I had to bite with my mouth if my limbs were gone.”
Kayla fell silent at Adele’s venomous words. Her glare was fierce, but Adele didn’t back down. “You’re audacious.”
Kayla took a step forward. Judging by her raised hand, it seemed like she was about to slap Adele, but Adele had no intention of just taking it quietly.
She knew she should endure, but memories from her past life stirred within Adele. So, she decided she should at least try to grab the hand about to strike her.
Just as Adele was about to raise her hand, someone intervened between them.
It was Lucas, who had briefly stepped away. He held Kayla’s wrist to stop her.
“Stop it.”
“Let go! Release me this instant!”
“I cannot.”
“Lucas!”
“You don’t have to raise your voice like that for me to understand.”
Kayla bit her lip and stepped back again. “How could you do this to me?!”
“I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”
“Lucas, I would have done anything for you. So, how come you returned with the news of your engagement with such a woman?!”
“Do not speak of Adele in that manner.”
“Did I say something wrong?”
“Yes, you did.”
Kayla trembled slightly at the unexpectedly firm response.
“Adele is a good person. She has eagerness to learn and knows how to be generous to others.”
As praise unfolded right in front of her, Adele’s face began to blush gradually.
“You’re, you’re insane. It’s that woman who’s driving you insane!”
“I am perfectly sane.”
“No, that can’t be. It’s all because of that woman. Just like before! But it’s fine, Lucas. This time, your mother will take care of everything.”
“You’re the one who’s insane, Mother!” For the first time, Lucas raised his voice. He glared at Kayla with bloodshot eyes. “If you lay a hand on Adele and the children, I won’t stand idly by. I’m not the helpless person I used to be.”
With those words, Lucas led Adele out of the balcony.
Storyteller Wook's Words
My Child Is A Villain is now included in my Wook's Ko-fi membership program. It's a cheaper alternative for advanced chapters, bundled together with other Wook's creations. Starting August 2024, this novel will update twice a week: [SUN] & [THURS] UTC+8. Advanced chapters price has also been adjusted just a tiny bit...
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