40. Such is Only to be Expected of a Villainess

 By Antoinette Vanessa December 19, 2022

After reading the document, Avril affirmed.

“I believe this is a petition requesting a period of grace for the taxes paid to the country.”

“That’s right. In this country, taxes are paid both to the country and the lord. However, the people are currently struggling. Of course, I’ve lowered the amount to be paid to my house, but the problem lies in the country tax.”

“The country officials outright rejected the petition, didn’t they?”

From the situation, Avril could infer that Dylan wanted to help, but there was nothing he could do.

After all, even if he’s the Duke of Lancester, he’s still bound by the country’s rules. As such, there’s a limit to what he can do…

“This is quite troublesome. I’ve planned to temporarily lend funds from my house, but that’s difficult due to various circumstances.”

“I recognize the family in this petition. A few years ago, they were an upstart merchant who developed an excellent product and generated great profit. At the same time, if too much support is given, it’ll affect people’s trust towards the duke family. It’s difficult to be just, isn’t it?”

When Avril said that and slumped her shoulders, she noticed that both Dylan and Chris were staring at her.

Uhm, did I say something outrageous…?

“…Avril is truly knowledgeable.”

“It’s only to be expected, since I’m a villainess.”

“Only to be expected—”

At Dylan’s astonishment, Avril acted as if his words were a breeze.

After all, they were in the Duke of Lancester’s household. Moreover, in that study, there were only Dylan—who acknowledged her as a villainess; and Chris, who acted like a gofer—though it was unclear whether or not he acknowledged her villainy.

While she didn’t exactly need to force herself to act like a villainess, she still had her alimony to think about.

Come to think of it, recently, a new clause was added out of the blue, one acknowledging an exception pertaining to the tax paid to the country. Although, when I tried making an inquiry, Count of Allingham—Father, told me to stay out of trouble.

…I wonder if I can make use of that?

The time when she was still assisting her father in the Count of Allingham household came to mind. However, remembering and prioritizing information, along with adhering to her routines were all that her responsibilities entailed.

Avril wasn’t allowed any input. Sometimes, when it was absolutely necessary, she’d still voice her opinion, but to no avail.

But Dylan asked for her opinion as if it was only natural.

“What do you think? Perhaps, the only way is to re-submit this petition in the future…”

“Lord Dylan, surely, this matter has been discussed with the person in charge of tax and asset management?”

“That’s right.”

“If that’s the case, it might be a good idea to get help from someone like His Highness Lawrence, for example.”

“…From Lawrence? But, as I stated earlier, I can’t depend on authority…”

Avril shifted her gaze from the sighing Dylan to the bookshelf beside him. Upon spotting a familiar tax law book, she took it out without hesitation.

“Here. A clause about an exception has been added. But you’ll probably raise your eyebrows. After all, the clause was purposefully included in a way that isn’t easily noticeable. Unless… it’s for someone who’s aware of its sudden inclusion and is trying to take advantage of it.”

“…It’s written in very small letters… Chris, check it out.”

After nodding, Chris took the law book from Avril’s hand and left. Only the two remained in the room.

“Presumably, it’s written in this way with the purpose of helping someone in mind, like a loophole. Hence why, they didn’t want anyone else to take notice of it. Now, even if we’ve been refused once, I feel like we’ll be able to do something if we were to apply through the formal procedures.”

“Even though it’s an exception among exceptions that is hardly known, you managed to spot it.”

Avril smiled at Dylan’s words.

“Fufufu, I’m good at remembering most things.”

“…I’ve been thinking about it since the salon concert, but I don’t believe this can simply be attributed to having a keen memory. After all, the trait would be rendered unusable if you didn’t pay attention to other things, as well. Are you ignorant of that because you’re used to being talked down?”

“I don’t really understand myself.”

“Is that so?”

Dylan remorsefully stared at the confused Avril.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to it that way. …Avril, all I wanted to say is, you’re a competent villainess.”

“A, competent… villainess—”

Dylan’s words sank into Avril.

After all, his compliment went beyond her expectations.

“I, I—! I’ve never received such praise in my entire life—!”

“You’re probably focusing on the villainess part.”

“Hmph, as if I’d be pleased with only that. I’m merely stating fact.”

Then, Avril tried to imitate Corinna’s smile as best as she could. In response, Dylan burst in laughter.

“…That’s a relief.”