The Genius “Incompetent” Woman Wants to be a Villain ~a Lady who Married in the place of her Stepsister is Unaware of the Doting Duke’s Love Translation

50. The Duke’s Seal and Date (3)

 By Antoinette Vanessa February 17, 2023

“…!?!?”

What’s going on—!?

It was such a shock, she couldn’t comprehend anything. Furthermore, the sudden shift in his tone, along with the stifling tension—she just couldn’t catch her breath.

However, Avril quickly regained her senses.

I see, what a surprise! Apparently, this is still about the contract marriage…!

Upon finding an answer that satisfied her, she smiled gracefully.

“Of course. All that’s left is to have a wedding ceremony and submit our marriage registration, and the contract will be fulfilled!”

“No, I’m not talking about the arranged marriage.”

“It’s alright. As a villainess who married into the Duke of Lancesteer’s family, I’ll show you a perfect wedding, so rest assured…!”

“No, like I said…”

The ever so stoic Dylan seemed unusually flustered. Although, he often treated Avril and Chris warmly, but still…

In other words, Dylan’s true intention must’ve lied elsewhere. First and foremost, Avril had to confirm the purpose of the seal within her hand.

“By that, are you saying that you’d like me to keep this seal?”

“…Well, that’s about it.”

“Then, until the contract period expires, I’ll carefully protect this seal.”

If such was the case, then he should’ve said so earlier.

He should’ve been more direct…

But as Avril enveloped the seal in her handkerchief, she was pulled into an embrace. Dylan ran his fingers through her hair, letting out a resigned cry.

“…I never thought that it’d come to this. Now, I can’t help but wonder if Avril hates me?”

“…!?!?”

When a shadow loomed over his handsome features, Avril panicked once again. 

No. No way. That can’t be.

“No, no, no, no… I love Lord Dylan, who’s always kind to me!”

“But isn’t that love similar to your liking towards the crepe you ate earlier?”

“No, while crepes are delicious, they’re not kind!”

“Still, the crepe you made had a gentle taste. It was delicious, I liked it.”

Dylan sighed when Avril showed him a smile. “I’m glad you like it!”

“Avril, has everyone ever called you dense before?”

“Uhm, not really. At home, I’d usually be called incompetent. To be more precise, an incompetent villainess so that the impact would be greater.”

“Once again, I’ve been made to realize how heavy the sins of your family are…”

A gust of wind blew through the autumn sky. Despite the nice weather, the wind was gradually getting colder.

“…Therefore, words are unnecessary. It seems that I have no choice but to make you understand through action.”

“No, as a villainess, I understand Lord Dylan’s thoughts quite well?”

“Well, I wonder about that. Still, I’ll try even harder.”

“Then, I’ll do my best, too.”

Fulfilling the three-year contract marriage while also safekeeping the seal would be her pleasure. When she nodded confidently, Dylan burst out laughing.

Avril didn’t understand unconditional love very well. For example, despite knowing that a child would be loved unconditionally by their parents, Avril didn’t think that’d ever happen to her.

At the same time, she loved and trusted the servants of the Count of Allingham. After all, they were considerate of her. Regardless of what she said, Avril couldn’t just hate Carol, and if anything, she encouraged that behavior. Of course, she wasn’t going to mention her father, stepmother, or stepsister.

…I feel like my mindset is a bit off. But for now, what’s important for me as a contractual wife is to fulfill Lord Dylan’s wishes.

As she renewed her resolve, Dylan stood up.

“I’ve finished eating, so I’ll show you around the mansion. I’m sure that Avril will like it.”

“Oh my, I’m truly looking forward to it.”

After receiving his gentle stare, a strange sensation crept up within her as she watched him leave.

…Lord Dylan’s voice just now, it’s so serious and so sweet that my heart skipped a beat.

I know it’s a contract marriage, but the proposal just now was really nice!

Words she thought she’d never hear.

Avril slowly took them in before leisurely walking through the garden.