Queen of Villains - Chapter 138

<Episode 138: Side Story (2)>

Chambers had doubts.

"But why did the information agents get the birthday wrong? They can't be that incompetent."

“Her birthday isn't wrong. Marlene must have heard from some wizard in the strange land that she had to celebrate her birthday using the lunar calendar to meet her destined partner. That's when she started celebrating her birthday according to the moon's dates.”

“I’m hearing the concept of a lunar day for the first time.”

"I guess it works, though. Look, you met me."

“Oh, yes.”

Although they didn't say it out loud at the time, everyone thought that Knox had a girlfriend who was as unique as his own mental world.

“Yes, so you can both take tomorrow off.”

Killian was tired of listening to their conversation any longer, and he didn't have any urgent plans for the next day that would require them anyway.

“Thank you, boss!”

“Then let’s go and see!”

Having achieved their goal, Knox and Chambers disappeared without looking back.

Killian, left alone, sighed and headed into the mansion.

Meanwhile, Emily, who had come to Delina House to relieve stress, was playing poker with her long-time gaming partner, Teddy.

“It seems like you have some concerns.”

Teddy said, leisurely drawing a card.

In fact, it took Teddy quite a while to feel comfortable around Emily.

After waking up from a shock at the fact that the person he was playing with was the wife of a mafia member, he was just getting used to it, but then he realized she was the Duchess of the Velvet family.

What if you break another surprise later? I'm sorry, but I don't think I'll be able to come to Delina House anymore.

“Are you worried? There’s nothing like that.”

“My mouth says it’s okay, but my eyes say it’s not.”

“I guess everyone has various worries as they go through married life.”

Emily simply answered and brushed it off. Even though she had become close with Teddy, she had no intention of consulting him on their relationship.

“Huh? So, are you saying that your worries are because of the Duke?”

Teddy's reaction was one of surprise. The fact that the Duke of Velvet held his wife in such a terrible esteem was widely known not only within the Empire but also abroad.

“No, it’s not because of my husband, but... well, I guess so. It’s not unrelated.”

Emily said with a pout.

She didn't want to see her husband's bad reputation outside, but honestly, she had to seriously reconsider whether Killian had made her less attractive as a woman.

And unfortunately, Killian, who had come to pick up Emily, heard the story from behind, and his face hardened.

Teddy raised his head at the gloomy and gloomy atmosphere he felt from somewhere, and his eyes met his.

'Oh, it's the Duke!'

Killian narrowed his eyes at Teddy, who was about to open his mouth to say something, and placed his index finger on his lips, signaling for silence.

Seriously, Teddy kept his mouth shut and tried to focus on the game again, facing his always-murderous aura.

But how much time had passed? When he glanced up again, the Velvet Duke had already disappeared.

“Uh, uh... Madame Velvet.”

Teddy checked once more to make sure the Duke was not around before he opened his mouth hesitantly.

"Yes?"

“Uh, has the Duke decided to come pick up his wife today?”

“Oh, right! We’re having dinner together tonight.”

Emily took her watch out of her purse and checked it.

“Fortunately, it’s still before the appointment time.”

Teddy shook his head as he picked up the cards he had placed face down on the table again with a relaxed expression.

“Well then, how about we stop playing the game here and go to the lounge?”

“Now? Why?”

'Your husband overheard our entire conversation.'

But Teddy was afraid to even tell Emily this.

“His Excellency came very early to wait for Madam.”

He made excuses to get Emily to Killian's side as quickly as possible.

Even though it was Emily who had just hurt Killian's feelings, Teddy knew full well that only Emily could make him feel better.

“Yes, he’s probably here now.”

Emily, who was not feeling well, quickly got up from her seat with a look of surprise on her face.

"Yes. I'll contact you later! See you later."

"Yes, yes..."

Teddy waved at Emily, the corners of his mouth forced up.

'Goodbye, and let's not see each other for a while.'

It seemed like it would be best to keep quiet for a while until the conversation between the two of them got better.

***

When she went out to the lounge, as expected, Killian was sitting on the sofa.

“When did you come?”

Emily kissed Killian's forehead lightly and sat down across from him as usual.

“I haven’t been here long.”

Killian gave Emily a fond smile, as if he had completely forgotten what had happened earlier.

“Madam, you came out earlier than expected.”

“Yes, I thought you might be waiting.”

To others, they looked like a happily married couple still deeply in love with each other, but in reality, Killian's mind was in turmoil.

Why was his wife dissatisfied with their marriage? What was wrong with him? He felt like he'd be tormented all night if he didn't resolve these questions immediately.

Although his mind was complicated, he still escorted Emily naturally.

“If you’re hungry, I think we should head to the restaurant now.”

“Yes, I’m hungry, so let’s go.”

Emily lifted herself from her seat, linking her arms with Killian's.

'Stop looking at my husband.'

The women coming and going from the lounge were now passing by, admiring Killian with rapt eyes, unlike before.

On the other hand, men have long since instinctively avoided Emily for fear of being torn to pieces by Killian.

Ivan, who had been sitting on the bench and tapping his feet, suddenly jumped up from his seat when the Duke and Duchess came out together.

“Are you here?”

Ivan opened the carriage door and helped Emily get inside first.

“Are you going straight to Lionel’s Restaurant?”

"Yes."

Killian answered simply and clearly and followed her onto the carriage.

The sound of the carriage starting up was heard, and Killian carefully opened his mouth, gathering his thoughts alone in the rattling carriage.

“Madam, are there any difficulties living at the Duke’s house?”

Emily tilted her head as if to ask why he was suddenly asking such a thing.

“Do you feel the weight of the responsibility, or do you not like the mansion, or... am I making things difficult for you?”

Although he did eventually ask, Killian was so nervous that he wanted to cover his ears, afraid that Emily might actually say that he was the one who was making things difficult for her.

'Get your act together.'

Still, he needed to hear what was bothering her to win Emily's heart again. Killian steeled himself and waited for Emily's answer.

"Well? Thanks to our family, who help me with everything, even the Duchess's work, as if it were their own, work isn't difficult..."

Emily rolled her eyes, thinking.

"The Velvet Mansion is so magnificent, it rivals even the Imperial Palace. Ah! But Lake Yvette, near the Starr Mansion, I sometimes miss it."

The pink lake was a place that could only be reached by passing through the forest owned by the Starr family.

So, just looking at it made her feel good, and it was a place full of mysterious energy, so when Emily was staying at the Starr Mansion, she often visited there to change her mood.

“And finally, it’s ridiculous that you’re making things difficult for me.”

Emily smiled, her eyes narrowed slightly.

“Then that’s good.”

Killian glanced out the window, but his eyes were still dark and sunken.

'You're not answering honestly.'

Emily replied that everything was fine, but Killian wasn't okay at all. He couldn't help Emily's struggles unless she was honest with him.

The carriage stopped in front of the restaurant, and the two entered, greeted warmly by the staff.

"Long time no see."

Emily, who had been seeing them for a long time, also greeted them warmly.

The manager, who had arranged seats for two in the best seats, took their orders with a friendly smile.

Previous                Next