The Rise of the Exiled Villainess

Chapter 4: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall... (Part V)

Lying down in bed while reading a book, I heard the carriage arrive in front of the yard.

“EKATWIINAA?! “ That loud voice is definitely Mimi’s. She’s looking for me even though she probably barely walked the steps of the house. Plus, it’s impossible for me to stand and look at the balcony considering how incapacitated I am.

“Hush down Mimi! She’s resting.” Madeline is trying to whip Mimi to shape.

I can hear my Daddy talking to the baron as they entered the manor while being greeted by our overly enthusiastic maids. Munching some of the snacks near me, I closed the book that I was reading and began to listen to my surroundings.

Getting a good grip with the current atmosphere, I’m sure those two would rush to me as soon as they get permission.

Aaaand like a bolt from the blue… I can see Mimi’s head sticking out of my room…

“HEEEEY?!” she spoke as she tiptoed her way in my room and towards the side of my bed. Madeline followed her behind to make sure she doesn’t trip. For a child literally just a few years older than my second sibling, she definitely packs a lot of energy.

Mimi jumped at my bed like a frog! Good thing Madeline managed to grab her by the collar and carried her to one of the chairs.

“She’s still wounded, don’t do that Mimi…”

I just laughed everything off and replied, “Mimi’s just excited Madeline. Besides, I rarely have guests visiting me. Although it would be great if you guys don’t pounce on me right now.”

“Ekatwina, why you weawing bandwages? Is it a costume?” Mimi’s so f*****g cuuuute~

Her questions are annoying but it’s pretty innocent to take seriously. Of course Madeline had to explain it in order for her to understand. Mimi nodded after listening to her sister.

I shared my biscuits to them and discussed the events that happened while I was knocked out cold. It appears that even the count publicly apologized to the sisters and the baron in public. Not only that, ample compensation was also provided.

However, what caught my attention was the letter with a gold seal that arrived at the Duke’s castle. That is definitely from the emperor himself, which means that the events somewhat reached him within a short span of time. It’s really impressive that Madeline is extremely observant of these things.

In the game and the book itself, she’s just a side character that was neutral to most of the important events. She even gives quests to aid the main character in finding clues inside the Dukedom of Altair yet hid her persona until I was able to narrow it down using the Mementos.

There’s something odd though…

“I hope you wouldn’t mind me asking,” I spoke while looking straight at Madeline.

Madeline replied in a composed manner, “Sure, go ahead Miss Ekaterina.”

“Why are you saying these things to me? I can ask father about those and yet here you are trying to explain everything in detail.”

She stood up and went close to the tea that I have with me. “Can I have some milady?”

“Yes you may, if possible please give Mimi too.”

Madeline poured herself a cup along with Mimi. I’m not sure if she is doing this to dodge my question or what.

She sighed then continued talking, “I want to put my best foot forward in this conversation.”

There goes the bomb of all intentions… I knew it, she’s befriending me for the sake of her own plans.

“If you are trying to gain my favor then that won’t happen. Besides, you can already see that I am in bandages. You wouldn’t wanna be in my side.”

Her face frowned for a tiny bit. She understands that even if I am the heir, I’m currently powerless to even defend myself from harassment, pretty much the same way she is right now. We also have to consider Mimi’s safety. I’m sure a lot is going on inside her head, and I just broke the ice by telling her the reality of my situation.

“You…” Her gaze is serious

“… You really planned to get hit did you?”

I didn’t hesitate to reply honestly, “Yeah. It would be best that way. Plus, if I tried to fight that one out, the count would’ve done something much worse before daddy could arrive.”

“I guess there’s also that…”

No more beating around the bush, “If you want my support Madeline, you need to prove yourself in a way that would benefit our family. I’m sure you understand what that means.”

Her resolve is shaking but I know it’s genuinely there. “Y-yes… I’ll keep that in mind…”

For the duration of their stay, we tried to redirect our focus towards Mimi who is literally thrashing my room just to look for stuff to play with. Good thing some of the maids brought my siblings to play with her. We could see that Mimi enjoys being the big sister in the pack that she and my siblings have made. A lot of toys were brought in front of them including my little sister’s dollhouse. Sadly, my poor cabinet became the center of their attention as they used it as a hiding spot for playing…

The baron visited my room and offered some of Altair’s own delicacies. Handcrafted pickled vegetables plus some seasoned jerky from their family restaurant, everything that they have here is food. It looks like the discussion with my father went smoothly. Momma arrived in my room and was shook to see the amount of mess. Of course, Nanny had the same sentiments to the point that I can’t even describe her misery.

All of us went downstairs, that’s right, “all of us”. I was given aid to walk towards the living room where a bunch of food was already prepared. In the beginning, I thought they would give me my meal after the event but I guess it’s a must for me to join them. Interestingly enough, we are eating meat wraps on our seats, and everything from the flatbread, sauce, slices of lamb and dressing are laid out on the living room table in case we wanna make our own.

This food is actually similar to shawarma except that it has fewer spices than usual. However, the standard spice that is commonly used in the meat is Horseradish or wasabi, making it one of the most traumatizing meals if you are new to spicy stuff. Wasabi plus a soft drizzle of buttered honey and butter salted garlic, it’s a party in your mouth in each bite.

The baron and his wife enjoyed the meal and were eager to try their own combinations. Mimi had trouble eating some of it so we gave her another batch of seasoned meat that isn’t spicy. Our lunch was filled with excitement and of course happiness because the maids also joined lunch along with the guests. They are very glad to have guests in ages and would like to see the two sisters more next time.

All meetings need to come to an end… The baron and his family waved goodbye and shook my father’s hand before going inside the carriage. Mimi is shouting and waving at my siblings who are entertained by the commotion she is doing.  

I looked at daddy and asked, “What did you and the baron talk about?”

His face straightened up and was immediately replaced with a smile, “related to business and of course an apology for having you get dragged in between the Count and Baron’s disputes back at Altair.”

“I’m sure the baron didn’t have anything to do with it Daddy.” It’s impossible… Count Agoncillo is indeed pressuring the baron but surely they didn’t plan such a thing. Wait… Madeline was acting kinda weird a little while ago.

“Don’t tell me they were planning to be friends with me from the beginning.”

Daddy didn’t say a word and just nodded. He also told me that Mimi is actually a “special child” which is why the baron’s wife was so keen in choosing the right friends for her daughters. It was merely a coincidence that my family would visit Altair for the event probably because we are known not to attend gatherings that much. As soon as I entered the kid’s room, it was a matter of time before I keep in touch with those two.

Although I didn’t hear the overall discussions between Daddy and the baron, it must be very heavy considering that I was hurt indirectly. Well… It’s also my fault for going ham on getting the count pissed.

Welp, a lot of things happened today and I’m learning things that aren’t bound with the game nor the book. Things are about to get rough and I’m about to experience the first turning point of the story in Ekaterina’s life.   

(End of Chapter)