The Villainess Has Proposed a Contract Marriage

72 – Advancing Relationship

About two months had passed since the Emperor’s birthday celebration. It was a time when the scorching summer sun beat down on the earth.

Glen, as always, accompanied Elpisia and thought to himself. It seemed that Elpisia Lumineel, that human, had undergone a change of heart.

‘Her personality has become more docile. Definitely…’

It was not new for Elpisia to treat her servants with kindness. Originally, her loyalty was based on fear, so it was natural for her to betray them when faced with a greater fear. Therefore, the people in the mansion were indignant about the reality of her being called a villain.

However, Glen’s case was different.

If something went slightly awry or didn’t go as planned, Elpisia would impose iron-fisted control on Glen. For instance, she once ordered torture for a case where she deliberately let an assassin escape.

Of course, using violence was not new either.

But what about now?

Elpisia’s tone had softened, and she would often hesitate before raising her hand, as if thinking twice.

‘It’s the same with the 3rd Prince, Ascalion.’

For some reason, Elpisia was overlooking Ascalion’s actions. As a result, Ascalion’s growth as a man was becoming more prominent.

He seemed to think he was winning against Elpisia, but in reality, Elpisia was just indulgently letting him be.

Glen suspected that the reason for Elpisia’s change was due to the man who appeared at this time. Indeed, she would glance at her watch and quietly give orders to Glen.

“Back off. Don’t forget what I told you.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Her efficiency had recently increased.

Thanks to Hart taking Elpisia’s place, Glen’s autonomy was secured. He was now waiting for the perfect moment to move for his mission, waiting for the sky to darken completely.

His mission was to monitor Ascalion, who would soon be entering the capital…

◇

Hart, who visited as usual today.

He could now naturally make tea, so Elpisia would no longer refuse the tea he brewed.

“… You.”

“Yes, Elpisia.”

Another change was that Hart had started calling Elpisia by her name.

Hart had not forgotten that Elpisia had expressed a subtle desire at the banquet. Although it was difficult to call her by name directly, the two months that had passed had resolved that issue.

“What would you like to receive as a gift?”

“Hmm… nothing, really.”

It was unnecessary to deliberate for a long time. Hart had never experienced material desires, so it wasn’t a difficult question to answer.

“But, wouldn’t you want something?”

“I’ve thought about it, but there’s nothing. Frugality is a virtue in our temple, and… oh, I don’t mean to impose my thoughts on Elypia.”

“I know that without you saying it.”

Elypia spoke with a tone that was as if she was facing a steep mountain, but to Hart, it brought a refreshing joy. The fact that she understood me so well was heartwarming. Compared to our first meeting, it was a significant improvement.

“Hmm.”

Elypia pretended to think deeply, her brow furrowed in conflict. Hart, unaware of her thoughts, raised an question mark in his mind.

‘If it’s not luxurious, then it doesn’t matter, but somehow…’

Considering Hart’s frugal nature, he would likely prefer a gift with heartfelt effort rather than expensive items. However, Elypia had never made an effort for someone else in her life. She was devoted to her studies and management, but had never acted to see someone’s happy face.

‘A handkerchief with a embroidered crest is… too easy. That can’t be called effort. The same goes for the decorated sword; it’s all too easy.’

In reality, it was easy according to Elypia’s standards, but from another person’s perspective, it was an artistic achievement. Recognizing this, Elypia began to look for ways to make an effort.

“… Hart.”

“Yes, Elypia.”

“Do you have a favorite dish?”

“Hmm… how about beef stroganoff? Sometimes it’s served as a special dish in the temple, and it’s really delicious.”

“Is that all? … Hmm.”

Elypia was surprised and asked again. Immediately after, she closed her mouth, but Hart smiled wryly and scratched the back of his head.

“Ahaha… I don’t usually eat meat, so…”

“… Yeah.”

If it’s beef stroganoff, it’s a dish that can be easily made by ordering the chef. Moreover, it’s not a dish that requires advanced cooking techniques. So, Elypia made up her mind.

As a reward for listening to her, she would make a special dish for him.

And so, she would have to see his bright smile, overflowing with joy.

◇

The next morning.

Elypia had stayed up all night, finishing all her work for the day. Today, she would be working in the kitchen. The first thing she saw was the chef’s anxious gaze and the maids’ suspicious eyes. Enduring all the unpleasantness, Elypia pulled out a knife.

The next moment.

Clang!

Elypia’s kitchen knife precisely cut the cutting board in half.

Then, she calmly opened her mouth…

“Chef. Call the administrator right now.”

“Yes, yes…? Why are you suddenly calling the administrator to the kitchen?”

“Wouldn’t a merchant who supplies such a low-quality cutting board to the ducal family be ashamed of themselves?”

“What…?!”

She made an outrageous and violent claim, and the chef’s eyes widened in shock. The chef, who had lost his senses due to her tyrannical demeanor, stuttered.

“D-Duke… are you going to use a kitchen knife as a sword…?!”

She was the head of the Ruminel ducal family, a prestigious household. The knife she held still radiated a cold light.

Meanwhile, as the chef’s mouth hung open, Elypia reconsidered her decision once again.

“No, that’s not it. If it’s Hart, he would think the punishment is too harsh and be disappointed. That’s… somehow… unappealing.”

Thus, Elpisia rarely corrected the dropped command.

“… Done. Forget the order to call the administrator.”

“Yes, sir!”

It was a stiff, military-like response. From the chef’s perspective, it was an enormous pressure that couldn’t be ignored.

Most nobles, who held the notion that entering the kitchen was beneath them, would not dare to do so. Yet, Elpisia, no less, was cooking in the kitchen, and with only one recipe book in hand.

Especially, the chef knew that Elpisia was treating the cutting board like a sword, and his eyes nearly popped out. Therefore, he mustered the courage to speak to Elpisia.

“Umm… Your Highness.”

“What is it?”

“May I assist you with your work?”

“Are you offering to help?”

“Ah! Yes, that’s right.”

If the chef were to take over and cook to perfection, the effort would be meaningless. But if Elpisia, who didn’t even know the basics, were to complete a dish, it would be a waste of time.

Elpisia hesitated for a moment before accepting.

“Only assistance. Just correct my mistakes.”

“I understand. Umm… Then, let me teach you how to hold a knife first.”

“You dare to teach me, the head of the military, how to wield a knife?”

“…”

Later.

Elpisia, who had discovered the difference between swordsmanship and cooking, had to hold back tears of shame and close her eyes tightly.

Furthermore, a scar that had never appeared in over 10 years was etched on her finger. Elpisia planned to wear gloves when meeting Harute for a while to hide it.

She didn’t want him to see her being pitied.

Through this process, the beef stew was finally completed.

Elpisia elegantly sliced the meat and brought it to her mouth. And her first impression of the dish she had made herself was…

“It’s tasteless.”

It was a single phrase that reeked of self-disgust.

◇

The man who was once called the 3rd Prince, Ascalion, had steadily regained his footing and entered the capital. Any noble who knew the trends would read this as the prelude to a battle for the throne.

However, the gap between the prince he once was and the emperor he had become was enormous. Ascalion knew it was a difference that couldn’t be bridged easily.

Moreover, the only loyal subject he had was Arwell, the Palace Guardian.

So, people were busy speculating what he was relying on to return to the capital.

On that deep night in the capital.

Ascalion requested confirmation from the guard at the entrance to the underground passage of his mansion.

“Is he?”

“There’s no problem.”

“Good. Don’t be negligent in your surveillance.”

The rumors circulating around were not entirely baseless. Ascalion actually had a trusted corner. He descended the dark, eerie stairs leading to the underground, gazing at his strongest card with a keen eye.

“How do you feel? Vampire.”

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“I don’t know… Are you asking me?”

“I’m just saying what I know.”

The demon in front of him was a low-ranking vampire who had infiltrated the city. Although it was difficult to capture a vampire due to their high rank among demons, it wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for Tina, who had the worst compatibility. If it weren’t for her, he wouldn’t have been able to keep it alive.

“Who could have known? Maybe it was possible to control the vampire like a puppet with the power of Bloody Dragon.”

“Bastard…”

“Who’s talking?”

It wasn’t a situation where they could have a casual conversation.

Later, Ascalion began to interrogate the vampire with an gaze as if he was staring at trash.

“So, how far did you go?”

“…”

He seemed to be recalling the facts with a smirk, as if he was enjoying it.

After a few seconds of silence, Ascalion opened his mouth again.

“Is the demon king’s bloodline still in the capital…?”