The Perks of Being a Villainess

"Y-You're too mean!"

It seemed he took the act of patting his head as mockery, and the flush spread all the way down to the back of his neck. Enrique shook his head violently from side to side.

When I hurriedly withdrew my hand, he glared sharply at me, breathing heavily—and then suddenly dashed off toward the entrance.

"The book! You have to take the book!"

But by the time I turned around, Enrique had already vanished without a trace.

'He's fast. What is he, a squirrel?'

Feeling somewhat dumbfounded, I placed the book back into the now-empty spot.

I had approached him with goodwill, but I hadn't expected him to take it the wrong way. Even though it made sense, considering the previous relationship between Deborah and Enrique, it still left a bitter taste.

'Things are turning out completely opposite of what I intended.'

Well, there is a Duke who calls giving someone four thousand coins "consideration," so I guess Enrique's reaction isn't all that bad in comparison.

"Sigh…"

Even after dying and getting a second chance at life, it seems like nothing is really going the way I want. I couldn't help but let out a sigh.

'Still… even having this much is something to be thankful for.'

Lady Deborah.

Please come and pick up the final cake you ordered.

As soon as I saw the note from Master Blancha tucked inside the dessert box, I began preparing to go out.

***

After dashing out of the library at full speed, leaving Deborah behind, Enrique paused to catch his breath, rubbing his cheeks that were burning hot as if scalded.

"Because you're cute."

Recalling his sister's teasing tone, laced with laughter, made the tips of Enrique's ears turn even redder.

He was sure his wicked sister had mocked his body that was slower to develop than others his age. But the soft crescent shape of her smiling eyes and her gentle voice kept stirring his thoughts. The warmth of the hand that had carefully patted his head also lingered in his mind.

His heart kept pounding fast.

"Get a grip!"

Confused by his sister's unfamiliar expression and behavior, Enrique slapped both of his cheeks in an effort to snap out of it.

He reminded himself again and again that although his sister appeared as beautiful and radiant as a rose, there was a vicious viper hidden within her. There was no way she had stroked his head simply because she found him cute.

Because he was the child who had been born at the cost of his mother's life.

Suddenly, all the strength drained from his body. Every time he remembered that his birthday was also the day of his mother's death, it felt like sinking endlessly into a bottomless sea of sorrow.

"Since the Madam passed away, His Grace has thrown himself into work. Such a pity. So, young master, you must behave properly… so that His Grace won't come to hate you."

At the same time, his nanny's whispered words echoed in his ears.

With a gloomy face, Enrique wandered aimlessly around the estate until he came to a stop in front of the garden that was under heavy renovation. The garden, once maintained in perfect condition through preservation magic, had suddenly vanished without a trace.

'What has gotten into Father? I heard this was Mother's most cherished place.'

Every time he saw the perfectly preserved, mounted roses, the inexplicable weight that had long pressed down on his chest felt slightly lifted.

Having watched the workers turning over the ashen soil with shovels and planting new saplings for a long while, Enrique finally headed into the annex building as his legs began to ache.

Outside Enrique's room, his nanny, who had been pacing nervously, ran up to him the moment she saw him.

"Young Master! It's time for your private lesson—where have you been?!"

"…The library."

"I've told you so many times to keep track of the time. Thankfully, your tutor is still waiting. I've prepared your study materials. Now, come quickly."

Enrique's silver eyes darkened. Clenching his sweat-dampened hands, he bit down hard on his pale lips.

***

"Welcome, Lady Deborah."

As soon as I arrived at Maison Deux, a woman who appeared to be the proprietor came out to greet me.

There was an unmistakable trace of fear on her face—probably because of the last time I overturned a table on the terrace and smashed the shop's utensils.

"I received a message from the Master that you would be coming to pick up your cake."

"Lead the way."

The woman proceeded into a hidden passage behind the storeroom where various supplies were stacked. It turned out that Maison Deux also had a space marked with a spatial magic circle, just like the one Diana had—used to make direct contact with the Master.

'Are spatial magic circles really this common now?'

"Lady Deborah, if you come this way, we'll teleport right away."

"Wait. What's the maximum weight this teleportation circle can transfer?"

The woman's face briefly showed confusion, as if wondering why I would ask something like that.

"I've seen five adults transported at once, but I'm not sure about the absolute limit."

"I see."

Since asking Master Blancha directly would cost money, I had hoped to satisfy my curiosity for free through her. Feeling disappointed, I clicked my tongue.

'Still, if it can transport five people, that means it can move at least 250 kilograms at once.'

Just as I was thinking that wasn't a bad number, the magic circle and mana stone began to glow with an intense light.

"Master, Lady Duke Deborah has arrived."

–A distinguished guest has arrived.

The oppressive voice echoed through the corridor, and I suddenly felt a surge of tension.

'Don't get intimidated.'

I stiffened my expression and walked into the office, only to flinch when a sparkling golden lump darted toward me.

"Huff, huff!"

The lump turned out to be Cookie, the Master's pet.

Cookie, having approached, circled around my waist where the catnip pouch was hanging, then licked the back of my hand with its rough tongue. When I stroked its fluffy chin, it purred and narrowed its eyes like a fox.

"Cookie. Come here."

Master Blanche spoke in a deliberately stern tone. But Cookie just whined and continued clinging to me.

In the original story, this creature would snarl fiercely whenever the Master was displeased, creating a deadly atmosphere. But clearly, the power of drugs is something else.

"Sigh, I really don't know why he's acting like that. Please, have a seat."

The Master sighed lightly and moved a chair from across the room using magic.

As soon as I sat down, Cookie rolled its golden eyes left and right, then subtly scooted closer and settled near me. Eventually, it even rested its head on my thigh.

The Master let out a short sigh, as if half giving up.

"Tsk."

At that sound, Cookie perked up its ears and looked between me and the Master. It looked fierce enough to bite even its owner, but now it was acting all cautious—almost cute.

I couldn't help but let out a small chuckle.

"Cookie is cute, isn't he?"

Quickly regaining my composure, I changed the topic.

"Hmph! I heard the magic pouch order has been completed?"

"Going straight to business, are we? So heartless."

Maybe it was because I had once caused trouble in his shop, but his reproachful tone made me feel a twinge of guilt.

"You already knew I'm this kind of person. Surely, someone in the information business like you must've heard all sorts of rumors about me."

"That's true. I've heard quite a lot…"

He trailed off at the end—unusual for him.

Was he feeling guilty? Looking into his crystal-like eyes, I felt a chill run down my spine.

"But aren't we not really the kind to have small talk like this?"

As I shifted the topic, the Master merely shrugged.

"If we aren't, we can start now."

"And why should I?"

"Because once we're close, discounts might come into play."

"A bargain from a merchant to his bones like you? You're really starting to say nonsense now."

The Master chuckled briefly.

"I didn't expect you to be this perceptive. Well, let's just say we'll build rapport over time. Now, back to business."

He handed over the secret funds pouch I had commissioned. It looked like an ordinary pouch at first glance, but when I untied the string and opened it, the inside was pitch-black—like it had been painted with ink.

To test its function, I began placing the items I had brought into it.

'This is really amazing.'

Items were sucked into the small opening as if being drawn into a black hole. While I was still engrossed in examining the pouch, the man suddenly extended his hand toward me.

"My Lady."

"What?"

"Please give me your hand."

What's with this sudden situation?

"I'm not a dog. Why should I give you my hand? That's quite rude."

"In order to recall it in case it gets lost, I need to set the coordinates on your hand."

"Oh."

"Surely, I wouldn't treat you like a dog. Strictly speaking... you're more of a feline."

He said something ridiculous as he smoothly took my hand. The cold touch of leather gloves brushed against my skin, and soon, a soft light began to glow from his hand.

'His hands are huge. Long fingers… guys who play piano well are totally my type.'

Wait. Why am I thinking about this?

Honestly, this whole situation is kind of weird. If someone else saw us, they'd think we were holding hands on a date.

"How long does this take? It's taking quite a while."

As I asked, he immediately let go of my hand.

"...It's done."

The intricate symbol that had appeared on my palm slowly faded away, like snowflakes melting upon touching the ground.

"If you want to summon it, just recite this spell."

He wrote the spell down for me. The moment I saw the incantation scribbled on the note, I swore to myself that I'd never lose it.

"If you want to take something out of the pouch, just reach your hand inside. You won't be able to see what's inside, so it's best to only store gold coins."

"I see."

Then he continued discussing the request I had made.

"And your choice not to wear the pink diamond at the academy… that was a very wise decision."

"Huh…?"

"Nobles are now even more curious—wondering what kind of gem is so precious that you'd go out of your way to hide it."

I had only wanted to avoid drawing Pilaf's attention, but it seems he thought I was deliberately trying to raise the diamond's value.

"Was that your intention?"

"Hmm! Well, of course."

It was a total fluke, but I kept a straight face and pretended it was all according to plan.

"If you want to boost the diamond's value and fame, keep hiding it like now. Then, wear it only at a truly decisive moment."

"What kind of decisive moment?"

"Next month, during the Spring Festival, would be the perfect time. You'll have a chance to exchange it for gold coins then."

With a faint smile, he flicked his finger. Soon, a teapot and two teacups floated through the air and landed gently on the office table.

"Would you like some sugar?"

As he poured the softly fragrant tea into the cups, he asked.

"Just one cube."

After serving me, he added three heaping spoonfuls of sugar into his own cup. He must have a sweet tooth. Once all the sugar had dissolved, he leisurely savored the steaming tea and began speaking again.

"Now then, let's hear the request you brought with you today."

"What makes you so sure I have one?"

"If you didn't, you would've taken the pouch and gone straight home."

Was it just my imagination, or did he sound a bit… sulky?

"Alright. You're right. I do have a request. There's one more person I'd like you to look into."

"Who is it?"

"Isidore Visconti."

"..."