75: The Villainess Proudly Introduced Herself

 By Antoinette Vanessa August 24, 2023

“Avril, just at what point did you decipher and memorize the directions to the room written on this scrap of paper? Also, how did you know that pushing this wall would open the door?”

“Hehehe, it’s my special skill. Although, back in my parents’ house, I was considered a failure for it. This note, which quotes passages from several poems, can be read as it is. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that all those poems have a certain phrase—I don’t believe we have time to discuss this in leisure, but do you want me to continue?”

“…I’ll decline.”

Avril had a bad habit of talking too much when she was excited, but it couldn’t be helped—she had just found a hidden passageway!

With a gentle smile, Dylan sighed in amazement, while Chris suppressed his laughter.

Now that she had opened the door, they were left with no choice but to delve deeper.

With Dylan leading the way, Avril and the others advanced through the unfamiliar corridor. It was dark, with neither windows nor lights.

“Ever since I first stepped inside this mansion, I’d been wondering. Despite its spacious and gorgeous layout, the interior was quite small. Even assuming there was a space reserved for servants, it still struck me as odd. There should be more rooms apart from the large hall and living room that had been left open for use.”

“Thus, you concluded that there’s a hidden room—or a hidden wing?”

“That’s correct.”

Dylan’s guess was correct. After passing through the dark corridor, they came across an area with almost the same structure as the first floor of the mansion where the masquerade ball and trysts were taking place.

It looks just like where we were earlier! But there’s no sign of anyone. Also, it reeks!

As Avril’s gaze wandered, Dylan and Chris spoke in earnest.

“It seems that only a select number of people are invited to this place. Thomas Edgar was one of them, but he entrusted it to us. Perhaps he saw no hope in pursuing the case alone.”

“But doesn’t something smell strange?”

This strange smell that Chris mentioned—

—Something occurred to Avril.

“Could it be a drug? I read in a book that one is supposed to smell like this.”

“That seems to be the case. I need to report it for follow up. We should end it here.”

There’s that, but…

…The evidence might be cleared away by the time they next return. Just when Avril thought that—

“Respectful guests, where are you going?”

Avril’s shoulders jumped at the polite yet stern voice.

The voice belonged to a servant who had suddenly appeared. Judging from his clothes, he must be a butler who dealt with the select few allowed entry.

Dylan casually hid Avril behind her.

“I was invited by Lord Ashfield. In exchange for keeping quiet until the next bid, you’ll receive a special reward.”

“I’m sorry, but I’ll need to clarify this with my lord first. Your name?”

“…Even though everyone is using a pseudonym on this occasion?”

To bypass him, Dylan tried to persuade him, but the butler only smiled elegantly.

I think Lord Dylan will do just fine without my help, but…

…At any rate, we’ll miss our opportunity once this butler informs his master. That’s why, we need to get as much information as possible from him.

I’m a villainess. Like Corinna, I’m used to playing around! I’m a villainess who’s an expert at masquerades…!

Her eyes fluttered shut as she reaffirmed her identity. After thinking about both Corinna and Kathy, Alexandra came to mind for some reason.

Why am I thinking of the crown princess at a time like this!?

Apologizing inwardly, Avril opened her eyes.

“Oh dear, this man aside, are you saying that you don’t know my name?”

At those words, the butler, Dylan, and Chris went quiet. Each of them probably had different interpretations, but it wasn’t a problem.

“—Let me tell you, my name is Avril Allingham, an infamous villainess.”

“…No way, that countryside villainess who excels at extorting money from men!? Speaking of which, rumors said you were at the party today!”

…It’s probably thanks to all those chess matches. I’m truly grateful.

“R-right, I’m that villainess from the countryside. I often pass the time with gentlemen who didn’t know the first thing about masquerade balls, and return home in the morning!”

Her voice began to break. Chris tapped her on the shoulder as if to say that she shouldn’t push herself too hard. The butler eyed her skeptically. Still, she couldn’t back down.

I can’t help but feel I’m being thought as of an eccentricity, but let’s push through…!

As though feverish, Avril laid it all out in front of Dylan.

“The other day, my house went bankrupt. I came here hoping to find a list of potential partners. I’m quite certain your master would be interested in hearing the details. Bring me your guest list at once!”