Taming The Villainesses-Novel

(EP-206.1) Summer #4

206 – Cold Summer #4

Despite knowing it was inappropriate, I searched through Mirna’s study.

Then, I found newspapers crumpled and thrown into the trash can.

Most of the articles were about recent events regarding Aira, of course, things I didn’t know about.

Seeing all these, I could be sure of one thing: Mirna was intentionally blocking information about Aira from me.

Why would she do that?

She had promised to convey everything truthfully.

“She lied to me…”

If it were Elga, who was generally dishonest, it might have been different. But the thought of Mirna Draco – who lived a devout life akin to that of a priest – deceiving me felt like a greater betrayal.

When a bad person did something wrong, you would curse and simply move on, “Well, that’s just who they are.”

But when seemingly good people such as priests or teachers did something wrong, it felt worse, it was more infuriating.

My blood ran cold, along with goosebumps.

I waited for Mirna to come back from work. When she saw me waiting for her at the entrance of the garden, she raised her hand warmly.

“You were waiting? You didn’t have to.”

“… I’ll carry the bag for you.”

I first helped Mirna with her bag and belongings.

“It reminds me of the past when I had servants and attendants.”

Mirna seemed to radiate warmth after returning from work. I couldn’t imagine her having an inkling that I had rummaged through her trash can and read the newspapers.

I wanted to question Mirna about it right away, but it felt too harsh to confront her this way after having worked all day. So I decided to have dinner with her first.

“Miss Mirna, I prepared dinner today. Albeit, it’s just something simple made from what’s available.”

“Sir Theo’s cooking? I look forward to it.”

I treated her to a simple pasta. With an abundance of flour, oil, and tomatoes, it wasn’t too difficult to prepare.

After finishing it, Mirna smiled satisfactorily.

“You’re better at cooking than I expected. I never knew that Sir Theo had such culinary skills.”

“Well, I’ve lived alone for quite a while.”

After clearing the dishes, I led Mirna to the cozy sofa.

“You must have been busy with work all day, let me give you a massage.”

“A massage…?”

Mirna gave me a slightly wary look. Did she think I would do something bad through the massage?

“Please.”

“…….”

But with my urging, Mirna reluctantly laid down on the sofa. I gently pressed her slender back with the broad part of my palm.

Gradually, her tense body relaxed like a stray cat in someone’s hands.

“Hmm, It feels nice. What’s the occasion today? Getting treated to a meal and even a massage afterward.”

“…….”

Despite Mirna’s inquiry, I continued to press her back harder. Soon, with all the heat and passion, beads of sweat trickled down my forehead and dripped onto my chin.

And just like that, ten minutes passed.

“That’s enough. We can stop here, anymore and it’ll be difficult for Sir Theo.”

Mirna rose from the sofa as if satisfied.

“Since I’ve received such a favor, it’s only natural for me to give you an appropriate return. Is there anything you desire, Sir Theo?”

Mirna asked me if there was something I wanted. It turned out she was indeed someone who knew how to repay kindness.

She was not without manners.

What a relief.

“Then please grant me this wish.”

I decided to naturally express what I had been thinking about.ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ɴovel(ꜰ)ɪre.nᴇt

“Could you possibly give me yesterday’s or the day before’s newspaper?”

“… News, newspaper?”

Mirna, who had just been showing a compassionate expression until now, looked slightly flustered.

“You’re asking me for a newspaper?”

“Yes, a newspaper. It’s not too difficult, is it? As far as I know, newspapers are delivered to this mansion every morning.”

“…….”

Instead of answering, Mirna’s red eyes darted around with a sense of uneasiness. It was as though she was grasping at straws, trying to see if there would be anything helpful.

“… Uh, well, I already threw them away. You should’ve told me earlier. It’s a pity! Instead, do you need anything else?”

Chwareureuk-.

Mirna unfolded her fan and slightly covered her face. It was evident that she was ashamed. I looked at her and then took something out of my arms.

It was a piece of newspaper.

“T-that’s….”

“Mirna-nim, did you deliberately hide this from me? That Queen Aira has collapsed again?”

“Sir Theo… there’s a reason for that.”

“Reason?”

Seureuk-.

I got up from my seat. Then Mirna trembled, leaning her back further on the sofa like a cornered rabbit.

“A-are you trying to intimidate me now? Why are you getting angry with me?”

“No, I just want to know the reason. Why did you hide these things from me? You said you would tell me the truth.”

“…….”

“I really trusted you, Mirna-nim. Please tell me honestly now. If you lie again, I might really get angry.”

“…….”

Mirna kept her mouth shut.

Her cheeks seemed puffier than usual, looking like this was all unfair to her. She didn’t budge for a while.

She didn’t seem inclined to make excuses nor have signs of any intention of doing so. There would be nothing but exhaustion if I continued to confront Mirna like this.

“Mirna-nim, it’s only been a few days, but I’m really grateful.”

I turned back. Then after a few minutes of being tight lipped, Mirna finally opened her mouth, almost screaming.

“W-where are you going!? You can’t go! If you leave, you’ll just be at the mercy of that wicked Queen again!”

Swiftly-.

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