The Villainess's Secret Bedroom Service
Chapter 128: Birthday Party

Chapter 128: Birthday Party

As the moving carriage continued its journey forward, the blooming and vibrant scenery outside the windows transformed into a hazy blur. The enormous black horses powering the carriage surged forward with newfound vigor. Amid this rapid movement, Rosalie found herself anxiously chewing on the short nail of her left thumb, a deep frown creasing her forehead. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, struggling to make sense of the chaotic disarray within.

The recent encounter with Baron Aelon had left Lady Ashter in a chaotic state. She had anticipated that the topic of Evangelina’s return would eventually surface, especially given the proximity to the unfolding events in the novel. However, she could not shake the feeling of being utterly unprepared for this momentous discussion.

’I guess I have truly become quite selfish and, dare I say, foolish in my internal desires.’

However, Rosalie’s inner turmoil was not the sole issue at hand. Unexpected events had once again taken center stage, catching the young woman entirely off-guard.

’I still find it difficult to wrap my head around... Was I doing something wrong? How is it even possible that I could not find any information about her?’

The intricate plot of the novel remained etched in her memory as if she had just turned its final page yesterday. Tobias Aelon’s assessment was true indeed – when Evangelina had been kidnapped, she had been subsequently abandoned in the depths of the forest, only to be discovered by a traveling couple who eventually brought her to one of the Empire’s orphanages located far from the bustling Capital.

According to the novel’s narrative, Evangelina had lived her entire life under the name Florence Black. The name "Florence" had been discovered on the blanket in which she was swaddled when the orphanage caretakers first encountered her. Meanwhile, "Black" served as the standard surname assigned to orphans destined for future employment.

Despite having unrestricted access to records spanning every orphanage within the vast Empire of Rische, Rosalie’s diligent search yielded no trace of the name Florence Black.

’I am utterly lost.’

The duchess found herself once more nibbling on her nail, her expression marked by a tinge of disappointment, as her thoughts continued to swirl in uncertainty.

’In the novel, it was stated that Evangelina, or rather Florence, resided in an orphanage located somewhere beyond the capital until she reached the age of sixteen. Subsequently, she left the orphanage and secured a position as a nanny within the household of a less affluent aristocrat in the small town she called home. But where could she be now?’

Regrettably for Rosalie, the author of "Acme Fever" omitted both the name of the orphanage and the specific town, making it an arduous task to determine the current whereabouts of the missing female protagonist. Consequently, her sole recourse was to seek assistance from someone with an unparalleled knack for procuring information, no questions asked – a person known as Laith.

’Will Laith consent to assist me in this endeavor? Might she become suspicious? It may be wise to make this request before Damien returns, so as to shield him from any knowledge of my actions.’

Rosalie found herself at an impasse with seemingly no alternative. It had been Baron Aelon who successfully located Evangelina, and his plea for Rosalie’s assistance effectively placed the responsibility squarely on her shoulders. Thus, the task of finding Evangelina had now become her own. Laith, as it stood, represented her sole viable option, and she was prepared to embrace it.

’Very well, I shall approach her for assistance once the party is over.’

***

The black coach came to a halt, and one of the tall, impeccably handsome ushers extended his gallant assistance to the duchess, ensuring her graceful descent from the carriage. With all the finesse befitting the occasion, he then proceeded to escort her directly to the makeshift garden, serving as the vibrant epicenter of the unfolding festivities.

Princess Angelica, in her characteristic modesty, had declined an extravagant celebration in her honor. Nevertheless, the banquet, organized to commemorate her twenty-second year, had evolved into a spectacular affair that left the Capital’s residents awestruck. This enchanting event was further elevated by its location, nestled amidst one of the most breathtaking settings to be found anywhere within the vast Empire of Rische.

The beautiful green garden unfolded with dozens of tables adorned with an enticing array of drinks, fruits, and delectable desserts, extending a warm invitation to guests to partake in the opulent tapestry of flavors on offer.

Ethereal, nearly translucent curtains danced gently over the lush orchard trees, while an abundance of vibrant flowers adorned meticulously tended flower beds. Magical lights, resembling bizarre, miniature, fireflies, whimsically flitted about the garden. Every element of this enchanting spectacle was dedicated to Angelica, a fitting tribute to her, as she deserved to revel in the mesmerizing beauty and unbridled joy of the occasion.

As Rosalie joined the gathering of guests, she found herself warmly greeted by nearly every noble person who approached her. Lords and Ladies hailing from distinguished noble lineages radiated enthusiasm in her presence, their conversations with the duchess akin to surreal, fleeting sparks of happiness that had once felt distant and elusive for someone like her.

Observing the line of people before her, Lady Ashter could not help but let her pretty lips curve into a genuine smile that seemed to thaw her weary heart even further.

She acknowledged that within the realm of nobility, the signs of praise and admiration often came with a dash of insincerity. Nevertheless, her heart, susceptible to longing, yearned for any semblance of affection, no matter how superficial it might prove to be. Amidst the vast sea of polite, saccharine smiles, she held onto the hope that somewhere among them, there might be a soul who genuinely shared her philanthropic beliefs. That alone would suffice.

’Rosalie...’

The duchess pressed her right hand against her chest and, with closed eyes, delved into a momentary introspection, allowing her thoughts to flow freely.

’I am not sure where you are, whether you have become me or I have become you... Nevertheless, I hope you sense that you have transcended being a mere minor side character. In this very moment, you are the protagonist of your own life. And my wish is that you find happiness, for even if this happiness feels fleeting, I am undeniably overjoyed for both of us.’

As the buzzing crowd gradually resumed its customary mingling, Rosalie’s big gray eyes fell upon the princess. Angelica stood beside one of the tables, engrossed in a leisurely conversation with a couple of noblemen, whose names Rosalie could not be bothered to recall.

’She appears even paler than her usual self... Could she be unwell?’

Wearing an unmistakably concerned expression, Rosalie hastened her steps, closing the distance between herself and the princess. She deftly positioned herself beside Angelica, gently looping her slender arm through the princess’s as she addressed the young gentlemen in their presence,

"Please accept my apologies, My Lords, but I must momentarily borrow Her Highness from your esteemed company. A rather urgent matter concerning our charitable endeavors has arisen, necessitating immediate discussion. Would you be so kind as to grant us this brief respite?"

The young lords, finding themselves with little choice in the matter, conceded with somewhat bemused expressions. Offering both ladies quizzical glances, they agreed. With a graceful nod that carried a touch of playfulness and profound courtesy, Lady Ashter then turned to Angelica and led her away.

"Angelica, are you feeling alright? I know it may not be ideal to discuss this at your own party, but you truly don’t appear well."

In response, the princess released a somewhat abrupt exhale and cast a pleading glance at her friend. She spoke with a feeble, breathy voice,

"I am fine, really... It’s just that I cannot seem to catch my breath in this dress."

Rosalie quickly surveyed their surroundings, ensuring that no prying eyes were watching. Satisfied that they were unobserved, she guided Angelica further away from the banquet, pausing at the precipice of the cliff. Here, the invigorating sea breeze afforded them ample space to fill their lungs with fresh air.

She positioned herself behind the princess, her gaze fixed upon the tightly laced corset of Angelica’s dress.

"The corset seems overly snug, pressing against your rib cage. Shall I attempt to loosen it for you?"

Angelica nodded and adjusted her hair, granting the duchess unrestricted access to the back of her corset. Rosalie dedicated a considerable amount of time to the task, striving to ease the tension in the strings. Yet, despite her efforts and the dexterity of her slender fingers, the corset proved unyielding, firmly laced.

With an audible sigh of surrender, Lady Ashter stepped before the princess and spoke with resolute determination,

"Our current approach isn’t working. I will fetch a knife and return promptly. If we want to restore your ease of breath, regrettably, we must part ways with the constricting corset."

Angelica nodded, a faint smile gracing her pallid lips.

"Very well. I will wait for you here, Rosalie."

As her friend vanished into the crowd once more, the princess turned her gaze toward the vast expanse of the Great Sea. However, remaining still was no longer an option; an increasingly suffocating sensation bore down upon her stomach and chest, leaving her profoundly uncomfortable and restless.

In an attempt to locate and undo the knot securing the corset strings, she reached behind her back. Her movements grew increasingly frantic, resembling those of a desperate, trapped creature as she kept tugging on the string.

Unfortunately, this proved to be the most inadvisable course of action.