The Revenge of the Reincarnated Villainess のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 21 - チャプター 25

The study was dimly lit, the scent of old parchment and burning cedar filling the air. Heavy bookshelves and vases lined the walls, their spines gilded with gold and ruby, proof of centuries of knowledge and wealth passed down through the Ruiz lineage. At the center of the room stood Lord Michael Ruiz, dressed in a dark navy tunic, his broad shoulders squared as he leaned slightly over his father's massive mahogany desk, which was soon going to be his once he took over as Duke the day he marries Lady Daphne. Only the thought of getting married to her made his mood bitter. Seated across from him was Duke Cyril Ruiz, his father, a man whose once blonde hair had begun to gray at the temples and brows. His face was carved with the weight of all his years of ruling and leading his people, his deep-blue eyes reflecting both wisdom and exhaustion as he studied his son intently. His wish wasn't to put his son in a loveless marriage. But with the way the situation of the empire was moving wei

Her father sat at the head of the table, his heavy brows drawing together in confusion. Beside him, her mother pressed a hand to her chest as if she had just witnessed a ghost. Across from them sat her cousin, Edmund—a thorn in her side since childhood. His usual smug expression faltered, his spoon frozen midair. A few servants who were refilling goblets stood awkwardly, torn between lowering their gazes and sneaking glances at the spectacle before them. Carmen walked forward with unwavering confidence, the soft tap of her soft boots against the marble floor the only sound in the vast room. Then, whispers. Soft at first, then growing louder. “What is she wearing?” “Gods, but that’s—” “That’s a nightgown.” “No lady sits at the dinner table dressed for bed.” “She looks ridiculous.” Carmen pulled out her chair and sat down, completely unfazed. Her father cleared his throat, his jaw tightening. “Daphne.” She turned to him with an innocent smile. “Yes, Father?” H