The Villainess's Daughter Observes the Bamboo Grove
Idel's gaze shifted to Diane, who knelt on the floor.
Her hands trembled nearly uncontrollably.
yet her eyes shone with an intensity that did not match.
What in the world is going on today?
Why are everyone acting like this?
Idel muttered in confusion.
thinking she had not even expected the nosebleed incident to shock them.
She opened her mouth hesitantly.
What is it?
Diane took a deep breath before speaking rapidly.
I am truly sorry!
As a servant I should never have misunderstood Master Idel's intentions on my own.
and instead of just misinterpreting Idel as the Master.
I went too far by thinking I had to protect the young lady.
I am worthless!
What?
I am worthless.
If my fault is serious Idel may cut me down but even then please make peace with Jayana!
The servants are acting strange.
They seem about to cause a huge problem.
Idel stared at Diane in utter disbelief.
Diane's words had finally become physically comprehensible.
yet now they made no sense at all.
Idel replayed her speech and finally spoke with a bewildered expression.
Can you explain in more detail?
I have no idea what you mean.
What servants?
Uh.
That is.
Diane's cheeks flushed as she realized she had skipped too many details.
Well.
To explain the whole situation we must go back to the time when Idel fell.
Diane hesitated over where to begin.
then organized her thoughts and relayed the events clearly.
The bad rumors that had circulated at the ducal house.
what Melissa had done to the fallen Idel.
and what the servants had been saying about her.
As Diane spoke Idel finally understood the question she had always wondered about.
So that is why Melissa has been so quiet lately.
She really is the perfect villainess.
always plotting from the shadows and never doing anything obvious.
Not doing anything was exactly what she should have done.
Did she hope I would go directly to my mother?
Who has no one but my mother on their side?
How despicable.
Idel's lips curved in a small smile.
She never imagined Melissa would command her to sleep and then pull such a childish stunt.
If Diane had not spoken the full truth Idel would have learned about it only after the crisis.
and the gap between them was vast.
So this is what happened.
I have been thinking how to explain it.
but when I heard that the young lady was hurt today I decided I could no longer stay silent.
Idel fell silent.
Diane continued.
I know my actions were improper.
but please make peace with Jayana and stay together.
Then the servants will not dare move rashly.
and.
Idel?
Diane glanced at Idel's face while she poured out her thoughts.
Idel had been unusually quiet.
In the past the young lady would have scolded her by now.
Diane suddenly wondered if her words had been too shocking.
She held her breath in surprise.
Servants bullying me!
How shocking this must be for a young girl.
Though her outward appearance was weak Diane's heart might be injured.
Diane considered that the request for peace was meant for her safety.
and perhaps her pride had been hurt.
She realized there were several things that bothered her.
Closing her eyes she muttered softly.
My luggage and room.
Can I clean them up by the end of this week?
What?
Or tomorrow?
Idel gave a small snort.
placing a hand on her waist and tilting her head at Diane.
Why should I clean my luggage?
Who told you to leave?
Eh?
Go complain to your friends about me bullying you.
Yes?
Idel's expression darkened at the loud voice.
Diane noticed the sincerity and covered her mouth in shock.
Oh no!
But I do not understand.
You mean I am to join in bad deeds?
Yes.
Do that.
Then they can play their pranks without guilt.
Huh.
Ignore Jayana.
That is enough.
Diane understood even the unnecessary explanation.
and exclaimed in surprise.
Hah!
You have made peace with Jayana?
Shhh!
Do not make a fuss over something so trivial.
Diane saw the ticking reaction and realized peace had indeed been made.
She exhaled a small sigh of relief.
and tilted her head curiously.
Idel had explained making peace with Jayana so simply that Diane found it hard to believe.
Diane suggested.
Why not tell the Duke and Rowena instead?
No.
What?
Then everyone will leave.
That is not good.
It feels wasteful.
If Idel told the Duke Melissa's stunt would stop.
but could not be completely erased.
The new servants could be used again if necessary.
Idel gritted her teeth internally.
This opportunity must be used more cleverly.
to make Melissa think she is succeeding.
Diane however interpreted Idel's words completely differently.
If I tell the Duke everyone will leave the ducal house.
that does not seem right.
Is she worried that the servants will lose their livelihood?
It was an injury.
yet she offered a second chance?
Idel is really.
Diane hurriedly lowered her head to hide the tears that might appear.
She did not want to draw attention to her eyes.
The question remained.
Where do the servants usually talk like that?
Eh?
There are many eyes in the ducal house.
Is there really a place where they can speak secretly?
Diane collected her emotions and lifted her head.
at the unexpected second question she rolled her eyes.
Is she going to sneak out and cause a scene?
No way.
Idel had already left under cover of night.
not planning to make a scene as Diane had feared.
She simply wanted to listen to the servants.
Her younger sister had said that all solutions to plots began with eavesdropping.
Diane had even mentioned the location in her afterword.
the Bamboo Grove of the Ducal House.
Is the staircase to the garden the Bamboo Grove?
Why do the children tell important secrets there?
It is also Jayana's confession place and the spoiler place!
Did she really not want to visit this place?
With luck she might gain useful information.
Idel slipped through the darkness toward the garden stairs.
Is this it?
Using her small size Idel crept behind the stairs.
the moment she reached the spot she doubted her ears.
Melissa oneechan I heard you broke the gift I gave you.
Why are you doing this to me?
Ha Rowena.
You called me for that?
In the middle of the night?
It is not a big deal?
I know you treasure the gift.
so I am that hated?
Idel looked down from the stairs.
unprepared for the people gathered.
Rowena stared at Melissa with pained eyes.
and spoke tearfully.
Oneechan please be honest.
We were close once.
why do you keep tormenting me?
Have I done something wrong to you?
Is that why?