The Regressed Villainess Tore Up The Annulment Papers - Chapter 7

Chapter 7: The Northern Lords' Assembly (2)

- "Are you sure about this?"

A melodic voice emanated from the communication device. Aria answered,

"Yes, I want to spend a little more time with Eugene."

- "What's gotten into you? You used to be so averse to him."

Aria hesitated, then murmured softly,

"I just... realized something. How precious he is to me."

Yes, she had finally understood. But only after losing everything.

- "Your father will be delighted to hear that. He might seem gruff on the outside, but he cares deeply for you, you know."

Her father.

The man she had always considered a cold-hearted pragmatist, obsessed with magic and the family's legacy.

The man she believed capable of using even his own daughter as a pawn in a political game.

"...Yes, I know."

She knew that he had knelt before the imperial palace for days, begging for her forgiveness when her life was on the line.

She knew he loved her enough to sacrifice even the family's prestige to save her.

As always, realization came too late.

- "Hoho, is that so? You certainly seem different, dear. Perhaps you've finally grown up?"

"...Hehe, perhaps I have?"

- "But then again, didn't you just have a meltdown in front of everyone, crying and apologizing...?"

"Mom!! Don't bring that up! Anyway, I have to go now! Bye!"

Aria hurriedly ended the communication, desperate to avoid further discussion of her embarrassing past.

She wiped away the tears that welled up in her eyes and headed out to meet Eugene.

***

Inside the carriage, on their way to the Northern Lords' Assembly.

Aria watched the snowflakes falling gracefully outside the window, a wistful expression on her face. Then, she turned to Eugene, offering him a small treat.

"Eugene, try this cookie. The chef really outdid himself this time."

"...Okay."

Aria watched with a satisfied smile as Eugene took the chocolate chip cookie and popped it into his mouth.

What was she so amused by?

Her recent behavior continued to baffle him. He frowned slightly, a crease forming between his brows.

"Aria, can I ask you something?"

"Hmm? What is it?"

"Why did you decide to come with me instead of staying at the manor?"

Despite agreeing to postpone their separation, Aria had shown no inclination to return to her own home.

Not only that, she had expressed a surprising desire to accompany him to the Northern Lords' Assembly.

"You've always hated attending social gatherings with me."

"......"

"Honestly, I was surprised. I assumed you'd want to avoid this one as well."

He recalled a particular incident from their past.

Aria, along with several other noblewomen, had hosted a grand ball to celebrate their coming-of-age.

As her fiancé, Eugene had taken a leave from his duties on the front lines and traveled to the capital to be her escort.

But she had greeted him with a cold indifference.

- "I'm sorry, but I'm going with my brother. Honestly, it was inconsiderate of you to show up like this."

- "I understand. Perhaps we could at least enter the ballroom together..."

- "I'm entering with Father. You should just go back. It's embarrassing to be seen with you."

Such incidents were not uncommon.

Yet, here she was, not only refusing to annul their engagement but also actively seeking his company.

Aria, who had been silent since his question, finally spoke, her voice barely a whisper.

"I'm sorry, truly sorry. I just want to... spend more time with you now, make up for all the lost time..."

Her apologies tumbled out, her voice laced with remorse. She slumped in her seat, her shoulders drooping, her whole body radiating an air of guilt and regret.

She resembled a scolded puppy, and her pathetic display tugged at his heartstrings.

'I just asked out of curiosity. I wasn't trying to accuse or pressure her...'

The atmosphere in the carriage grew heavy with unspoken tension.

He had only himself to blame. His thoughtless question had triggered her emotional outburst.

Desperate to dispel the awkwardness, he spoke again, changing the subject.

"Do you know anything about the event we're attending?"

"Ah, it's being held in Dustin County, right...?"

"Yes. The Northern Lords' Assembly rotates locations every six months."

This practice prevented any single territory from feeling marginalized and allowed for inspections of potential corruption or mismanagement.

The North, with its harsh environment and constant threats from both the front lines and magical beasts, was particularly sensitive to such issues.

If one family faltered, it could have a domino effect, impacting the entire region.

Whether it was the production and distribution of resources, or the maintenance of defenses and vigilance against enemy incursions, the North relied on a delicate balance of cooperation and interdependence.

They had to work together, whether they liked it or not, to survive.

"This system has fostered a strong sense of unity and solidarity among the Northern families. It's not all bad, I suppose."

"Oh? You mean... not just the nobles?"

"Everyone has a role to play. It's a symbiotic relationship between nobles and commoners."

Aria looked surprised.

He understood her reaction.

The noble society of the capital, where she had been raised, was a viper's nest of veiled threats and cutthroat competition.

And if that was how they treated each other, how could she imagine their treatment of commoners?

They were seen as mere pawns, sources of resources and tax revenue, nothing more.

"But don't misunderstand me. The North isn't some idyllic utopia where everyone gets along."

"Hmm? Why not?"

"Because this strong sense of unity also breeds a deep-seated distrust of outsiders."

A level of xenophobia comparable to the elves of the World Tree Forest.

"Ah..."

"But despite this, the North is rich in resources, overflowing with magic stones. So outsiders are constantly trying to find ways to break through our defenses. For example..."

Their engagement.

He swallowed the words, choosing not to voice them aloud.

He wasn't that clueless, wouldn't intentionally dredge up such a sensitive topic. He forced a smile, masking his inner turmoil.

"So if you feel any hostility from the others at the assembly, just remember that there are historical reasons for their behavior."

"I see... I understand. I'm used to being disliked. As long as you're by my side, Eugene, I can handle anything."

"I-Is that so? Well, I'll try to stay by your side as much as possible. And don't worry, the people at the assembly aren't bad people... My friend will look after you as well."

Aria's blunt declaration, delivered with a straight face, flustered him. He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure.

She tilted her head, her expression curious.

"By the way, Eugene, who is this friend you're talking about?"

"Ah, I haven't mentioned him before? He's the heir to Dustin County, our destination. His name is Julian Dustin. We're... childhood friends."

"Hee... I see. If he's your friend, Eugene, I'm sure he's trustworthy. I'll try my best to be polite."

Aria smiled, nodding in understanding. Eugene couldn't bring himself to meet her gaze, his eyes drawn to the passing scenery outside the window.

'There's no denying it, Aria's changed. I don't understand why... but...'

It wasn't an unpleasant change.

Their conversation, though slightly awkward at times, continued in a relatively pleasant vein until they finally reached Dustin County.

***

They arrived at the Dustin family manor and stepped out of the carriage.

Eugene extended his hand to Aria, a natural gesture that sent a thrill through her.

She felt her cheeks flush, overwhelmed by the simple yet heartwarming act of kindness. She took his hand, her fingers intertwining with his, and stepped out of the carriage.

"Eugene!!"

A voice called out his name from the direction of the manor's entrance, followed by the sound of approaching footsteps.

Eugene turned towards the voice, his face lighting up with a genuine smile, a smile he rarely showed her.

"Julian!"

It was Eugene's friend, the one he had mentioned earlier, coming to greet them.

Aria turned her gaze towards the approaching figure.

And froze.

'What...?'

He was beautiful.

He had short, light brown hair, golden eyes that sparkled like jewels, and a slender frame that accentuated his delicate features.

Though relatively short, his proportions were perfect, his small head and delicate features giving him an almost androgynous beauty.

If Eugene hadn't told her he was male, she would never have guessed.

Julian's beauty rivaled that of the most stunning women Aria had encountered in the capital's social circles.

"It's been too long! I was so happy to hear you were coming!"

"Sorry for changing my mind at the last minute."

"Nonsense! It wouldn't be the same without the Everhart family. You're practically the representatives of the North!"

While Aria remained stunned, lost in her observations, Eugene and Julian, reunited after months of separation, were engaged in an animated conversation.

"It's good to see you again. How long has it been?"

"Let's see... the last assembly, right? So almost half a year?"

"...Has it really been that long?"

"It has! I told you to stay in touch! What is it with you? You act like you're hibernating for the winter!"

Eugene chuckled, extending his hand. Julian, beaming, grasped it firmly.

It should have been a heartwarming scene - her beloved Eugene, reunited with a dear friend, their joy palpable.

'...Wait a minute...'

She noticed a subtle blush creeping up Julian's cheeks as he shook Eugene's hand.

'Male...?'

Aria's sharp intuition, honed by years of navigating the treacherous waters of high society, sounded a warning.

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