The Queen of Villains

The carriage glided into Starr’s mansion. The manor, once a castle inhabited by a duke, had been purchased by Killian. Its exterior walls, old yet sturdy, exuded a nostalgic charm. The entrance, adorned with statues supporting the roof, harmoniously blended solemnity and splendor.

“It is an honor to meet you, Madam. I am Alvin, the butler.”

Outside the mansion, dozens of servants, including the butler, emerged to greet them. Emily secretly breathed a sigh of relief, noticing that the workers appeared ordinary, devoid of any indications of being gangsters or affiliated with the mafia.

“I’ll be in your care.”

Descending from the carriage, escorted by Killian, she followed the butler into the mansion after exchanging greetings with the staff.

Passing through the deliberately dimly decorated entrance, designed to create contrast, they entered a lavishly garnished central hall that took one’s breath away. Particularly striking was the three-dimensional masterpiece adorning the ceiling, where the painted figures appeared alive and in motion.

“Hmm.”

As Emily marveled at her surroundings and ascended the stairs, a twinge of pain shot through her previously injured knee, causing her to momentarily pause.

‘Oh no, I mustn’t fall.’

She made an effort to step lightly, determined to prevent a repeat of the previous incident. Emily pretended to be composed and continued walking. However, Killian, observing her from behind, furrowed his brow and muttered, seemingly troubled by something.

“I guess it wasn’t alright before.”

Emily grew anxious, afraid that he might reveal the story of her injury in front of the butler. Just as she was about to turn around and discreetly signal Killian to play along, he embraced her, lifting her up in his arms.

 The butler, Alvin, averted his gaze as if he hadn’t seen anything and coughed awkwardly. Emily stole a brief glance at the butler and spoke in a lowered voice to Killian.

“Please put me down right away. People are watching.”

“You don’t need to worry about it.”

“People might find it odd.”

“No one here would find it strange. Besides, no one possesses the gall to criticize me.”

While Alvin nodded in agreement beside them, Emily found it difficult to focus on that.

“But still…”

“I’m pressed for time, so I need to move quickly. Please bear with me.”

His words implied that he couldn’t wait for her to move. Dumbfounded, Emily pursed her lips. In the meantime, the chandeliers and the captivating ceiling painting came into view.

Carrying Emily up to the bedroom door, Killian didn’t put her down until they were inside. Despite his blunt demeanor, he exhibited great care as he gently lowered her to the ground. Safely standing on the floor, Emily surveyed the bedroom. On one side hung a massive tapestry, while the other three sides had expensive leather wallpaper. The room exuded a luxurious yet tasteful and dignified atmosphere.

“If you would like, I can immediately prepare a meal for you, my lord,” Alvin offered, but Killian shook his head in response.

“I need to go out now, so please bring the meal to my wife’s room only.”

“No, it’s alright. I’m not particularly hungry.”

Alvin responded to the rejection from both individuals by offering to arrange a tea time table for the mistress. 

Feeling sorry for being the only one idle, Emily asked Killian what kept him so busy.

“It’s about the new business I’ve started. Please take a rest or explore the mansion.” 

Killian replied, sounding nonchalant.

At first, Emily felt a twinge of hurt from his seemingly indifferent tone, but she soon realized that Killian’s nonchalant attitude was exactly what she had hoped for.

“Yes, take care and enjoy yourself,” 

Emily bid farewell, her insincerity evident. Killian noticed that Emily seemed offended by him, but he was already running late and didn’t have time to engage in conversation. He hesitated for a moment, as if he had something to say to Emily, but ultimately sighed and walked out the door.

“Although the Lord may appear cold, he is a very compassionate person. Please don’t feel too sad,” the butler reassured Emily with comforting words. 

Her face flushed slightly, fearing that her emotions had been revealed in front of Killian. She cleared her throat and changed the subject.

“By the way, is this my room or a couple’s bedroom?”

“This is madam’s room. The owner instructed me to change the furniture and curtains to suit madam’s taste, so I have kept only the essential furniture,” the butler explained.

The room was already tastefully furnished according to the latest fashion, although it seemed that a few more pieces of furniture would be needed.

“And the master’s room is located next door, with the couple’s bedroom in between,” the butler added, personally opening the door to the passageway connecting the two rooms.

“I see,” Emily responded.

It struck Emily as unusual that the two rooms were placed next to each other. Nobles typically separated their rooms on different floors or farther apart. The fact that they were adjacent seemed like a mistake made by someone unfamiliar with aristocratic culture. 

… is it a mistake?

“There’s another interesting device that connects to the next room. Shall I show you?”

“No, that’s fine.”

Emily would never have a reason to go to the next room first. It was a mystery why they had another secret passage in the first place. 

“Then I will go and order the table to be set up. The maids will come up and finish the unpacking, so please rest comfortably,” Alvin informed her.

“Thank you, Alvin,” Emily expressed her gratitude.

After Alvin bowed and left, Emily made her way to the spacious bed in front of her and lay down. 

Great performance, classy interior, and impeccable attitude of the employees. At this level, wouldn’t Killian have been able to marry a decent woman even if he himself was sitting in a pile of debt?

These thoughts made Emily feel strange.

With the assistance of the servants, Emily enjoyed her tea time alone in the garden. Observing the various flowers and fruit trees of unknown names growing haphazardly, she made plans on how to decorate them. With a beautiful and grand garden, including a waterfall, it would be stunning if properly decorated.

 “Madam, shall we bring more refreshments?” the quick-witted maid asked as she cleared the empty plates.

“Yes, please do,” Emily replied.

Among the many desserts, Emily had a particular fondness for baked confectioneries, especially financier cakes. Fortunately, there was a skilled pastry chef at Starr Mansion who specialized in baking financier cakes.

[Translator note: Financier are small french almond teacakes, I  added ‘cake’ to help give context as the original translation just said financier]

“If it wasn’t for the ending, it would be nice to live here forever,” Emily remarked, expressing her fondness for Starr Mansion. 

Emily, who had fallen in love with Starr mansion for a simple reason, savored the peace and asked for the last financier cake.

“The texture is absolutely perfect,” she commented, her mouth constantly munching with satisfaction.

Killian, who had been absent the entire day, didn’t return to the mansion until the following day.

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“The master wishes to dine with you,” the butler informed Emily.

‘Are you sorry for leaving me alone on our first day here?’ Emily wondered silently.

With the assistance of the maids, Emily dressed up and made her way down to the dining room. It was the first time she and Killian would have a meal together since their marriage.

Killian had arrived in the dining room before her and pulled out her chair, displaying a basic but polite gesture. Despite his seemingly blunt demeanor, he adhered to proper manners.

“Thank you,” Emily greeted him and took her seat. 

Shortly after, the butler brought a variety of dishes to the table.

As they ate in silence, a realization dawned upon Emily—Killian, a commoner, possessed surprisingly impeccable dining etiquette. In fact, his manners were textbook-perfect.

While wondering if she could ask where he learned such refined etiquette, Killian broke the silence first .

“An invitation has arrived from the imperial palace.”

“From the imperial palace?” Emily tilted her head in confusion and accepted the invitation from Killian.

It was a celebration banquet held to commemorate the return of the crown prince, who had been studying in the Robert Empire for an extended period. 

Since he was abroad at the height of her social activities, Emily had never seen the Crown Prince either.

“Have you ever attended an imperial palace party?” Emily asked Killian.

He shook his head in response. It hadn’t been long since he received his Marquis title, and there hadn’t been any significant parties at the palace during that time. Moreover, no nobles had sent him invitations since his ennoblement. Therefore she concluded that he had never attended a noble party

. It became clear that teaching Killian not only party culture but also aristocratic culture would be necessary to ensure he wouldn’t be embarrassed at the royal party they were about to attend—a party that would be Emily’s ,who had once held a high position in society, first since her downfall from high society.

“To be honest, judging by your table manners, I don’t think there’s any need to worry…” Emily trailed off, implying that she had confidence in his abilities.

Killian understood what she was trying to convey.

“It seems you’re worried about me making a mistake at the imperial palace party.”

“What do you think?”

“It’s true that I’m unfamiliar with the atmosphere there.”

“In that case, can I give you a lesson?”

As husband and wife, their honor was intertwined. Killian accepted Emily’s suggestion. He had acquired the Marquis title to be allowed to frequent visits to the Imperial Palace.