The tension reached its peak.
Just when things couldn't get any more dramatic, a new character joined the show.
A woman—poised, cold, and utterly unreadable.
Was she a villainess? A side character with secret depth? Or an unexpected ally?
We were about to find out.
But, judging by the way Thaddeus stiffened—like a cat caught mid-slink—she was, at the very least, no friend of his at the moment. And maybe she was temporarily an ally with Vivienne.
Luckily, my gamble had paid off.
She came—just as I'd hoped she would.
Though… does that mean she's into that red-haired villain wannabe?
"…"
Nah. Can't be.
More likely, she was here for the bigger picture—rumors, politics, her family's reputation. I made sure the letter hinted just enough to spark that worry. Subtle persuasion. Or manipulation, depending on how you see and use it.
My attention shifted to the young man in the black cloak—the one who'd licked his lips at Lenora earlier.
Disgusting.
If I were strong enough, I'd have punched him in the face already. I hate lecherous characters like him. But I am not strong. Not yet.
For now, I can only rely on my brain and timing.
If the second letter's recipient arrives, the curtain should fall on this act soon.
Hopefully with a happy ending.
For now, though, the spotlight shifted again—away from Vivienne, who was still trembling, onto the newly arrived character.
Thaddeus's fiancée.
Yes, she was indeed his fiancée. I'd confirmed her identity before putting anything in motion.
As for how? Well...
Anyone aside from Lenora would believe me if I were to tell that I met her while casually shopping. That would be too much of a coincidence. But it was the truth.
Me and Lenore met her while we were shopping, while I was also gathering intel.
I don't know if it was my good luck or bad luck, but she asked for my help on choosing the clothes - with the reason being she didn't have a male person to help her nearby. She even wanted to pay me but I told her it was fine.
So, I became a temporary model for her.
It seems like she arrived today to the town, and was going to buy a bunch of clothes, of course expensive ones, as a gift to her future father-in-law or Thaddeus's father. She said it was his birthday coming week.
She also said she was planning to make a surprise.
Yeah, she said it herself, to me, with her own mouth. She was pretty talkative too.
Anyway, after learning that crucial info - I quickly wrote a letter and had it delivered anonymously. I wasn't sure if she would even open it tho.
Thankfully, she did, or else she wouldn't be here.
Meanwhile, our wannabe villian Thaddeus was still trying to salvage the situation, forcing an awkward smile.
"I-I can explain. You're misunderstanding, Cassan—"
"It hasn't even been a month since we got engaged," she cut in, voice cold and precise. "And already you're proposing to another woman. Publicly. How exactly am I misunderstanding, Thaddeus? Or were you planning to gift two daughter-in-laws to your father?"
'Ouch. A fatal hit.'
"I... I...."
Thaddeus's mouth opened, closed, then opened again—like a fish gasping on land. This wasn't obviously how he planned things to go.
I almost felt bad for him.
But the thought vanished the next second.
Then again, watching third-rate villains panic could be entertaining. Though, it'd be even better if I wasn't entangled in their mess—especially the kind who always seem to show up with their fathers, uncles, grandfathers, and ancestral vendettas. It's way too cliche and cringe.
Wait. What's that guy doing now?
The sleazy man—the one with the scar and lazy slouch—pushed past the other black-cloaked figures. His grin could curdle milk.
"Young master," he chuckled at Thaddeus, his voice thick with false brotherhood. "You never mentioned you had a wife."
I could see him whisphering while passing him by.
"Then allow me to do you a favor." Was probably what he said.
He stopped just short of Vivienne. He gave her a thin, oily smile.
"Girl, I don't really need you."
Vivienne blinked, stunned by his straightforward behaviour.
"You and your family can have another month or two too. Take your time," he added with a yawn, as if he were talking about delaying a meal.
Her eyes widened. A flicker of hope sparked.
Then—
"But in return…" He turned, pointing lazily his eyes squinted. "You give her to me."
His finger landed on Lenora.
"She's got a spark. I like that."
"Wh-! Y-You…" Vivienne's voice broke. Her face drained of color. That three seconds fragile hope shattered in an instant.
The man grinned wider, savoring the moment.
Thaddeus tried to step in, his lips twitching. "You don't have—"
"Ah ah," the man cut him off, raising a finger. "You had your shot, young master. Don't butt in and ruin my chance now."
His tone dropped, just enough to be threatening.
"Unless you want me to tell your darling fiancée about our little deal?"
"You—" Thaddeus froze. His jaw clenched. This was the second crack in his mask.
Then, with a sharp exhale, he waved a hand dismissively.
"...Suit yourself," he muttered. "Just don't forget to fulfill your end of the deal."
"Of course, we Redharts are always true to our words."
'...'
So the heir of the Redhart Brotherhood wasn't just a spoiled lapdog.
I know it's wrong to judge without the full picture, but I have a feeling he is rotten to the core.
And this makes the situation a lot more complicated.
'Hmm....'
I can only hope their boss shows up soon.
Because if they don't…
I will need to step in myself.
"Are you harassing women in broad daylight? And what is this deal you're so casually boasting about?"
"...Or not," I muttered subcunsiously, turning my focus to the speaker.
Cassandra.
She stepped forward like a blade unsheathed—elegant in her posture, but deadly in her tone. Her expression hadn't changed since her entrance. Still cold and composed. But there was something new in her eyes now.
Authority.
Not the kind born from nobility or birthright.
The kind born from certainty.
The kind that makes even grown men pause.
Even the sleazy Redhart heir faltered, his grin flickering. He turned slowly, eyebrows lifting like he couldn't believe someone was daring to interrupt him. Yeah, he probably thinks he is a big shot.
"Oh? And who might you be, missy?" he asked, voice laced with false charm. "Another one of Thaddeus's—"
"I'm Cassandra von Virellia, daughter of Duke Virellia, finance strategist to three regional councils, and the actual fiancée of the man you're currently embarrassing in front of half the town." Her eyes narrowed slightly. "If you had any manners, you'd introduce yourself before addressing me."
The man blinked.
I blinked.
'She's that impressive?!'
Then the man laughed. "So you're the infamous cold duchess fiancée. The one he never shuts up about. Hah. I was beginning to think you were a myth."
"Then allow me to be your reality check," she replied, stepping closer, each word as precise as a dagger tip. "You're speaking to a woman who helped negotiate the Northern Merchant Truce. I've had crime lords cry under pressure softer than my tone."
"..."
Just who did I end up 'inviting' over?