The Genius “Incompetent” Woman Wants to be a Villainess - CHapter 51

By Antoinette Vanessa February 25, 2023

—Thus, the wedding preparations ensued.

“Lord Dylan, could you please check the guest list? I’ve arranged for the invitations to be sent, so I need your signature here. As for the menu for the following banquet, it follows the traditions of the Duke of Lancester. The Marquis Brandner family will be singing the hymn. Before the toast will come His Highness Lawrence’s congratulatory speech.”

“…Wow, you’re impressive.”

Whoops.

Only after seeing Dylan’s awestruck expression did Avril realize she’d gone too far, and her gaze swum.

After all, back in the Count of Allingham household, Avril was the sole person responsible for hosting tea parties and dinners. Hence why, she became good at it. But to respect the conventional image of a villainess, some corrections seemed necessary.

“I, I’ve never hosted a wedding before, but I’m used to arranging parties!”

“It seems that the masquerade balls Avril envisioned were quite sophisticated.”

“Huh?”

“No, never mind…”

Dylan smiled with his eyes, while Chris could be seen holding his laughter from behind him. At last, she found out the reason why, but as of the moment, she couldn’t afford to pay attention to it. As such, she had no choice but to carry on.

Collecting herself, Avril turned her gaze to the list of invited guests.

“The Count of Allingham family is included on the list of guests. I’m sure my parents will ask you about the preparation money. Once that happens, please tell them that you’ve handed the money directly to Avril.”

“Well, about that…  Under normal circumstances, inviting your parents would be a given, but I’m thinking of removing them from the list?”

“May I ask why?”

“Considering what I heard about them from you, their crimes are simply too heavy.”

“Oh my…”

Avril didn’t expect that.

Lord Dylan is truly kind…! For someone to get angry for my sake…! That makes me so happy…! I’m truly grateful…!

Then, the door of the dining room opened, revealing her maid—Grace.

“My Lord, Lady Avril, the carriage is ready.”

“I understand. I’ll be right there.”

Dylan escorted Avril to the carriage.

That day, they were off to see a tailor for the wedding dress.

Thus, at the best dress shop in the royal capital—

—Avril, who was led to a gorgeous V.I.P room for customers, let her gaze wander.

How amazing…! There are a lot of expensive-looking fabrics…! But, the cost of the dress itself will be deducted from the preparation fund, no? While I can’t afford to tarnish the dignity of the Duke of Lancester, I’d like to save as much as possible…

Just as she secretly made up her mind, Dylan spoke from beside her.

“Apparently, you’re needlessly worrying once again… Let me tell you in advance; you don’t have to worry about the cost of the dress.”

“Well, is that so? But it’s customary for the bride to prepare her own dress.”

“Alright, let’s do it this way. If Avril is happy with her current life, you may design the dress as you see fit. Then, I’ll give it to you as a present.”

“A-a present, is it?”

“That’s right. I’ll be looking forward to seeing you in that dress.”

A present… a present… Which means, a gift?

After contemplating Dylan’s words, Avril finally understood the meaning and her cheeks were dyed red.

Ever since she entered the family of the Duke of Lancester, Avril had received many gifts from Dylan.

Most of them were personal belongings—such as dresses and jewelry selected by the servants. By the way, that also included the most expensive piece of jewelry that Avril unintentionally and was coerced to buy at the royal capital right after arriving.

At the time, Avril understood it as an effort for appearances sake as she was the fiancée of a ducal family. She didn’t have anything to her name, after all. But this time, she understood that it was different, even more so when she was supposed to prepare the wedding gown herself.

Back in her parents’ house, lavish gifts from birthdays and celebrations were only reserved for Corinna. Perhaps, there was a period in her childhood where she was saddened by it, but before she knew it, she no longer cared. Hence why, the word “gift” surprised her—the word that used to have nothing to do with her.

…It feels like a really special gift. I’m so happy…!

She couldn’t help but think so. Forgetting that she was in public, she exclaimed to Dylan who sat beside her—

“—Lord Dylan, what kind of dress do you think would suit me!?”

Dylan was somewhat taken aback by her question.

“…It may be a present from me, but you don’t have to worry about my opinions. Choose whatever you like.”

“Still, I’d like to hear Lord Dylan’s preferences.”

“My preferences?”

“That’s right…!”

At her energetic response, there was a look of bewilderment on Dylan’s handsome face. However, rather than being troubled, he seemed somewhat embarrassed. Then, Chris’ voice could be heard from behind.

“Good job. Please do your best.”

“Keep silent, Chris.”

Dylan tried to shoo Chris away, but Avril was still ecstatic.

“Would you like me to consult with Chris?”

“Well, if you’re alright with me—”

“—No, it isn’t. Go away.”

“—As you can see, that’s how it is. It’s alright, the two of you may relax.”

Chris left with a suspicious grin. After seeing him off somewhat quizzically, Avril was received her answer from a hesitant Dylan.

“I believe Avril will look beautiful in a delicately embroidered dress. I believe that traditional yet elegant designs are better than flashy decorations.”

***T/N: I’m, I’m just glad it didn’t get to the point where Avril is asking, “Marriage? Whose marriage?”