A Misconception Triangle of a Foolish Butler, an Idiot Maid, and a Villainous Young Lady
Author: albine
“――What is that?”
Aurelia Neville, the Duchess of Neville, narrowed her blue eyes at the scene before her. Her beautiful face, which was framed by her luxurious golden curls, twisted into an unpleasant frown.
In a corner of the vast royal garden, a man and a woman were talking enthusiastically. One of them was Aurelia’s fiancé, Richard Anglia, the second prince of the Kingdom of Anglia.
It was mid-afternoon in early summer. In the royal palace of Severn, the royal capital, a garden party was being held with great pomp and circumstance. Under the clear sky, the invited ladies and gentlemen were chatting with their chosen partners, or enjoying fine wine and good food.
Until recently, Aurelia had been socializing as the only daughter of the Duke of Neville family, one of the most powerful noble families in the Kingdom of Anglia.
For someone in her position, even getting through the basic greetings was a big task. Aurelia finally took a breather, but her eyes suddenly fell on the scene she had just witnessed – her fiancé talking with a strange girl.
“Roddy, who was that girl?”
“I believe she is Miss Emily, the young lady of the Baron of Solston.”
Aurelia’s question was answered by a tall, lithe, black-haired young man in butler’s garb. Roderick Lawrence, or Roddy, is Aurelia’s personal attendant.
“…… Like my lady, she is a student at the Royal Academy. A junior, one year younger.”
A girl dressed as a maid continued in a low voice.
She has the same black eyes, short black hair as Roderick, but in contrast, she has a petite build. Alicia Lawrence, Aurelia’s Maid in Waiting.
Roderick and Alicia are cousins and descendants of the Lawrence family, the chief vassals of the Duke of Neville. Both are 16 years old, the same age as Aurelia, and have served as her attendants since childhood.
“It seems Miss Emily is asking for a favor. As usual, His Highness Richard is a friendly man.”
From an objective point of view, it’s just a conversation between a senior and a junior who happen to meet outside of school. Even as a fiancée, it’s nothing to get upset about.
That should be the case, but Aurelia’s mind disregards such common sense and continues to run wild.
(What’s with that girl’s moist eyes and flirtatious gestures?! Could she be trying to seduce His Highness?! Oh, don’t look so sincere, Lord Richard! What if the girl misunderstands!? ――What’s with that smile, little girl?!)
Because of the distance, she couldn’t hear what they were saying, which only fueled Aurelia’s delusions.
Finally, Richard noticed Aurelia’s gaze. After saying a few words to Emily, he ended the conversation and walked over.
Emily bowed her head to the prince’s back as he left. It was an adorable gesture, like that of a puppy.
(That BITCH!!)
Aurelia was furious.
She resolved to get rid of that wicked and cruel adulteress at all costs.
“Roddy, Alicia—give that girl Emily plenty of care. Plenty Of Care.”
“Very well, Lady Aurelia. Leave it to us.”
“…… as you wish.”
At the implied remark, the attendants bowed. Leaving the two of them behind, Aurelia walked towards Prince Richard.
The way she greeted her fiancé was graceful and elegant, and there was no trace of the misdeed she had just commanded.
○ ● ○ ● ○
Roderick watched from afar as Aurelia chatted with Prince Richard. Meanwhile, his brain began to spin at high speed in order to carry out the order he had just received.
“…… Roddy, Roddy.”
Alicia tugged at the cuffs of his butler’s uniform.
“…… how am I supposed to give her care? Do I pat that Emily on the head?”
Tilting her head, Alicia uttered a preposterous remark.
Yes—unfortunately, Alicia was a true idiot who could only take what her master told her literally, verbatim, and at face value.
“What are you talking about?”
In the face of his silly cousin, Roderick sighed and looked up to the sky. It was a rather exaggerated and theatrical gesture.
“That is to say, Lady Aurelia is concerned about what just happened between Miss Emily and His Highness Richard. There are those who would make a fuss about such an innocuous act and harm those who are in a vulnerable position. Sad to say.”
“…… Hmmm, so?”
“And on top of that, we are to ‘give care’ to Miss Emily. That is to say, Lady Aurelia is willing to become her guardian in order to protect her from such bugs.”
With an air of bravado and confidence, Roderick blurted out a conclusion that was the exact opposite of his master’s true intentions.
Yes, unfortunately, Roderick was a complete and utter fool who inferred, misinterpreted, and discerned what his master had not said.
“…… I see, Roddy is clever. Lady Aurelia is a true noble.”
Far from being admirable, in fact, Aurelia is one of those “bugs who make a fuss about such an innocuous act and try to harm Miss Emily”.
“It seems you understand. With that in mind, what are we to do?”
“…… investigate and gather information. If you’re going to protect someone, you can’t do anything without first knowing them.”
“That’s right. We will thoroughly investigate not only Miss Emily, but also the Baron of Solston family. We must expose them completely so that they can’t hide anything.”
“…… I’ll do my best!”
○ ● ○ ● ○
The next morning, the main residence of the Duke of Neville, built in the town of Severn,
“Excuse me, Lady Aurelia.”
In Aurelia’s chambers, Roderick bowed reverently. Alicia was not by Aurelia’s side today, and a substitute maid was helping her get dressed.
“Our investigation into Miss Emily and the Baron of Solston family has been completed. If you don’t mind, may I explain the situation here?”
“I will listen—you step out.”
After ordering the maid to leave the room, Aurelia sat back in her chair. Roderick straightened up and began reading the note in his hand.
“Emily, Daughter of Baron Solston. Born in May 1440 of the Holy Calendar, she is 15 years old. She lost her parents to an epidemic three years ago. She has no other siblings, and is currently being raised by her uncle, who inherited the baronial title.”
“So, after the death of her father, her uncle inherited the family estate? In cases like this, wouldn’t they wait until the daughter came of age before letting her take over the family?”
“Yes. Apparently, the previous Baron of Solston had specifically named his younger brother, Sir John, as his successor in his last will and testament.”
The laws of the Kingdom of Anglia allow for women and children in the female line to inherit the family title. In fact, it had been arranged that Aurelia herself would one day marry Prince Richard into the family and together they would inherit the Duchy of Neville.
On the other hand, however, there remains a strong tendency to insist on male succession in some circles. If the previous Baron of Salston had such a view, it would not be surprising if he sought to have his brother inherit the family estate, rather than his daughter or son-in-law.
“Next, Miss Emily’s performance at the Royal Academy—”
Roderick continued his report. From Emily’s studies and friendships to the internal affairs and finances of the Solston family. He covered every detail, but his explanation was not too verbose and focused on the main points.
“In the last three years, their assets have dwindled considerably. It seems that they have sold off a few manors. And these figures here—could they be the amount of debt?”
Aurelia muttered as she scanned the document she had been handed.
“I see, Baron John Solston, is a rather sloppy man. When he inherited the estate, he was already married and had children, but the whole family seems to be indulging themselves in luxury and extravagance.”
“It’s an unsettling story.”
Although Aurelia was cold and dismissive, she did not forget to show her gratitude to Roderick.
“I’m amazed you’ve been able to get this much done in less than a day. That’s impressive, Roddy.”
“I’m honored.”
Roderick was a hopeless fool, but when it came to the practical aspects of his role as an attendant, he was annoyingly competent.
Suddenly, Roderick looked up at the ceiling.
“As for the rest of the report, Alicia has just returned, so I’ll leave the rest to her. If you will.”
“…… Yes.”
At the same time, part of the ceiling panel snapped open, and Alicia’s small body fell through it. Twisting in mid-air, she landed soundlessly on the floor of the room.
Aurelia sighed lightly as she watched the cat-like body language.
“I told you to stop that nonsense. You should have come in through the door.”
“…… I’m sorry. It’s quicker to come this way than to go round to the entrance every time I come from outside, so I just did it.”
Alicia was embarrassed by the very mild scolding.
“So, I haven’t seen you since after the garden party. I wonder where my Maid in Waiting was idling away?”
“…… I had snuck into Baron Salston’s mansion.”
“That must have been a lot of work.”
The answer was as expected.
The Lawrence family has supported successive Lords of Neville as their chief vassals, but their work is not limited to “public” roles such as managing the territories and leading the vassals. The “behind-the-scenes” work, such as espionage and intelligence operations, is also a part of their duties.
Alicia was a helpless idiot, but she was undoubtedly first-rate when it came to behind-the-scenes work like spy craft and clandestine investigations. In addition, she was a versatile maid, capable of cooking, laundry, cleaning, sewing, and any other household chores.
“…… In conclusion. Miss Emily is currently shunned by her family.”
At these words, Aurelia frowned formally. Silently, she urged Alicia to continue.
“…… As Roddy has discovered, the Salston family’s finances are on the brink of collapse. Miss Emily is trying to do something about it, admonishing them for wasteful spending and managing their remaining assets. It’s a fruitless effort, but thanks to Miss Emily, the Salston family has managed to stay afloat and avoid total bankruptcy.”
“But her uncle sees it as an insult or a rebellion against him, and won’t stand for it. Is that how it is?”
“…… Indeed.”
“That’s just a grudge, what a petty person. That little girl is quite pi—”
Aurelia quickly swallowed the word “pitiful” that was about to slip out of her mouth.
In truth, a night had passed since the garden party, and her head had cooled down considerably. Hearing of Emily’s unfortunate situation, Aurelia’s heart began to tilt toward sympathy.
(Besides, there’s no need to keep kicking a downed corpse. Let’s put an end to this matter.)
Just as Aurelia was about to give that order.
“Also, this is just a minor detail, but it seems that Miss Emily and Prince Richard have been socializing more often recently.”
“—Settle this matter thoroughly. As soon as possible.”
With Roderick’s words, what little sympathy she had for Emily was almost instantly extinguished.
(Little girl—if that’s your intention, I’ll show you no mercy.)
Suppressing her seething inner feelings and maintaining a perfectly calm demeanor, Aurelia gave orders to her trusted attendants.
“I don’t care what methods you use. Just deliver the final blow.”
“Understood. Please leave it to us.”
“…… Sure.”
○ ● ○ ● ○
“…… Roddy, Roddy.”
As soon as she left Aurelia’s room, Alicia tugged at Roderick’s cuffs.
“…… What does she mean by ‘deliver the final blow’? D, do I have to kill Miss Emily? That’s different from before.”
Breaking into a cold sweat and trembling like a newborn fawn, Alicia blurted out something unthinkable. Once again, this was the result of her foolishly taking Aurelia’s words at face value.
“Calm down, don’t get ahead of yourself.”
Roderick was in a hurry to rebuke her. If she wanted to, Alicia could infiltrate the Solston mansion right now and assassinate Emily, which makes things even worse.
“Lady Aurelia intends to protect Miss Emily. Why bring up something as dreadful as assassination?”
“…… That’s true.”
Alicia nods obediently.
First of all, the premise is misunderstood, but neither of them realizes it.
“…… What does she mean, then?”
“In other words, Lady Aurelia has ordered us to eliminate her uncle, Baron John Solston, who is the source of all the torment of Miss Emily.”
As expected, Roderick’s conclusions had completely veered off in the wrong direction.
“…… I see, which means from now on—”
“Let me just say that delivering the final blow is merely a metaphor. If unnecessary blood is shed in order to protect Miss Emily, it will be a complete disaster. We must choose the means so as not to tarnish Miss Emily herself or the name of the Baron of Solston family.”
“…… I see, Roddy is clever after all. Lady Aurelia is magnificent.”
“I can see the solution. I’m going to ask you to do your part.”
“…… I’ll do my best!”
○ ● ○ ● ○
Then, a few days later, in the morning—
“Lady Aurelia.”
As Aurelia prepared to leave for the Royal Academy, Roderick leaned in gently.
“We’ve finally made progress on that particular matter. Alicia is now putting the finishing touches on it. By the time Lady Aurelia walks through the Academy gates today, everything will be as you wish.”
“Oh, that was quick. Very efficient.”
A thin smile appeared on Aurelia’s lips as she heard what was whispered to her.
“So, what measures have you taken? No, it would be tactless to ask that now.”
“Yes—I suppose Miss Emily will kneel before Lady Aurelia in tears.”
“Oh, what fun.”
Just the thought of that tiny little girl, her face contorted with tears and humiliation as she surrenders to herself, makes a dangerous part of Aurelia tingle.
“Roddy, it looks like I was right to leave it up to you.”
“I am most humbled by your praise.”
Aurelia smiled at the attendant who gave a reverent bow.
○ ● ○ ● ○
A carriage bearing the crest of the Duke of Neville pulled up in the vestibule of the Royal Academy. Through the open door, Aurelia descended with Roderick in tow.
“How do you do, Lady Aurelia.”
“Good day to you.”
As she exchanged greetings with her classmates, who had gathered at once, Aurelia casually looked around.
(Now, where is that little girl? ）
“Lady Aurelia Neville!!”
A loud voice was heard from the direction of the school gate, and a girl came running towards her out of breath. It was Emily Salston, the girl she was looking for. Her eyes were moist with tears, her face distorted into a scrunch, and she looked like she was about to burst into tears at any moment.
“Who is that girl?”
“If I recall, she is a first-year student —”
The surrounding cronies are buzzing or bewildered. but Aurelia inwardly raised her clenched fist and pumped her fist in excitement.
(Here it comes, here it comes, here it comes!) ）
Aurelia asked suspiciously, not revealing anything about her feelings.
“You’re Emily of Baron Solston, correct? Is there something I can help you with?”
“――――!!”
Emily ran over and knelt before Aurelia, crying.
(Oh, it’s irresistible.)
Just before Aurelia’s face broke with the joy and cruelty that had risen――
“Thank you, Lady Aurelia! Thank you so much!!”
――Emily sat up with a broad smile on her face.
(Ah, what?) ）
It’s not what she expected.
Emily was on her knees, looking up at a bewildered Aurelia. Emily’s adorable face radiated pure gratitude and respect, and it was clear at a glance that the tears flowing freely were not of sorrow or humiliation, but of joy.
“I, I can’t believe you went to such lengths for someone like me. I, I’ll never forget this kindness! I will repay you for this, even if it takes me the rest of my life!”
“???”
Unable to understand what was being said, Aurelia was confused. The surrounding cronies were also wondering what was going on.
(Hey, hey Roddy!? What in the world is going on with this whole thing!?)
Aurelia hurriedly turned around. In response to his master’s silent question, Roderick gave a thumbs up, with an incredibly smug look on his face. It’s a pose that says, “Well, I did a good job, please take a look.”
It was only for a moment, and in the blink of an eye he returned to his usual solemn and honest attitude.
“Earlier this morning, Lady Aurelia’s retainers came to our house, accompanied by a legal group.”
“Ha, ha……”
Emily started talking. Aurelia, who doesn’t know the situation at all, can only nod along.
“They accused my uncle of forging my late father’s will, meaning that his inheritance of the Barony of Salston was null and void.”
“Huuuuuuuhh?!”
The utterly unexpected words made Aurelia raise her voice this time.
“My uncle tried to claim ignorance of the matter, but one of your retainers pointed out the forged parts of the will. They even secured the scribes and craftsmen who were involved in the forgery as witnesses. In the end, he could no longer deny it, and was taken to the Legal Affairs Office.”
Behind Emily, Alicia was quietly standing in wait. There was no doubt that she was the “retainer” Emily was referring to. She also had an incredibly smug look on her face, puffing out her modest chest.
“How do you like it, Lady Aurelia?”
From behind Aurelia, who was standing there in a daze, Roderick whispered in her ear.
“True to your word, we have given plenty of care to Miss Emily.”
“————ah.”
It was only then that Aurelia realized.
Roderick and Alicia had not disobeyed her orders. They had taken them literally, without reading between the lines, and carried them out with all their heart and soul.
(Wh, what have you done! You idiot! Fools!! ）
Screaming in her heart, Aurelia clutched her head and rolled from one end of the stone paving to the other in the schoolyard. However, this was merely a bizarre behavior that existed only in her mind.
“This will allow me to regain my family name and property. The house my father left behind will not fall to ruin. Thank you!”
Seeing Emily, who had become nothing more than an existence that endlessly repeated words of gratitude, Aurelia broke out into a cold sweat and her eyes darted around.
She had no idea how to resolve this situation. And on top of that—
“Aurelia, and Emily!”
“P, Prince Richard!?”
Aurelia became even more confused when she saw her fiancé running up to her, gasping for breath.
“Th, this, that—”
“Well done, Aurelia!”
Calling out in a clear voice, Richard took Aurelia’s hand.
“I had heard the story. I never imagined that the Baron of Solston family had been unjustly defrauded. On behalf of her parents, I am grateful that you have restored it to Emily.”
(Her parents?) ）
Aurelia, who felt something uneasy about the phrase, fearfully asked Richard.
“Um, what exactly is the relationship between Miss Emily and Your Highness?”
“Hmm, oh, didn’t you know that her late mother was my mentor in the classical Tiangong language? Through that connection, she came to me the other day to ask for my advice about the Baron family situation. Her uncle’s extravagance was so bad that the household would have collapsed if it continued. I wondered if I could do something about it.”
“――that’s all?”
“That’s all?”
Richard stated matter-of-factly. His demeanor, which is completely unashamed, made it seem like he wasn’t lying.
“At the request of my mentor’s daughter, I had been trying to think of something I could do, even as a dependent, but I never thought you would solve the problem so brilliantly. Your skills are truly impressive. I’ve fallen in love with you all over again.”
“Well, well, um, yes……”
Aurelia muttered. She knew perfectly well that Richard’s words were honest and sincere. In other words, because of her misguided jealousy and mistaken assumptions about the innocent relationship between the two, she had almost taken care of Emily.
(Oh, that was close.)
After all this, she can never tell the truth. At this point, Aurelia finally came to her senses.
As the surrounding crowd stared with bated breath, Aurelia got down on one knee and met the crouching Emily at eye level.
“Look up, Miss Emily.”
With a (seemingly) benevolent smile on her face, Aurelia gently takes Emily’s hand.
“You have simply regained your rightful claim. I have only helped you achieve that, just a little.”
――That’s right, now that it’s come to this, she had no choice but to insist that this extremely unfortunate situation was all according to her mechanizations from the beginning!
(Don’t underestimate my well-trained appearance as the successor to the Dukedom!)
As a matter of fact, the effect was outstanding.
“—Lady Aurelia.”
Emily, who knew nothing, clung to Aurelia, her face all crumpled up in tears. Seeing this, the crowd erupted in cheers.
“Well done, Lady Aurelia! What a wonderful judgment you have!”
“Decisiveness, intelligence, and compassion. She is truly a worthy successor to the prestigious House of Neville.”
“The future of the kingdom is secure.”
Surrounded by the voices of praise, Aurelia could only do her best to stop her face from twitching.
(Wh—why did this happen!?) ）
○ ● ○ ● ○
Aurelia and Emily were surrounded by cheers. Roderick and Alicia watched the scene from afar.
“…… Roddy, Roddy.”
Alicia, as usual, tugged at the cuffs of his butler uniform.
“…… Mission accomplished, to perfection. After all, Roddy is clever, and Lady Aurelia is magnificent.”
“My wits are nothing special. It is all due to Lady Aurelia’s wisdom and mercy.”
Roderick answered in all seriousness.
The great fiction and fantasy of “Aurelia, the daughter of Duke Neville, beautiful, intelligent, benevolent and possessed of a truly aristocratic spirit” is the one and only truth for these two idiots and fools.
“To remain vassals worthy of such a wonderful master, both you and I must be even more diligent. I’m counting on you.”
“…… I’ll do my best!”
Sads Translates 