The Villainous Noblewoman Is About to Be Forced into Love, Isn’t This Wrong?

At last night’s ball, he had met Viscount Ent. Today, he had come to the clothing shop to buy himself a fine outfit.

"You submitted your resignation this morning?"

"That’s right. I am no longer your maid, so I am under no obligation to obey you," Sharido said.

Slap!

Another crisp sound echoed.

"And yet, you still dare to bully my maid?" Liana said coldly.

"I am with Ent—"

"Ent?" Liana sneered. "Go ahead. Bring Viscount Ent here. Do you think he’d dare say a single word to me?"

Slap!

Liana might not have wielded any real power within the Venus family, but she was still its daughter. Even the royal family had to keep up appearances around her, let alone a mere Ent.

Sharido stood frozen, utterly dazed by the three consecutive slaps. Her rage burned, but she had to swallow it.

If this escalated, it would only end badly for her.

She had already lost her secure position within the Venus household. If she lost her place with the Ent family as well, then what difference would there be between her and a commoner?

For someone who had grown accustomed to standing above others, that was an unbearable thought.

"Are you alright?" Liana asked, looking down at Loraville in her arms.

Loraville shook her head.

"Since she’s fine now, can I leave?" Sharido hurriedly asked.

"Leave? You think you can just walk away after this?" Liana’s smile was saccharine, her tone laced with amusement. "I won’t make things too difficult for you. I’ll overlook everything you’ve done so far. But first, you need to apologize to Loraville."

Sharido’s face stiffened. Apologize? To this dirt-poor commoner?

"Three." Liana didn’t waste words. She didn’t wait for a response. She simply began counting down.

"Two."

"I… I apologize for earlier—"

Before she could finish, Liana reached out, pressing Sharido’s head down and forcing her to bow until her forehead touched the floor.

"A proper apology should have sincerity."

"And don’t even think about getting angry," Liana said with a beaming smile. "I am Liana. Liana Venus."

Sharido gritted her teeth and spat out the words, "I deeply apologize for my rudeness just now. I regret any unnecessary trouble I have caused you. I hope you can forgive me."

Liana hadn’t originally intended to push things this far, but considering Sharido’s connection to Countess Ruth, this was necessary.

It was both a warning and a deterrent—no one should think they could touch Loraville.

And beyond that, Liana simply disliked Sharido.

"Can I leave now?" Sharido muttered, keeping her head bowed.

Liana didn’t even glance at her. Instead, she turned to Loraville.

Loraville lowered her gaze. "Thank you, Lady Liana."

"Don’t even think about betraying me. This is what happens to traitors."

"You only need to obey me. Only I am your master. You should know, as my maid, only I have the right to bully you. Understand?" Liana lifted Loraville’s chin.

"Yes, I understand."

Of course. She had been foolish to think otherwise—Liana was still Liana.

Liana had no idea what Loraville was thinking, nor did she expect this single act to win her trust.

"For now, no one should cause you trouble again. Finish your shopping," Liana said.

"Thank you for your generosity, Lady Liana." Loraville bowed. A proper noble maid’s etiquette—likely the result of Nabet’s training.

Liana nodded in approval and sent Loraville off to pick out clothes.

"...What is it?" Liana asked, noticing that Nabet had been watching her.

"It’s nothing," Nabet said, shaking her head.

Had Liana truly changed? She had been furious over her maid being mistreated. Was this out of genuine concern?

But what Liana did next made Nabet reconsider.

Liana strolled through the boutique, admiring the selection. The designs were beautiful, though the fabric was inferior to what she was used to.

[Don’t look at me! Don’t look at me!]

The store clerk trembled as she watched Liana. The noble girl’s infamous reputation had long since reached her ears. If Liana decided she wasn’t happy, destroying the shop wouldn’t be out of character.

"You," Liana called, waving a hand.

[I’m doomed!]

The store clerk forced a stiff smile and approached. "Yes, Lady Liana? How may I assist you?"

Clink.

A gold coin bounced off the clerk’s chest.

"I’m in a good mood today. That’s for you. Help Loraville pick out a few nice outfits."

"Eh?"

What kind of development was this?

"Oh, and be sure to tell her—bathe, dress in her new clothes, and come to my room tonight. If she doesn’t show up…"

"I understand!" The store clerk shivered, nodding frantically.

Hiss…

But Liana soon winced. Her hand—red and slightly swollen—throbbed in pain.

"Lady Liana, I’ll take you to get treated," Nabet said, stepping forward to examine her injury.

"Mm."

It seemed she wasn’t quite used to this yet. This body was far too fragile.

"Teleportation magic."

"Hm?" Liana blinked as a magic circle formed beneath her feet.

A moment later, a sensation of weightlessness overtook her.

When she opened her eyes again, she was already back inside the carriage.

Liana suppressed the shock in her heart. Teleportation magic is real?!

Nabet returned with her to her room.

"The swelling is worse than I thought," Nabet said, inspecting Liana’s hand. "Lady Liana, apply ice to it. I’ll call a doctor."

Shortly after, a physician arrived and used healing magic on her.

It tingled slightly but felt pleasant. Within moments, the swelling had gone down, and the pain had vanished.

Still, the doctor applied medicine and wrapped her hand in a bandage, instructing her to change it once per day.

"Lady Liana." After the physician left, Nabet hesitated before speaking.@@novelbin@@

"What is it?"

"It’s rare to see you this angry over a maid," Nabet said cautiously.

Liana thought for a moment.

Nabet was someone who put the Venus family’s interests above all else. That was why she had chosen to serve Eirina—because only Eirina truly worked for the family’s future.

And frankly, Nabet had made the right call.

For now, Liana needed Nabet to focus on Eirina, not her. As long as Nabet was busy ensuring Eirina’s success, she wouldn’t interfere with Liana.

So, she gave the best response "Liana" would say.

"There’s no special reason," Liana said nonchalantly. "I just find Loraville quite amusing. She’s adorable and entertaining. So far, she’s my favorite one."