The Useless Duke's Daughter Saves the World

♧ [V1 || Chapter 09] ♧

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The clattering sound of dinnerware filled the spaces within the room. For a long time, no one spoke to each other while dinner was being eaten. I didn't know whether it was noble etiquette not to speak at the table or maybe it just that nobody knew what to say. Either way, the awkward silence was driving me up the wall. I was close to forgoing my dinner and excusing myself, when suddenly Duke Alcmene, or rather my father now I suppose, spoke up.

".... Evangeline, how are you feeling?"

I turned to look at the violet irises sitting on my left.

"I'm doing fine, Duk—father," I quickly corrected myself. I have to get used to calling the both of them as father and mother from now on.

"Mhmm. I see, I see. Are you feeling any.... discomfort?"

"No? Not particularly"

"T— then, is there something you would like to share with us? You know that we're always here for you no matter what, right?"

I narrowed my eyes. I was starting to suspect that they were worried about something other than my physical health. My mother hurriedly cut in and spoke with a worried tone.

"It's just that .... you've been acting a little strange since you've woken up. Your father and I are worried about you"

Ah! So, that's what they meant. I guess that's to be expected. If it was Evangeline here instead of me, she would have caused some sort of trouble by now, even if she was recovering from an illness.

There was one time last week when I sneaked to the kitchen to grab a midnight snack and I overheard some of the maids gossiping about the previous owner of this body. Apparently, before Evangeline fell into a coma, she demanded her father to replace all the maids in the ducal house with maids from the royal palace. And, she did this simply because she was dissatisfied with the 'mediocre' servitude from her own servants.

I mean, what the hell? 

It's no wonder that none of the servants like her.... I mean, other than Marise who has questionable judgement.

Also, the most mind-boggling part? Her father actually attempted to do as his daughter requested! If it wasn't for Oscar, Duke Alcmene's aide, stopping him from proceeding with the papers, the incident would have caused a huge discord between the ducal house and the royal family. It's because of Duke and Duchess Alcmene's coddling that Evangeline did not know how to limit her behaviour. 

Ugh! That's just the kind of person she was—someone who didn't think of the consequences of her actions.

Anyways, back to the current situation at hand. 

I figured that it'd be brought up sooner or later so, I spent most of my recovery days trying to come up with the perfect response should the question arise. After that, I rehearsed my excuse over and over again, until I could basically say it in my sleep. Clearing my throat, I put on my best remorseful expression.

"Mother, father... When I was in a coma, I saw fragments about the life I have led so far. Looking back, I've realised that I had been a truly horrible, selfish person. I was filled with regrets and guilt when I woke up, even if I don't remember most of my dreams. And so, I've decided that I want— no, I must— change myself for the better," I lamented, dabbing my eyes with a handkerchief as an added measure. 

Wow. I should win an Academy award for my excellent acting. My parents were completely eating this up. Even the servants' eyes were bulging out from their sockets.