A Sweet Girl Won't Be Fooled By The Villainess - [Vol. 5] Chapter 36

[Vol. 5] Chapter 36: Clearing One’s Name

“Isn’t Miss Ifia resting?”

“Yeah, why call her over here?”

“The voice sounds familiar, isn’t it Miss Lilace?”

“Quick, tidy up a bit!”

Jessica’s excited shout disrupted the maids, causing them to swiftly sit up straight from their lazy positions in the bushes, their faces returning to normal, no longer showing the boldness they had while gossiping just a moment ago.

Meanwhile, Ifia, nestled in the suspended basket swing, wore a look of utter despair.

She had taken every precaution, but it wasn’t enough to stop Jessica.

However, things hadn’t reached the worst possible scenario yet, so Ifia decided not to speak up for the time being. She would wait until Jessica couldn’t find anyone and left, and the other maids dispersed, before she stealthily slipped away…

“Ifia, why didn’t you respond? I’ve been looking for you for ages… Luckily, I ran into the butler halfway, and he told me you were taking a stroll in the backyard. I had a feeling you’d be lying around here!”

However, what Ifia didn’t expect was that the group of maids just now hadn’t noticed her presence at all. Yet, as soon as Jessica arrived, she saw through her “disguise” at a glance.

She walked straight to the suspended basket swing, pouting as she spoke, while teasingly swinging the swing with her hand. This caused Ifia’s body to sway up and down with the swing.

Her heart, which had soared high, ‘thudded’ down instantly, crashing into pieces…

Ahhh, this was too embarrassing.

As Ifia covered her face with her hand, the maids widened their eyes in shock.

They hadn’t expected that the protagonist of their earlier discussion, Miss Ifia, was right beside them!

Oh my god!

What had they just said!

In an instant, the maids immediately remembered their previous “bold remarks”, and the timid ones turned pale with fear.

Although Miss Ifia was very kind to them, she was still Miss Barlen’s favorite. If they somehow incurred her displeasure, it would be terrible!

While the maids took pride in working in Amelia Barlen’s residence, holding their heads high with pride whenever they met others’ envy…

In reality, Miss Barlen was too aloof. Just one glance from those deep purple eyes made people shiver uncontrollably.

Very fearful.

Making people hesitant to approach.

Fortunately, Amelia Barlen didn’t interact much with others, preferring to keep to herself, so they didn’t require the maids’ attendance. Therefore, the maids were only responsible for cleaning and tidying up, and everything was peaceful.

Until Ifia’s arrival disrupted the tranquility of the villa. It was as if the ancient castle, cloaked in twilight, had been awakened with new vitality.

With expressions other than coldness appearing on Amelia Barlen’s face, the maids breathed a sigh of relief. Laughter and joy echoed throughout the villa, easing everyone’s spirits.

It was all thanks to Miss Ifia.

So, when Ifia first visited Amelia’s residence, she secretly worried about being bullied by the mean servants or something, but it simply didn’t exist.

Instead, the maids wished to serve Ifia and hoped she and Miss Barlen would stay together forever to maintain a cheerful atmosphere.

Now, after Ifia overheard the maids discussing her, they exchanged glances and ultimately selected a representative to quickly walk over to where the suspended basket swing was located. With a face full of shame, they apologized to Ifia.

“Miss Ifia, I’m sorry, we shouldn’t have said…”

“It’s okay, it was just idle chatter, I won’t hold it against you.”

Ifia had been a little angry earlier, but after listening to the maids gossiping, that anger had long dissipated.

Therefore, she chose to forgive generously now, which brought tears to the maids’ eyes with gratitude.

Meanwhile, Jessica, standing nearby, raised her eyebrows in surprise, wondering what had happened.

“Thank you, Miss Ifia!”

Upon learning that Ifia wasn’t angry, the maids immediately expressed their gratitude and prepared to leave…

Although Ifia didn’t hold them accountable, the thought of their earlier discussion made them feel guilty and flustered.

Better get back to work quickly!

However, before the maids could leave, Ifia suddenly spoke up.

“Actually, I can be said to be quite strong, it’s just Amelia who is too strong. So, next time, don’t say I’m weak, okay?”

“Yes, Miss Ifia, we understand.”

Upon hearing the maids’ response, Ifia, who refused to accept defeat, immediately felt relieved!

She was clearing her name!

Hmph!

She thought to herself, she would surely strike back sooner or later and make Amelia regret bullying her.

“What just happened?”

And as soon as the maids left, Jessica immediately asked curiously.

Then successfully earned a displeased look from Ifia!

If it weren’t for Jessica’s shout, she wouldn’t have been exposed, and naturally wouldn’t have faced such embarrassment on the spot…

Most importantly, she hadn’t heard the end of the scandalous gossip just now.

What happened to that male servant who was involved with the nobleman and his wife in the end?!

“It was just a small matter, what news do you want to share?”

“It’s from Stefan Parch’s side. I thought it would take some time, but unexpectedly, we’ll be able to meet the Duchess tomorrow morning!”

Ifia smoothly changed the subject, prompting Jessica to eagerly continue the conversation.

Being able to meet the mysterious woman, Lady Merlin, who had a “secret meeting” with Austin a day earlier, meant getting to know the truth about whether Austin was cheating sooner!

Even though, even if she was really cheating, Lady Merlin wouldn’t admit it.

But there would always be some subtle clues.

Of course, this was just the worst-case scenario. In fact, there was a good chance that Lady Merlin wouldn’t be interested in Austin at all.

So, Jessica’s mood had improved quite a bit, just a little bit more until the final decision was made.

“That’s great! Are you ready for the meeting?”

Ifia was also surprised to hear this news. After all, it wasn’t easy to meet someone like Lady Merlin.

Unexpectedly, Stefan Parch, who seemed ordinary, turned out to be quite capable!

However, as soon as Ifia spoke, Jessica felt a bit embarrassed, tapping her nose with her hand. Her eyes sparkled as she looked over, making Ifia immediately sense that something was amiss.

Before Ifia could inquire further, Jessica spoke up voluntarily, “I’m ready, but… Stefan Parch revealed your relationship with Miss Barlen, which prompted Lady Merlin to specifically invite you for a meeting.”

“……”

(•_•)

The previous confusion was immediately cleared up.

It wasn’t Stefan Parch’s doing, it was the renown of her partner, Amelia.

Ifia felt somewhat resigned to this, but still agreed to accompany the meeting… After all, everything had a beginning and an end, and she was also curious about what Austin was up to.

Besides, it was just a meeting, nothing dangerous would happen.

……………………………………………….

Because of Jessica’s notification yesterday, Ifia was ready early in the morning. She dressed meticulously, even applying light makeup. She became even more refined overall.

However, because she was investigating behind Amelia’s back, after secretly finishing her makeup, Ifia immediately met Jessica at the villa’s entrance. The two of them took a carriage to a nearby café, where they were led to a private booth by a waiter.

Finally, they met the Duchess!

Lady Merlin was a graceful woman whose well-kept appearance made her look youthful, her true age was indiscernible.

She carried herself with the pride and elegance typical of nobility, her pale yellow eyes fixed on Ifia.

Then, with a smirk on her lips, she said directly, “Did Austin not tell you? She came to me to confront Amelia Barlen, you know?”