BERTRANMIGRATED TO BE A VILLAIN IN THE NOVEL
CHAPTER 5. GRAND DUCHESS

Grand Duchess Avington is a beautiful woman with pale blonde hair and young gray eyes. She was very sweet and gentle to melt the heart of the grand duke, and was known for her pure kindness. In the novel, she appears little, except as a devoted mother who indulges her children blindly out of love. 

But there are some things that even the novel doesn't know. 

"Your Majesty, the Grand Duchess of Avington, has arrived!"

The affair was no less impressive than the grand duke's reception, Dad made sure of that. Mother descended from her chariot gracefully, assisted by the knights and followed by her ladies-in-waiting. She looked like an angel, coming over with a gentle smile. 

"Welcome home, Your Majesty."

When Damian and I greeted him, Dad kissed his hand. He looked ten years younger, his eyes shining with joy as he pulled him into an embrace. Dad whispered something in Mom's ear, and Mom kissed her cheek with a smile. 

When they let go, Mother came to us. She stroked my hair gently and kissed my forehead, then Damian. There is a familiar and soothing aroma of its light vanilla perfume. 

“My darling, I miss you so much.”

I couldn't speak, so I hugged her tightly. His presence alone was reassuring, for he made our castle whole again. My heart is pounding happily. 

Lunch was fun, especially with my mom. When we finished, he gave Damian a new pocket watch and me with a string of pearls. 

“Oh, Mom! Thank you!"

Our thanks were answered with his sweetest smile. How much I adore him!

I tried my new pearls with a different dress in the afternoon. Mother had gone to her room to rest after the trip, and I knew she would be back soon to arrange the affairs of the castle, so I didn't want to disturb her. 

The next morning, I went to my mother. He had already bent over some paper, working hard. 

"Good morning Mother!"

"Good morning, Valentina, my dear."

I get straight to the point. 

“I want some more tutors, to give me the crown princess education.”

Mother's eyes widened slightly at my request. A smile of understanding appeared on his face. 

"of course. I will plan the lesson and just choose the best.”

"But you'll need more than that if you want to marry the crown prince, you know."

I nodded, more aware than he could possibly understand. I once read a novel in which the protagonist was more than capable, but had to watch his fiancee fall in love with his little sister over and over again in one round of time. It was so sad that I couldn't finish it. 

"I am willing to do everything in my power."

I have one advantage: I am not in love with the crown prince. Without the diamond mines under the control of Baron Bryant, the prince could not dream of breaking an alliance with the grand duke. Mother seemed to have thought about this as well, and pondered. 

“It is very convenient that you are the daughter of Her Majesty, yes. A new king always needs a strong ally, but there is no telling if he will divorce you once things stabilize. Then, again-”

He cut and tilted his head slightly while smiling. We might think the same, that we could start a rebellion. I nodded, and was suddenly startled by the brilliance. 

"I want to include shooting with a gun in the lesson."

"I agree. The best thing for unexpected situations is knowing how to protect yourself. By the way, I heard about the knights. It was very smart, and remember to treat them well.”

Before marrying Father, Mother was the daughter of a wealthy merchant. I don't know the details, but she has seen more life than an ordinary noblewoman, and it's good to prepare for the worst. 

Mom called when I left her room. 

"Oh, and it would probably be better to include poison as well."

We exchanged a smirk, even though his smile looked a bit strange on his pure face. 

As I walked back, my mind could not help but wander, again. My old mother sometimes made me angry, and sometimes made me cry. I hate that he tracks my every move, like a stifling cage that I can never avoid. If I, a little child who knows nothing, dares to disobey him, I will only bring disgrace and end up useless. After all, he just wanted me to have a happy future, and it was his job to guarantee it. 

Then he cooked my favorite food, picked me up after school, took me shopping, to the movies, and to fancy restaurants. He was always generous with money when buying something for me, even though he never gave me my own money. He told me how proud he was after getting good grades in exams was a bright part of my life. 

How did my parents react when they found out that all the money and effort to raise me for eighteen years had gone to waste? I've never seen them cry, but they only laugh every time I do. I am the only grandchild that my grandparents have, and they have a weak heart that probably won't be surprised. I'll never see any of them again. 

Tears welled but I winked. Nothing is important. 

I have a good family now. I will love them with all my heart. 

Mother was very clever, hidden far behind her innocent appearance. The true white lotus. But if there's one thing I know for real about him, it's his love for us.