Reforming the Villain Family (5 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 13
Morning had come. As soon as I opened my eyes, I immediately went to wash my face.
I stood in front of the mirror and carefully checked for any messy or unkempt spots.
‘This should be fine!’
I quickly went to the door, stood on tiptoe, and turned the doorknob with both hands.
A large figure standing beside the door caught my eye.
“Miss.”
Yan, sensing my presence, turned his gaze toward me. I greeted him with a bright smile.
“It’s Yan!”
“Yes, fortunately, I’ve been assigned once again as your personal guard.”
Excited, I ran toward him. He effortlessly picked me up as he always did.
‘Guess he does keep his promises after all.’
I’d been terribly anxious all night, worrying that the Duke might break his word.
“Will you be going for a walk later?”
“Yep!”
“Yes, I’ll follow you whenever you’re ready to go out.”
Just then, an unwelcome voice interrupted our peaceful conversation.
“Anyone watching might think you two were long-lost family.”
“Ahaha….”
That voice belonged to the Duke?
Confused, I turned my head and saw the Duke leaning against the wall, staring intently at us—who knows how long he’d already been there.
Actually, correction: he wasn’t just staring—he was glaring.
But I wasn’t scared of that look anymore. He usually wore that expression anyway.
“By the way, Duke, why are you here so early in the morning?”
“…Just passing by.”
“Here?”
“Yes.”
My room was one floor above the Duke’s.
That meant this hallway never fell along the Duke’s usual route—neither to his office nor the front entrance.
Although puzzled, I simply nodded.
“Got it. Well then, take care.”
I replied casually and turned my head again—only to see Yan sweating profusely.
“Yan, are you hot?”
“No.”
“Then are you feeling unwell?”
“No, I’m perfectly fine.”
Even though he denied it, his averted eyes seemed suspicious.
Knowing Yan, he’d say he was fine even if he were in pain. Worried, I climbed back down to the floor.
Good old Yan—please don’t be hurt.
[This is the timeline separator]Luxurious carriages streamed one after another through the main gate.
Never before had so many noble houses visited the Duke’s estate on the same day. A young servant witnessing the scene for the first time gaped in astonishment.
“Are all those people retainers of the Duke’s house?”
“Yes. Be careful not to make any mistakes.”
The young servant, assigned to attend guests for the first time today, greeted each visitor with extreme nervousness.
Everyone arriving now was undeniably noble and dignified—yet they were all retainers serving the Duke’s house.
The servant couldn’t even begin to fathom just how powerful the Duke’s house truly was.
One by one, the retainers entered the grand assembly hall.
Given their large number, it was rare for all of the Duke’s retainers to gather in one place like this.
Such gatherings only occurred when summoned directly by their lord.
And at this very moment, every retainer entering the Duke’s estate shared the same thought.
‘His Grace’s biological daughter…’
The news would undoubtedly send shockwaves throughout the realm.
Moreover, it was said the girl in question would personally appear at the assembly hall today. Even attendance wasn’t mandatory, yet it was absolutely essential to be there.
“What is this news you speak of—an actual daughter of His Grace?”
Some among them hadn’t yet heard the news, particularly those who had rushed back from foreign lands upon receiving the summons.
“Ah, come to think of it, you wouldn’t have heard yet.”
“Yes, I returned immediately upon receiving the summons.”
“His Grace has found his biological daughter. Apparently, even he didn’t know he had one until recently.”
“Goodness! Such a thing really happened? When exactly did he find her?”
Amid the excited chatter, a calm voice interjected.
“When he found her isn’t what matters. What we must verify is whether the child is truly His Grace’s offspring—that’s what’s truly important.”
It was a rather bold statement. The surrounding area fell instantly silent.
As the previously chatting retainers nervously glanced around, Count Schusted stepped forward.
“Count Ripe, please mind your words and actions.”
“What’s wrong with what I said?”
“As retainers, how can we possibly doubt our lord? His Grace himself brought the young lady here. If His Grace declares her his daughter, isn’t it our duty simply to believe him?”
At this, Count Ripe let out a hollow laugh.
“Our duty is to ensure His Grace stays on the right path. That’s precisely what I’m doing.”
“In my view, you indulge in pointless suspicions. Last time, you brought up baseless rumors of forged double-entry ledgers—what nonsense.”
The tension between the two powerful figures instantly silenced everyone nearby. Count Othol was the one who barely managed to mediate between them.
“Now, now—let’s not wear ourselves out before the meeting even begins.”
Their confrontation briefly cooled. But it was Count Ripe who broke the heavy silence once more.
“By the way, what will become of your daughter, Cynthia, in all this?”
“That hardly seems a topic for discussion here.”
“Weren’t you the one who recently submitted a formal marriage proposal to His Grace? If anyone should question the truth of this news, it should be you.”
“I’ve already told you—this matter has nothing to do with that.”
Their gazes clashed in midair, sparks practically flying between them.
It was clear today’s meeting wouldn’t go smoothly. The other retainers could only gulp nervously at the sight.
At that moment, Count Schusted spoke firmly.
“I’ve stood by His Grace longer than anyone else. When I heard he’d found his biological daughter, no one could have been happier than I.”
[This is the timeline separator]Today had finally arrived. Having finished all my preparations, I stood satisfied before the mirror.
‘Hmm, good!’
I’d put on some healthy weight, and my limbs had grown sturdy—though my height hadn’t changed much.
At least I no longer looked like a child raised in back alleys.
‘I mustn’t face opposition from the retainers.’
Though I didn’t particularly want to, I had no idea how long I’d need to stay at the Duke’s estate. The worst outcome would be the retainers refusing to accept me as the Duke’s daughter.
I steeled my resolve to behave as demurely and properly as possible, then stepped out of my room.
But as soon as I opened the door, two legs stood firmly right in front of me.
“Are you all ready?”
“Yes, everything’s ready.”
Sophia answered politely.
Hoping against hope, I looked up—only to find the Duke staring down at me, Yan nowhere in sight.
His hair was neatly combed, giving him an even sharper, more austere aura than usual.
Though the Duke typically wore formal attire, today’s deep-colored fabric made him resemble the grim reaper who carries away the dead. I couldn’t help but mutter inwardly.
‘He looks even more like a villain today.’
But I’d only been afraid of the Duke on the first day. Now, I’d grown used to him.
Even his piercing glare no longer fazed me.
Still, why was the Duke here?
“Duke, why are you here?”
I tilted my head in confusion, but no answer came. Instead, my feet suddenly lifted off the ground.
“Then off you go, little one.”
Sophia smiled gently as she saw me off. I stared at her, completely bewildered by the situation.
…Had the Duke just picked me up?
Right now, I was nestled in the Duke’s arms, and he was carrying me effortlessly with one hand as he walked forward.
I snapped out of my daze and squirmed.
“Put me down! I’ll walk myself!”
“Why?”
“I can walk perfectly fine on my own!”
“You had no problem asking Yan to carry you.”
The Duke narrowed his eyes slightly.
“Just come along. You’re heading to the meeting room anyway.”
When I struggled, his grip tightened firmly—clearly unwilling to set me down.
‘Tch.’
Struggling was pointless; it only wore me out. I gave up and slumped against his shoulder.
The Duke’s hold naturally relaxed as well. He adjusted his arms to carry me more comfortably.
Once I stopped resisting, a belated realization washed over me.
‘…Actually, this is kind of comfortable.’
He must have carried his adopted sons often before.
“Stay quiet and behave as I instruct when we get there.”
“I will.”
I replied curtly.
‘What does he take me for?’
According to Sophia and Delma, I was a well-behaved, obedient child.
His worry was entirely unnecessary.
Besides, I had my own mission to fulfill.
‘I absolutely must stop the Duke from drinking poison.’
Let me be clear—I had zero intention of helping the Duke. This was purely for my own sake.
‘If the Duke collapses, there’ll be no one left to protect me.’
I told myself firmly, insisting it had nothing to do with concern for him.
‘Yeah, definitely not. Absolutely not.’
Having convinced myself, I asked the question that had been on my mind since earlier.
“By the way, where’s Yan?”
“He had other duties today, so I sent him out.”
“So he won’t be coming today?”
“He’ll return late.”
“Really?”
That meant he wouldn’t be back until at least evening.
Perfect timing.
‘I was just wondering how I could sneak out of my room unnoticed.’
Suddenly, the Duke stopped walking—even though we hadn’t reached the assembly hall yet.
I looked up at him curiously, only to find him staring down at me with deep suspicion.
“What?”
“You haven’t forgotten my condition, have you?”
My heart skipped a beat. I nodded vigorously, acting perfectly nonchalant.
“Of course not!”
To prove it to the Duke, I spread out my hands and started counting off on my fingers.
“I’m super busy today! I need to play with blocks in my room, finish a puzzle, and today’s snack is pudding—I have to eat all of it….”
I strained to list every little task I could think of.
Only after I’d named enough chores to fold all ten fingers did the Duke’s suspicious gaze finally lift.
“Good. Go play with your blocks, finish your puzzle, and eat your pudding well.”
“Yep!”
The Duke resumed walking.
I quietly let out a sigh of relief.
The Duke’s condition from yesterday was clear: on this day of the full assembly, I was to stay shut up in my room.
According to him, after a brief introduction before the retainers, my role would be complete.
Once the meeting ended, a servant would escort me back to my room.
I planned to take a nap as soon as I returned—though, of course, I’d only pretend to sleep.
In truth, I had no intention of obeying the Duke’s condition. The Duke drank the poison after the meeting concluded, upon returning to his room.
That meant someone would slip poison into the tea he’d drink—before he even entered the room.
Since I didn’t know what item would be poisoned, I intended to remove everything he might possibly consume.
Separately, I couldn’t help but marvel inwardly at the Duke’s sharp intuition.
‘He’s uncanny, I tell you.’
Male lead is a clingy little husband
One-line summary: The male lead is initially an arrogant, noble, love-deprived brat, later a cute, clingy, scheming little jealous one.
Introduction:
One day, Lu Yuner’s soul transmigrates into a female-dominant world. She enters the Imperial Academy and takes up the position of a doctoral instructor, teaching classes and grading schoolwork.
One day, she encounters the young prince Su Qingwan secretly skipping class from the male academy.
As a result, Su Qingwan is punished.
From then on, Su Qingwan sees Lu Yuner as a “thorn in his side”.
But before long, this “thorn” becomes the person he cherishes most, and he goes to great lengths to win Lu Yuner’s affection.
Mini scene 1:
One day, the sun is high in the sky but Su Qingwan still hasn’t gotten up for class.
Servant Xiaoyuan: “Young prince, it’s time for class. You’ll be late otherwise.”
Su Qingwan says arrogantly: “I’m not going. I am the esteemed prince, my status is so noble, why should I suffer this hardship? Besides, isn’t learning all this just to please women? Hmph, they’re not worthy!”
Mini scene 2:
After Su Qingwan falls for someone, he completely changes. He no longer skips class and diligently learns how to be a good husband and father. But he discovers that Sister Yuner is always surrounded by admirers.
Drunk and overcome with jealousy one day, he clings to Lu Yuner, crying beautifully like a pear blossom in the rain.
Su Qingwan: “Qingwan likes Sister Yuner.”
Lu Yuner: “Young prince, you’re drunk.”
Su Qingwan: “Qingwan isn’t drunk. Qingwan likes Sister Yuner, likes you so much, likes you to bits…” Before he can finish, Lu Yuner’s eyes flash with emotion and she leans in closer.
[Reading Guide]
1. The female lead is gentle, gracious, humble and polite but not weak. The male lead is initially an arrogant, noble, love-deprived brat, later a cute, clingy, scheming little jealous one.
2. 1v1, a bit torturous in the beginning but definitely sweet later on.
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MANGA DISCUSSION
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Chapter Comments (106)
He’s a real filthy jerk, he’s the villain, not the duke. Our girl is very clever.
Oh, that’s terrifying! She’s so brave. The duke is truly terrifying. What was it that helped her?
Oh, poor Diane! The Duke doesn’t appreciate what she did for him. How ungrateful!
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Miioo
What’s this, Diane? Finally you have a name! It’s very beautiful and suits our little one, but you’re stranger than the duke.