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

"All-knowing and almighty god of wisdom, grant this lost lamb the path to the truth."
The red strand of hair began to glow.
"What do you see?" Liana asked.
"The bookshelf… There are red lights coming from it." Loraville's voice was calm, but her gaze was locked onto the shelves, where several books were glowing faintly.
"How many?" Liana’s heartbeat quickened.
"Five."
"Take them all down."
"Understood."
Liana took a deep breath. She was getting closer.
Now the real challenge—how to smuggle these five books out without being caught.
Her gaze shifted to Loraville.
"What is it, Lady Liana?" Loraville asked, a sense of foreboding creeping up her spine.
Liana lifted Loraville’s skirt.
Pure white—wait, focus! That’s not the point!
Liana grabbed a rope and wrapped it around Loraville’s thighs, securing the books tightly in place.
"What happened in this room today must never be spoken of. Understand? Otherwise, next time, the rope won’t be tied around your thighs."
"I understand, Lady Liana."
They stepped out of the room—Nabet was still waiting at the door.
"What happened?" Nabet frowned as she looked at Loraville.
Her face was flushed, her legs pressed tightly together, her clothes slightly disheveled, and both hands clutched at her skirt as if afraid it would slip off.
"Nothing," Liana said, stepping in front of her.
"Lady Liana—" Nabet furrowed her brows, about to press the issue, when another voice interrupted.
"Liana."
"Countess Ruth," Liana turned to see a fiery red figure approaching.
She had expected this. Returning to her mother's room would undoubtedly alert Ruth. That was exactly why she had hidden the books on Loraville.
"I just heard some noise from this direction and came to check. After all, this is Duke Venus’ chamber."
"I see."
Liana knew full well that the protective barrier placed on this room was Ruth’s doing. She had stolen the formula for the drug from inside, using it to cripple Liana’s magic.
"Well, well, Liana, what brings you to Duke Venus’ room so suddenly?" Ruth asked.
"I just wanted to browse some books."
"What kind of books?" Ruth immediately inquired.
Liana pulled out a few… rather indescribable ones. "Just wanted to learn a few things."
She had to admit, seeing these books made her realize her parents had quite the… imaginative tastes.
Ruth glanced at the book covers, then at Loraville—her face eased.
"If there’s nothing else, we’ll be heading back. Right, Loraville?" Liana patted Loraville’s shoulder.
"Mm…" Loraville let out a soft, breathy sound, squeezing her thighs together desperately.
The books were slipping!
Liana: Can you not make such weird noises?!
Nabet: A hopeless degenerate.
Countess Ruth: As ridiculous as always.
"Oh, one more thing." Ruth suddenly stopped Liana.
"What is it, Countess Ruth?" Liana turned back. Beside her, Loraville was on the verge of losing control.
"Now that Sharido has resigned, would you like me to select a new maid for you?"
Sharido had been one of Ruth’s most important spies, but in the end, she had betrayed her. Fortunately, before she left, she had provided Ruth with some useful information.
Liana shook her head. "That won’t be necessary. Loraville is just fine. I like her very much."
"It’s no trouble," Ruth smiled. "Besides, she’s still a novice, isn’t she? It must be difficult for her to adjust to being a maid."
Ruth’s eyes landed on Loraville, her voice filled with concern.
"Countess Ruth, there’s no need for you to worry about this. Loraville is very intelligent—she’s able to handle all her maid duties quickly."
Liana hadn’t expected Nabet to speak up on her behalf, saving her the trouble of having to explain. That was a huge help.
But in truth, Nabet was simply concerned. If Liana took in another maid like Sharido, Loraville’s situation would only worsen—she would suffer not only under Liana but also at the hands of another bullying servant.
"Is that so? I didn’t realize Loraville was so capable." Liana played along, casually patting Loraville’s thigh.
Ruth didn’t push the issue further.
Besides, Liana’s behavior was too ridiculous to take seriously. The way she was acting—like some shameless rogue—was that really the demeanor of a noblewoman?
"If you ever find yourself dissatisfied with your maid, Liana, you can always come to me. I’ll arrange for the best one for you."
"Mm, I understand."
Ignoring the barely-contained fury radiating from Nabet, Liana quickly led Loraville back to her room.
Though she had avoided suspicion, Nabet’s opinion of her had likely hit rock bottom.
Thud!
The moment Liana let go, the books strapped to Loraville’s thighs tumbled onto the floor.
It hadn’t been Liana’s intention to take advantage of Loraville earlier. If she hadn’t acted, the books would have fallen and exposed them long ago.
"You can go back to your room now," Liana said as she moved the books onto her desk.
Go back? Loraville hesitated. Does that mean she expects me to clean up and return later?
"...Understood." Loraville left the room.
Liana sat at her desk, flipping through the pages, searching for any information on the drug.
An hour passed before a knock came at her door.
Liana frowned, wondering who it could be.
"Lady Liana, are you inside?" came Loraville’s voice.
"What is it?" Liana set the books aside and opened the door.
Hadn’t she told her to rest?
"The store clerk told me… to bathe, dress properly, and come to your room tonight," Loraville said. She had tried to steady herself, but her voice still trembled slightly.
Liana had nearly forgotten—she had given that order earlier to avoid suspicion.
"Come in."
Loraville stepped inside, wearing a light blue nightgown, her face filled with quiet despair.
She had washed, changed into fresh clothes, and now stood in Liana’s room.
She knew. Even Loraville understood—tonight, it would happen.