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Chapter 20
Compared to Anwen’s reception room, the office was infinitely smaller, yet it was neat and felt warm and human.
Above all, the photographs covering one entire wall left a strong impression. Each frame held images of Julian and members of White Wings engaged in volunteer work.
On the surface, it looked like a flawless sanctuary of good deeds.
Will I be able to be up there someday too?
A swelling sense of hope brushed against Lerriel’s heart.
“I’ve come to join White Wings, just as we promised.”
“We’ve been expecting you, Lady Lerriel. The application is here. While you sign, I’ll give you a brief explanation about the organization.”
After finishing her tour of the framed photographs and taking a seat, Lerriel was handed the application form by Julian.
This time, she could proudly write her own name in the signature line.
With this, she had taken another step toward becoming Good Lerriel. A smile naturally spread across her lips in satisfaction.
“Volunteering, rescue work, counseling—when citizens ask for help or when tips come in, we move. The basic rule is to gather whoever is available and help as much as we can.”
“That sounds great.”
“Our operating funds mainly come from donations, but if you wish, you may donate more than the ten percent written on the application.”
“I love it. What else?”
The explanation that followed was nothing less than the pinnacle of altruism Lerriel had dreamed of. Her eyes sparkled.
Julian continued, smiling shyly.
“New members usually go around with a senior member to help them get used to things…”
“Um, Julian, would it be possible for you to take on that role? Or would that be difficult since you’re the chairman?”
“M-me?”
“Yes. I noticed earlier that the others seem afraid of me. And I’d like to observe and learn by your side.”
Lerriel wanted to ask Julian personally. Considering the receptionist who had trembled like an aspen just looking at her, it was a natural conclusion.
“There’s really nothing to learn from me… I just go around helping people however I can.”
Exactly. I want to learn just how well you helped people to the point you were excommunicated.
She had also heard that Julian was the eldest son who had been disowned by the count’s family.
Just how much had he helped others to be cast out from an ordinary noble house—not even a villain duke’s family?
Lerriel was curious about his secret. When she tilted her head slightly in a pleading gesture, her red hair slipped softly from her shoulder and pooled below.
Julian stared at it blankly, then belatedly nodded.
“All right. If someone like me is acceptable… I’ll accompany you.”
“Thank you.”
At the satisfactory answer, Lerriel smiled brightly. Contrary to her cold impression, it was a beautiful, radiant smile.
Julian smiled along with her. His heart raced without pause.
Ah, things are going far too smoothly.
Thinking of the many benefits he could gain from her made his chest pound.
He had never imagined it would be this easy to bring a woman of the Teneberis family over to his side.
He had planned to fabricate some excuse and volunteer as her partner, so he was nothing but grateful that she asked first.
Those rumors about her being a once-in-a-generation villainess—were they all lies?
Both at their first meeting and now, he felt the same.
Compared to the rumors, Lerriel was far too gentle and docile. It wasn’t just a change in personality—it was almost like a complete rebirth.
Either way, it works out well for me.
Out of habit, he licked his lips, unconsciously revealing his desire.
If only I could make her mine and take the entire Teneberis family into my grasp…
White Wings was the largest civilian relief organization in the kingdom. Its founder was Julian—the eldest son of the Fisher Count family, who had been disowned.
“I’m planning to leave home. Being a noble comes with too many restrictions.”
Disowned? No—strictly speaking, that wasn’t true.
He had declared of his own accord that he would leave.
That way, people would see him as a pitiful man cast out of a noble family simply for being too kind.
And pity attracted attention, sponsorship, and money.
Julian knew that all too well.
The title of a count from an obscure rural territory sounded impressive in name alone and did nothing to help him earn money.
At his request, Count Fisher officially treated him as disowned.
White Wings extends a hand of salvation to those in need.
That was what its promotional material said. It wasn’t entirely wrong—at least on the surface.
“Where are you taking me?!”
But the inside of the organization was as rotten as any villain duke’s house.
Those in need were often the socially vulnerable. Julian selected only those who couldn’t protest and sold them off overseas.
The profits were considerable.
Thanks to your sponsorship, one person didn’t have to skip a meal today.
The pamphlets said that too.
If people knew that most of the donations flowing into White Wings never reached the people they were meant for, no one would support it.
But since no one knew, there was no real problem.
Thus, Julian continued to amass wealth by feeding off others’ goodwill and kindness. Even accounting for the noble title he had given up, the profits were substantial.
The wicked Teneberis family’s young duchess has turned kind…?
That was the rumor that reached his ears. Instinctively, he realized it was the opportunity of a lifetime.
Clink. Somewhere, he could almost hear money pouring in.
For someone born with the face of a lamb, Julian was surprisingly greedy and materialistic.
I really want to make her mine.
Julian smacked his lips. His only thought was to grow close to Lerriel and get a foot into the immense wealth of the Teneberis ducal house.
No—at this point, even more was entirely possible.
Suppose we even got married. Just how much would fall into my hands…?
The lands, assets, and authority owned by the Teneberis family—everything would become his.
The scale was incomparable to the money earned through White Wings, and Julian swallowed hard.
He had heard she was engaged to the crown prince, but he had already seduced countless noblewomen and wrung money from them.
Seducing a woman who already had a lover was nothing new to him.
I hear their relationship isn’t that great anyway. A little whispering from the side and they’ll break up soon enough.
Steadying his trembling breath, Julian glanced sideways at Lerriel. His innocent-looking gray eyes briefly rippled with a sticky, unpleasant light.
“It’s about time for you to head back, isn’t it? I’ll escort you.”
“Oh my, may I trouble you? I was feeling lonely thinking of returning alone.”
“Of course. Gladly.”
Smiling softly, he naturally held out his hand. Lerriel took it without the slightest suspicion.
Her small, slender fingers fit perfectly into Julian’s broad palm.
He tightened his grip as if he never intended to let go.
She really is such a blessing. If things continue like this, maybe I can even be safely disowned by a ducal house next?
Unaware—or rather, seeing straight through his transparent scheming—Lerriel was thinking of something else entirely.
Not only joining a relief organization, but even becoming friends with its chairman.
This time, she felt she could truly disappoint her parents in a big way.
Thank you, Julian. If I end up being disowned, it’ll all be thanks to you.
Offering her gratitude in advance in her heart, Lerriel looked at him.
Julian met her gaze and smiled shyly, his cheeks reddening. No gold, jewels, or treasure chests caught his eye now.
Ah—she truly was the most lovable money pouch in the world.
Meanwhile, Anwen stood in front of the ducal residence, his face icy with fury as he waited for Lerriel to return.
What did you just say? A relief organization?
Hearing his daughter’s destination from Hable and the servants only disappointed him further.
Tap. Tap.
He impatiently struck the stone path with the tip of his cane.
This is the limit. I can’t just stand by and watch anymore.
The moment Lerriel returned, he intended to impose additional confinement on her.
