Reincarnation of The Villainess: She Has The Duke's Baby!-Chapter 20: #-Whoever Hurts Penelope Askary, I Will Kill Them!
"Duke, where are you going?"
Evan’s question made Edmund turn toward his butler. The blue-eyed man came out of his mansion and walked toward the Gerwyn family’s carriage.
"I want to see Lady Penelope," answered Edmund Gerwyn coldly. From the expression on his face and the look in his eyes that showed panic and worry, Evan knew something must have happened. Since Penelope Askary had changed drastically, Evan was aware of the change from his master. Edmund always thinks about the Princess from the Askary family. When Penelope was injured, Edmund was the most worried person. He also always protects her from any danger.
"Is Lady Penelope hurt, Duke?" Evan asked again. The two of them were already standing in front of the carriage by now. Edmund took a deep breath and massaged the bridge of his nose.
"No, she’s not hurt," said Edmund. "I don’t know the reason either, but I’ve been thinking about Penelope’s safety ever since I woke up earlier. I have a bad feeling, Evan. I can’t even finish my work and I won’t be able to rest easy if I don’t confirm with my eyes that Lady Penelope is okay."
"But, Duke... don’t you have to go to the palace to meet the Crown Prince?" Evan worked out the schedule for Edmund so he knew what his master had to do every day. "You and the Crown Prince should talk about the nobles who secretly wish to betray this empire, right?"
Edmund clenched his jaw and fists. He forgot about his schedule. But, if Edmund had to choose, he would choose to make sure Penelope was okay first before he met with Sebastian to discuss the ignorant nobles.
"Notify the Crown Prince’s side that I will be late."
Evan knew he wouldn’t be able to change Edmund’s mind. So, all Evan did was nod and let Edmund into the carriage. On either side of the carriage, Edgar and Joel followed on their horses. Even though Edmund was a swordmaster, he was still a Duke who had to be protected.
On the way to Askary’s mansion, Edmund was so restless. He wanted to get to Askary’s mansion soon, but Edmund knew that was impossible. When the carriage finally stopped in front of Askary’s mansion, Edmund immediately got out of the carriage and ran into the mansion. He didn’t even care about the screams of the maids who were inside the mansion.
"I never knew that you lacked etiquette, Duke Edmund."
That sentence stopped Edmund. He turned his head and glared at Ethan Askary who was walking toward him. Apparently, someone in this mansion had informed Ethan about his sudden appearance. If it was Ethan who had come to meet him, it was likely that the Duke and Duchess Askary would not be at the mansion.
"Don’t try to test my patience, little Duke," growled Edmund. "I’m not in the mood to argue with you. Tell me, where is your little sister?"
Ethan frowned and crossed his arms. "Why is the Duke looking for Penny? After what you did to Penny in the middle of the road that made Penny tremble with fear and cry hysterically, you came looking for her as if nothing had ever happened?" asked Ethan sarcastically. "I also heard that yesterday, you came here and made a fuss together with the Crown Prince. You two are spying on Penny and want to catch Penny off guard so you can kill her, right? Just like what Penny heard from the mysterious person who told her, right?"
Now, Edmund and Ethan stood face to face. Ethan’s red eyes shone with anger, while Edmund’s blue eyes were cold.
"I never planned to kill Penelope Askary with the Crown Prince, Ethan Askary," Edmund growled. His hands clenched tightly at his sides. "Now, tell me where your little sister is. I keep thinking about her safety! I will not rest easy and will not leave here until I see her, and you can never stop me from doing so, little Duke. You know you can’t do it either."
Ethan didn’t want to admit it but what Edmund said was true. Because of that, Ethan took a deep breath and massaged his temples. If he kept Edmund in check and provoked his wrath, Ethan was sure that this crazy man in front of him would destroy Askary’s mansion.
"Penny isn’t home."
"Ethan Askary," Edmund growled again, making Ethan click his tongue in annoyance.
"I’m serious, Duke! Penny went to the bookstore with Sarah and Sir Philleo," said Ethan in a sharp tone. "They left two hours ago and haven’t come back until now."
"Why don’t you stop her?!" Edmund shouted, making Ethan frown.
"Why should I forbid my little sister if she wants to take a walk? She’s stressed about having to deal with you and the Crown Prince, Duke. I’m just giving her time and a chance to clear her mind."
"If something bad happens to Penelope, I’ll make you regret it, Ethan Askary!" threatened Edmund. The man then gave Ethan a sharp look once more, before he left. Leaving an increasingly confused Ethan in his place.
"What the heck is going on with that crazy Duke? Is he losing his sanity even more?" grunted Ethan. He shook his head and decided to return to his room.
###
Penelope Askary ran as fast as she could while aiming her heels at the two men who intended to kidnap Isabella Lysander.
The blue-haired woman managed to stab the hand of the person holding Isabella, making him scream in pain and finally released Isabella. Seeing that, Penelope pulled Isabella and brought the beautiful woman behind her. Then, Penelope attacked another man. She stabbed the man’s arm with her heel, then hit him on the head with the heel, and kicked him in the stomach with her knee. Even though her current actions didn’t reflect her status as a noblewoman, she had no other choice. Penelope had done something like this before, back when she was living as Sienna.
"Quickly, run!" Penelope ordered.
"What? But, what about you?" Isabella asked in a worried and panicked tone. "You’ve helped me and I can not leave you alone here."
"Don’t mind me, Lady Isabella," Penelope said urgently. The woman did her best not to make Isabella recognize her. "Go to that bookstore. You do know that there is the back door of that bookstore, right? Tell this incident to the woman who works as a clerk there and is waiting by the door. I’ll be right after you! So—"
"This bitch needs to be injured so she understands that not everyone will respect nobles!"
The words made Penelope and Isabella flinch. The two women turned and Penelope felt herself fly. She didn’t know what was happening, but suddenly, Penelope realized that she was kneeling in the street. Her body ached, especially her head and knees. After thinking for a moment, Penelope finally realized that she had just been pushed too hard by one of the two men.
"Lady!" Isabella shouted in a panic and worried tone. Penelope glanced at her. Luckily, the woman is fine and not as injured as she was. Then, Penelope looked up when she saw the man who hurt her just now standing in front of her. Penelope’s body trembled violently, but Penelope could not lose.
"You’re just a little bitch that I could kill right away," the man growled. "However, I will hold back because you will be much more useful if I sell you at a high price, Lady!"
It was then, Penelope accidentally saw imperial knights patrolling their surroundings. Penelope’s golden eyes widened and the woman screamed at the top of her lungs.
"Help! There’s a kidnapper here! They tried to hurt us! Help us!"
Hearing Penelope’s scream, the two men immediately panicked. Especially, when the imperial knights who heard Penelope’s screams immediately ran toward them. Initially, the two kidnappers intended to escape. However, they were caught by the knights.
Seeing that the atmosphere was under control, Penelope heaved a sigh of relief. Even though her body hurts all over and it looks like her knee is bleeding, Penelope has to get out of here soon. She watched the situation, then ran away from the place.
Isabella Lysander, realizing that her savior had decided to leave, immediately panicked. She glanced at the several knights around her, then pointed at the black-robed person.
"Please, chase her!" Isabella ordered urgently. "She’s the one who saved me and she’s injured!"
"Our apologies, Lady Isabella. However, our priority is your safety because you are a woman protected by the Crown Prince," said one of the knights. "We will escort you to the palace so you can meet the Crown Prince and rest there. We will also report this incident to the Crown Prince and will put these two men into the imperial prison. Let’s go, My Lady."
Isabella stared into the distance, where her savior had disappeared.
But... didn’t that woman have blue... hair?
###
"What did you say?! Isabella Lysander was almost kidnapped?!" asked Sebastian De Louis in a panicked tone. He stood up from his chair. "Where is she now? Is she alright?"
The Crown Prince’s aide nodded to answer the Crown Prince’s question. "Lady Isabella is fine, Your Highness. Right now, Lady Isabella was in the waiting room and being examined by the imperial doctor. As for the kidnappers, they have already been put in the imperial prison."
"Good!" Sebastian walked at a fast pace. Without even looking back, Sebastian knew that Edmund Gerwyn was following him. He and that man were having a meeting to discuss the plans of the nobles who wanted to revolt. Arriving at the waiting room and seeing Isabella’s condition, Sebastian immediately ran toward the woman and knelt in front of her. The doctor who examined Isabella stepped away and bowed to greet the Crown Prince and Duke Edmund. "Isabel! Are you okay? God, your face is so pale! I’m not going to let those people off the hook for making you like this, Isabel. I will punish them all."
Even though Edmund was not very close to Isabella, she was the woman that Sebastian loved so Edmund had no choice but to be polite to her.
"Lady Isabella, are you alright?" Edmund asked in a flat tone.
Isabella smiled at Sebastian and Edmund. "I’m fine. But, I’m worried about someone. She has saved me and even got hurt because of me. That person ran away, even though I wanted to return the favor to her."
"I’ll look for that person," nodded Sebastian. "She saved you, so she deserves an award from me. You can rest easy. I will find her for you."
Edmund glanced at Sebastian and snorted softly. He was the Crown Prince of this empire, but all that was on his mind was his love for Isabella Lysander. And now, the man is interested in the drastic changes shown by Penelope Askary. He’s annoyed Edmund.
"Then, how about you investigate Penny—I mean, Lady Penelope Askary, Your Highness?"
Hearing Isabella’s question, Edmund immediately frowned. He approached Isabella and Sebastian, then glared at the woman. Seeing Edmund’s blue eyes that looked scary, Isabella flinched and immediately pulled the hem of Sebastian’s clothes. Realizing Isabella’s fear, Sebastian clicked his tongue and looked at Edmund with an irritated look.
"Your eyes, Ed. Please, control your eyes. If looks could kill, you’d probably have killed hundreds of people just by looking at them," grumbled Sebastian.
However, Edmund paid no heed to Sebastian’s words.
"What is the meaning of your request just now to His Highness, Lady Isabella?" asked Edmund coldly. "Are you saying that this was all Lady Penelope’s plan? Are you accusing Lady Penelope of wanting to harm you?"
"What? No, it’s not like that," Isabella shook her head. She took a deep breath. "I mean, the person who saved me did hide her identity by wearing a black robe. But, I can see her dress and heels that are so beautiful and expensive. She’s a noble lady. And, I could see her hair even if only briefly. She has blue hair and she knows my name too. I don’t know any other blue-haired woman in this empire besides Lady Penelope, Duke Edmund. Because of that, I’m afraid and worried if it turns out that it was indeed Lady Penelope who saved me and got hurt."
Edmund froze in his place. Earlier, Ethan said that Penelope went to the bookstore with Sarah and Philleo Aaron. Then, Isabella Lysander was helped by a blue-haired noble lady. Edmund’s heart was now beating so fast that it was difficult for him to breathe. If the person who had saved Isabella Lysander was indeed Penelope Askary, did that mean that now the woman was injured again?
Edmund clenched his jaw and gritted his teeth. The anger was starting to overwhelm him. Seeing Edmund’s reaction, Sebastian felt annoyed for some reason. The way he was worried about Penelope made Sebastian dislike him. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮
"I have to go check on Penelope Askary," muttered Edmund. Then, without saying goodbye to Sebastian and Isabella, the man ran out of the room and rushed to Askary’s mansion.
###
"Penny! How could you get hurt like this?!"
That frantic and anxious shout from Ethan made Penelope smile weakly. She was in Philleo Aaron’s arms and being led to her room. Then, Philleo let Penelope down from his arms carefully and helped her sit on the edge of the bed. Sarah was busy preparing water, and medicines, and screaming for Askary’s family doctor.
"I’m fine, Brother Ethan. I—"
"Philleo Aaron," Ethan growled. The man stared at his best friend with bright red eyes full of anger. "What are you doing?! I put you by Penny’s side to be a shield for her! To protect Penny from any harm! But, you let my little sister get hurt like this?!"
Phileo just looked down. He was as shocked as Ethan. Earlier, when he saw Penelope appear at the door of the bookstore wearing a black robe, Philleo was surprised. Especially when he saw his Lady’s condition. Penelope was pale and hurt. If Philleo hadn’t immediately caught Penelope’s petite body, maybe his Lady would have fallen to the floor.
"Brother Ethan, it’s not Sir Philleo’s fault," Penelope said. She was trying to defend Philleo. "It was my fault because I wasn’t careful. Earlier, I tried to run away from Sir Philleo and Sarah because I didn’t want them to escort me. Then, I fell and got hurt."
Ethan looked into Penelope’s golden eyes and took a deep breath. "Okay, if you say it like that." The man approached his little sister and knelt before Penelope. He reached out and rubbed his little sister’s pale face. "I feel very sad and hurt to see you like this, my dear little sister. In the future, please take good care of yourself. Do you understand, Penny?"
Penelope smiled and nodded. Then, the woman jumped when her bedroom door opened with a bang. Her golden eyes widened when she saw Edmund Gerwyn’s figure. The blue-eyed man was panting and trying to catch his breath. Sweat dripped down his handsome face. What happened to him? Did this man run from his mansion?
"Duke Edmund," Ethan growled. The man stood up and glared at Edmund. "How dare you barge into this mansion and also into my little sister’s room! You—"
However, Edmund paid no heed to Ethan’s words. The man walked with long, wide strides and knelt before Penelope. Penelope held her breath without the woman noticing. His blue eyes flashed with pain when he saw Penelope’s condition. He reached out and caressed Penelope’s face gently and carefully as if afraid that his actions would break the woman in front of him.
"Are you hurt like this because you tried to save Isabella Lysander?"
Penelope froze. How did Edmund Gerwyn know that?
"I already know about this from Isabella, Penelope. The woman suspected that you had saved her and she was very worried about you. So, is that true?"
Penelope took a deep breath and looked away. She couldn’t avoid it anymore because it seemed like Isabella had recognized her earlier. Seeing Penelope’s reaction, Edmund clenched his jaw. The man stood up and left Penelope’s room without saying anything. Although confused, Ethan did not try to stop him. Likewise with Philleo.
Edmund returns to the imperial palace. The man went straight to the prison and stared intently at the two men who were being handcuffed inside. Edmund ordered one of the guards to open the prison, then stood in front of the two men.
"Are you the one who hurt Penelope Askary and seriously injured her precious body?" asked Edmund coldly. A very dangerous tone.
The two men looked at each other and laughed.
"Ah, that bitch who was trying to save Isabella Lysander just now is a famous villainess in this empire? That Penelope Askary?" taunted one of the two men. He was the one who had pushed Penelope so hard that she hit the wall and fell to her knees. "Yes, I have hurt her. What about it? You can not accept that, Your Grace?"
Hearing that, Edmund’s blood boiled in his body. How dare these two jerks touch Penelope’s body and hurt her?
"Hey," called Edmund. A call was addressed to the guard outside. "You, go to His Highness the Crown Prince. Tell him that Duke Edmund will settle the matter of Lady Isabella Lysander’s kidnapping and Lady Penelope Askary’s assault."
The guard nodded obediently and ran. Now, there was only Edmund Gerwyn in this prison, facing the two men whose faces suddenly turned pale. Seeing that, Edmund smiled coldly.
"Ah... when you heard my name earlier, you immediately recognized me, didn’t you?" asked Edmund in a low, dangerous tone. The man took out his sword. "Yes, I am the cruel and cold-blooded Duke Edmund Gerwyn in this empire. You dare to touch my beloved little bunny, make her scared, and hurt her. Of course, I have to give you punishment, right?"
Edmund swung his sword and the hand of the man who had spoken to him, who claimed to have injured Penelope, separated from his body. The man gasped and screamed in pain. The blood spurted even on Edmund’s handsome face. But Edmund didn’t care.
"Those are the hands that dare touch my beloved little bunny," said Edmund coldly. "Now, let’s remove the other limb of your body. I will make you die slowly so that you will feel such great suffering for having dared to injure my beloved little bunny. Whoever dares to hurt Penelope Askary, I will surely give them a horrible death."
