I Was Meant to Be the Evil Wife, But the Cold Marquis Fell for Me - Chapter 8

In the afternoon, the butler guided Liliana to the administrative office. A room where officials gathered three days a month to assist the marquis with his duties.

The spacious chamber held neatly arranged desks, shelves of documents, and a large map on the wall.

“At month’s end, the intelligence officer, finance officer, and steward convene here,” the butler explained. “The intelligence officer monitors affairs within and beyond the domain, the finance officer manages taxes and assets, and the steward oversees administration. Together, they ensure smooth governance.”

“Most often, however, you’ll find the accountant, Simon Gregory,” the butler added.

At that moment, a slender man entered. He blinked in surprise at Liliana.

“Madam, this is Simon Gregory, the household’s accountant,” the butler introduced.

Simon bowed deeply. “It is an honor, Madam. I am Simon Gregory, accountant of the Elsdean family.”

His voice was calm, his appearance impeccable.

(He seems serious.)

That was Liliana’s impression.

“Pleased to meet you, Simon. It’s reassuring to know someone like you supports this household. Please continue your good work,” she said politely while thinking privately:

(Even if I tried to tempt you, don’t ever commit fraud.)

In the novel, Simon was a commoner swayed by Liliana’s beauty. Through personal conversations, he grew fond of her. She exploited this, pleading: “Only you can help me. My family is in need.”

He altered the ledgers once, sending money to her family. But once became many, and he fell deeper into corruption.

(What a dreadful villainess!)

Liliana resolved to avoid entanglement with him and left the office.

◆◆◆

Next, the butler led her to the library.

Opening the heavy doors, Liliana gasped.

“What an incredible collection…”

Books lined the walls from floor to ceiling—ancient tomes, newer works, histories, novels, children’s books, even cookbooks.

“This library is open to the servants, by the marquis’s order,” the butler explained.

“How wonderful… Everyone can learn. What a generous idea.”

At her family’s estate, servants were forbidden even to approach books. Here, anyone willing could study freely.

(If only I could be hired as a servant here.) she thought wryly. She was skilled in sewing, embroidery, and household tasks.

“May I spend some time here today?” she asked.
“Of course, Madam,” the butler replied, leaving her alone.

She wandered happily among the shelves, settling into a fine chair tucked between them.

(Perhaps I’ll find a way to earn money.)

She sighed, pulling out a beautifully bound old book. She opened it carefully, savoring the delicate pages.

But the library held no “easy money schemes.” No treasure maps, no hidden stashes of coins.

(I’m exhausted!) she thought, laughing at her own fanciful ideas.

She browsed titles: Modern Magical Theory, Ancient Magic—too complex. Then one caught her eye: Grantine Plant Encyclopedia.

Opening it, she found vivid illustrations of flowers, so lifelike they seemed to bloom on the page.

(How lovely… I’d love to embroider these.)

She returned the book carefully, memorizing its place.

(Wait! Wasn’t the library where Elina and Leivis first grew close?)

In the novel, Leivis admired Elina’s eagerness to learn, teaching her bit by bit. Their bond grew from master and servant, to teacher and student, to friends, and finally lovers.

Just then, the library door opened quietly.

Liliana peeked from between the shelves and froze.

Leivis stood there, composed yet tense.

(I’ve stolen the heroine’s scene…?)