A Strange But Effective Villainess Life - Chapter 102

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 102
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Avian had been away from the Capital for quite some time.
Truth be told, I wanted to keep seeing Kiana. That’s why I kept sending her invitations. If a scandal was necessary, I wanted to propose once more that she use me instead of Sezare, some street urchin whose origins were unknown.
I had taken a liking to her ever since I encountered Kiana at the Club House. But until now, I had suppressed my feelings, thinking, “Only trash would push themselves on someone who already has a lover.” Yet now that I knew it was all a lie, what reason could there be not to approach her?
However, the moment the banquet ended, Kiana was busy coming and going from Levin Manor. According to gossip, it was because Melissa had returned, and Kiana was avoiding the place.
‘Poor Lady Kiana… It seems Levin Manor is the only place she has to go. Next time we meet, I should mention that Lisinis Town House would be nice too.’
In the meantime, an Incense Merchant came to the Drawing Room and caused a fire. The Incense Merchant, bowing his head and promising to compensate several times over, brought in the finest Interior Designer.
But that Interior Designer began spouting estimates recklessly, saying, “This needs fixing, that needs fixing, this isn’t fashionable, that’s too rustic…”
“Wait a moment. I don’t think such extensive renovations are necessary…”
“No, sir. Since I caused a fire in the Estate, naturally I should compensate you to this extent. Put it all on my account! Fix everything! Tear it all down and rebuild!”
Thus, with the Incense Merchant’s enormous funds practically forced upon me, Lisinis Town House underwent major renovations. I thought the Drawing Room repairs would take a day or two, but construction happened every single day. Hammering sounds rang out from here and there, dust flew everywhere, and it became impossible to invite guests.
I secretly hoped for an invitation from Kiana, but no such thing came. I had some sense of propriety—I couldn’t persistently ask to meet someone who clearly showed no interest in me.
Eventually, I decided to meet her at a social event and arrange an outside appointment. However, just two days before the Cordiac Charity, I suddenly received an invitation from Cartro Domain. Cartro Domain was next to Levin Domain, but it was very far away. I had never been there before, but after some deliberation, I set out on the journey.
Our son is very interested in the Guards. We would be grateful if you could come and provide career counseling. The enrollment date for the Young Man Guards is approaching soon, so we’re asking urgently—would that be alright?
As someone who had left the Guards of my own volition, I wanted to respond to this request. Avian was such an upright young man that he couldn’t ignore such a warm request for these children.
The Third Son of Count Cartro, whom I met at Cartro Domain, was indeed dreaming of joining the Capital’s Guards.
“I heard about it before from Count Levin! They say if you have the skill, you can rise up regardless of your status!”
Despite being far from the Capital, that young man knew a lot about the Guards in detail. To be precise, it seemed he had once heard that story from Sezare by chance and been impressed by it.
“Yes. It was a wonderful place… back then.”
I ultimately couldn’t give him much advice. I saw my younger self in that boy.
In any case, the round trip alone took an extremely long time… and there, I discovered another strange sign.
‘The roads in Levin Domain are suspicious. Something… a path that could lead directly to the Capital is being opened up.’
As someone who had been in the Guards, I could easily recognize military movements.
‘Levin’s army is more systematic than I thought… If the Empire’s military drops its guard thinking they’re just barbarians, they’ll suffer greatly. But…’
My thoughts didn’t continue for long.
‘Anyway… this is probably none of my concern anymore.’
Since I no longer had any connection to the Guards, there was nowhere to report it.
‘When I return to the Capital, I should try to visit Lady Kiana.’
I still had an unsolved mystery. It was how Kiana had discovered the whereabouts of Alin Keirif. I had kept putting it off, saying I was being considerate of her busy schedule… but ultimately, I never asked. Even though I could have.
‘Actually, it seems like I just want to see her one more time.’
But as if by fate, I encountered Kiana and Sezare at a restaurant where I had stopped to eat on my way back to Lisinis Town House. What’s more, this place was quite far from Prelai Manor.
“If you haven’t started eating yet…”
I found myself asking to join them without thinking.
“Would it be alright if I shared your table?”
In the past, I would never have intruded on someone else’s date. But I already knew their relationship was fake. Now I didn’t have to suffer from the guilt of liking another man’s woman. Rigidly principled as I was, I didn’t know that “a fake relationship is usually a shortcut to a real one.”
“Yes, please sit.”
Kiana answered readily.
“Is this about the Alin Keirif matter? While you’re here, ask whatever you’re curious about.”
“… Thank you.”
And so Avian found himself joining Sezare and Kiana for their meal. The moment Avian sat down, Kiana began speaking with measured composure—her voice carried the unmistakable intent to swiftly conclude their remaining business.
“I went because I’d heard something about it at Riloni Academy. I was also worried about Joshua…”
As the food began to arrive, Sezare thoughtfully placed dishes before Kiana. She ate without hesitation, accepting what he offered while continuing her explanation.
“I can’t quite remember who told me. Besides, it’s probably meaningless since Alex has already handled it, isn’t it?”
It was a strange feeling. There was a time when I had genuinely wondered how she had found Alin Keirif. Beyond that, there were quite a few inexplicable actions that seemed somehow off-kilter.
“Kiana, you’re supposed to sprinkle salt on this.”
“Salt? On this?”
“Althasian salad is traditionally prepared that way. Try it. The umami is quite pleasant.”
Yet in this moment, such things didn’t feel particularly important. I was simply overwhelmed by a strange emotion watching Kiana appear so natural beside Sezare.
“Shall I squeeze some lemon for you? You’d probably find it bothersome otherwise?”
“Of course. It’s fine to just eat it as is…”
“Please do. It really brings out the freshness. Oh, and I’ll cut this for you as well.”
“Very well then. Ah, Prince Avian, where were we in our conversation?”
In any case, the meal proceeded smoothly.
It was when dessert arrived after all the courses had finished. Kiana, who had been stopped by Sezare when ordering coffee, asked casually.
“So, have all your questions been answered?”
Though I hadn’t heard everything properly, Kiana seemed to have explained quite a lot.
“Ah…”
“They must be answered by now.”
Sezare interjected gently.
“The Princess has spoken so much her throat must be sore.”
In truth, I had no desire to hear more.
“Well…yes, I suppose so.”
Yet Avian suddenly felt an odd impulse. Without thinking, he asked.
“But you two mentioned it was a contractual relationship…when does that end?”
For a moment, Sezare’s expression shifted to something else entirely.
“What.”
Kiana answered without concern.
“When we’ve both gotten what we want from each other?”
It was such a perfect answer that no further questions could be asked. The peculiar meal continued regardless, and once dessert began to arrive, Kiana excused herself briefly to visit the restroom.
Avian glanced at Sezare, who was sipping his tea. His sturdy build, his balanced physique…no matter how he looked at it, he didn’t seem to be “unable to escort” as Kiana had said.
He hadn’t noticed at first, but the more he observed, the more precise his etiquette and refined his movements appeared. Up close, he was startlingly handsome—it was puzzling why he hadn’t left a stronger impression until now.
“Count Levin.”
Avian hesitated briefly before speaking first.
“Might I ask you two questions?”
Sezare answered with his long legs crossed elegantly.
“Of course.”
His voice was languid yet measured.
Yet Avian could discern it—courteous, but with a different quality than when he spoke to Kiana. There was an inherent pressure and arrogant yet dignified tone. Even the smallest gesture carried an atmosphere that subdued others.
“First…the Levin Domain seemed rather busy. Personally, I was quite surprised.”
“Hmm.”
Sezare let out a soft chuckle. Without a trace of surprise, he responded with what seemed like genuine amusement.
“I heard you visited the Cartro Domain. Did you manage to see all of that as well?”
“…How did you know I went to the Cartro Domain?”
“Did you have a pleasant meeting with the Third Son of Count Cartro?”
Avian nearly jumped out of his seat. Even if he were to be generous and assume Sezare knew about the visit to the Cartro Domain, he never expected him to know such specific details.
Sezare spoke with leisurely amusement.
“That boy has dreamed since childhood of becoming a member of the Capital’s Guards.”
“Ah….”
Only then did Avian, realizing something was amiss, open his mouth.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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