A Strange But Effective Villainess Life - Chapter 28

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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 28
Sezare spoke elegantly, tapping his foot with measured grace.
“I’m not the sort of person who enjoys being entangled in matters like this. I’m telling you this out of basic conscience, at least.”
“I’m in the same boat, honestly. Do you happen to have no friends?”
“That’s correct.”
My goodness, what a delightful coincidence. I felt an overwhelming sense of kinship, my eyes sparkling with genuine admiration.
“Oh my, that’s exactly like me! Your inner world must be quite dark and gloomy, you can’t trust anyone, and you have a bit of a victim complex—that sort of thing!”
“….”
In every way, a perfect romantic partner… no, rather, a perfect business partner. Yet something bothered me about how satisfied Sezare’s expression had become. I’d been the one to propose this arrangement first, so why did I feel as though I’d fallen into a trap? And whenever something felt off, I had a habit of demanding something more.
“Ah, then one more thing.”
I spoke up and opened the pouch of gold coins I’d set beside me. I withdrew one coin and tucked it into my pocket, then extended the rest toward Sezare.
“Could you use this to build me a research laboratory here?”
“A research laboratory, you say?”
“I’d originally planned to build one at the Prelai Estate, but my grandfather forbade me from showing any signs of conducting research.”
My grandfather hadn’t phrased it quite that way, but his ban on coffee was essentially the same as forbidding me from researching. I’d already developed the habit of pouring coffee and stimulants into myself while in a disheveled state to maintain focus.
Of course, if I maintained proper eating habits, I could live longer and more healthily. But I was determined to keep flooding my stomach with coffee and stimulants, fully accepting that I’d simply die a few years earlier.
“I’d like to have the equipment properly set up here so I can research comfortably. Is that alright?”
“You needn’t pay for that—I can arrange it myself….”
I declined Sezare’s kindness and expressed my gratitude gently.
“Thank you, but no matter how wealthy you are, I can’t trust your financial situation. People who frequent Club Houses tend to squander their fortunes quickly. So I’ll just use my own money.”
“…Do you really distrust me that much?”
“Duke.”
I smiled faintly and offered some friendly advice.
“Ordinarily, conscientious people don’t trust those living such chaotic lives at Club Houses. As you can see, I only went there for an undercover investigation. Do keep that in mind.”
“….”
Sezare’s expression grew briefly aggrieved, but he released a soft sigh and nodded in acceptance.
“In any case, I’ll provide you with a room. If you write down what you need, I’ll have it purchased immediately.”
“That works perfectly. I can just say I’m going on dates openly.”
I clapped my hands together with satisfaction. Sezare, who had been watching me quietly, suddenly asked a question.
“By the way, aren’t you curious what magical artifact I desire?”
Oh, right. I immediately clasped my hands respectfully and asked.
“What magical artifact do you want?”
The answer came quickly. And it was utterly unexpected.
“A magical artifact that can change eye color.”
What?
My entire body went rigid in an instant. Despite my attempt to hide my reaction, my heart plummeted.
“…Eye… eye color?”
The very first magical artifact I’d ever developed, the one I’d sworn never to reveal to the world. I hastily took a sip of coffee to steady my nerves and managed to speak.
“Well, there’s something you should know. Magical artifacts merely use mana as an energy source—they don’t perform any miraculous feats.”
“I understand.”
“The magical artifact you mentioned… well, even if it could be created, it would require tremendous suffering. It seems incredibly difficult and complex… I’m not sure why you’d want such a thing.”
“Miss.”
Sezare smiled quietly and spoke.
“When you commissioned the Academy to research magical artifacts, you never asked for reasons.”
“….”
That was true. It essentially meant ‘you don’t need to know, just do the research.’
“As you know, hair color can be dyed. Permanent dyes are readily available on the market, aren’t they? But changing eye color is difficult, which is why I mention it. I thought perhaps if you researched it, you could create such a thing.”
“B-but still, we should consider the social impact.”
Of course, with other magical artifacts I would have naturally thought so, but for some reason I felt uneasy, so I rambled on reluctantly.
“Changing someone’s innate appearance entirely—it’s ultimately a matter of mutual trust between blood relatives….”
“Miss.”
He spoke slowly in a low voice.
“I was abandoned by the people I trusted and relied on most. The shock was so profound that I became an entirely different person from my naive self before.”
His expression seemed both gloomy and cruel.
“My bright, narrow world….”
His eyes were profoundly distant.
“Became very, very dark….”
Those eyes that clearly harbored a chilling venom—sharp and penetrating. With those keen eyes, he whispered as he continued.
“After that, I couldn’t trust anyone.”
“….”
“Not even those who share my blood most closely.”
“….”
“There must be more than a few people like me. Blood relations aren’t automatically bonds of trust. So don’t worry about social chaos.”
Blood relations… untrustworthy blood relations…
I fell silent for a moment, my mood darkening. After all, I too was someone who had a mother who wounded everyone.
“…Then….”
I swallowed dryly and looked at him. Then I quickly changed the subject.
“It seems the Marquis doesn’t trust me either.”
At my words, Sezare hesitated slightly. Then he answered dryly.
“No. I don’t.”
“Hmm.”
“It’s easy to lie and say I trust, but I don’t want to deceive. I hope you’re not hurt. As I said, I now trust neither family, nor friends, nor….”
Sezare spoke again, as if chewing over the words.
“Even my first love.”
It was as if he were speaking to himself. When I stared at him intently, he smiled with perfect precision, as if measured by a ruler.
“But we can become the kind of relationship where we simply and appropriately use each other. I do trust your abilities, Miss. The number of your papers speaks to that.”
At those words, my mood immediately improved.
“Well, that’s true. That’s a figure that requires all three—effort, passion, and talent.”
At my response, Sezare smiled enigmatically and spoke.
“Well, as for social impact… the culture of inferring bloodline from eye color would simply fade somewhat. I think that’s quite acceptable.”
I couldn’t muster a single word in response to Sezare’s statement—there was no helping it. His words were identical to the very thoughts I’d harbored in my childhood.
And so I erased the image of my mother that drifted through my mind. In moments like these, I needed to think objectively, unburdened by the past. This was actually a favorable arrangement for me. After all, I’d already been asked to research magical artifacts I could create.
There was no need to pour genuine effort into the research. I could simply pretend to make an attempt—honestly, it felt effortless. I’d waste some time and then claim I’d developed something. With that settled, I took a deep breath and spoke.
“In any case, I agree.”
Our eyes met once more.
“I’ll conduct the research. However, there is a condition.”
“A condition?”
“I’d like to postpone the formal announcement of the magical artifact’s development—the thesis presentation, that is. I’ll need more time to consider it.”
What weighed on my mind was my connection to that boy presumed to be the Crown Prince. I feared that if I were to announce this magical artifact, it might create difficulties for him. So I was buying myself time. After all, time was something I could defer indefinitely.
“Very well. We can discuss the details together as we proceed.”
Unaware of my true intentions, Sezare laughed deeply.
“Then I look forward to our partnership, Lady. Let me reiterate….”
And as he bowed before me, he added:
“…No matter what happens, you cannot withdraw. Do you understand?”
His voice was sweet, almost as if he were tempting me to commit some misdeed together.
“Of course.”
I answered readily.
“Next week, there’s the Royal Court banquet celebrating Prince Hitten’s birthday, yes? Would it be acceptable if I spread word that the Marquis is my beloved?”
Joshua had mentioned that Sezare rarely attended social events. So I’d assumed he wouldn’t attend next week’s banquet either. It would be simple enough to declare “I have a lover!” there.
“That won’t be necessary.”
But Sezare’s response was entirely unexpected.
“I plan to attend that banquet as well, so we can simply demonstrate it before everyone in person.”
“Oh… you’re attending?”
“Yes. It was already planned.”
He smiled quietly.
“Though I never imagined I’d have an escort.”
So regardless of me, he’d already intended to go to the Royal Court banquet.
‘I thought he only frequented dark establishments like the Club House and avoided all social events….’
In any case, this would be his official debut in society, and his image was already being tarnished because of me. Of course, that was his affair, so I felt little remorse.
“Fine, then. Let’s do it that way.”
I answered reluctantly. It seemed we’d covered everything. I was about to rise when Sezare slowly extended his hand.
“And this….”
He untied Avian’s handkerchief that had been wrapped around my wrist. The handkerchief he’d loosened fluttered and fell slowly.
I looked at him in surprise, and he laughed playfully as he spoke.
“I cannot send my beloved away with another man’s handkerchief.”
Then, from his own pocket, he produced another handkerchief and tied it firmly around my right wrist in that exact spot.

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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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