I Will Become the Villain’s Childhood Friend - Chapter 5

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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5

“Anyway, you’re so frail. From now on, exercise regularly to build up your stamina.”

“Why did you put such harsh ideas into the child’s head, saying opportunities to attend ducal parties are rare?”

Count Brante quickly scolded Simon for his nagging directed at me.

“She was the one who brought up wanting to go first. And it’s true. This is the birthday party of the future Duke of Diern.”

“Such things can wait until after her debutante ball, can’t they?”

“It’s good to build connections early.”

Instead of mediating their argument, I quietly watched them, feeling warmth from this ‘family’ that hadn’t existed in my previous life.

This possessed body had also lost its mother early, but still had a father and older brother. A real family that looked after each other and bickered.

“Would you still say that after seeing this?”

I snapped to attention when I saw the invitation Simon pulled out. The seal on the letter was definitely from the Diern Ducal House.

“Let me see!”

I snatched the envelope and tore it open to reveal the invitation.

“…Next Thursday at 3 PM, we invite Count’s heir Simon Brante to afternoon tea time. Miss Rieze Brante may also accompany you if she wishes. We plan to offer light refreshments as a greeting, so please don’t feel burdened and come comfortably. —Violet Diern.”

I cheered inwardly when I found my name written in elegant handwriting.

He really invited me too, Darius!

“It came by messenger this morning.”

Simon puffed out his chest triumphantly.

Wait, but the sender is… Violet Diern?

Count Brante approached and glanced at the invitation before speaking.

“Rieze, you don’t really need to go.”

“I want to go.”

“What?”

“I said I want to go too!”

“Why on earth?”

The Count’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he looked at me persistently pleading.

“…The ducal food was all so delicious.”

Instead of revealing my honest reason, I made up an excuse, but Simon snorted dismissively.

“Don’t lie. You’re interested in Darius, aren’t you?”

“No.”

I denied it even more firmly to calm Count Brante, who had widened his eyes in surprise like a rabbit.

“Stop trying to pair me with Brother Darius based on your own agenda.”

Though I actually have great interest! Though I’ve made plans to sacrifice myself for his happiness! My belief that Darius’s match is Adel remains unchanged.

“To be honest, I want to become friends with his younger brother Kaileus.”

In the end, I discarded the poor excuse about delicious food and created a legitimate reason to cling to Kail.

Simon, who had been coughing after choking, slammed down his teacup.

“Hey. That kid is…”

Simon, who had stopped speaking for a moment, cleared his throat and lowered his voice.

“…probably the Duke’s illegitimate child. Everyone keeps quiet about it, but it’s an open secret.”

“I see. What’s wrong with that?”

When I asked innocently, Simon avoided my eyes and coughed awkwardly.

“Ahem. Birth aside, that little brat has a terrible personality. He’s not suitable company for you.”

“He’s a bit prickly but not a bad kid.”

“When did you talk to him?”

“He guided me when I was lost in the Ducal Palace Maze Garden.”

“When did you sneak into such a place? Anyway, you should socialize with young ladies your own age.”

Such petty adults. What sin does a child have for being born? Even if he becomes a villain later, at this point he’s just a hurt child.

“I like Kail. I’ll decide who to be friends with.”

“What? I’m giving you advice for your own good…”

“Enough, enough! Stop fighting, you two.”

The Count intervened between us as we growled at each other.

“Rieze, your brother has a point. There’s no benefit in associating with a child with a bad reputation.”

“Either way, I want to go to the tea party.”

The Count hesitated for a moment at my firm declaration of will before asking.

“Do you really want to go?”

“Yes!”

“…You never expressed your opinions like this before. You’ve changed, Rieze.”

“That’s right, she’s developed a stubborn streak. Well, it’s better than when she was cooped up at home gloomily reading books all the time.”

At Simon’s sharp criticism, the Count shot him a warning look. It seems the original ‘Rieze’ was quite a gentle introvert.

“Alright. Then go and enjoy yourself. Don’t overdo it.”

“Thank you!”

Seeing my joy, the Count smiled back and patted my head.

“Then I’ll write back saying we’ll both attend.”

Simon gathered the invitation and got up, and the family doctor came to examine me before leaving. After confirming nothing was wrong, I had a simple meal that Milly prepared.

Remembering something I needed to do, I put down my spoon and drank the soup straight from the bowl.

The name I’d just read reminded me.

To attach myself to the Diern family, there was someone I needed to win over before even Kail or Darius.

***

The week passed quickly as I spent it cramming information.

Finally, the decisive day to visit the ducal house dawned. I boarded the carriage, feeling the full spring warmth on my skin.

Simon, sitting across from me, adjusted his clothes while lecturing me.

“Today is essentially a test to see if we’re worthy children to associate with the Diern Ducal House. Be polite and follow proper etiquette…”

“Ugh, I know already.”

How many times has he repeated the same words like a parrot for days? Even without such earnest entreaties, I also planned to make a good impression.

Come to think of it, isn’t the standard for brothers in possession romance novels supposed to be sweet, kind, and doting? Why is my family registry mate like this?

While lamenting our extremely realistic sibling relationship, the carriage reached its destination.

To the ducal estate standing tall in the innermost part of Greydan Town, the wealthy district where central nobles resided in the capital Pelrn.

Simon, who got out of the carriage first, helped me down.

Following the guidance of footmen and the butler, we entered the mansion’s central hall, and soon Darius, who had heard of our arrival, came down the stairs.

“Simon!”

Seeing him in simpler, more comfortable yet neat clothes than before, I felt moved.

Ah. The formal white suit he wore at the previous party was beautiful too, but today’s outfit is also so appealing.

Could there be anything more exciting than being able to vividly watch my favorite character change outfits with my own eyes? This moment makes all the half-day I spent grooming myself before coming here feel completely worthwhile.

“Miss Rieze came too. Thank you for making time.”

Not at all. I have nothing but time.

He smiled with his eyes and subtly showed the pin brooch attached to his jacket lapel.

Oh my god. That’s!!

It was the men’s pin brooch I had given as a gift at Darius’s birthday party.

If I’d had the resources, I would have researched paintings or sculptures Darius liked, but I was in no state to do so right after possessing this body. That pin brooch was what I hastily ordered using the money the original ‘Rieze’ had saved.

I did write my name on a congratulatory card and include it in the gift box, but I never expected Darius to personally check it. Let alone wear it specifically for the day I was coming!

“I really like it. Thank you.”

“N-not at all…!”

It suits you so well! It’s not even custom-made but ready-made, yet how does it fit so perfectly? Is it because he’s such a good clothes hanger?

Ah. My heart is tingling… Am I going to use up all my life’s luck and die young again?

“Rieze, you gave that? As a birthday gift?”

While Simon raised one eyebrow and pressed me for answers, the regular clicking sound of heeled shoes echoed.

Looking into the distance, an elegant woman with features resembling Darius approached gracefully. The subtle charisma she exuded seemed to drop the surrounding temperature by five degrees.

“Welcome. I’ve been counting the days until I could meet the dear members of the Brante Estate. I’m Violet Diern.”

Her razor-sharp gaze contrasted starkly with her gracefully held smile, making my spine straighten involuntarily.

A duchess truly is different. Her attire, speech, and every gesture—nothing was lacking nor excessive.

‘The time has come.’

This is the moment to conquer Violet Diern, the mountain I must overcome to approach Kail and Darius.

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