I Will Become the Villain’s Childhood Friend - Chapter 67

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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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67

At this point, Violet Diern’s position in high society rivaled that of the Queen of Erkhalt Kingdom.

It meant she was at the very top.

It was inevitable since Darius Diern, the future duke and object of many women’s admiration, had reached marriageable age.

Anyone could see in just 10 minutes of observation that the mother and son were close, so naturally Violet’s status soared to the heavens.

Nobles coveting Darius as a son-in-law were desperate to invite the Countess to banquets and parties held at their homes. Dozens of invitations piled up on Violet’s desk daily.

Violet received massages and face masks from her maids while selecting invitations from families of appropriate standing.

Out of sixteen invitations, she wrote replies expressing interest in attending only three. In handwriting that was precisely measured, neat and elegant.

Even during this, the maids worked tirelessly, combing and arranging her hair without a single strand out of place, and adorning her with the most precious jewels.

Violet smiled as she took a sip of rose tea placed on one side of her vanity.

The past three years had been utterly satisfying days.

Darius and her own reputation were soaring high, and the bastard child who had been an eyesore hadn’t appeared before her for three years now.

She was quite pleased with her current luxurious life in the capital with just her and Darius.

Each day was filled with fulfillment, as the prime of her long-awaited life had finally arrived.

However, it was about time to choose a match for Darius.

It had been three years since Darius’s debutante, soon to be four years, so she needed to arrange his engagement to a suitable young noblewoman soon. If she dragged it out too long, there would be gossip.

While dealing with nobles who openly approached her during this time, Violet had thoroughly examined dozens of young noblewomen.

Even among the daughters of the most renowned families among the upper nobility, each lacked something.

‘Though I suppose no one is perfect in everything.’

She had narrowed it down to two suitable candidates.

The first was the second daughter of the Hamian Marquis family.

She was top-tier in all external conditions but was extremely timid and lacked confidence.

Just five minutes of conversation would make one feel frustrated enough to want to gulp down cold water.

That indecisiveness would be a flaw for becoming the mistress of the great house that was Diern Duchy.

‘Still, she’d be easy to manage… though it would take a long time to train her…’

The second was the Queen’s precious granddaughter.

Being royalty, her family background, wealth, and beauty were naturally beyond question.

Her personality was also much brighter and more spirited than the Hamian young lady.

Most importantly, the fact that the Princess was completely smitten with Darius was something even seven-year-old children living in Pelrn knew.

However, the condition of being royalty was a double-edged sword when the other party was someone like Diern Duchy. For Violet, having the royal family as in-laws wasn’t something to simply welcome.

She absolutely detested the idea of being interfered with by the Queen while having to mind her daughter-in-law.

‘Still, being royalty has many advantages in various ways…’

Since both had clear advantages and disadvantages, her conflict deepened as time went on.

Even when she asked Darius which of the two he preferred, he was quite lukewarm.

“…Either way, it’s a political marriage anyway.”

When her son spoke in such a resigned tone, it made her blood boil.

Violet let out a small sigh and rubbed her temples.

“Madam, you have a tea time appointment with Lady Rieze in 30 minutes.”

At the butler’s reminder, she snapped out of her worries.

“I see. I was so preoccupied I forgot.”

It was an appointment to meet her for the first time in three whole months.

This was because Rieze had become even busier than herself and didn’t visit the Countess’s mansion as often as before.

Violet’s lips curved gracefully.

She was a girl who warmed her heart just by thinking of her.

When chatting with her about butterflies and other topics, she would lose track of time talking.

So much so that she didn’t feel the age difference, or rather, it was as if she herself had returned to being a young girl.

To the extent that she thought it would be wonderful to have such a daughter.

‘Count Brante is truly blessed.’

With such foolish envy, Violet hurried her preparations.

She wanted to meet her as soon as possible and unpack all the stories that had accumulated.

Looking perfect as always, Violet entered the glass greenhouse with quick steps.

Rieze, who had been sitting on the sofa reading a book, saw her and stood up to offer a modest greeting.

“Thank you for graciously accepting my urgent request, Countess. I have been well during this time.”

“Meeting with Lady Rieze has precious value worth setting aside everything else.”

Violet smiled gently and sat in the seat across from her.

“But it really has been a long time indeed. While I couldn’t see Lady Rieze’s face, an entire season has already changed.”

After speaking those words, Violet was surprised at herself for complaining as if sulking.

She had never expressed such disappointment to any other noblewoman, yet here she was being so desperate over one girl young enough to be her daughter.

“I’m embarrassed that you waited for me so much, Madam. I promise to visit you often from now on.”

Moreover, seeing her respond so sweetly with a bright smile melted away her sullen feelings.

“Then I would certainly welcome that.”

Violet’s eyes suddenly widened as she looked closely at Rieze’s appearance.

Now that she looked, she was no longer such a young girl. Before she knew it, the girl had become a mature lady sitting before her.

“Lady Rieze, you seem to have grown up considerably today.”

“Oh my, you’re making me blush. Inside, I’m still just a child. Though I will be having my debutante next year.”

Rieze covered her mouth as if embarrassed.

“It’s already come to that…! Time really flies.”

“Doesn’t it? I’m surprised too.”

Violet laughed in amazement.

She was pleased at the thought that she could now take her beloved child out and about in public.

The two then shared refreshments while catching up on their accumulated news.

“By the way, what was the reason for your urgent request today?”

When their conversation had warmed up considerably, Violet first expressed her curiosity.

Then Rieze, showing delight, ran behind the sofa and brought something out.

“Oh my goodness, heavens…”

Inside a cage as large as her torso that she brought over, a golden butterfly was fluttering.

Unlike ordinary yellow butterflies, it was a vivid gold color that intensely reflected light.

“This little one won first place in the ‘Most Unusual Insect Corner’ at the exhibition held in our estate this summer. It’s a rare species that even entomologists said they’d never seen before.”

Rieze continued her explanation with a wink.

“I wanted to give this little one to you, Madam, and after four months, I miraculously succeeded in negotiating with the exhibitor who wouldn’t sell it.”

“You wanted to give it to me…?”

Violet covered her mouth in emotion.

“Yes!”

“Why wouldn’t Lady Rieze raise it yourself instead…”

“I don’t have a wonderful terrarium like the Countess does. Please raise it beautifully. I’ll come here to visit it.”

“Such…”

Violet gazed at the golden butterfly in the cage as if entranced.

The butterfly in the color symbolizing Diern Duchy struck a chord in Violet’s heart the moment she saw it.

After a long silence, Violet regained her composure and spoke.

“I don’t know how to thank you, Lady Rieze. If there’s anything you want, please tell me.”

“No, I’ve already received so much from the ducal house.”

“Ah, I should help with your debut! I’ll become Lady Rieze’s chaperone.”

Violet, who had been pondering, finally exclaimed excitedly as if she had found the answer.

Since Countess Brante was absent, she would take on the role of chaperone to protect and support her.

“Oh no, I couldn’t cause such trouble!”

As if she had no such intention at all, Rieze shook her head in alarm.

She was a child who possessed modesty as well.

When Violet pressed the matter seriously, Rieze finally accepted humbly and expressed her gratitude.

“The ducal house has only been kind to me… and to Brother Darius as well…”

Rieze, who had been hesitating and trailing off, discreetly leaned her upper body forward.

“Countess, excuse me, but could I know what state Brother Darius is in these days…?”

“What state do you mean?”

“Isn’t there something different about him from before? Like seeming excited or anxious for no reason, or taking unusually good care of his appearance?”

Rieze asked very cautiously, as if nervous.

She glanced around as if worried someone might overhear, lowering her voice as much as possible.

‘Hm? That question sounds like…’

It had the nuance of wondering if Darius had someone he liked.

A certain assumption flew into Violet’s mind and stuck there.

‘Does this child have feelings for Darius?’

Following her suspicion, it wasn’t long before cheers erupted inside her.

Right before her eyes was a young noblewoman with the exact conditions she had been desperately searching for, but she had been blind to what was right under her nose.

Family background, wealth, appearance, character, and intelligence. A young noblewoman who possessed all these qualities evenly and had no particularly noticeable flaws.

In truth, it wouldn’t matter even if she had some flaws.

Violet was already so smitten with her that she wanted a daughter just like her.

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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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