I’m a Villain, but I Want to Live a Long Life - Chapter 44

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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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“Tigris? Did you just say Tigris?”

“What in the world….”

The nobles’ faces were painted with shock.

The person who had just entered the Great Hall was none other than Aleon Tigris.

But there was something even more surprising than that.

“The, the Duke is now….”

“Is, is that really Duke Tigris?”

The Duke, whose temperament was said to be as cold as ice, was linking arms very affectionately with someone.

People who recognized that the other person was the Duke’s daughter, Seleneae, began to gasp one by one.

Duke Tigris was famous for having a poor relationship with his daughter.

This was because his daughter, Seleneae Tigris, was an uncontrollable troublemaker who caused havoc throughout the estate.

Whenever she rarely appeared in social circles, people would gossip about her every time.

‘Look, look at her sitting there expressionless without even cracking a smile.’

‘What else could she be here for but to ruin the party?’

The noble ladies also chattered while sneering.

‘I actually feel sorry for her. After all, there’s no mistress in House Tigris….’

‘Would it have been different if there had been a duchess? The Lady’s temperament should be somewhat fiery.’

‘That’s right. It must be quite bad if even the Duke doesn’t care what the Lady does. I heard rumors that their relationship has already deteriorated beyond repair.’

‘Oh my, then who will inherit the Tigris dukedom? All that vast territory, wealth, and soldiers….’

While they gossiped about House Tigris, they also gleamed with greedy eyes.

The widows of the empire would rush with burning eyes to find Duke Tigris whenever major events were held.

However, although the Duke would participate in official events like thanksgiving ceremonies, he never showed himself at balls or social parties.

But.

Not only had the Duke appeared at the opening ball, but he had actually come with his own daughter?

And linking arms as if they were the most affectionate father and daughter?

It was when the nobles couldn’t close their gaping mouths.

Seleneae Tigris’s voice was heard.

“Father, let’s go over there.”

When Seleneae cheerfully pulled Aleon’s arm, he followed behind his daughter obediently with a harmless expression.

The nobles’ faces were once again colored with shock.

“What in the world is this….”

Among the murmuring crowd was Meg Cline as well.

‘…What’s this. I heard they didn’t get along. What’s going on here?’

She looked at the Seleneae father-daughter pair with a bewildered expression, then soon turned her gaze to the Empress beside her.

The Empress was also staring at Seleneae and Duke Tigris who had appeared in the hall, just like the others.

Meg, who had been glancing at her, muttered in a strange tone.

“Oh my, how can they be so rude? Her Majesty is here, yet they don’t even come to show their faces.”

But the Empress’s expression was peaceful.

“No. Since the Duke arrived later than me, he might not have known I was here.”

Meg’s face turned slightly red at the unexpected answer.

“That, that’s not what I meant….”

However, Meg soon closed her mouth.

This was because her mother Gloria had lightly grabbed her wrist and sent her a look as if telling her to be quiet.

When she looked up, the Empress was already moving away toward Duke Tigris and Seleneae.

“Duke Tigris. It’s been a long time.”

When the Empress greeted the Tigris father and daughter, the murmuring crowd became quiet.

Aleon gave a light bow.

Seleneae beside him also lifted her skirt and bowed politely at the waist.

The Empress looked at the father and daughter with interested eyes.

“I didn’t expect to see the Duke at my thanksgiving opening ball.”

Duke Tigris gave no answer. As the silence continued, Grace smiled knowingly.

This was because she already knew well the Duke’s taciturn nature.

But then.

“Father.”

Seleneae, who was beside him, suddenly shook the Duke’s arm gently.

“Why aren’t you saying anything?”

Grace’s eyes widened. Seleneae glanced at the Empress and then smiled toward the Duke.

“You told me that as a pillar of the Empire, you must participate in the thanksgiving ball. Considering the Imperial House’s efforts in preparation, you said you would make time despite being very busy and come with difficulty.”

Seleneae smiled brightly.

She was particularly emphasizing the word ‘difficulty.’ An interesting smile gradually spread across Grace’s lips as she watched this.

Then, Aleon nodded and said stiffly.

“…That sounds about right.”

Finally, Grace burst into laughter.

Her interested gaze turned toward Seleneae.

“How wonderful, what is the Lady’s name?”

Seleneae bowed her head toward the Empress.

“I am Seleneae Tigris, Your Majesty.”

“I see, are you dealing with me on behalf of your silent father?”

Seleneae hesitated for a moment but soon smiled brightly.

“Not at all, how could that be. I was simply worried that my father’s loyalty to the Imperial House might not be conveyed….”

The Empress nodded as if finding it amusing.

“Of course I know the Duke’s loyalty. No citizen of the Empire could be unaware that House Tigris has been the Empire’s shield since long ago. However, if there’s one flaw….”

“….”

“I thought it might be that the Duke speaks so little that I sometimes feel embarrassed. But today, thanks to the Lady, I’ve had a very interesting experience.”

Seleneae smiled at the playful voice.

People who had been watching their conversation throughout the hall murmured.

“The, the atmosphere seems good, doesn’t it?”

“Indeed it does. I expected quite an uncomfortable situation since the Duke recently had problems with the Temple….”

The Empress looked at Aleon and spoke again.

“Actually, I came wanting to talk about the gladiatorial event. Prince Xenon has high expectations for your elite soldiers.”

“Is that so.”

The Duke looked at the Empress and answered bluntly.

“Yes, so I was curious whether many outstanding elite soldiers would participate this time as well, like last year, but….”

The Empress looked intently at Seleneae.

“I never knew the Duke had such an intelligent daughter.”

Her eyes took on a strange light as she gazed at Seleneae. For a very long time.

“How, how can this be?!”

At the sharp voice, Gloria turned her gaze to her daughter Meg.

“Mother, Lady Tigris is a terrible person. She embarrassed me at the last party too!”

Meg trembled with clenched fists.

“Not only did she steal Lady Estelin away, but she defended some ill-mannered, lowly Lady! I was so troubled by that incident….”

Where Meg’s gaze was directed, there was Seleneae conversing with other nobles.

After the Empress had left, Seleneae’s surroundings had been constantly bustling with nobles.

Her appearance of continuously wearing gentle smiles and carrying on friendly conversations seemed to stimulate the nobles’ curiosity.

“Look, look at that hypocritical sight! Really, I can’t stand to watch it! Don’t you think so, Mother?”

Meg stomped her feet and shouted in a lowered voice.

“Both Her Majesty the Empress and Lady Estelin—why is everyone showing interest in that girl?”

That’s when it happened.

“Enough.”

At the stern voice from behind, Meg gasped and shut her mouth.

Duke Belmart, who had approached at some point, was looking down at her with a cold expression.

“How dare you use Her Majesty the Empress as an excuse for your petty emotions.”

Meg hurriedly lowered her eyes.

“G-Grandfather…”

“Why on earth are you bothering to worry about that troublemaker?”

Meg’s eyes widened.

“Pardon?”

Duke Belmart gazed toward Selene and clicked his tongue.

“Can’t you tell just by looking? Tigris’s power will never last long. It’s a house led by someone who knows nothing about politics and only thirsts for blood like a savage.”

Meg’s lips parted slightly. Duke Belmart continued speaking.

“The army he possesses was only useful during wartime, but now that the war is over, it has no meaning whatsoever. Moreover, that child who’s supposed to be the heir…”

“…”

“She doesn’t even have abilities that every noble in the Empire possesses.”

A sneer formed at the corner of his mouth.

“The child is just as incompetent as her father, taking after him completely. So it’s not something you, who carries Belmart blood, need to concern yourself with.”

Duke Belmart lightly patted Meg’s shoulder.

“You just need to win this charity event. There’s no one more suited for that position than you.”

After hesitating for a moment, Meg quickly nodded. Duke Belmart, satisfied with her response, continued.

“After you win, we’ll present the exhibition piece to His Majesty the Emperor. Then, as I mentioned before, he’ll invite you to gatherings with the Imperial House and state guests.”

“That’s right, Meg. Your father is correct. Don’t worry about trivial matters and just focus on the charity event.”

When even her mother Gloria chimed in, Meg’s expression gradually brightened.

She turned her head and glared sharply at Selene again.

‘…Right. If not me, who else would win the charity event?’

Who else but her would dare discuss marriage alliances with state guests?

Whether in terms of status or background, there was no one more suitable than herself.

She sneered and clenched her fists tightly.

‘Just wait and see. You’ll regret being so presumptuous.’

Just then, orchestra music began flowing from the stage set up on one side of the hall.

It was music announcing the start of dancing, the highlight of the ball.

Meg stepped forward with a flushed face, ready to accept dance invitations from young gentlemen.

However, she soon spotted something and froze in place.

“Tatio, you’re here now?”

Someone eye-catching had appeared beside Selene.

“…I was quite late because of your maid.”

The voice that pierced through the noise was very low and gentle.

The man, who had been looking around the hall, suddenly turned his gaze toward Meg. His black eyes, reminiscent of black pearls, sparkled.

Meg stared at the man intently, even forgetting to breathe.

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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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