I’m a Villain, but I Want to Live a Long Life - Chapter 6

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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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I opened my eyes wide with a shocked expression.

Selene was truly an amazing person in many ways. To think she refused her father’s invitations to eat together for a full 2 years.

‘So there was a reason the Duke was acting this way.’

If his only daughter had been refusing meals for 2 years, it was natural for him to be angry as a parent.

After hesitating, I quickly organized the situation in my head.

And after making a certain decision, I completely wiped the troubled expression from my face.

“Ah… right. I did do that.”

When I smiled as if nothing was wrong, the Duke’s brow furrowed slightly.

But I continued speaking while forcing the most natural smile possible.

“The meal was so delicious that I completely forgot. You must have been angry because I was being so rude all this time…?”

Even to my own ears, it sounded very calm and obedient. It was a bit shameless, but it couldn’t be helped.

‘There’s absolutely nothing to gain from making the atmosphere serious here.’

I was already seasoned enough in situations like this that it had become second nature.

In my previous life, I was pushed into every client meeting just because I was the youngest.

Even without proper handovers.

My supervisor always picked the most difficult places and dumped them on me. They were all as barren and desolate as the Serengeti Plains.

‘I’ve dealt with people who suddenly went berserk and tried to flip tables several times.’

I felt so wronged back then I nearly died, but I never thought the day would come when I’d use the skills I learned from being pushed around and torn apart like that.

I guess that’s why they say you have to live life to the end to know what will happen.

I glanced up at the Duke.

‘Just keep smiling brightly no matter what.’

Acting pitiful in this situation wouldn’t solve anything.

Winning over someone whose relationship with you had already gone sour once wasn’t an easy task.

So at times like this…

“I came out today to apologize for everything up until now. I’ll really come out regularly from now on, so I hope you can trust me…”

When I smiled slyly, the Duke’s eyes widened as if he was dumbfounded.

It was embarrassing to keep smiling in front of someone who was being serious, but I silently steeled myself.

“I think I must have been going through puberty all this time…!”

“…What.”

“I’ll never cause you worry again from now on. So really, you don’t need to worry about anything anymore!”

After finishing my words, I smiled with the most kind and innocent expression in the world.

Actually, it wasn’t a lie.

I really was planning to be a good child from now on. Not doing bad things and listening well to my father.

If you can’t break it, join it. That was my life motto.

‘And besides. It’s ridiculous to be talking about pride when I’m already on my second life.’

Playing along with the boss in front of me… no, my new father, was nothing.

It was something I always did in my previous life anyway.

And most importantly.

The soft and cozy blankets from last night. This dinner that melted in my mouth today.

Didn’t I think that maybe this life was compensation for all my previous misfortunes?

God must have felt so sorry for my life that He bestowed this kindness upon me.

Since I suffered so much in my previous life, He’s telling me to enjoy this one a little.

I couldn’t lose this incredible fortune just because I had a bad relationship with my father. No, I didn’t want to risk that danger at all if possible.

I smiled brightly at the Duke and obediently put a piece of grilled fruit from my plate into my mouth.

‘From today, my dream is to live a long and healthy life in This Estate.’

To do that, I had to somehow get on the good side of that scary father from now on.

“I’ll show you a completely changed side of me from now on, so please watch over me. Father!”

Even as a short sigh escaped from the shocked Duke’s mouth, new dishes continued to arrive.

The Duke’s study.

Walter stood in front of the door, carefully observing the unfamiliar appearance of the lord he served.

“Puberty?”

A short curse escaped through the teeth of Duke Aleon Tigris.

He sat with his arms crossed, leaning back in his chair, staring into space and talking to himself.

“For someone who collapsed, she looked quite healthy. But after not showing her face properly for 2 years, what does she say? Puberty?”

“…”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean.”

It sounded exactly like a beast growling. Walter cleared his throat and interjected.

“Your Grace. The young lady is at a very sensitive age. Haven’t we heard rumors of young ladies from other families going astray during that particular period?”

Of course, the Duke was well aware of such rumors.

Just a few days ago at the vassals’ meeting, hadn’t one count lamented about his 15-year-old son?

‘My son has become quite disobedient lately. Even when I try to reason with him gently, we just can’t communicate.’

‘How can this be! My daughter is the same way. She’s the same age as your son, and she keeps locking her door and won’t even let me in her room, saying “What gives you the right, Dad!”‘

‘I wonder why only fifteen-year-olds act like this… Raising children really isn’t easy.’

But still, Aleon couldn’t understand Selene.

Selene over the past 2 years wasn’t simply at the level of locking doors and avoiding conversation.

But today she suddenly appeared in the Dining Hall, rambling on about being sorry for being rude all this time, saying it was because of puberty, all incomprehensible words, then disappeared with a bright smile.

“…First, go find out what this ‘puberty’ the child mentioned actually means.”

Walter bowed his head at his command. Aleon let out a deep sigh and muttered quietly.

“If she goes astray twice, someone’s going to die.”

Walter hesitated for a moment before answering.

“Well, there was that incident.”

As if recalling something at those words, the Duke’s red eyes gradually became complicated.

“Leave.”

Walter quietly stepped back. But just before closing the door, he heard the Duke briefly add:

“…Ask if that child needs anything else.”

Walter bowed his head and finally left the study.

‘That was an incredibly satisfying meal.’

I walked down the Corridor with a beaming smile on my glowing face.

My stomach felt a bit heavy from eating too much, but my mood was at its peak.

But as I was taking refreshing steps, I suddenly stopped in place.

“…Wait. Where am I?”

When I came to my senses, I found myself in a desolate Corridor with not a single picture frame hanging on the walls.

The Corridor leading from the Dining Hall had been decorated with all sorts of things, but this place was full of nothing but cobwebs.

Whoooosh-

Just then, the sound of a chilling wind from somewhere echoed through the Corridor.

I slightly hunched my shoulders at the cool air and slowly looked around.

Through the dusty windows, I could see the gloomy sky. Suddenly clouds covered the sun and everything became dark.

‘This is like a haunted house.’

After staring at the far end of the Corridor, I turned around in the opposite direction without hesitation.

Curiosity or whatever, I was only filled with thoughts of hurrying back to my room and burying myself in the soft bed.

‘I should go take a nap.’

Originally, on gloomy days like this, it was human nature to replenish your energy with a good sleep.

But seriously, what kind of house is this big?

If the Mansion of the Tigris Family is this size, how big must the ducal castle in the territory be?

‘Rich people really…’

I clicked my tongue and shook my head. Then I suddenly stopped walking at a thought that came to mind.

‘Still, it’s much better than being poor.’

Well, of course it is.

Wait, does that mean I’m a golden spoon now too?

After pondering for a moment, I soon nodded with a subtle smile.

…I take that back. Being rich is definitely the best. People need to have money first and foremost.

When I return to my room, I’ll skip the nap for now and check the wardrobe first. Since I’m a noble young lady, there should be a jewelry box too, right?

‘Honestly, at first I was concerned about being a villainess….’

But now even that didn’t matter.

I had entered the body of 17-year-old Selene, right before she would begin committing her truly evil deeds.

In other words, I could prevent all the evil acts that were about to unfold. I just had to do nothing.

Moreover….

‘The incident at Estelin’s birthday party seems to have been resolved much better than expected.’

I could gradually become closer with Father by smiling brightly like I did today. Then at least I wouldn’t suddenly be kicked out one day.

Everything was flowing in a good direction.

‘I should live as a happy rich person, enjoying everything there is to enjoy, and die peacefully of old age!’

Whatever happens, it couldn’t be worse than suffering like a dog and dying suddenly in a building collapse, right?

It was then, as my steps became light with satisfaction.

“…This may be hard to believe….”

I suddenly stopped walking at a voice coming from somewhere ahead. I pressed myself against the wall.

“That child appeared at today’s meal.”

Beyond the corner that curved in an L-shape, two people’s shadows stretched long.

“…What? The Princess came to the meal?”

“Yes. From what I hear, the atmosphere was very harmonious. Especially, she called the Duke ‘Father’ and followed him around….”

“That’s nonsense!”

A sharp voice echoed softly in the corridor. I hunched my body and held my breath quietly.

“That can’t be!”

“It’s true. A child working in the kitchen told me. So, I think we should strengthen the ‘education.'”

The other person sighed and clicked their tongue.

“…How foolish. Don’t you know that anything taken too far becomes poison? If we strengthen the education in this situation, the Duke will definitely notice.”

“But there’s no other way for now. We’ve invested a long time in that child. We can’t let everything go to waste now.”

I frowned. I couldn’t understand any of it.

However, my instincts, honed by long experience, told me fiercely.

‘Even if I looked at this upside down, they’re talking about me.’

The two shadows flickered in a very suspicious manner.

“…Fine. I’ll relay it that way for now. But the plan can change at any time.”

“Good. But always remember. We must strengthen the education so the Duke will never….”

Whoooosh-

Just then, the window shook violently and the sound of wind echoed through the corridor again.

I glared at the shaking window with dismayed eyes. But by the time the wind died down, I had already missed the important part.

“Then let’s meet here next time.”

One shadow moved away. A little later, with a time gap, the other shadow disappeared as well.

I carefully walked out and cautiously peeked around the corner.

The corridor was completely empty, as if no one had been there from the beginning.

What exactly did I just hear?

After standing there dumbfounded for a while, I suddenly came to my senses.

And I quickly moved my feet.

There was one more thing I needed to find out.

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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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