I’m Going to Change My Husband With a Predatory Marriage - Chapter 61

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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 61

Chapter 8. How to Make Your Enemy Fall Off a Single-Log Bridge

Four days later, on the evening of the ball at Artanus Hall.
That day, as planned, Lady Quinifel enjoyed the honor of hosting a ball within the Empress Palace under the Empress’s patronage.
Lady Quinifel’s soirée was crowded, just as everyone had anticipated.
The ballroom bustled with noblewomen and young ladies from the capital who didn’t wish to fall out of favor with the Empress, along with their partners and families who had accompanied them.
“My, congratulations, Countess. It’s been quite some time since I’ve seen such a magnificent ball.”
“I can only express my gratitude to Her Majesty the Empress for granting me such an honor.”
“Surely this splendid occasion is the result of your unwavering devotion to the Empress.”
And then someone bold enough made a pointed remark about another ball being held that very evening.
“With this place so crowded, the other venue must be quite empty. Isn’t it a rather spacious location?”
The one who spoke was none other than the Countess of Fileren.
The noblewomen who had witnessed her expulsion from the Empress Palace exchanged puzzled glances.
But when the Empress’s close confidante and tonight’s hostess, Countess Quinivel, responded warmly to the Countess of Fileren, they all understood the reason.
“Quite right. Countess of Fileren. Much of this success is thanks to your assistance in preparing the ball.”
Silent conversations passed between the noblewomen through their eyes.
‘It seems the Countess of Fileren’s expulsion must have had some reason behind it.’
‘Perhaps it was even an order from Her Majesty the Empress or Evangeline herself.’
‘Even if that weren’t the case, she’s clearly been forgiven.’
The perceptive noblewomen quickly began lavishing praise on the Countess of Fileren.
“The Countess of Fileren’s discernment is truly exceptional.”
“Indeed. It’s quite remarkable.”
“You flatter me. I merely followed the lessons I learned from Her Majesty the Empress and Evangeline.”
With these words, most of the noblewomen understood.
That the Countess of Fileren’s humiliation and expulsion a month ago, as well as her subsequent lingering around the Prince’s Palace, had all been an act.
They exchanged knowing glances with one another.
‘The Duchess of Delphin will be quite bitter if she learns of this.’
‘What can be done? She brought it upon herself through her own foolishness.’
They were already prepared to mock the loser.
Soon, the Countess of Fileren would enjoy the luxury of being recognized as the second-most important woman in this gathering.
‘Excellent. All that humiliation and a month spent cleaning up after that foolish woman—it was worth it.’
She felt a delicious thrill of satisfaction.
And there was someone observing the ballroom with arrogant superiority from the second floor.
It was Evangeline Roux.
She gazed down at the common people as though she were a deity looking upon lesser beings.
In truth, her inner thoughts were not far removed from this perception.
Every human in this world, as she saw them, was nothing more than a paper doll, flat and lifeless.
‘I am the only true human here.’
It was only natural, then, that this world revolved around her.
Evangeline smiled gracefully.
The Ballroom was bustling with activity.
Most of the Noblewomen she frequently encountered had gathered in this place.
Not every high-ranking aristocrat had come, but those who had not were merely those who abstained from High Society altogether.
‘That vast Artanus Hall must be completely empty now.’
Evangeline felt an exquisite sense of satisfaction, but soon found herself seized by a particular impulse.
‘Should I go and see for myself? I could go mock that Woman alone in the empty hall.’
A malicious smile played across Evangeline’s face.

* * *

Evangeline descended to the Ballroom and feigned concern to the Noblewomen and young ladies who habitually attended her like handmaidens.
She did not forget to speak with an angelic smile, a thin layer of mockery beneath her words.
“Still, she was a friend, and I worry. My heart aches thinking of her standing alone in an empty hall after all the effort she must have put in.”
“You are far too kind, Evangeline. What a terrible thing to happen.”
“Indeed. After suffering such a severe humiliation.”
“And without even an apology!”
“I am fine with it.”
Everyone around the pitiable, smiling Evangeline offered their comfort in unison.
It was a common occurrence in the Capital City’s High Society.
And naturally, the Countess of Fileren was among this group.
The Countess of Fileren was filled with malicious anticipation.
‘I suffered so much appeasing that foolish Woman because of Evangeline. I simply must witness the result with my own eyes.’
At this moment, Evangeline was as magnificent and beautiful as a single rose in full bloom.
Even the Countess of Fileren, resentful from being tormented by Evangeline, could not help but acknowledge her beauty.
The teal-colored dress that accentuated her honey-blonde hair and emerald eyes was nothing short of magnificent.
The beads densely sewn across the entire dress glimmered like stars.
‘If I place her right beside the other, the comparison would be stark indeed.’
The Countess of Fileren already knew.
That Hillia would be wearing a clumsily copied dress tonight.
‘Without even realizing it doesn’t suit her.’
The Countess of Fileren was now filled with malice, as though all the stress she had endured from Evangeline over the past month was Hillia’s fault.
‘I think I will only feel rewarded for my suffering this past month if I witness that Woman’s humiliation firsthand and mock her for it.’
Four days ago, I recalled the pathetic words that foolish Hillia had uttered, her eyebrows drooping miserably.

“Please, you mustn’t forget to come, Madame Fileren?”
“Oh, don’t worry. How could I possibly not come? I’m the only friend of the Protagonist.”
“Still, I’m so anxious. I’ve been having nightmares lately. Dreams where I stand alone in an empty hall with no one arriving….”
“My, it seems you’ve been under too much stress.”
“And then Evangeline came and mocked me… it was so… so humiliating and insulting.”

I could still see Hillia’s trembling words and expression, quivering with anxiety and fear.
‘When she says things like that, it makes me want to turn that nightmare into reality.’
Madame Fileren made a suggestion to Evangeline.
“Why don’t you go comfort her directly, Evangeline?”
“Directly?”
“Yes. If she sees your compassion and consideration, she’ll be delighted. She might even apologize late, grateful as she is.”
“I don’t particularly want an apology from her.”
Evangeline drooped her long eyelashes with disdain.
But she didn’t miss the bait that Madame Fileren had cast.
This was exactly what she wanted.
Before coming down to the ballroom, I had called Madame Fileren aside on the second floor and given her instructions.

“Later, suggest that we go to Artanus Hall.”
“Yes? You’ll go there yourself?”
“I’m curious. How pathetically she must be preparing. And… it would be nice to compare directly before her eyes.”
“How wonderful that we think alike! I was planning to suggest exactly that.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, that woman is most terrified of you coming and mocking her.”
“Hmm. If she’s expecting it that much, I can’t disappoint her.”

Evangeline hid her malicious smile behind her fan.
‘Hillia’s humiliation today is already decided, in any case.’
And if Evangeline went herself, it would be all the more insulting and comparative.
The way both women were dressed would make it obvious that Hillia had tried and failed to imitate Evangeline.
Anticipation swelled in Evangeline’s heart.
‘Even Arpard will have to acknowledge it when he sees clearly. Who is more beautiful and more suited to him.’
And once the ‘plan’ I had prepared later succeeded, everything would be over.
Arpard would never keep a woman who had betrayed him by his side.
Evangeline opened her fan, concealing her wicked smile.
Thus, those who desperately wished for someone’s failure and longed to mock them gathered like dark clouds, heading toward one place.
Artanus Hall.

* * *

Artanus Hall was the largest hall in the Imperial Palace, befitting its role as the venue for coronations.
The entire structure of the palace’s most expansive building, crowned with its massive domed roof, comprised Artanus Hall in its entirety.
The surrounding gardens and the white marble colonnade leading to the hall were equally renowned for their beauty.
A white roof covered the passage to protect visitors from rain or snow, ensuring unobstructed passage.
Of course, the sides remained open, allowing one to admire the garden’s exquisite landscaping and the exterior of Artanus Hall itself.
When they arrived at the colonnade leading to Artanus Hall, the silence was so profound it seemed impossible this was the entrance to a grand banquet.
As they passed through the colonnade, they could no longer contain themselves and began to speak. The anticipation was unbearable.
“Clearly no one has come. If the banquet were proceeding properly, this place should be teeming with people.”
“You’re right. It was the same at Lady Quinifel’s banquet.”
“Seeing it so empty, I don’t even need to go inside to know what’s happened.”
Mockery and laughter poured forth.
Yet something felt peculiar.
‘It’s far too empty, isn’t it?’
‘At the very least, the palace attendants from the Prince’s Palace who would serve at the banquet should be waiting here.’
Madame Fileren had visited the Prince’s Palace over the past month and personally witnessed the attendants actively preparing for the banquet.
And if the banquet were underway, attendants would naturally be stationed not only in the ballroom itself but throughout the entrance and surrounding areas.
It was impossible for there to be absolutely no one.
‘Could they have already cancelled the banquet and withdrawn because no one came?’
That would complicate matters considerably.
Her plan to openly mock Hillia before everyone’s eyes would fall apart.
As those who had gathered stood bewildered,
one of them spotted a figure on a terrace on the second floor of Artanus Hall and pointed.
“There!”
From this distance, the details were unclear, but they could discern that a woman stood there.
The hem of a blue-violet dress rippled like waves.
Above the undulating fabric, wisps of pale pink hair scattered in the breeze.
Such an unusual hair color was unmistakable.
Evangeline murmured in a daze.
“…Hillia?”
But that couldn’t be right.
That woman was wearing an entirely different colored dress.
According to Madame Fileren, and according to the wardrobe mistress whom Evangeline had paid off, the dress was certainly a drab green gown.
Similar to what Evangeline wore now, yet far inferior and utterly unsuited to Hillia.
Even from this distance, it was clear that what Hillia now wore was not a poor imitation of Evangeline’s dress.
Realizing this, Madame Fileren’s complexion turned ashen.
“No, no, that can’t be…!”
That was when it happened.
Hillia, standing at the edge of the terrace, extended her hand.
Toward the empty air.
As if she were calling to someone or signaling them.
And with that gesture, an impossible sight unfolded before their eyes.
“!”

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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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