Isn’t Being A Wicked Woman Much Better? - Chapter 49

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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 49
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The grand Imperial Palace Ball had imperceptibly progressed into its latter half. After finishing my business with the Fifth Princess, I had nothing else to do, so I passed the time sipping a sweet cocktail.
‘Continuing to dance with Isidore would look rather awkward.’
Each time I danced with him, I drew excessive attention, which was burdensome in itself, but the unwritten rule of High Society dictated that one should not dance with the same partner more than three times. So after dancing with Young-sik, who had served as my escort, the ladies received dance requests from other gentlemen.
It was for this reason that unpopular young ladies found themselves standing alone against the wall, giving rise to the term “wallflower.”
‘Though I’m less a wallflower and more akin to a notorious Venus flytrap.’
For reference, Philaf had never even asked Deborah Simour to dance, let alone offered her an escort, despite her shamelessly hovering around him with all her pride cast aside.
‘One might say she possessed remarkable tenacity.’
Deborah Simour, who tormented Miya because of Philaf’s coldness and ultimately destroyed herself, was admirable in her own way.
‘But surprisingly, this man is equally cold-hearted.’
Several young ladies made obvious advances hoping to receive a dance request from Isidore, yet he paid them no mind. He simply stood beside me, an outsider, with his arms crossed.
Thanks to Isidore, I was spared the awkwardness of standing alone, which was convenient, but I couldn’t fathom why he reserved his meddlesome nature exclusively for me.
‘Suspicious.’
As I looked up at Isidore with suspicion, our eyes met, and I quickly averted my gaze.
“Why do you keep avoiding my eyes? Though I suppose my face is rather dazzling.”
Unable to refute him, I felt a subtle irritation rising.
“Hmm? When you get that serious look, it makes me want to tease you.”
He suddenly leaned his face close to mine, his eyes crinkling slightly at the corners. With dimples forming on his slender cheeks, he truly looked beautiful.
‘What a good life—no, I can’t keep getting enchanted like this. Get a grip.’
If I continued this way, I’d become an easy mark, and I might end up losing all the jewels I’d carefully accumulated.
“Honestly, that kind of joke isn’t funny.”
I bit the inside of my mouth and forced myself to speak in a flat tone.
“You’re cold. Other people find it amusing.”
He meant his face was amusing, not the joke itself. Even if he spouted terrible dad jokes and nonsense, everyone would laugh until they cried, clutching their bellies.
I swallowed such thoughts and glanced around the ballroom.
‘What?’
Then I caught sight of an unexpected scene and my mouth fell slightly open. Miya Binoshu was dancing with a man other than Philaf.
I had assumed Philaf, with his intense possessiveness, would absolutely remain by Miya’s side.
‘Who is that?’
When they completed a half rotation in my direction, I managed to identify Miya’s dance partner.
Though his demeanor was entirely different from the frivolous-seeming Thierry Orgo, the black hair and subtly similar facial features suggested that Miya’s dance partner might be Diera Orgo.
‘I suddenly feel like I’ve stepped into a novel.’
Excluding Rozard Simour and the Third Prince, who were outside the Capital, all of Miya’s romantic interests had gathered in this place today. And Diera Orgo, who was currently dancing with Miya, was the most righteous and fastidious among her suitors.
Regardless of social status, he wielded his sword fairly against those who had committed crimes, earning him the title of “Judge.”
With his noble character, Diera had harbored favorable feelings toward Miya from the start, who distributed her holy power impartially even to the poor and marginalized. In the original story, he had even rescued Miya from the harassment of Deborah’s attendants.
‘As expected of the heroine, she certainly does well for herself.’
Though the men’s personalities are each somewhat off-kilter, which is the problem. Like that one over there.
As I was inwardly clicking my tongue at Beleck Simour, who despite his popularity stood alone against the wall like a cold city man, he suddenly turned his head and walked toward me.
‘What now?’
His target wasn’t me—it was Isidore.
“Knight Isidore, if Deborah Simour is threatening you with murder, wave your handkerchief toward the window three times.”
When I glanced up at Beleck Simour, who had suddenly appeared to slander me, with a sidelong gaze, he flinched and hurried away.
“Hmm, you seem quite close to Beleck Simour.”
Didn’t everyone in the Empire know that Beleck Simour treated me with contempt? Our relationship clearly appeared hostile to any observer.
“You don’t need to frame it that way.”
“I envy a relationship that appears so informal. I have no siblings, you see.”
“Perhaps it’s better not to have them. At least then you have no enemies among family.”
“You’re refreshingly honest, Princess. I find that amusing.”
After exchanging a few more trivial remarks with him to pass the time, I turned my gaze toward the large clock hanging in the ballroom. Since the outdoor masquerade would begin at nine, the Imperial Palace Ball was winding down.
Just as I was gauging the right moment to leave, an unwelcome figure entered my line of sight.
‘Again! He’s glaring at me.’
His gaze was so sharp I thought he had something to say to me, but Philaf instead began conversing with his acquaintances near me.
‘Ignore him.’
Just then, Isidore brought me a slice of cake and a cherry cocktail, and the musicians resumed their performance.
The final piece of the Spring Blossom Ball was always the same—an orchestral concerto called “Masquerade Suite.” The selection seemed to herald the outdoor event that would follow.
In truth, the famous event of the Spring Blossom Festival wasn’t the Imperial Palace Ball itself, but the masquerade held near the Imperial Palace Fountain.
Unlike the Imperial Ball, which was restricted to invited families only, the masquerade was open to various noble houses. The moment one donned a mask, social propriety could be cast aside, allowing people to revel freely—creating an atmosphere thick with indulgence and liberty.
It was also a recurring motif in romance novels set in this world.
‘The real highlight is the fireworks.’
The fireworks launched into the night sky by Imperial mages could be seen from anywhere in the Horun District. They were grand enough to remain as fragments in one’s memory.
‘But I have somewhere else I need to go.’
Just as I was about to take my leave, Isidore extended his hand to me.
“Would you honor me with the final dance? I’ve saved this third dance to share with you for this song.”
He spoke gently.
‘If I dance through the entire final piece, I’ll be quite late.’
I hesitated, glancing at the clock like some modern Cinderella, when a heavy voice cut between Isidore and me.
“Princess Deborah Simour.”
Philaf approached with an angry expression, his eyes sharp enough to pick a quarrel—yet his next words were unexpected.
“Dance the final song with me.”
There was a peculiar desperation in his tone that startled me.
“Philaf Montes. Didn’t you see that I was asked first? Have you lost all sense of propriety?”
Isidore spoke sharply with a wry smile. Yet Philaf, contrary to his usual hot-blooded nature, responded with surprising composure this time.
“Surely you know, Knight Isidore, that it doesn’t look good for a young lady to dance with only one partner throughout the entire ball. Wouldn’t it be more proper for Princess Deborah Simour to finish the evening with me?”
Philaf was right—dancing with only one partner all evening would suggest a complete lack of popularity.
‘But why is he making a fuss now, at the end of the ball? I’ve been standing against the wall this whole time.’
“I find it more amusing that Philaf Montes is pretending to be so considerate.”
Isidore, apparently sharing my sentiment, spoke with mockery.
“Fine. I’m not particularly considerate, but I’m better than you, standing there like a statue beside the lady. Since you’ve been so oblivious, perhaps that’s why other gentlemen haven’t asked Princess Deborah Simour to dance. You’ve forced my hand by your negligence.”
‘Is he trying to turn this back on me?’
‘Who on earth asked me to dance?’
At least thanks to Isidore, I wasn’t completely awkward.
“Your excuses are pathetic. You’ve been lurking around us the entire time, spying, and now that the ball is nearly over, you’re desperately trying to catch up—hardly better than that.”
But even without my intervention, Isidore volleyed back Philaf’s provocation like a seasoned player.
“Spying? That’s rich coming from you. I don’t understand why you suddenly started hovering around Deborah Simour with such ridiculous meddling.”
“You certainly have a talent for unnecessary interference. Who exactly is the busybody here?”
“Interference? There were once marriage negotiations between us, and Deborah and I have been entangled for six years now. Anyone would think you’re the strange one, not me.”
“You’re the one speaking strangely.”
Clearly on poor terms, the two engaged in a chilling battle of wits. Though their expressions and tone remained composed, the atmosphere grew increasingly hostile.
As the nobles shamelessly turned their attention toward us, I stepped forward urgently.
“Philaf, I don’t know why you suddenly appeared, but it’s unconscionable for you to speak of my appearance and dignity. You’re the one who always made me look ridiculous and pathetic.”
“That’s why I’m granting your wish, Deborah. Isn’t that what you’ve wanted all this time? For me to dance with you.”
He spoke with utter confidence, and I couldn’t help but marvel at Philaf’s audacity. Even the mountain spirit from the tale of the golden and silver axes would weep at this.
‘No matter how desperately he clung to me before, this is too much….’
Everyone knew Deborah had obsessed over him alone for over six years, yet he brazenly appeared at the Academy with Miya beside him. Moreover, today he had dressed her up beautifully like Cinderella, making her appear to be his special person.
I couldn’t fathom how someone so utterly worthless could possess such overflowing confidence.
“What you think is my wish is actually your own. Philaf, I’m rejecting your arrogant dance invitation. What exactly do you take me for?”

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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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