My Body Has Been Possessed By Someone - Chapter 25

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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 25
It was rare for me to appear at official gatherings. So I assumed that even out of curiosity, she would come looking for me.
And Princess Lilienne was a woman with exceptionally sharp intuition.
“Am I mistaken? Ever since earlier, I’ve felt as though you were calling out to me.”
“Have you?”
“Playing innocent, are we?”
Princess Lilienne narrowed her eyes and smiled with bewitching allure.
“If you were a man, I would certainly think you were trying to seduce me. You were that obvious.”
Yes, that was true. I made no effort to hide it.
“Yes, that’s right. I truly wanted to meet you, Your Highness.”
“Why?”
Princess Lilienne’s lips curved upward.
“Why would the woman who stole what I desired want to meet me?”
She fanned herself with her fan spread wide open, scrutinizing me from head to toe.
“Let me give you some advance counsel—I don’t care for roundabout speech. So if you have business with me, speak directly.”
That suited me fine. I deliberately slumped my shoulders as though disheartened.
“I trust you already know of the neglect I’ve suffered at my husband’s hands.”
Of course she knew. Princess Lilienne laughed outright. Who in this world didn’t know that Silvien Valentino treated his wife like a weed to be trampled underfoot whenever he pleased?
However, Princess Lilienne expressed it with somewhat more elegance.
“I’m aware that the relationship between the Duke and Duchess of Valentino has grown distant.”
“And Your Highness surely understands that Duke Silvien Valentino is not a man who changes easily.”
“I understand perfectly. Isn’t his inability to change easily part of his charm?”
That’s not it at all.
I genuinely wanted to dissuade her.
‘That man’s personality is absolutely abysmal. What charm?’
Why would she fall for such a worthless man? I wouldn’t take him even if you offered me a fortune.
Yet I sighed wistfully and delivered my performance with conviction.
“I’ll be honest with you. I’ve grown weary of his continued coldness. Yes, I’m exhausted, Your Highness.”
“…Is that so?”
“Yes. That’s why I’ve returned to my family estate.”
I was beginning to set the hook.
As expected, Princess Lilienne was now completely absorbed in my words.
“Divorce is not an easy matter for a noblewoman. It concerns the honor of one’s house. That’s why my father refused to permit it. But…”
I heard the sound of Princess Lilienne swallowing.
Her eyes gleamed with the brightness of someone invited to a sumptuous feast. Before her, I dangled the bait.
“But if circumstances were to arise that made the marriage untenable… then the situation would be different.”
For instance, if Silvien Valentino were to have an affair with another woman.
Or if the Princess continued to pressure Alexandro Adis, he might grant the divorce simply to be rid of the nuisance.
So the conclusion was.
‘Become my ally!’
The proposal was to join forces and rush toward divorce together.
Alone, it would be difficult, but if I plotted with the Princess, it would be possible!
A moment later, Princess Lilienne spoke.
“You’re asking me to believe that now, Duchess?”
Despite her words, her eyes wavered noticeably. One more whisper and she would surely capitulate.
Just as I was about to add another persuasive remark.
“Your Highness, what conversation are you having?”
A voice interjected sharply. At that tone, I swallowed an involuntary gasp.
Josephine Elester—that damned mother-in-law had appeared!
But unlike me, Princess Lilienne greeted Josephine warmly.
“We were discussing something quite fascinating, Count Elester. I heard the Duchess of Valentino is staying at the Adis Family Estate.”
“Yes, that’s correct. I drove her out.”
“…The Count drove her out?”
Princess Lilienne’s brow furrowed. And immediately, she shot me a questioning glance as if asking what had happened.
You left on your own?
Then Josephine burst into laughter and whispered.
“Yes. Since she hasn’t returned, it seems she’s employing a new method to capture Silvien’s attention. Your Highness need not concern yourself.”
In that instant, Princess Lilienne felt as though she were awakening from a trance.
When speaking alone with me, she had seemed momentarily enchanted, but now conversing with Josephine, reality crashed back.
‘That’s right… of course. That woman would never want a divorce, would she?’
It was so obvious. Why had I been momentarily swayed?
‘Of course she wouldn’t.’
Not long ago, there were rumors she had clung to Silvien’s trouser leg, wailing. It was already spreading through the servants’ gossip.
Such a woman suddenly wanting a divorce?
Moreover, if she truly intended to divorce, she wouldn’t be flaunting her appearance now.
‘I nearly fell for Kanna Adis’s scheme.’
Josephine was right. A new tactic—using herself to draw attention was surely her plan.
‘Using me?’
That realization struck Princess Lilienne’s pride like a whip.
“How audacious, Duchess of Valentino. Do I appear so foolish to you?”
“You are mistaken, Your Highness.”
“Mistaken?”
Ha. Princess Lilienne’s lips twisted. She snatched the champagne glass from my hand and—splash!—poured it all over my dress hem in one swift motion.
“…!”
The nobles watching in secret held their breath. The atmosphere froze like thin ice.
“Don’t misunderstand, Duchess. It was an accident.”
She naturally expected me to cry. After such humiliation, surely tears would flow.
But.
“Of course.”
Lifting my head, I was smiling brightly.
“You seem to have made a mistake, Your Highness. Your hand must have slipped.”
My plan to win over Princess Lilienne had failed.
I abandoned her quickly.
Of course, if we could have a proper conversation without any interference, I’m confident I could bring her to my side, but…
I no longer wanted to do that. There was no pressing need to humor such a woman. After all, there were countless ways to obtain a divorce.
Princess Lilienne burst into laughter.
“A mistake? Do you really believe that, Duchess?”
“Since Your Highness has said so, then that must be the truth.”
“Then what about this?”
Princess Lilienne raised a champagne glass above my head this time. I reflexively clenched my dress hem tightly.
Surely she wasn’t about to pour it over my head…
“Why is there such a commotion?”
At that moment, Princess Lilienne quickly lowered her hand.
A woman with a stern expression approached. At her appearance, not only Princess Lilienne but even Josephine was startled and bowed.
“We greet Your Majesty, the Empress!”
“I asked what the commotion was about.”
The reproachful tone made it clear she had witnessed everything.
How I had champagne poured on my dress and nearly had it dumped over my head.
‘Ah, could this be an opportunity?’
If so, I couldn’t let it slip away. I lowered my head with a sob.
“Sob, sob. I apologize. Sob, I am lacking, sob…”
Princess Lilienne’s jaw dropped as she watched.
Crying? Suddenly?
Just moments ago, she had seemed perfectly composed.
“W-wait! Can you not stop your tears! How dare you, what kind of—!”
“Count Elester, lower your voice.”
The Empress wrapped her arms around my trembling shoulders and patted me gently.
“It’s alright, dry your tears. How much you must have suffered to be in such a state.”
For a moment, I was taken aback.
I was acting as though I were crying out, “Everyone, I am the victim!” but I hadn’t expected her to comfort me so thoroughly.
Well, since things had come to this, I might as well do it properly. I let my shoulders tremble even more, pouring everything into the performance.
“P-please forgive me, Your Majesty. From now on, I swear, sob, I will never, ever displease Your Majesty again…!”
Princess Lilienne’s face turned crimson as she watched in stunned silence. Such disgusting tears!
“Princess Lilienne, I must say I am deeply disappointed. How much longer do you intend to behave like a horned foal?”
“…I apologize, Your Majesty.”
But there was nothing she could say. Having been caught trying to pour champagne over my head, what excuse could she offer?
She attempted an insincere apology to end the matter, but the Empress had no intention of stopping there.
“Learn from your elder sister’s example. Try to follow even half of the First Princess’s gentle and warm nature.”
Just as I expected!
Princess Lilienne bit her lip firmly and bowed her head.

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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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