That’s How I Became a Villainess - Chapter 56

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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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Episode 56

By the time Julian’s rage had cooled and Count Nicholas had settled Isaac into a chair, the servants arrived—perfectly timed.
They had been waiting outside for a summons, but the sight of the Reception Hall door torn clean off its hinges left them bewildered.
“Your Majesty. Shall I bring them in?”
A change of atmosphere was exactly what was needed.
Count Nicholas briskly ushered them inside.
The servants filed in single-file, each cradling a velvet cushion against their chest.
The cushions filled every table in the Reception Hall with room to spare.
Those who arrived later couldn’t set theirs down and had to stand waiting along the walls.
“What is all this…?”
Bridget turned to Julian.
Julian had positioned Isaac across from him and now sat directly beside Bridget, as if making a point.
“I forgot something while I was so caught up with you.”
What was he talking about?
‘So caught up with me?’ she thought.
He hadn’t shown his face once, making her seek him out instead.
Bridget blinked a few times, unable to comprehend at first, before understanding dawned.
Julian wanted to show off to Isaac.
It was absurd that he’d go to such lengths over a mere concern for Isaac’s attention.
Yet no matter how superior in every way, a male was male—and any male would instinctively guard against another male.
“It’s all yours. I should have given it to you earlier. Would you like to look?”
The moment Julian finished speaking, the servants approached Bridget in turn, each offering a brief explanation as they displayed what they carried.
“A diamond known as the Dragon’s Tears.”
“Queen Mary Agnes’s Necklace.”
“A ring gifted by Louis II to Lawrence Scott.”
“A blue diamond christened the Heart of the Sea.”
……
Everything on the velvet cushions was precious treasure.
So much that she couldn’t even commit it all to memory, but one thing was certain.
“The continent’s treasures and history are all here.”
At Bridget’s murmur, Count Nicholas nodded, equally dumbfounded.
Julian seemed to have emptied the royal treasury entirely and gifted it wholesale to Bridget.
Mildea, of course, stared in disbelief—and so did Isaac, a man whose only possession was his wealth.
He who had hung his head in dejection suddenly craned his neck, captivated by the jewels.
Everything Julian had bestowed upon Bridget was priceless beyond measure—not available for purchase at any price.
Royal heirlooms, gems that had earned their place in history, the continent’s most coveted treasures—these could never be owned by mere wealth alone.
They were things only power could touch.
In that regard, Julian had struck precisely at Isaac’s weakness.
‘All of these…’
Isaac stole a glance at Bridget, nestled in Julian’s embrace and gazing at the jewels.
She was right beside him, yet why did she feel farther away with each passing moment?
Bridget, whom he’d thought insignificant, seemed to shimmer a little more today.
As he watched her, his eyes met Julian’s.
‘…!’
Before Julian’s arrogant gaze, Isaac flinched and looked away.
Isaac grew smaller and smaller still.

* * *

Julian rose first, mentioning he had other matters to attend to, and Bridget left the Reception Hall with him.
Julian clearly didn’t want to leave her alone with Isaac, so she rose to follow—and now, walking side by side with him, she grew acutely aware of his presence.
It was obvious he was equally aware of her.
They walked in silence for some time, though they both knew.
The King’s Quarters were a short distance from the Central Palace.
But as she followed Julian, the walk seemed to stretch on—the building no closer even after considerable distance.
They appeared to be taking a detour.
Julian seemed well acquainted with the less-traveled passages of the Royal Palace.
Throughout their silent walk, they encountered no one.
Bridget thought she ought to say something.
Whenever they met, she’d been too busy dredging up old grievances; now, speaking from the heart felt different, and she didn’t know how to begin.
“Wait—if you have business to attend to, shouldn’t you stay in the Central Palace?”
……
“Mildea and I can go to the King’s Quarters just fine without you. You don’t need to come along on my account…….”
“I have something to do there.”
“Ah.”
Silence fell again.
Bridget walked a few more steps before asking, “Why did you kick the door open like that?”
“I thought you were in danger.”
“It wasn’t quite that dire.”
Julian shrugged.
“My Shadow Knight has no mind of its own—it can’t judge situations well. It only sends me a signal when it detects danger.”
There was palpable disdain in the way Julian referred to the Shadow Knight as a parasitic thing.
Though he wielded them like limbs, it was only natural he should find them repulsive—tools that consumed his very life.
Bridget smiled, grateful and pleased that he’d come running when he thought she was in peril.
“Either way, it was satisfying. The moment you appeared, Isaac started shaking like a leaf—it was worth watching.”
Julian let out a dry laugh.
Before long, the distance between them had closed as they walked side by side.
Her mood had lightened.
How long had it been since they’d talked like this?
Bridget began to think it was almost like old times, then caught herself.
‘No—I can’t think that way. I committed a sin. I have no right to intoxicate myself with happy memories as if nothing ever happened.’
Julian’s unchanged manner toward her stemmed from his generosity.
She mustn’t let herself grow complacent in his clemency.
She reminded herself firmly: she was a sinner, and she must never forget it.
They turned down a corridor and walked at a measured pace, but eventually reached the King’s Quarters.
Julian stopped before climbing the entrance stairs.
“……?”
Bridget looked at him standing opposite her.
Julian cleared his throat a few times, then drew something from his pocket.
“The other jewels the servants will bring, but—”
What he placed in her palm was a hairpin.
A delicate ornament of white flowers, softly luminous and beautiful.
Compared to the treasures she’d seen in the Reception Hall, it was neither particularly elaborate nor grand.
Yet it suited Bridget’s taste perfectly.
When worn in her hair, it would look as though flowers were scattered across her locks.
“It’s exquisite.”
Bridget, who had only smiled demurely at finer treasures, now let out a delighted exclamation upon seeing this hairpin.
“I’m glad it pleases you.”
“Did you prepare this separately?”
“No—just something I had.”
Julian spoke curtly and turned to leave.
“Where are you going?”
“That business I mentioned.”
So his errand to the King’s Quarters had been this all along.
As he moved to depart, Bridget gently caught his sleeve.
“Why?”
“Ah…….”
Bridget had seized his sleeve without thinking, reluctant to let him go. For a moment she rolled her eyes, searching for words.
Julian’s expression was indifferent—he looked ready to shake her off and leave at any moment.
Yet he waited patiently for her to find what she meant to say.
“Julian. Let me purify you sometimes.”
It was a heavier subject, but a necessary one.
Julian refused.
“That won’t extend my remaining time. I’m not dying from Magical Energy.”
“I know. But I can still make you feel better, can’t I? Just now—didn’t that feel good?”

A mischievous smile played across Julian’s usually expressionless face.
“I’m a bit confused, though.”
“About what?”
“Whether you meant the purification made you feel good, or that bold kiss.”
The memory of the kiss, which she’d buried deep, surfaced unbidden, and Bridget’s face flushed crimson.
Julian’s low laughter rumbled from his throat.
“If it’s the latter, I was certainly thrilled. Will you do it again?”
……
Bridget stammered, caught off guard, and Julian chuckled before mercifully ending his teasing.
“Do the purification. If that’s truly the means of atonement you’ve chosen, then try it. Just as the faithful who bear the stains of the mundane world seek to wash away their sins through service at the temple, perhaps you too need an opportunity to serve.”
It was a pointed remark.
Yet no malice colored his words.
Julian turned, as though he’d truly decided to leave at last.
Then Bridget spoke to his retreating back.
“If you want it, I’ll kiss you again.”
Julian’s footsteps halted for a moment.
“I’ll be waiting for it.”
He left without turning around.

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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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