The Circumstances of Being Chosen as the Villainess’s Favorite - Chapter 111

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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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Chapter 111

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Today’s charity party was being held in the Central Hall of the Main Building of the Imperial Curia.

The Central Hall was considered an important location within the Imperial Curia, mainly opened for large-scale events such as ordaining priests or holding joint masses once a year.

It was a place primarily opened when major events were held.

With chandeliers where light ripened and fell like jewels, silver candlesticks, and even fully bloomed flower decorations.

The interior of the hall was decorated magnificently.

‘This is exactly Seraphina’s taste.’

To be honest, it was quite beautiful.

However, personally, I thought it would have been nice to show a bit more restraint.

After all, this was a charity party being held at the Imperial Curia of all places.

‘Well, whatever.’

I just shrugged inwardly.

The saying that priests were poor and frugal was a thing of the past.

Perhaps because many second sons and below from noble families often became priests.

The recent Imperial Curia was so luxurious it could rival the imperial palace.

While I was looking around the Imperial Curia like this.

I felt piercing gazes from somewhere.

‘They’re really staring quite a bit.’

I deliberately straightened my back even more and smiled leisurely.

And for good reason, as the guests kept glancing this way.

The guests who made eye contact with me quickly turned their heads away like sparrows hit by cold water.

Then they whispered among themselves.

Well, I couldn’t hear their voices properly.

But I couldn’t help but know what kind of conversation it was.

‘Look over there, it’s Lord Claudius and Lady Ansi!’

‘I heard rumors that they were close, but I didn’t expect them to come as partners to the charity party.’

…from such light topics,

‘Well, Lady Ansi is the person closest to House of Claudius.’

‘That’s right, Lady Ansi is also a close friend of Lady Claudius.’

‘I heard that lately Lady Claudius only attends social gatherings that Lady Ansi participates in?’

‘That’s not all? In the recent lawsuit with Count Gusto’s House, Lord Claudius gave her great support, didn’t he?’

Curiosity about the friendship between the Claudius siblings and me,

‘So what I’m wondering is, what kind of relationship do those two have?’

‘Even so, they’re adults of opposite genders, do you really think they appear as partners every time without any feelings at all?’

‘Oh come on, surely that can’t be?’

Speculating about the relationship between Lord Claudius and me, exchanging secretive glances.

‘Well, Lady Ansi must be happy.’

‘Look how she’s carrying herself with such confidence thanks to Lord Claudius’s influence?’

There would also be unfavorable looks about how I, a young lady from a humble family, suddenly gained attention in high society.

‘So predictable, so predictable.’

Just as I was shaking my head inwardly.

“….”

“….”

Suddenly the surroundings became quiet.

‘Huh?’

Momentarily puzzled, I raised my head.

Lord Claudius was quietly staring at the people whispering among themselves with a cold gaze.

Even though he was just looking, the pressure was tremendous.

“Ahem, hmm!”

“I’m, I’m a bit thirsty…”

The guests scattered in all directions, pretending to be distracted.

At the same time, Lord Claudius glanced down at me.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing.”

I hurriedly shook my head.

Yet the reason my heart couldn’t help but swell was.

‘Was he looking out for me?’

…because I kept having such thoughts.

“Larit!”

Just then, Lady Claudius approached us.

Normally she would have run over like a colt, but this time, perhaps being mindful of her surroundings, her steps were gracefully painted.

Then she looked back and forth between Lord Claudius and me with subtle eyes,

“There’s no friend like me, right?”

She suddenly threw out a question.

I was a bit puzzled.

“Pardon?”

“Thanks to me, you two were able to ride in the carriage together intimately, weren’t you?”

Lady Claudius shrugged her shoulders again, looking proud.

Ah, our Lady Claudius. You want to be praised?

Then I should do just that.

“Of course, our Lady Claudius is the best.”

I quickly played along with Lady Claudius,

“There are various ways to put gold on one’s own face.”

Meanwhile, Lord Claudius narrowed his eyes and scolded her.

Lady Claudius glared at Lord Claudius petulantly.

“If you’re grateful, just say you’re grateful, instead of being so dishonest.”

“….”

Lord Claudius was so dumbfounded he was left speechless.

Regardless, Lady Claudius just clung to me.

“But I’ll only yield to my brother this much. I want to play with Larit too.”

“Oh, then shall we have some snacks? I saw earlier that there were chocolate pecan tarts that you like, Lady Claudius…”

While we were having this back-and-forth conversation.

At the gaze that was fervently looking down at my profile, I stiffened my shoulders with a start.

When I quietly turned my gaze, Lord Claudius was looking at me with a strangely hurt expression…

‘What is that look supposed to mean?!’

It was like I was giving treats to a stray cat, but my house cat was glaring at me through the window…!

At the same time, Lord Claudius looked at Lady Claudius with a resolute expression.

“Evangeline Claudius, Lady Ansi is my partner today.”

“Before being your partner, she’s also my friend, isn’t she?”

Just as the two siblings were growling at each other like a dog and cat.

“Lord Claudius.”

A gentle voice was heard.

When I turned around, High Priest Evans stood there dressed in his formal priestly robes.

Beside him, Seraphina stood close by, gazing this way with a faint smile.

“Thank you for attending our charity party and gracing us with your presence.”

Then he looked back and forth between Lady Claudius and me with a smiling face.

“It’s good to see Lady Claudius and Lady Ansi as well.”

“Ah, High Priest Evans.”

Lord Claudius was the first to respond elegantly.

“Thank you for inviting me to this party. It’s truly wonderful.”

“Not at all.”

Whatever their true feelings, on the surface quite amicable greetings continued.

Just then, Seraphina’s gaze swept past me.

She looked at me with displeasure, but only briefly.

Seraphina soon approached me with friendly words.

“Larit, have you been well?”

Though she wore a smile across her face, her emerald eyes looking at me were cold as ice.

I pretended to know nothing and responded with a bright smile.

“Of course, I’ve been well thanks to your concern. You’ve been well too, haven’t you, Seraphina?”

“….”

At that question, fine cracks appeared across Seraphina’s face.

She must know how much her reputation has fallen, yet asking ‘have you been well’ on purpose was irritating.

Even so, Seraphina maintained her gentle smile.

‘Well, if she can’t even manage this level of expression control.’

It would be difficult to be praised as high society’s most pure lily.

However, her body was a bit more honest….

‘Hmm.’

I subtly lowered my gaze.

I could see Seraphina’s snow-white hands gripping the hem of her dress with all her might.

‘She must be quite frustrated.’

In that case.

I deliberately smiled even brighter as I faced my old friend.

Seraphina’s eyes trembled.

Seeing that sight.

‘Ha, how refreshing.’

I felt as if I had drunk an entire bottle of soda, my insides feeling completely cleared.

At that moment.

“The Empire’s most noble moon, the mother of all people, Her Majesty the Empress enters―!”

At that cry, everyone in the Central Hall paid their respects to Her Majesty the Empress in unison.

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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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