The Circumstances of Being Chosen as the Villainess’s Favorite - Chapter 114

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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 114

“I hope Lady Ansi will not make such a mistake.”

“…High Priest Evans.”

“The House of Claudius and the House of Ansi are not exactly compatible families in many ways, are they not?”

High Priest Evans, who had begun speaking this way, looked at me with a pitying gaze.

“I’m speaking carefully out of concern that Lady Ansi might be hurt later.”

His tone sounded so genuinely concerned for me.

I felt even more strange.

“So I hope you won’t take this too badly.”

In the end, can I not escape from the original story?

Honestly, I…

I had thought that Lord Claudius and I might have developed romantic feelings for each other.

But now, it seems as if…

…this world doesn’t support the relationship between Lord Claudius and me.

Without realizing it, I glanced sideways toward Lord Claudius and Seraphina.

The sight of the two dancing gracefully was truly like a painting.

I felt my heart sink.

But then.

“Ah, excuse me for a moment.”

A voice mixed with laughter asked for my understanding.

And.

“Ah!”

High Priest Evans suddenly pulled me close.

Finding myself leaning against him as if embraced, I tried to hastily create distance in my confusion.

But High Priest Evans held my waist firmly and pulled me even closer.

As if we were lovers.

‘This isn’t quite right, is it?’

While such movements were basically part of the dance, this was an excessively intimate embrace even for that.

Along with this, a deep smile appeared on High Priest Evans’ lips.

As if he was drunk with a sense of victory.

‘Who exactly is he looking at?’

Puzzled, I turned my head slightly and.

“…”

My eyes met with Lord Claudius, who was glaring this way with an expressionless face.

Tightly pressed lips.

And blue eyes as cold as a sea covered with ice.

No matter how I looked at it, he was suppressing his anger.

‘Huh?’

My eyes widened slightly.

That was because Lord Claudius was…

Not laying a single finger on Seraphina.

* * *

‘What on earth is happening?’

Seraphina looked at Dietrich with a dazed expression as if she had been struck on the head.

Dietrich stood as if rooted to the spot.

His burning blue eyes persistently glared at High Priest Evans, who held Larit in his arms.

The music had reached its climax.

In the midst of it, they were the only ones standing there blankly without dancing.

“L-Lord Claudius.”

Seraphina carefully called to Dietrich, trying somehow to resume the dance.

At that moment.

Step.

Dietrich passed by Seraphina without even a word of excuse.

* * *

Lord Claudius, who had walked toward us with long strides, pulled High Priest Evans’ shoulder away as if tearing it off.

And.

“My partner is uncomfortable, High Priest Evans.”

Lord Claudius shot back sharply.

“From my humble knowledge, I believe the goddess taught us to be considerate so that others feel no discomfort.”

Lord Claudius smiled fiercely.

“It seems you need time to reflect on the goddess’s teachings.”

As High Priest Evans’ face contorted with anger.

The music finally ended.

“…”

“…”

The surroundings fell silent.

* * *

After that.

I was anxious that a fight might break out, but fortunately it passed without incident.

That was because not only were there many invited guests, but even Her Majesty the Empress was present.

“What on earth is going on here?”

Her Majesty the Empress personally stepped in to mediate.

Lord Claudius and High Priest Evans had no choice but to reluctantly back down.

However, Lord Claudius’ mood hit rock bottom after that.

‘Wow, brother’s mood is completely down.’

Lady Claudius was shaking her head in dismay.

“Everyone, please take your seats.”

Just then, Seraphina, who had organized the charity party, took the stage as the event host.

Honestly, after all that commotion earlier, she couldn’t be feeling entirely good…

But her perfect expression management in the midst of it all was admirable.

As the invited guests took their seats one by one, I also sat in the VIP section I was guided to.

For reference, the seats on either side of me were occupied by Lord Claudius and Lady Claudius.

“I’m going to sit next to Larit.”

Lady Claudius insisted that she absolutely had to sit next to me.

But I couldn’t leave the seat next to Lord Claudius, my partner, empty either.

For reference, Her Majesty the Empress is sitting next to Lady Claudius…

‘My goodness, what a luxurious group this is.’

Feeling somewhat nervous, I straightened my back and corrected my posture.

“Thanks to High Priest Evans’ support this time, we’ve been able to select ‘November’s Brightest Star.'”

Seraphina smiled as purely as a white lily.

“There are still many neighbors around us who are struggling. I hope that through this event, many donations will be gathered so they can have a warm winter.”

Seraphina, who had shown proper courtesy to the VIP guests, concluded her speech clearly.

“Then let us begin.”

Clap clap clap—.

Applause poured out.

Various items were brought up on stage one by one.

“This item is a scarf donated by Lady Barreto.”

“This item is donated by Count Koehl…”

“This item is…”

Donations accumulated steadily.

The lady whose fiancé had purchased her item for a large sum looked back at her fiancé with an affectionate gaze.

The nobles who had contributed items each puffed out their chests with pride.

Naturally, the priests wore pleased expressions as they watched the donations steadily accumulate.

Just then.

An elegant handbag was brought up onto the stage.

It had been so well-maintained that the leather gleamed with a lustrous shine.

“This item… is something I contributed.”

Seraphina continued with a shy pretense.

“It’s from Büsken Brand’s 1827 collection, a handbag I treasure dearly.”

Oh, of course I knew.

That bag was something Gregory had bought for Seraphina’s eighteenth birthday.

“Sera, I prepared this for you. It was quite difficult to get, you know?”

Gregory had boasted like that.

And Seraphina, who at the time wouldn’t bat an eye at ordinary gifts,

“Gregory, you’re absolutely the best!”

Unable to contain her joy, had thrown her arms around Gregory’s neck with tears glistening in her eyes.

‘To think she’d offer up something she treasured so dearly.’

It was obvious she had come here gritting her teeth, desperate to raise her reputation at this charity party.

Seraphina continued with an innocent expression.

“I sincerely hope this bag can help, even in a small way, to assist those in need.”

As soon as she finished speaking, a placard went up.

It was High Priest Evans.

20,000 derks.

It was the highest price among all the items presented so far.

Even considering the rarity of that collection, it was a considerable sum.

As evidence of this, the distinguished guests attending the charity party each widened their eyes in surprise.

“20,000 derks?”

“Even for such a precious collection, that’s quite a substantial amount.”

“It’s for helping those in need, after all.”

To the surprised gazes of the people, High Priest Evans replied good-naturedly.

“I’m rather delighted to be able to breathe some life into the event in this way.”

“My goodness…”

Meanwhile, Seraphina covered her mouth with both hands, pretending to be moved, though she couldn’t hide her proud expression.

I could already imagine how much she’d hold her nose high in high society, bringing up today’s events…

After that, several ladies and noblewomen participated in the auction.

But in the end, High Priest Evans became the final winner.

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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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