The Circumstances of Being Chosen as the Villainess’s Favorite - Chapter 134

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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 134

‘Only now are they recognizing our Lady’s true worth.’

The nobles’ conversations continued without pause.

“Moreover, to think that Lady Ansi also played a part—how surprising.”

“I heard His Grace publicly declared Lady Ansi to be his lover?”

“There were rumors that Lady’s previous salon was executed so brilliantly because of Lady Ansi’s advice.”

Now it was Evangeline’s turn to feel proud.

‘Ah, there’s a reason I want to make our Larit my sister-in-law, you know?’

Unable to contain her satisfaction, Evangeline pushed up the corners of her mouth into a grin.

But then.

An elderly noble threw out a joke with a laugh.

“With such exceptional taste, I think even I would declare her my lover if I were His Grace.”

“I agree completely. Wouldn’t it be terrible if some other gentleman took an interest in Lady Ansi?”

Suddenly, the two nobles who had been exchanging jokes stiffened their shoulders with a start.

It felt as if cold water had been poured over them, sending chills down their spines.

‘What’s this?’

The two nobles glanced around.

Dietrich, who had been glaring at them with murderous eyes, smiled elegantly as if nothing had happened when their gazes met.

“….”

“….”

That made it even more chilling.

After a moment of silence, the nobles quickly changed the subject without anyone taking the lead.

“Sp-speaking of which, the last party I attended was a charity event.”

At those words, Isaac, who had been tasting the appetizer that had just been served, stiffened his shoulders slightly.

The noble, not noticing him, continued speaking.

“Of course, the charity party was quite beautiful as well, but in terms of meaningful content, this banquet certainly stands out.”

“You speak truly.”

Isaac irritably pressed down on his appetizer with his fork.

The nobles’ conversation continued.

“Ah, of course Lady Lopez’s event called ‘The Brightest Star of November’ was quite innovative.”

“I’m sure that event raised quite a considerable amount in donations.”

Well, up to this point it was fine.

It seemed they were saying that Isaac’s judgment in choosing Seraphina wasn’t entirely bad.

However.

“The auction item that stood out the most was surely Donovan’s sketch that Lady Ansi contributed, wasn’t it?”

“And what about the amount His Grace bid on that sketch!”

Once again, Claudius became the topic of conversation.

“….”

Isaac’s mood sank even further.

Seraphina, high society’s most innocent lily.

At first, he thought she would be quite useful, but now she felt like a pretty but worthless fruit.

Isaac glanced sideways at Larit.

‘Lady Ansi earned praise from both the nobles and the diplomatic mission in one go at this banquet, while Lady Lopez is….’

But then.

“Ah, what is this dish?”

The diplomatic mission widened their eyes as they looked down at the main course.

White fish meat had been carefully filleted, fried until the skin was crispy, and finished with tangy-sweet spices that tickled the nose.

The cooking method looked very familiar.

Unlike the Empire, which mainly featured meat as the main course, Rosbern, being an island nation, primarily ate seafood.

And because of the hot weather, they used tangy spices to stimulate the appetite….

“I do hope the food is to your liking.”

Just then, the Empress spoke gently.

“It’s very delicious.”

Count Pera answered as the representative of the diplomatic mission.

“We never expected to encounter our Rosbern cuisine like this, which makes it all the more delightful.”

“When welcoming such honored guests, we must pay the utmost attention.”

The Empress smiled warmly with her eyes.

After all, the Empire was the largest country on the continent.

They took great pride in their own culture, and this principle remained unbroken even when inviting and hosting other nations.

But to directly incorporate and serve Rosbern food….

‘They’re showing consideration for us.’

‘I didn’t expect them to pay such careful attention.’

The diplomatic mission’s expressions relaxed.

Meanwhile, the Empress, who had been carefully observing the mission’s mood, nodded with satisfaction.

‘Everyone seems pleased.’

All of this success was essentially brought about by Larit and Evangeline.

The floral decorations using both the Empire’s and Rosbern’s national flowers.

Even the approach of breaking with tradition to directly serve Rosbern cuisine.

All of these were proposals made by the two ladies.

‘Somehow, it seems the Lady has grown up considerably.’

The Empress, who had been looking at Evangeline with proud eyes, shifted her gaze to the lady sitting beside Evangeline.

And the Lady’s positive transformation was also….

‘Brought about by Lady Ansi, no doubt.’

Larit Ansi.

The Lady’s one and only friend, and the Duke’s lover.

The smile on the Empress’s lips deepened.

It was a satisfied smile.

* * *

“I thought only that bastard Dietrich was irritating, but his sister is just the same.”

Lord Evans grumbled as he walked.

It was time for refreshments and tea to be served after the banquet had ended.

Isaac and the Viscount had currently left their seats, finding the praise being showered on Evangeline regarding the banquet too galling to bear.

But they couldn’t stay away from their seats indefinitely.

“So what do you plan to do?”

The Viscount glanced sideways at his son.

“Didn’t the High Priest personally tell you to resolve the tribunal matter?”

“….”

Isaac’s jaw tightened.

The Viscount clicked his tongue disapprovingly.

“To think we have to make another request to Dietrich….”

“You know why we’re sending the Chief Priest as the Imperial Curia’s representative to this banquet, don’t you?”

“Try to resolve this matter somehow.”

“I trust you’ll handle it well.”

The High Priest’s earnest voice rang clearly in his ears.

‘Yes, I need to resolve that problem somehow….’

Just as Isaac was clenching his fists tightly.

He could hear the sound of nobles and the diplomatic mission chatting amongst themselves.

“Today’s banquet was truly magnificent.”

“I heard Lady Claudius and Lady Ansi assisted Her Majesty the Empress.”

“To think Her Majesty the Empress personally commended them—how surprising.”

The cheerful atmosphere continued until the meal ended and refreshments and tea were served.

Though the delegation and nobles had been at each other’s throats during the talks, they now conversed quite comfortably.

“Come to think of it, I hear Claudius is establishing a new foundation for children?”

Count Pera spoke up with a voice full of curiosity.

‘Claudius?’

Isaac, who had been returning to his seat with Lord Evans, suddenly stopped in his tracks.

The Viscount’s brow furrowed deeply.

“Wherever I go, it’s nothing but talk of Dietrich. How irritating…”

At the same time, another diplomat chimed in agreement.

“I heard about it too. I never expected even high-ranking nobles to care so much about the Empire’s citizens’ welfare.”

“The Empire’s future looks bright.”

“We in Rosvern should follow their example.”

…Who would have thought even the Rosburg Delegation would show interest in Claudius’s foundation.

Isaac felt an intense sense of crisis.

At the same time, one of the nobles looked around broadly.

It was a gesture as if checking whether someone was present or not.

After that.

He lowered his voice to whisper.

“Then… what will happen to the Imperial Curia’s foundation?”

That voice pierced Isaac’s ears like a blade.

‘How dare they!’

Sparks flew up in Isaac’s eyes.

These were nobles who hadn’t dared bring up that topic when Isaac and Lord Evans were present.

The moment they stepped away, they pounced on the subject like vultures—such viciousness.

“Well, if House of Claudius establishes a childcare foundation in earnest… it would be rather troublesome for the Imperial Curia.”

“The ducal house has been providing massive donations until now.”

“Since the Imperial Curia has always handled charitable work, their influence will likely weaken somewhat.”

“Ahem, hmm!”

Unable to contain himself, Lord Evans cleared his throat loudly as he walked out.

“…”

When he swept his displeased gaze over the nobles, they startled and each slyly averted their eyes.

Even so, Lord Evans couldn’t demand to know what the nobles had been discussing.

That appearance…

‘It’s being compared to that bastard Dietrich.’

Isaac ground his teeth.

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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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