The Circumstances of Being Chosen as the Villainess’s Favorite - Chapter 138

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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 138

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A sunny afternoon with bright sunlight streaming down.

A large exhibition hall was opened under the name of Claudius.

<Claudius’ Children>

It was an expo introducing the childcare foundation newly established by the ducal house.

Since it was a foundation established under the family’s name, the ducal house put tremendous effort into this foundation project.

They rented Jedo’s large exhibition hall and used the entire space to introduce the foundation’s work.

The highlight was the ‘career introduction booths’ that covered all the jobs children would have when they found employment in the future.

‘Wow.’

Looking around at the booths, I unconsciously gaped in amazement.

Of course, I thought people would flock here just for the name value of Claudius alone.

But this…

‘This exceeds my imagination?’

Visitors were walking between numerous neatly decorated booths.

Each booth explained in detail what kind of life children would have at the orphanage.

What system the foundation would use to educate children and connect them to employment.

What kinds of jobs children growing up in the foundation’s orphanages would have later, and so on.

They covered various subtopics, explaining the foundation in detail to people.

“Did you see the career introduction booths?”

“Oh, I did. All of Claudius’ businesses and even small shops in Lord Claudius’ domain were represented.”

“It was very specific and interesting.”

Well, it seems to be getting quite favorable reviews among the visitors.

‘Hehe.’

Keeping my ears open to people’s reactions, I smiled quietly to myself with a proud heart.

And for good reason—the idea for the ‘career introduction booths’ was my suggestion!

I used job fairs I had attended in my previous life as a motif…

‘This seems to be working quite well, doesn’t it?’

After that, conversations that continued to satisfy me followed.

“Of course, the Imperial Curia has been doing charitable work until now.”

“But honestly, the Imperial Curia’s childcare work has been no different from other orphanages, hasn’t it?”

“Taking care of children with nowhere to go is important, but there’s definitely a distinction in terms of making children self-sufficient.”

Well, I didn’t expect such favorable reviews.

I felt my shoulders naturally straightening with pride.

Currently, there was a subtle war of nerves between Claudius and the Imperial Curia.

Since Lady Claudius and Lord Claudius were here, it was inevitable that hearts would lean toward Claudius.

Moreover, from my perspective, perhaps because of what I experienced during Gregory’s marriage fraud incident.

It was true that the Imperial Curia didn’t look favorable to me.

At that moment.

The conversation began to flow in a direction I hadn’t expected.

“Speaking of which, regarding this foundation establishment, Lady Ansi contributed various opinions, didn’t she?”

Huh? Me?

At my name suddenly popping up, I blinked my eyes blankly in confusion.

“I heard that too. She suggested vocational education and caring for children until adulthood.”

“Holding this expo was also Lady Ansi’s idea.”

I know that rumors spread fast in high society.

But for related stories to have spread this much already…?

‘It’s not like I did anything that tremendous.’

Hearing several nobles whispering, I couldn’t overcome my embarrassment and quietly stepped back.

I hadn’t intended to eavesdrop.

Honestly, once I became aware of my name, the subsequent conversation naturally entered my ears.

“Lord Claudius must truly be serious about Lady Ansi.”

“Otherwise, there’s no way he would accept Lady Ansi’s opinions one by one for such a large-scale project.”

The nobles, unaware of my presence, continued chattering excitedly.

Hmm.

Feeling somewhat ticklish in my chest, I tried hard to manage my expression.

I felt like my face might turn bright red.

Actually, I knew it too.

Lord Claudius is a very rational person, and if my opinions truly had no value, he would cut them out.

But still…

‘He’s treating me very favorably.’

The foundation issue was like that too.

No matter how much I wanted to help Lord Claudius and came up with ideas in my own way.

From Lord Claudius’ perspective, there was no need to listen to my opinions, discuss with me, and reflect those opinions.

Strictly speaking, I was just Lord Claudius’ lover.

I wasn’t someone who belonged to Claudius.

Yet Lord Claudius.

‘Didn’t hesitate to take on all that troublesome work.’

I think I’ve checked public opinion enough.

I quietly left my spot and distanced myself from the people enthusiastically conversing.

But then.

“Lady Ansi!”

Someone called me with a voice as clear as a nightingale.

But somehow that voice sounds very familiar?

My eyes widened as I reflexively turned around.

“Miss Morgan?”

The Empire’s greatest opera singer, Sophia Morgan.

Miss Morgan looked dazzlingly beautiful today as well.

She seemed to have toured the career introduction booths, holding several pamphlets in her hands.

“I was hoping I might meet you today, and I’m so happy to see you like this!”

Miss Morgan, who had stridden over to me, smiled brightly at me.

That smile was as fresh as a sprig of hyacinth.

“Nice to see you, Miss Morgan.”

I also greeted her warmly.

“I was a bit surprised when I heard you were suddenly establishing a childcare foundation.”

Miss Morgan shrugged her shoulders lightly.

“The expo is really wonderful.”

“Do you think so, Miss Morgan?”

“Of course. As expected of Claudius, they don’t do anything carelessly.”

Of course, I wasn’t a member of Claudius, but since I had put effort into this expo in various ways.

I couldn’t help feeling proud and my shoulders rising.

I hadn’t noticed while focusing on Miss Morgan.

Her appearance had caused quite a stir among the people.

“Oh my, it’s Miss Morgan!”

“Miss Morgan, you said?”

“Well, they did say Miss Morgan debuted with support from Claudius’ Salon…”

Just then, Miss Morgan looked around at the people.

“Hello, distinguished guests.”

Miss Morgan, who had greeted them gracefully, declared elegantly.

“I just came from signing a regular donation contract with the Claudius Foundation.”

“Miss Morgan?”

“Oh my goodness….”

People expressed their admiration once again.

Miss Morgan continued speaking as if for everyone to hear.

“I’m sure you all know well that I was able to become an opera singer with Claudius’ support.”

Claudius’ Salon, which discovered and sponsored people with outstanding artistic talents.

Among them, Miss Morgan was the most beautifully polished gem.

“I’m truly happy to be able to repay the kindness I received back then in this way.”

With sincere eyes that showed not a trace of falsehood.

Miss Morgan looked around at the people.

“I was lucky enough to be chosen by Lord Claudius, but even at this very moment, there must be children living difficult lives.”

The audience listened to Miss Morgan’s words as if under a spell, completely entranced.

I was no different.

“…Just like I once was, unable to take the stage and despairing day by day.”

Miss Morgan’s voice was simply calm.

But within those composed words, I couldn’t even imagine how much despair, tears, and pain were embedded.

From a young girl doing odd jobs at the Opera House to establishing herself as the finest opera singer.

Knowing how much effort Miss Morgan must have put in….

Her very existence exerted powerful persuasive force. People were drawn in.

“I believe without a doubt that Claudius’ foundation will give such children the strength to live on.”

“Certainly….”

“Claudius is definitely much more systematic than the Imperial Curia’s orphanages.”

The audience members each nodded their heads.

In that situation, Miss Morgan drove the point home once more.

“I earnestly hope that all of you present here will share even a little warmth with the children. With that, I shall take my leave.”

Miss Morgan concluded her words so refreshingly.

“I hope you all have a wonderful time.”

The people who had been focused on her words finally snapped back to attention.

“To think Miss Morgan makes regular donations.”

“Hmm, I should consider it myself.”

Amazing, the celebrity effect…!

In my previous life, companies were desperate to use top stars as advertising models, and this is why!

My jaw dropped.

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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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