The Circumstances of Being Chosen as the Villainess’s Favorite - Chapter 18

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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 18

Suddenly, an afterimage flashed before my eyes.

Under the shade of brilliantly bloomed roses, a lady sat with her back straight.

Long, flowing black hair.

Her elegant posture remained consistently graceful, as if she had received thorough education.

That silhouette had been particularly etched in my vision.

‘She was said to be the lady of House of Ansi. Her name was… Larite, wasn’t it.’

Come to think of it, I seem to hear that name quite often lately.

His blue gaze sank deeply.

* * *

The next day.

Dietrich heard the name ‘Larit Ansi’ once again at the breakfast table.

“Brother, did you look at the documents?”

Evangeline barely touched her meal and eagerly threw out her question.

“How was it? I did a really good job on the documents, right?”

Dietrich, who had been elegantly handling his utensils, readily nodded.

“Yes, they were quite good.”

“I knew it!”

“That said.”

At that moment.

Dietrich narrowed his eyes and stared intently at his sister.

“Did you really make those documents yourself?”

“…”

Evangeline’s shoulders suddenly stiffened.

Dietrich pressed his sister again.

“Hmm?”

“No, well, the thing is!”

Evangeline raised her voice then glanced around cautiously.

“Lady Ansi helped me a little bit, just a tiny bit.”

“A little? You call this a little?”

“B-but I worked on it a lot too! The lady said I have talent!”

“I’m sure she did.”

Dietrich chuckled at his indignant sister.

Her sulking was brief.

Evangeline slyly asked a question.

“Anyway, you like the documents themselves, right?”

“Yes. They were excellent.”

“Oh…”

Evangeline stared at her brother as if truly surprised.

Then she quickly came to her senses,

“O-of course! Who do you think made them!”

Her face turned bright red as she raised her voice.

Dietrich narrowed his eyes.

“Eva, must you shout so ungracefully?”

“Th-this is all because of you, Brother!”

Evangeline covered both cheeks with her hands and threw a tantrum for no reason.

“Brother is usually so nitpicky…!”

“My goodness, even when I give you praise, you make a fuss.”

Dietrich clicked his tongue briefly.

Then Evangeline hung her head low and muttered.

“…This is the first time I’ve seen Brother readily say he likes something.”

The tips of his sister’s ears were so red, it seemed like red paint would come off if touched.

‘If I tease her more here, she’ll explode.’

With that judgment, Dietrich subtly changed the subject.

“Still, Lady Ansi must have been quite helpful.”

“Oh, yes!”

Evangeline’s head shot up as she nodded enthusiastically.

“Isn’t she really amazing? I’ve never met anyone as smart as Lady Ansi!”

“Indeed, to turn your nonsensical documents into something this presentable.”

“Oh, do you really have to be like this?!”

Evangeline glared at her brother with narrowed eyes, then propped her chin and continued.

“You know, Lady Ansi holds the title of Viscountess Ansi. Do all family heirs usually handle paperwork so well?”

That wouldn’t be the case.

Dietrich answered inwardly.

He had worked with countless administrators, but the documents Larite sent were outstanding even among them.

Meanwhile, Evangeline smiled brightly.

“Anyway, I’m happy that the documents pleased Brother.”

“…”

Dietrich suddenly felt conflicted.

Until now, he had taken care of Evangeline without letting a single drop of ink touch her fingertips.

In his own way, he thought he was cherishing his only sister.

But.

‘She looks much more vibrant now.’

Rather than when she grew up sheltered like a greenhouse flower, she seemed happier now that she had experienced actual work.

Am I mistaken?

And the person who made Evangeline show such a bright expression was…

‘Larit Ansi.’

The lady of House of Ansi, whose face he didn’t even know yet.

“Well then, Brother, I’ll get up first.”

Just then, Evangeline, who had finished her meal, stood up from her seat.

“I didn’t finish looking at yesterday’s budget proposal. Will you review it for me later?”

After earnestly asking, Evangeline hurried away.

Her steps were quite cheerful.

Watching his sister’s retreating figure, Dietrich flicked his fingers.

“Wait, come here.”

The secretary who had been waiting behind approached.

“June 2nd. What’s my schedule like?”

“June 2nd would be…”

The day the ducal house’s salon is held.

Dietrich smiled slightly.

“Right, I’m thinking of attending the salon myself.”

* * *

And so, on June 2nd.

The salon was held at Claudius Estate as scheduled.

The event took place in the annex attached to the townhouse, and the guest list I had checked in advance was truly dazzling.

It seemed like all the influential figures of the Empire had been invited…

‘Is it really okay for me to be at a place like this?’

I swallowed nervously.

Famous figures from high society who would normally be difficult to meet were as common as dirt at the Claudius salon.

‘Over there is Marchioness Baldwin. And over there is…’

I had memorized almost all the famous figures of the Empire while assisting Seraphina.

To think I would see all of them in person.

Now I understand why Seraphina was so eager to come to this salon.

‘Perfect for making connections.’

Moreover, the host of this salon is a Lady whose status completely overshadows all these famous figures…

“Lady Ansi!”

Someone came running up from behind and suddenly grabbed my arm.

Speak of the devil.

It was Lady Claudius.

“You came? I was waiting for you!”

Lady Claudius looked at me with sparkling eyes.

Then she made an “oops” expression and quietly let go of my arm.

“I-I’m not usually such an undignified person. You know that, right?”

“Of course, I know.”

I smiled brightly.

Today Lady Claudius was dressed in a snow-white dress with a hair corsage matching the dress’s color adorning her hair.

That appearance was like…

‘A Persian cat.’

Acting aloof, pretending not to need human touch, being finicky.

But still a white and adorable cat that hovers around its owner for no reason.

At the same time, Lady Claudius glanced at me sideways.

“So, what do you think of the salon?”

“It’s truly wonderful.”

I was genuinely amazed.

The works displayed in the salon were all incredibly beautiful.

Perhaps because they were artists selected by House of Claudius itself, they all seemed exceptionally talented.

A satisfied smile crossed Lady Claudius’s lips.

“Next time I’ll show you the artworks our family owns. If you want.”

“I’d love to see them!”

My eyes sparkled with anticipation.

House of Claudius was renowned throughout the Empire for its extensive art collection.

Both the number of works they owned and their quality.

I heard it was comparable even to the Imperial collection.

“Well, don’t get your hopes up too much. Most of the artworks are at the main estate.”

Lady Claudius added primly.

But then.

“Eva.”

A pleasant baritone voice called Lady Claudius.

Lady Claudius’s eyes widened as she turned around.

“Brother?!”

Gasp.

I froze stiff in place.

Dietrich von Claudius.

The Empire’s one and only Duke, and the Empire’s sharpest sword.

…And one of the two male protagonists of this world.

Seraphina, who monopolized everyone’s love but never gave her heart to anyone.

The man who had instantly stolen her heart for the first time…

Was standing right in front of me.

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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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