The Circumstances of Being Chosen as the Villainess’s Favorite - Chapter 188
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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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Special Side Story Episode 1
Bohemia District, 352-1, one of Jedo’s upscale residential areas.
At that address stands a charming two-story manor with pristine white walls and a red roof.
Every May, crimson climbing roses bloom magnificently on that manor, and in the greenhouse, various roses emit their fragrant scents.
Thus called the ‘Rose Mansion,’ this place was home to one of the Empire’s most renowned figures.
That person was none other than Evangeline von Claudius.
The one and only younger sister of Lord Claudius, and the Empire’s sole duchess.
The reason why Evangeline, who originally lived in Lord Claudius’ Town House, obtained her own manor and moved out alone was roughly as follows.
“My goodness, Eva. Are you really thinking of moving out?”
Larite looked at Evangeline with earnest eyes.
“Yeah, it’s dangerous for you to live alone outside. You should really stay with us…”
Dietrich also tried to somehow hold onto his younger sister.
But Evangeline’s attitude was extremely firm.
“I’m not that oblivious, you know?”
Evangeline shot back sharply and lifted her chin proudly.
“I don’t want to intrude on newlyweds who just got married. Besides.”
Her azure eyes looked back and forth between Larite and Dietrich with utter exasperation.
“…Especially not newlyweds who are as clingy as Larit and Her Brother.”
Her narrowed eyes, tone, and even her indifferent voice.
That’s right.
Evangeline was serious about escaping this couple’s paradise…
Although the two tried to be considerate of Evangeline living with them, being newlyweds, they inevitably kept creating sweet atmospheres unintentionally.
And whenever Evangeline encountered such moments between her brother and his wife, all three of them became extremely awkward.
‘Don’t try to stop me. I’ve already decided everything.’
Thus, leaving behind the embarrassed expressions of the ducal couple, Evangeline was finally able to achieve independence as she wished.
However, even after that, the two couldn’t stop worrying and fretting about Evangeline.
They personally selected and stationed butlers and guard knights at the Rose Mansion, and constantly sent snacks and gifts.
“We’re here, Eva.”
“I bought this on the way. Of course, I didn’t buy it for you to eat, I just bought it so Larit and you could have tea together.”
The ducal couple even began visiting the Rose Mansion almost every other day.
Eventually, Evangeline grew tired of her brother and friend’s overprotectiveness.
“I’m an adult now, so please stop coming so often!!”
Only after throwing a proper tantrum with much grumbling could she regain her freedom.
Thus, Lord and Lady Claudius promised to visit only once a week.
Oh, of course there were exceptions.
“Larit can visit anytime, but if you’re coming with Her Brother, then only once a week.”
Evangeline declared this with her arms crossed and a sulky expression.
“Seeing Her Brother’s face once a week is quite enough.”
Thus, the Rose Mansion became peaceful.
Evangeline planned to spend some quiet time growing roses instead of receiving guests for a while.
She definitely had planned that…
Knock knock knock.
One sunny afternoon.
Someone politely knocked on the gate of the Rose Mansion.
* * *
“Wow, this rose! It’s a Merilda variety!”
Currently, Evangeline was visiting a certain garden in the outskirts of Jedo.
The garden, where various roses bloomed abundantly, was one of Evangeline’s favorite places.
Having discovered a rare rose variety, Evangeline became completely excited.
Thus, after greedily purchasing various rose seedlings and finishing signing the delivery request form.
‘Huh?’
Evangeline blinked with an “oh no” expression.
Because she belatedly remembered a certain fact.
That was because today, Evangeline hadn’t visited this garden alone.
While Evangeline was excitedly running around among the roses, there was one forgotten person.
That person was.
‘Isn’t this… a bit strange?’
Evangeline made a peculiar expression and glanced up at the man standing beside her.
‘Why is this person visiting the garden with me?’
That’s right.
Currently beside Evangeline stood a man with handsome features as if crafted from pure silver and amethyst.
That man was none other than Andimion Arnold de Calenberg.
The current Crown Prince and the Empire’s next sovereign.
‘Is Prince quite free these days?’
She knew well that this was an impertinent thought to have about the Crown Prince.
But Evangeline was serious.
‘Lately, I feel like I’ve been seeing Prince too often.’
The point when Evangeline began to feel something was truly strange was right after Larite and Dietrich left for their honeymoon.
“Since Lord and Lady Claudius have left for their honeymoon, aren’t you lonely by yourself?”
Suddenly, Her Majesty the Empress had contacted her.
“Won’t you come and keep me company?”
At that suggestion, Evangeline promptly entered the Imperial Palace.
She had always been very fond of the Empress, and she knew well that the Empress was being considerate in case she might feel lonely.
There was no reason to refuse meeting with the Empress.
And Evangeline ended up encountering Crown Prince Endymion during her tea time with the Empress.
“Have you been well, Your Grace?”
“Thanks to your concern, I have been well.”
I think I answered quite well, don’t I?
Evangeline felt secretly proud of her smooth response.
I’m no longer the notoriously ill-tempered person I used to be.
Then Endymion gave Evangeline a bright smile.
“Come to think of it, I have a favor to ask of you, Your Grace.”
“Me? You mean me?”
“Actually, I’m considering planting new roses in the Crown Prince’s Garden.”
Huh? Roses?
It was only natural for Evangeline, who loved anything related to roses, to perk up her ears.
Endymion added in a subtle tone.
“So, I was wondering if you could recommend some?”
Like waving a feather wand in front of a cat’s nose, making it instinctively try to grab it.
There was no way Evangeline could refuse the topic of ‘roses.’
Thus, Evangeline went to tour the Crown Prince’s Garden.
Walking through the well-maintained garden alone with Endymion, she recommended roses that would suit the garden.
She also gave a little lecture about rose varieties while she was at it.
As time grew late doing this, she was even treated to dinner.
She ended up recommending this garden they were now visiting, saying it had the most diverse varieties of roses in the Empire.
Before she knew it, they had somehow ended up standing side by side in the garden.
‘But… was there really a need to come to the garden together?’
Evangeline, who belatedly felt puzzled, found herself unconsciously glancing at her side.
At the same time, Endymion, who had been examining the various roses blooming around them, subtly lowered his head.
It was an agile movement, as if he had sensed Evangeline’s gaze.
‘Oh.’
Their eyes met.
At the same time, Endymion smiled warmly with his eyes.
“What’s the matter, Princess?”
“It’s nothing.”
Evangeline quickly shook her head.
No matter what, she wasn’t so lacking in social skills as to ask the Prince outright, ‘Your Highness, are you really that free?’
More precisely, it was closer to having developed that level of social awareness through her friendship with Larite.
“Have you seen enough of the roses to your satisfaction?”
“Yes, I’ve seen them all.”
“Then shall we rest and have some tea now?”
Huh? Weren’t we supposed to go back to our respective homes?
Evangeline tilted her head in confusion.
Endymion casually added.
“There’s a famous pastry shop nearby. I hear their black tea is quite good, and their madeleines are especially renowned.”
…What?
Evangeline felt that strong sense of unease once again.
And for good reason, since madeleines were the dessert Evangeline had casually mentioned wanting to try last time.
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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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