The Circumstances of Being Chosen as the Villainess’s Favorite - Chapter 224

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Special Side Story: Episode 37
I’d chased after him with something definite to say, yet my lips wouldn’t obey.
But it didn’t matter.
Lucas had read the situation with his usual quick eye.
The corners of his mouth began to lift in a tentative smile.
“Then, Chloe.”
Lucas, tense with anticipation, broached the question carefully.
“Will you be my partner?”
“Yes.”
Chloe nodded without hesitation.
And with that, Lucas’s face broke into a radiant smile.
Chloe’s heart thundered in her chest.
Really, a smile like that ought to be against the rules!
* * *
Parents were permitted to attend the End-of-Semester Party.
The other parents watched intently to see whether Lord and Lady Claudius would make an appearance.
And indeed, the moment the ducal couple stepped into the venue, they were surrounded by several families.
“Good evening to you both.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am…….”
Fortunately, a voice arrived at just the right moment to rescue them.
It was their one and only son.
“Mother!”
Lucas approached from across the room, his face luminous with warmth.
And at his side walked a beautiful young lady.
“You look absolutely lovely today, Chloe.”
Larite offered the compliment with genuine feeling.
Chloe’s cheeks flushed softly.
“Oh, thank you so much. It’s all thanks to your kindness, Lady Claudius.”
Chloe’s appearance today was flawless in every detail.
Her deep indigo hair curled elegantly and fell in waves over her shoulders.
At her temple glimmered a Diamond Pin, luminous as starlight.
Delicate makeup brought life to her face.
And an exquisite Summer Dress in flowing fabric highlighted the girl’s inherent charm.
“I’ve never prepared myself like this before in my life.”
Chloe murmured, a little embarrassed.
Larite’s smile deepened.
“I’m so glad it suits you. And it seems Lucas is quite pleased as well.”
“Pardon?”
Chloe blinked, momentarily bewildered.
At the same time, Larite added with playful intent.
“Oh, didn’t you know? Lucas was so worried he wouldn’t get to be your partner this time—you wouldn’t believe it.”
“Wait, Mother—”
“He talks about you so much, my ears are practically bleeding from it, I tell you.”
“When did I ever—”
Lucas’s voice shot up in panic.
Chloe watched him with wide eyes.
She’d never seen Lucas so flustered before.
And the fact that Lucas was flustered meant…….
“Chloe.”
Just then, Dietrich turned to address her.
Chloe snapped to attention and looked toward him.
“I’ve heard about the accomplishments you achieved this semester.”
“Ah…….”
Chloe felt a flutter of nervousness.
At the same time, Dietrich’s eyes creased in a gentle smile.
“Quite impressive, indeed.”
At his praise, Chloe’s expression brightened as if a lamp had been lit within her.
Dietrich continued in his steady manner.
“You are a talented individual chosen by House of Claudius. So go forward with confidence.”
…….
At those words, Chloe felt something catch in her chest.
She nodded quietly.
“I’ll hold those words close to my heart. Thank you, truly.”
That was when it happened.
Pairs of young men and women, hands clasped, began gathering toward the Dance Floor at the center of the Party Venue.
The beginning of the End-of-Semester Party.
Time for the first dance.
Lucas extended his hand to Chloe with a bright smile.
“Shall we, Chloe?”
“Yes.”
Without hesitation, Chloe placed her hand in his.
The two of them walked side by side toward the Dance Floor.
* * *
Standing on the floor, Lucas and Chloe exchanged formal bows with each other.
Then they took the basic position for dancing.
‘Oh.’
Chloe swallowed hard.
The sensation of his hand resting lightly at her waist felt oddly vivid and clear.
Lucas was… too close.
She was almost afraid her tension might show.
But.
‘It’s not bad.’
More than that—this buoyant feeling, like walking through clouds.
“Viscount.”
Surrendering to the magical atmosphere the Banquet Hall wove around her, Chloe lifted her gaze slightly.
Their eyes met.
“You really did tell Lady Claudius about me… didn’t you?”
Beneath the brilliant light of the Chandelier, Chloe’s eyes shone like the sun.
“That you wanted to be my Partner?”
……
Lucas swallowed hard.
In that crimson gaze fixed upon him, if he could discern even the faintest trace of hope—
But was that just his imagination?
No. He would stop speculating.
Lucas decided simply to speak his heart honestly.
“Yes.”
As Lucas nodded gently, a bright, cheerful melody rang out.
The two began to dance.
Perhaps out of consideration for Chloe, who was still unaccustomed to Social Dance.
Lucas guided her with careful attention.
Waiting for her to grow comfortable with the steps.
Lucas then gently broached a question that had weighed on his mind all along.
“Hey, Chloe.”
“Yes?”
“How much longer are you going to call me Viscount?”
……
Chloe found herself at a loss for words.
Lucas pressed on, his voice earnest.
“Can’t you call me Lucas now?”
At the pleading in Lucas’s eyes, Chloe’s cheeks flushed slightly and she looked away.
Viscount.
That title had been the final line Chloe drew between herself and Lucas.
Come no further.
We live in different worlds after all.
But now…
“…Lucas.”
Chloe finally found the courage to cross that line.
At that soft whisper, Lucas’s face broke into a smile as if he had won the entire world.
* * *
At that very moment.
Larite and Dietrich stood side by side, quietly watching the two young dancers moving clumsily across the floor.
“How wonderfully innocent,” Larite murmured, a smile in her voice.
She spoke in a tone threaded with amusement.
“Do you suppose we were ever like that?”
“I doubt I was ever quite as starry-eyed as Luca seems to be,” Dietrich replied coolly.
At this rather cutting remark, Larite found herself laughing despite herself.
She’d caught sight of Evangeline’s expression earlier — that unmistakable look of distaste — and the memory surfaced unbidden.
“Oh goodness, you two! Must you advertise it like this? Save those smitten looks for when it’s just the two of you!”
A married couple ought to be of one mind, after all.
Dietrich seemed to be thinking much the same thing.
He murmured in a tone tinged with resignation.
“Though I suspect Evangeline’s opinion on the matter differs somewhat.”
Larite laughed softly and squeezed Dietrich’s hand.
Then she spoke without warning.
“Thank you for your hard work.”
She couldn’t have said why those words came out just then.
She simply wanted to tell him that.
Dietrich heard her words and answered with genuine warmth.
“No — you’re the one who has endured so much. It’s only because you’ve been by my side that I’ve been able to come this far.”
“Dietrich…”
“Thank you. For making me the happiest man in the world.”
Larite’s smile deepened.
The two stood hand in hand, watching the children spin in gentle circles.
Today and tomorrow — every day would be happiness, as long as they were together with those they loved.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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