The Circumstances of Being Chosen as the Villainess’s Favorite - Chapter 226

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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 39
Dietrich narrowed his eyes and took a jab at his brother-in-law.
“Your Majesty, that’s simply Evangeline’s taste, isn’t it?”
Then he turned to his son and continued with confidence.
“If you ask me, a ring would be lovely.”
“A ring?”
“Why not choose a gemstone to match Chloe’s eye color? A ruby, perhaps, or red jade.”
At that, Endymion’s expression grew noticeably uneasy.
“Now see here, Lord Claudius. Fine, you proposed to Lady Claudius with a Pink Diamond Ring, but to recommend the same to Luca…?”
Meanwhile, Lucas found himself staring at both men in utter disbelief.
He was thoroughly exhausted by the way these two kept tailoring their advice to suit his wife’s preferences.
“Of course—one must consider one’s wife’s taste.”
“I quite agree, Evangeline.”
Even Evangeline and Larite nodded as though such doting behavior were the most natural thing in the world.
“I shall manage it myself, thank you.”
Lucas finally released a heavy sigh and drew a line under the matter.
Yet there was one young lady present who had grown curious about Lucas’s engagement.
‘So Chloe is going to become part of my family?’
That was none other than Irene, the Imperial House’s treasured jewel and only daughter of the Emperor and Empress.
For what it was worth, Irene and Chloe had built a friendship over quite some time.
Ever since Chloe had taken her post as a Secretary Official at the Imperial Court, the two had been inseparable—which seemed natural enough.
‘Wonderful.’
Irene’s eyes sparkled with delight.
‘Since it’s come to this, I’ll do everything I can to support my sister and her future husband!’
* * *
A few days later.
Irene regarded Chloe with evident nervousness.
Chloe was studying some documents with careful attention.
And then—
“You’ve done well, Your Highness.”
She broke into a radiant smile.
Irene practically bounced with joy.
“I’m so happy! How many days has it been since I received your praise?”
“You mustn’t call me that, Your Highness. I’m your Secretary Official, after all.”
Chloe offered the gentle correction.
Irene pouted in protest.
“Don’t be so rigid. You’re going to marry Lucas anyway.”
“Pardon?”
Chloe’s face flushed crimson in an instant.
Irene giggled and pressed on.
“Then we’ll be family. Wouldn’t it be nicer if you called me something warmer?”
“B-but I haven’t… I mean, it hasn’t happened yet…”
“Hmm, you didn’t say you *won’t* marry him, did you?”
At that, Chloe’s shoulders stiffened.
Irene continued with playful mischief.
“Stop being so formal with me. I’ve always wanted an older sister.”
“Y-Your Highness…”
“And when you marry Lucas, you’ll play with me often, won’t you? Promise?”
Chloe simply squeezed her eyes shut.
Before her stood a beautiful silver-haired, blue-eyed lady who bore a striking resemblance to none other than Evangeline herself, now swaying with cat-like grace and speaking to her with such charming appeal.
Even for someone like Chloe, who prided herself on principle and propriety, that loveliness proved devastatingly effective…!
“Um, Chloe?”
Irene’s eyes gleamed as she posed her question.
“What makes Lucas so wonderful?”
Chloe’s face turned as red as a ripe apple.
“Th-that’s not what we should be doing right now. You have documents to review…”
“Oh, stop dodging the question like that.”
“Your Highness, you ought to focus on those documents. After all, you’re soon to be Crown Princess.”
Chloe thrust the papers toward Irene, her face ablaze.
Of late, Irene had been undergoing all manner of practical training to prepare for her role as Crown Princess.
Of course, she knew it in her mind.
That as the future heir to the throne, she had to study diligently.
But people ordinarily cannot bring themselves to enjoy studying, and so…….
Irene, who had been staring down at the documents with a sullen expression, soon blinked her pretty eyes.
“Chloe, I’m so tired. Isn’t that right?”
“You still have to do it.”
Chloe answered firmly.
Irene’s eyes began to narrow into triangles.
“Oh no, are you going to be like Father?”
“I’m honored to be compared to the wise Emperor. Thank you for the compliment.”
“You’re so strict!”
“Perhaps that’s why he asked me to serve you as his Crown Princess.”
Just as the two of them were bickering away.
Irene, finally surrendering, changed the subject.
“But you’ll be attending the party, won’t you?”
“The party?”
“My Investiture Ceremony celebration party.”
Irene smiled with a knowing glint in her eye.
That was right.
Soon, Irene’s Investiture Ceremony as Crown Princess was to be held.
And after the ceremony, a celebration party was scheduled.
“Lucas has been making such a fuss about attending with you.”
“…….”
Now Chloe was pretending she hadn’t heard a thing.
Her mouth pressed shut, her expression growing pale.
Yet she could not hide the fact that the tips of her ears had turned completely crimson.
Confirming this, Irene giggled and asked again.
“So, what kind of dress are you going to wear?”
Phew.
Perhaps the Crown Princess would tease her less now.
With the focus shifting away from Lucas, Chloe released a quiet sigh of relief and answered as if nothing were amiss.
“Well, wouldn’t it be fine to wear the Secretary Official Uniform?”
At the same time, cold sweat began to bead on Chloe’s brow.
‘Did I—did I say something wrong?’
Because Irene was staring at her with what could only be called a sinister look.
‘But—but what I said wasn’t wrong, was it?!’
Technically speaking, the Secretary Official Uniform was a type of formal dress.
It was acceptable to wear to official events, including parties.
“……Are you serious?”
“Pardon?”
“I’m asking if you’re truly planning to attend the party in the Secretary Official Uniform.”
Irene asked again in a sinister voice.
It was true.
You never knew when Lucas might propose to Chloe.
And she was going to attend the party in that ugly uniform?!
When she barely had enough time to make herself look beautiful!
Meanwhile, confronted by Irene’s threatening response, Chloe found herself shrinking back involuntarily.
“Well, that is—the Secretary Official Uniform is formal wear, after all…….”
Chloe’s voice came out barely louder than a mosquito’s whine.
“Absolutely not.”
But Irene cut her off without hesitation.
“No, who wears a uniform to a party? Never mind. Just sit still. I’ll prepare everything for you!”
“…….”
Up until this moment, Chloe had never anticipated it.
Just how far Irene’s words would reach throughout the Empire.
* * *
And so, now.
Chloe found herself seated in contemplation between three women.
The Empress Evangeline.
The Lady of House Claudius, Larite.
And even the Imperial Princess Irene, the Crown Jewel of the Imperial House itself.
All of them gathered for the sole purpose of choosing Chloe’s party dress!
They were so meticulous about it that they’d even installed an enormous rack and hung countless dresses upon it.
Chloe gazed at the rack with the overwhelmed expression of someone beholding something cosmically vast.
So right now.
All of these dresses were prepared for me alone……?
The dresses shone so brilliantly that it was almost blinding!

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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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