The Circumstances of Being Chosen as the Villainess’s Favorite - Chapter 47

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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 47

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Evangeline stepped out onto the balcony with quick steps, holding a drink in her hand.

The cool night breeze pleasantly caressed her flushed cheeks.

“Ugh, this is so boring I could die.”

Leaning against the balcony railing, Evangeline muttered blankly.

Lady Claudius.

That name inevitably drew the attention of countless people.

But unless they had considerably high status, there were no young men who dared to ask Evangeline to dance.

As a result, Evangeline found herself surrounded by gazes that couldn’t quite approach her but stole desperate glances at her.

“Ugh.”

Evangeline, who was disgusted, sipped her drink.

As the cold liquid went down her throat, her stuffy feeling seemed to cool down a little.

Evangeline looked up at the sky in a daze.

Stars like gold dust were scattered across the pitch-black night sky.

Looking at that night sky suddenly reminded her of her friend’s jet-black hair.

Even the pearl ornament that Evangeline had personally chosen and pinned in Larite’s upswept hair.

‘Come to think of it, my brother and Lady Ansi.’

She smiled broadly.

‘They seem to suit each other quite well.’

Evangeline recalled the scene she had witnessed earlier.

Under the chandelier’s light, her two favorite people had danced, spinning round and round.

The banquet was honestly not very interesting, and the worthless men who were fawning over Larite were annoying.

But it was enjoyable to watch those two dancing.

But then.

“Lady Claudius?”

Someone cautiously called out to Evangeline.

‘Hm?’

Evangeline turned around and her eyes widened like a startled rabbit.

“Lady Ansi?”

It was Larite’s mother, Lady Ansi.

Evangeline smiled as warmly as possible.

“What can I do for you?”

Lady Ansi approached Evangeline with careful steps.

“You’re returning to Jedo tomorrow, aren’t you?”

“Ah, yes. That’s right.”

Evangeline nodded.

And for good reason, as Dietrich had nagged her endlessly in his letter.

[You can’t impose on the Ansi family any longer.

When I return to Jedo, you’re definitely coming with me. Understood?]

For that reason, Evangeline had decided to return to Jedo first with Dietrich.

Instead, Larite planned to stay in her hometown for a few more days to spend time with her parents.

But.

‘Does she have something to say?’

Evangeline glanced at Lady Ansi from the corner of her eye.

The hesitating Lady Ansi stiffened her shoulders as soon as their eyes met.

Then she opened her mouth again in a voice as small as a mosquito’s.

“May I presume to say something?”

“Of course. Please speak freely.”

Evangeline nodded readily.

Even so, she felt a bit uncomfortable about the current situation.

‘Is there something… that made her uncomfortable about me?’

In fact, Evangeline wasn’t the type to be loved by adults.

Her exceptionally noble status in the Empire became a barrier that adults couldn’t easily approach.

Her characteristically direct way of speaking and bold personality were also among the elements that made adults uncomfortable.

‘Since she’s Lady Ansi’s mother, I wanted to make a good impression somehow…’

Still, based on what she had said to Lady Ansi in the drawing room last time, she thought she hadn’t completely ruined her image.

‘Did I completely mess it up?’

Just as Evangeline was suppressing a sigh that was about to escape.

“Thank you so much, Lady Claudius.”

Suddenly, Lady Ansi bowed her head.

Evangeline, startled, jumped up from her spot like a surprised cat.

“What?!”

“You see, it’s been so long since I’ve seen our Larite smile so brightly.”

A faint smile spread across Lady Ansi’s face, which had been tense the whole time.

“…I felt sorry for that child who was always so dejected.”

“That’s…”

“In my eyes, she’s a child with so many good qualities, but Larite always only put herself down.”

Evangeline quickly understood what Lady Ansi was talking about.

Larit Ansi.

In fact, high society perceived Larite as something like Seraphina’s maid.

Evangeline herself hadn’t strayed far from that perception either.

Seraphina, who acted annoyingly at every turn.

And Larite, who always took the blame for Seraphina’s mistakes and bowed her head instead.

Therefore, the first emotion Evangeline felt toward Larite was faint curiosity.

‘Why does she act so devotedly toward Lady Lopez?’

From Evangeline’s perspective, the only reason Seraphina could triumph so successfully in high society was thanks to Larite.

Because Larite was by Seraphina’s side.

Seraphina, a humble noble without even a territory, first set foot in Jedo’s high society using her friend as a connection.

She bought several gorgeous dresses with her friend’s money.

She gained a reputation as a pleasant and enjoyable lady by freely using her friend as the butt of jokes.

The more Seraphina was loved everywhere, the more Larite had to sacrifice.

Yet Larite still smiled at Seraphina.

“Sera is my friend.”

…That affectionate gaze she directed at Seraphina.

At some point, Evangeline began to think that Larite was too good for Seraphina.

‘Friend.’

She came to… somewhat long for that relationship.

Even without being blood-related family, to be able to truly care for someone like that.

‘Will I ever have someone like that?’

That’s why when Larite first came to see Evangeline, she was honestly a bit hopeful.

Thinking that perhaps Larite might share even a little of that friendship she had directed toward Seraphina with Evangeline herself.

And Larite…

Since writing the friendship contract, had never once disappointed Evangeline.

“This is also the first time she’s danced like that.”

Evangeline, who had been lost in thought, suddenly came to her senses at Lady Ansi’s voice.

“Gusto Youngshik always only asked Lady Lopez to dance… As a parent, it broke my heart.”

Lady Ansi straightened her back and gazed at Evangeline.

Was it her imagination?

The brilliant light coming from beyond the banquet hall reflected, making Lady Ansi’s eyes seem to glisten faintly with moisture.

“Lari was able to change like that all thanks to Lady Claudius becoming her friend.”

The viscountess’s smile deepened a little more.

“Though our Lari may have many shortcomings, please continue to look after our daughter.”

“….”

Facing Lady Ansi who was smiling brightly.

Evangeline somehow felt she understood how Larite could grow into such a warm person.

…And she felt a little envious of Larite.

When she was very young, Evangeline had lost her parents’ warmth forever.

“Not at all.”

Perhaps to hide her somewhat heavy feelings, Evangeline forced a smile and shook her head.

“Lady Ansi is my one and only friend. If anything, I’m the one receiving great help from Lady Ansi.”

“For you to say such things, Lady Claudius is truly kind.”

Kind.

It was something she had never heard once in her entire life.

But Lady Ansi was only looking at Evangeline with benevolent eyes.

It was a clear gaze that resembled Larite exactly.

“Please be sure to visit again next time too. I’ll do my best to properly attend to Lady Claudius.”

“Oh no, the hospitality wasn’t lacking at all even now. But….”

Evangeline, who had been waving her hands dismissively, gently curved her eyes.

“Since you say such things, I’ll have to visit again sometime for sure.”

“Oh my, we’ll have to make some effort to live up to Lady Claudius’s expectations.”

Lady Ansi, who had responded lightly with a joke, continued seriously.

“Though it may not compare to the scenic beauty of Lord Claudius’ Domain, there are some places with beautiful scenery around this area too. When you come next time, we’ll be sure to guide you there.”

“Oh, I’m already curious!”

Evangeline, who had been giggling, suddenly thought.

‘If mother were still alive and by my side… would it feel like this?’

It had been a very long time since she felt this comfortable.

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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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