The Circumstances of Being Chosen as the Villainess’s Favorite - Chapter 48

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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 48

* * *

Finally, the dance came to an end.

At the same time, Lord Claudius, the century’s most popular figure, was almost immediately surrounded by other nobles.

“I apologize, Lady Ansi.”

Of course, Lord Claudius tried his best to escort me a little longer.

That gesture was truly befitting the manners of this world’s male protagonist, but…

“It’s fine. I’ll take my leave now.”

…I absolutely refused to get caught up in that tremendous crowd while staying with Lord Claudius.

I smiled brightly and stepped back.

Even so, I felt a faint sense of déjà vu.

‘Wasn’t there a similar situation at the salon before?’

I clicked my tongue inwardly.

Well, it was understandable that the nobles would be so eager.

How often would they get to meet a great noble like Lord Claudius in this southern countryside?

They’d do anything to exchange even a word with him, make an impression, and look around hoping for some crumbs to fall their way.

That’s why. Before, Seraphina also…

“…”

As I unconsciously thought of Seraphina, I felt my mood sink.

I remembered Seraphina, who would search out only high-ranking nobles whenever she entered a banquet hall, greeting them with charming smiles.

And myself, standing behind such a Seraphina like a useless sack of barley.

‘Forget it. There’s no point thinking about this—it’ll only make me feel worse.’

I shook my head vigorously to dispel thoughts of Seraphina.

‘Speaking of which, where is Lady Claudius?’

Looking around, I stepped outside the banquet hall.

Earlier, when Lord Claudius and I headed to the dance floor,

Lady Claudius had definitely…

“I’m going to get some fresh air, so Lady Ansi, go dance well!”

She had said this while pushing my back.

A moment later,

I stepped into the garden.

Softly flowing moonlight bathed everything.

The occasional night breeze merely rustled the leaves of the well-maintained garden trees.

The surroundings were simply quiet.

‘…How peaceful.’

I walked slowly.

Somehow, I don’t think I’ve ever felt this at ease while attending a party.

Just not having to watch Seraphina and Gregory’s reactions made me feel this relaxed.

I realized anew

how unhappy I had been when I was with them,

and how much my life changes depending on who’s beside me.

‘Lady Claudius. And… Lord Claudius.’

I unconsciously clenched my fist.

I could still feel the sensation of Lord Claudius’s hand that I had held.

His long, elegant fingers.

The warm temperature.

Even the strong force that had swept around my waist in an instant.

As I recalled all those sensations, my mouth somehow became parched.

‘Honestly.’

I squeezed my eyes shut.

I know well enough that I shouldn’t feel this way.

But still…

‘I think I was… a little excited.’

Excitement.

Of course, this excitement was a natural emotion.

With a perfect man like Lord Claudius standing before me, what woman wouldn’t be excited?

As evidence, I could cite the ladies who attended today’s party.

The moment Lord Claudius entered the banquet hall, all the ladies stared at him with mesmerized gazes.

Hoping to exchange greetings, or trying to make eye contact at least once.

In such a situation, I had even danced with Lord Claudius.

Wasn’t it natural that my heart would flutter for Lord Claudius?

It’s just that since I know Lord Claudius will eventually end up with Seraphina,

it’s relatively easy to sort out my feelings…

But then.

“Larite!”

Someone roughly grabbed my wrist.

“Ugh!”

What? That hurts!

I hurriedly turned around.

At the same time, my eyes widened greatly.

‘Wait, why is he here?!’

Gregory Gusto.

My former fiancé and Seraphina’s foremost follower.

He was glaring at me with menacing eyes.

* * *

‘How long do I have to continue this useless conversation?’

Dietrich skillfully concealed his boredom while participating in the conversation.

“This time our business…”

“If we get the chance, we’d like to invite Lord Claudius…”

“You must be busy, but if you could just review our business plan once…”

Listening to all these stories with one ear and letting them flow out the other, Dietrich felt unbearable tedium.

He wanted to spend his time more rationally.

For example,

…having a more in-depth conversation about his sister with her one and only friend.

To be honest, when Lady Ansi cleanly let go of his hand,

Dietrich felt a faint regret.

Spending time with Larite was enjoyable in itself,

and such people were very rare for Dietrich.

‘So, where is Lady Ansi now?’

Dietrich glanced up.

Even among the countless crowd, Larite came clearly into view.

Larite was standing near a window, looking outside with a bored expression.

“…”

In the entirely noisy banquet hall, Larite alone seemed isolated in a different space, simply quiet.

Under the shadow of her abundant eyelashes, what was her calm pink gaze looking at now?

What was she thinking, and what emotions was she feeling?

…Dietrich suddenly became very curious.

“…sir. Lord Claudius?”

Ah.

Suddenly, Dietrich snapped back to attention.

Before I knew it, I had lost track of the conversation.

“Excuse me, but what were you saying? I was momentarily lost in other thoughts.”

Dietrich wore a smooth smile.

“Ah, well…”

The noble who had been speaking hurriedly continued his words.

Dietrich, who had been pretending to listen to the story, suddenly frowned.

‘Who is that man?’

Just then, Larite was slipping outside.

But the problem was, there was someone following behind her.

A noble who noticed who Dietrich was looking at informed him of the man’s identity.

“Oh my, I didn’t know Gusto Youngshik would attend this party as well.”

“That person is… Gusto Youngshik?”

“Yes. I know Count Gusto’s House holds a summer party every year…”

Then he smiled slyly while glancing up at Dietrich sideways.

“He must have wanted to come to this party so badly that he abandoned even his family’s event.”

It was an expression clearly meant as flattery.

In other words, it carried the meaning that ‘House of Claudius is that impressive.’

However, Dietrich didn’t notice the flattery at all.

Because.

“Really, it’s been ages since Lady Ansi sent the annulment letter.”

Suddenly, Evangeline’s grumbling voice echoed in his ears.

“Why does he keep pestering Lady Ansi? It’s so annoying.”

Larite’s former fiancé.

When that phrase came to mind, his mood somehow sank.

Moreover.

‘…It doesn’t seem like he’s following her with good intentions.’

That sinister expression when following behind Larite.

At that moment.

Dietrich made up his mind.

“Please excuse me for a moment.”

Dietrich, having asked for understanding from those around him, pushed through the crowd.

He began pursuing Gregory with quick steps.

But then.

“Ah…!”

Someone collapsed right in front of Dietrich with a delicate scream.

Dietrich reflexively grabbed the arm of the falling person.

It was an extremely beautiful lady.

Light green hair reminiscent of young sprouts, and eyes that shone more vividly than emeralds.

Her slender frame evoked protective instincts in the observer.

“Thank you, I had a moment of dizziness…”

It was Seraphina.

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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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