The Circumstances of Being Chosen as the Villainess’s Favorite - Chapter 77
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————
Chapter 77
Well, the Claudius Medical Research Institute was famous enough that even I, who had no knowledge of medicine whatsoever, had heard of it.
The research institute had been established about 5 years ago, and each year it absorbed outstanding talents like a sponge, producing tremendous results.
Particularly in matters related to infectious diseases, it held considerable authority, sometimes even collaborating with imperial researchers on studies.
To that extent, it would be the ideal workplace from that student’s perspective.
‘Well, perhaps it’s mutually beneficial for both parties?’
Having convinced myself of this, I gazed thoughtfully at Lord Claudius.
Actually, the most impressive part was something else entirely.
And that was.
‘…I can’t believe he actually read the thesis.’
If he hadn’t read the thesis directly, he wouldn’t have known that the student had chosen fever and delirium as subtopics for his paper.
Knowing how busy Lord Claudius was, I could only feel respect for him.
‘Anyone would think he’s living 48 hours in a day.’
Just then, Lord Claudius glanced back at me.
Then he looked apologetic and offered me an apology.
“I’m sorry, the conversation went on longer than expected. Were you perhaps bored?”
“Not at all. I was just…”
I playfully shrugged my shoulders.
“I was thinking that to become an excellent head of house like you, Lord Claudius, ten bodies wouldn’t be enough.”
“What do you mean?”
“I didn’t know you even read theses individually and personally scout talent.”
True, Wilson University was the Empire’s finest university, and that student was also outstanding talent who ranked second in his department.
Still, it wasn’t to the extent that Lord Claudius would personally check grades, read theses, and pay such careful attention.
Usually, such matters would be left to subordinate personnel managers…
But Lord Claudius simply looked puzzled.
“Well, I think that’s actually quite natural.”
“Pardon?”
“I am the person responsible for the Claudius Domain, am I not?”
Lord Claudius continued matter-of-factly.
“Therefore, I have a duty to hire the most capable people possible to develop the domain.”
“…Ah.”
“Of course, the personnel manager takes care of various matters, but as an employer, I think I should know at least the basic information.”
I quietly looked up at Lord Claudius.
In truth, with the power and wealth that Lord Claudius possessed, he could have easily pushed troublesome tasks onto subordinates and lived comfortably without any problems.
In fact, most nobles lived exactly that way.
But Lord Claudius was well aware of his own duties and did his best to fulfill them.
How should I put it, that kind of sense of responsibility.
That attitude of wanting to serve the domain’s people and the domain itself.
…felt so incredibly admirable.
“I see. That’s really wonderful.”
Without realizing it, I found myself smiling brightly.
Then Lord Claudius looked complicated for a moment before giving a bitter smile.
“Actually, it’s not such a remarkable thing.”
“Pardon?”
“Although I spoke as if I had some grand cause, and it’s not that I don’t have such intentions at all…”
Lord Claudius trailed off for a moment, then murmured like a sigh.
“The reason I first established the research institute was because of my parents.”
“Your parents…?”
I blinked my eyes.
Lord Claudius continued calmly.
“My parents passed away from an infectious disease whose cause was never identified.”
“Ah…”
Not knowing what to say in response, I quietly closed my mouth.
The previous Lord and Lady Claudius had passed away early, which was why Lord Claudius had to inherit the ducal title at such a young age.
However, this was the first time I’d heard why the two had passed away.
“So, I established the medical research institute because I wanted to know the cause of that infectious disease.”
“…I see.”
“Yes. If we could somehow learn the identity of that infectious disease and develop medicine to treat it…”
A deep shadow fell across Lord Claudius’s face.
“I thought that at least there wouldn’t be people dying from the same disease as my parents.”
Silence gently settled over us.
Soon Lord Claudius shrugged his shoulders and continued awkwardly.
“Oh my, the atmosphere has become heavy.”
“Lord Claudius.”
“I’m sorry for making you feel uncomfortable.”
…Whatever I say here wouldn’t be much comfort.
Shaking my head, I smiled brightly following Lord Claudius’s lead.
“Don’t say such things.”
But Lord Claudius’s bitter smile remained in my vision for a long time.
Like an afterimage.
* * *
Fortunately or unfortunately, the heavy atmosphere that had settled between Lord Claudius and me didn’t last very long.
Just then, cheerful voices came to greet Lord Claudius.
“Good evening, Lord Claudius.”
“It’s truly wonderful to meet you like this.”
They were other nobles who had attended the end-of-semester party.
“Are you also interested in Wilson University’s students, Lord Claudius?”
“Ah, I heard something about it. The ducal house provides scholarships to several talented students, doesn’t it?”
High-ranking nobles whose names I’d heard at least once were all eagerly hovering around, desperate to exchange even a word with Lord Claudius.
‘If Seraphina were here, her eyes would be spinning from wanting to act friendly with them.’
Having such thoughts, I tried to quietly slip away as usual, but…
“Lady Ansi, where are you going?”
This time, surprisingly, Lord Claudius stopped me.
“Pardon? I was going to rest for a moment. Please feel free to continue your conversation, Lord Claudius.”
“Not at all. Lady Ansi is my partner for today, isn’t she?”
Lord Claudius, who had regained his composure, curved his eyes like crescents.
“So I should prioritize the Lady above all.”
“…”
I couldn’t tear my gaze away from that smile.
With my heart beating wildly on its own, I couldn’t manage to respond and only moved my lips slightly.
At the same time, Lord Claudius firmly drew a line with the other nobles.
“So, excuse me, but let’s save our conversation for another time.”
Not only that?
Lord Claudius gently escorted me away from the spot!
‘Huh?’
Having been led away by Lord Claudius in a daze, I belatedly came to my senses.
‘Is it really okay to leave like this?’
Still, those nobles are mostly influential people!
I urgently whispered to Lord Claudius.
“Is it really okay to leave like this?”
“Yes, that’s fine.”
However, unlike my flustered state, Lord Claudius maintained a perfectly calm expression.
“There are priorities in this world, are there not?”
“Priorities?”
“Yes. My partner for today is Lady Ansi, after all.”
His tone was matter-of-fact, as if stating something completely obvious.
“Therefore, the most important person to me today is also Lady Ansi.”
“….”
The most important person.
Those words left me somewhat dazed.
‘Have I ever been treated with such respect before?’
One thing was certain.
Gregory, my former fiancé, had never once treated me this way.
At the same time, Lord Claudius added playfully.
“Besides, chatting with those people is honestly quite boring. They always say the same things.”
Snapping back to my senses, I asked with feigned nonchalance.
“Really? What kind of things do you hear?”
“Usually requests for investments, invitations to events, things like that.”
Lord Claudius shrugged his shoulders conspicuously.
“Rather than waste time listening to such predictable talk, being with Lady Ansi is far more enjoyable.”
…Even if those were just polite words, it was fine.
Just hearing such things made me happy.
‘More than anything.’
I glanced at Lord Claudius from the corner of my eye.
‘If I feel like Lord Claudius and I have become a bit closer than before, would that be my imagination?’
But then.
Suddenly, Lord Claudius looked at me intently and unexpectedly reached out his hand.
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
