The Circumstances of Being Chosen as the Villainess’s Favorite - Chapter 96
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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 96
‘Does Lord Claudius really smile at me like that without any ulterior motive?’
Although Lord Claudius was indeed a very courteous person, he wasn’t exactly the type to be affectionate with others.
More precisely, he was the type to put up walls with his courteous attitude…
“…”
Meanwhile, Lady Claudius looked at Lord Claudius with a disgusted expression, but she didn’t particularly scold him.
Instead, she hugged my arm tightly and made a suggestion to me.
“Larit, I heard it’ll take some time before dinner is ready. Would you like to go look at the lake with me?”
“That sounds good.”
I readily nodded my head.
Having gotten permission from me, Lady Claudius glared at Lord Claudius with disapproving eyes.
Then she opened her mouth with a voice that sounded like she absolutely hated the idea.
“That… brother… would you like to… come with us too…?”
…How should I put it, seeing her look so disgusted like that.
It really hit me anew that these two were siblings.
“Hmm.”
Lord Claudius smiled awkwardly.
“I’d like to go with you, but I haven’t finished my work yet.”
That was right.
Lord Claudius wasn’t alone.
Earlier, I had witnessed it.
The administrators of Lord’s Castle moving an enormous amount of documents to Lord Claudius’s bedroom!
“No, how long are you going to spend your time just working?!”
Lady Claudius stamped her foot in dissatisfaction.
Wait, just a moment ago you seemed reluctant about Lord Claudius accompanying us.
But now why are you upset that he’s declining to come along?
When it comes to Lord Claudius, you have such a fickle heart like a reed.
Lady Claudius was truly a genuine younger sister of this era…
“I can’t just make the administrators do all the work.”
“That’s… true, but…!”
Lady Claudius, who had been trembling as if dying of frustration, soon smiled slyly and clung to me.
“Well, if that’s how it is, then it can’t be helped.”
Lady Claudius’s arms, which were hugging my arm tightly, tensed with strength.
“Today, Larit and I will have to spend time cozily together, just the two of us.”
…Is it my imagination, or does it feel like Lady Claudius is teasing Lord Claudius?
“…”
Then Lord Claudius made a strangely displeased expression and glared at Lady Claudius.
It was a resentful look, as if a loser was looking at a winner…
‘I don’t understand anymore.’
The world of siblings was too difficult and mysterious.
I raised both hands and feet in surrender and decided to adapt to reality.
A little later.
Lady Claudius and I sat down around the large lake.
The colorfully tinted autumn leaves cast brilliant shadows over the lake.
Clear, transparent waves lapped against the lakeshore.
Watching that scene quietly, I casually asked a question.
“Is Lord Claudius always that busy?”
“Hmm, he’s not exactly idle normally either. Of course, he tries to take care of Lord’s Domain affairs even while in Jedo, but…”
Lady Claudius shrugged her shoulders.
“There are limits to what can be managed from Jedo.”
“I see.”
I nodded my head.
Well, it couldn’t be helped.
No matter how frequently Lord’s Domain sent reports, it couldn’t compare to directly overseeing work on site.
At the same time, Lady Claudius let out a soft sigh.
“That’s why I tried to help him whenever possible, but brother refused.”
“Why?”
Out of sympathy, I found myself asking back in a high-pitched voice.
I mean, Lady Claudius had become quite familiar with documents and internal affairs by now.
Rather than always having such a tired face, it would be better to receive even a little help…
Then Lady Claudius stared at me blankly as if wondering why I was asking such an obvious question.
“Well, because you came to visit, Larit.”
“Pardon?”
At the unexpected answer, I blinked my eyes blankly.
Lady Claudius continued speaking meaningfully.
“My brother secretly cares about you, Larit.”
“About me?”
“Of course. Honestly, didn’t you notice it too, Larit?”
“…”
She hit the nail on the head.
No matter how oblivious I might be, I couldn’t help but notice that Lord Claudius was particularly gentle with me.
I just couldn’t tell whether it was romantic interest or human affection for Lady Claudius’s close friend.
To me, who kept my mouth tightly shut, Lady Claudius gave a bright smile.
“Just remember this one thing.”
“Yes?”
“I’m rooting for you and my brother, Larit.”
In an instant, my face flushed hot.
* * *
Time at the villa passed peacefully.
The meals prepared by the chef who had followed from Lord’s Castle were tearfully delicious.
Larite and Evangeline spent their time soaking in hot baths, playing card games and chess.
But separate from those comfortable times.
Dissatisfaction was building up bit by bit in Evangeline’s heart.
That dissatisfaction was precisely…
‘How long is this damn brother going to just sit still?!’
It was like that even on the first day they arrived at the villa.
Honestly, Evangeline also wanted to play alone with Larite.
But the reason she had suggested that Dietrich join them for a walk was because of the bigger picture of somehow making Larite her sister-in-law.
But what?
After suppressing her annoyance and creating an opportunity for a walk with Larite!
He had to work?!
So he couldn’t accompany them on the walk – was he in his right mind?!!
Of course, it wasn’t that Dietrich’s sense of responsibility as head of the family was bad.
But!
Sometimes!
He could also pay attention to his own romantic affairs!
What if I can’t make Larit my sister-in-law at this rate!!
Thus, late at night.
Evangeline avoided Larite’s eyes and stormed into her brother’s study.
“Brother!”
Bang!
The door opened roughly.
Even while looking at his fuming younger sister, Dietrich didn’t bat an eye.
“What’s the matter?”
“Brother, are you playing games with me?!”
Evangeline couldn’t contain her frustration and pointed accusingly at Dietrich.
“If you keep holing yourself up in your room claiming you’re working, when exactly are you going to make progress with Larit?!”
“Progress, Eva.”
Dietrich slightly frowned at his sister’s crude expression.
But Evangeline was so frustrated she could die.
“Oh, did I tell you to go into the bedroom alone together right now? Just have tea together, share a meal, take a walk or something!”
Evangeline practically roared.
“That’s how you’ll develop feelings for each other!”
“…”
At that outcry, deep anguish crossed Dietrich’s handsome face.
“…Honestly, I’m not sure how I should approach Lady Ansi.”
“Huh?”
Evangeline forgot she had been angry and blinked her eyes blankly.
That brother of hers.
That brother who was so annoyingly composed that sometimes she wanted to hit him.
…He’s saying he ‘doesn’t know’?
“If I approach carelessly and end up ruining even our current relationship, that would be terrible, wouldn’t it?”
“Are you really our brother?”
Evangeline narrowed her eyes and asked suspiciously.
“You’re not someone else pretending to be our brother, are you?”
“Hey, are you being cheeky?”
“Mm, you are our brother after all.”
Only then did Evangeline nod her head.
“Anyway.”
Dietrich continued with a sigh mixed in his voice.
“Lady Ansi is also your closest friend. If things become awkward for you too because of me…”
“Is it really because of me?”
Evangeline decisively cut off her brother’s rambling words.
“Isn’t it that Brother doesn’t have the courage to approach Larit?”
“…”
She had hit the mark.
Dietrich remained silent.
And Evangeline’s mouth fell open again.
Wow.
This is the first time I’ve seen Brother so restless and troubled…
“That is.”
After hesitating for a long while, Dietrich heavily parted his lips.
Even then, he couldn’t continue speaking for a long time…
“…I’m not sure how my feelings would be received by Lady Ansi.”
Dietrich, who had only been moving his lips, muttered while lowering his gaze.
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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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