The Villainess is a Millionaire Solver - Chapter 67

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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 67

 

“First, change the party venue.”

 

The Duke said this while opening his study desk drawer and pulling out a key, placing it down with a thud. Seeing the name ‘Nineve’ engraved on the keychain, Eunice’s expression changed.

 

“Duke, are you going to open the villa by Lake Nineve to the public?”

 

What’s so special about that place?

 

I quickly searched through my memories.

 

‘Lake Nineve…’

 

Soon it came back to me.

 

Duke Carnel had purchased prime lakefront property and conducted massive construction over several years. Thus, about a year ago, a luxurious new villa was completed.

 

He had put particular effort into the beautiful garden surrounding the lake, planning to use it for his own recuperation, so he didn’t even allow the blueprints to leak outside.

 

Even his daughter Aristina had tried every possible method to get a look at it, but was firmly blocked.

 

‘And now he’s willing to lend that villa as a party venue?’

 

That wasn’t all.

 

“Decorations, food, celebratory fireworks – prepare everything with the highest quality.”

 

The Duke additionally placed down a small booklet with a thud.

 

A checkbook in his own name. A bundle of blank checks that, when taken to the bank with any amount written on them, would unconditionally pay out that exact sum.

 

“…”

 

I was speechless.

 

He’s really furious.

 

I don’t know who the group was that stirred up the atmosphere to collectively boycott my party, but they’re lucky fairies. Thanks to them, it looks like this will be the best party of the year.

 

And as a bonus…

 

“…”

 

It also made Eunice’s face harden.

 

The villa and money that would all become hers in just a little while – how precious and painful it must be to see them used like this?

 

“What generous support.”

 

Eunice finally spoke slowly.

 

“Young Lady will surely perform even more perfectly, with gratitude for the Duke’s decision. So as not to betray the Duke’s trust, please host the ball well…”

 

She said this while glancing at my neck.

 

“On the day of the test, you must also take proper care of the ‘Heart of the Rose’ without fail.”

 

Right. She has to lay the groundwork like this again.

 

“Of course.”

 

I answered with a confident smile.

 

Duke Carnel nodded. Then he suddenly spoke up again.

 

“But what if people still don’t gather even after doing all this?”

 

“Actually, I do have something prepared separately.”

 

Eunice answered immediately.

 

“It’s news I obtained unofficially, so I haven’t dared to tell even you yet, Duke, but a figure who will become the talk of high society is scheduled to appear soon.”

 

“Really? Is some retired opera singer making a comeback?”

 

“If you knew who it was, even you would find it surprising, Duke. I used my connections to contact him and received confirmation that he’ll attend our Rosen family’s ball. When this news is announced, everyone will be shocked, and they’ll compete to attend Young Lady’s ball just to see that person.”

 

“Really?”

 

The Duke raised his eyebrows slightly.

 

“To prepare even something like that for Aristina – that’s Eunice for you. I guess I worried unnecessarily about something I didn’t need to. But still, just in case…”

 

His gaze turned toward me.

 

“You didn’t send invitations to the most popular couple in the Empire, did you?”

 

“Huh? Who would that be?”

 

“His Highness the Crown Prince and Miss Serene.”

 

“Ah…”

 

I hadn’t even thought of inviting anyone with ‘Prince’ in their title, and Serene was missing from the address book since Aristina had disliked her.

 

“For any party held in the Empire, those two must attend for it to be successful. It would be even better if you invited His Highness the Second Prince too. The way both Highnesses treat you seems to have softened somewhat lately.”

 

“Oh, absolutely! Absolutely! Thanks to working hard to win business deals and solve their problems, I’ve made tearful progress.”

 

“Then invite both Highnesses and Miss Serene first. I’ll call the reporters and spread those rumors widely. Consider it homework.”

 

“Yes, Father.”

 

I obediently answered and left the study. While sipping the tea that Maid Sophie had thoughtfully brought, saying I’d worked hard, I took out three clean new invitations and laid them on the desk.

 

‘Serene will accept my invitation, right? She’s so kind, we have no bad feelings since her false accusations were cleared, and she does volunteer work often.’

 

If only Serene would come, it seemed like it would be fine. I’d decided to avoid getting involved with those tremendously powerful Transcendent Ones as much as possible, but if Serene was there, they would only focus on the protagonist.

 

‘But…’

 

Come to think of it, I haven’t heard anything about Aldensis, Zikren, and Serene lately. Especially with the two brothers – I don’t think I’ve seen them since we parted when they said they were going to the Imperial Library.

 

‘I’m sure nothing’s wrong.’

 

I put down my quill for a moment. Then I reached toward the stack of society newsletters on the desk.

 

The moment I picked up the one on top.

 

“…?”

 

I saw unbelievable words.

 

“Cough! Cough!”

 

The tea went down the wrong way, and I choked magnificently.

 

“Young Lady! Are you alright?”

 

“I’m sorry! Did you get burned by the hot water? I’ll go brew fresh tea right away!”

 

The maids with heart cards above their heads rushed to the desk in surprise.

 

“I’m fine. I’m fine.”

 

I waved them away. Then I looked at the newsletter again.

 

There, these words were emblazoned in huge letters:

 

Rumors of Discord Between His Highness the Crown Prince and Miss Serene:

 

Strange Currents in Crown Princess Selection?

 

Rumors of discord? What on earth is this about? What happened during the few days I was neglecting high society?

 

My eyes quickly scanned the article.

 

‘Recently, they haven’t been seen engaging in official activities together at all.’

 

‘They’ve long since stopped the daily greetings they used to exchange consistently.’

 

‘Instead, they’ve been observed having conversations so indifferent that they absolutely don’t look like a couple planning to be engaged.’

 

That was roughly the content.

 

I searched through other newsletters and they were all similar. Every single one pointed out that the atmosphere between the two wasn’t like before.

 

‘I see…’

 

I put down the pile of papers feeling somewhat dazed.

 

I’d been so busy putting out the fire that had fallen on my own feet that I hadn’t noticed at all, even though I’d met Aldensis several times.

 

Thinking back carefully, it seemed like there had been no mention of Serene long before I went into hiding.

 

“Oh, what should we do with the flowers sent by Lady Hyperion?”

 

“Have the maids decorate my private hall with them, and tell them to divide the remaining flowers among themselves.”

 

This conversation I’d heard while hiding in the closet on the day of the Guild Leaders’ Assembly, trying to avoid the misunderstanding that I was stalking Aldensis, was the last.

 

After that, Aldensis never mentioned Serene, nor had there been any conversation about this couple from other people’s mouths even once.

 

‘Is it a temporary conflict? Or has some problem arisen? I’m really rooting for those two…’

 

Hmm, just as I was crossing my arms, some golden light flashed from my peripheral vision.

 

An object that had been pushed around in the pile of magazines and had been under my elbow until just now.

 

It was a letter envelope with a brilliant golden dragon seal stamped on it.

 

A letter from the Crown Prince.

 

‘Huh?’

 

I quickly tore it open with a letter opener. When I unfolded the letter, elegant and neat handwriting caught my eye at once.

 

Princess Aristina.

 

I have an extremely urgent matter and would like to consult with you about my troubles.

 

Of course, you must be busy enjoying your party preparations, but I trust you won’t ignore the Crown Prince’s request for the sake of entertainment.

 

If that were to happen…

 

Still, I’ll wait quietly for about two days, but after that, what might happen…

 

-Aldensis Balcaide-

 

I hurriedly flipped the envelope over to check the date stamped on the seal.

 

It was four days ago.

 

Thud.

 

The envelope fell from my hand.

 

“I didn’t see anything. I really didn’t see anything at all.”

 

I tried escaping reality, but nothing changed.

 

The Empire’s Crown Prince. And not just any Crown Prince, but a transcendent one who could snap at any moment—I’m the woman who ignored his stern summons for four whole days.

 

That’s exactly who I am.

 

Well, this is something. I thought I could relax a little after confirming my alibi.

 

Just when I thought I had smoothed things over enough to earn Duke Carnel’s approval, I went and planted a death flag right into the ground?

 

With such thoughts, I couldn’t sleep all night.

 

The next morning.

 

As soon as dawn broke, I rushed straight to the Crown Prince’s Palace. Reading the expression of the elderly attendant, I carefully opened my mouth.

 

“I’ve had cold symptoms for a while and couldn’t go out, but I heard His Highness the Crown Prince summoned me?”

 

“Is that so?”

 

The attendant replied calmly.

 

“His Highness is currently in the middle of handling important business.”

 

“Oh my, is that so?”

 

Only then did I let out a sigh of relief.

 

“Our timing is off. Please tell him that I rushed here frantically like this, but unfortunately had to return with regret at not being able to see His Highness.”

 

Just as I turned around with lightning speed.

 

“Wait.”

 

My body froze.

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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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