The Villainess is a Millionaire Solver - Chapter 82

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 82

 

With everyone watching with wide eyes, the boat released from the lakeside glided smoothly across the water’s surface as if it had come to life.

 

And then…

 

Instead of sinking with a gurgle like three years ago, it rose powerfully to the surface as if someone was pushing it up from below.

 

“Oh! The boat is floating! It’s floating!”

 

The spectators cried out in surprise.

 

It was real.

 

I was surprised myself. But pretending not to be at all, I stood calmly and flicked my hair with my hand.

 

“Why are you all so surprised? Isn’t this natural? There must have been some mistake three years ago. No matter how you look at it, I am an excellent talent of the Rosen Family.”

 

Along with my arrogantly echoing words, the ‘Heart of the Rose’ hanging around my neck flashed brilliantly.

 

“Excellent, Young Lady!”

 

Aldensis shouted loudly and sent applause.

 

As expected, being a villainess is the best. Just by passing a test I absolutely couldn’t fail after failing it once, I received applause from the Crown Prince.

 

“You’re too kind.”

 

Though it was a bit embarrassing, I lifted my head and strutted proudly.

 

“Amazing, Aristina!”

 

“Congratulations, Young Lady.”

 

“As expected of our Aristina!”

 

At my appearance, the Second Prince, the head of the Holy Order, and Serene, the real protagonist of this story, also applauded enthusiastically.

 

In addition, the Queen Aunt and the Great Spirit. Plus various celebrities who were forced to watch because the Duke had blocked the exits…

 

For a makeup exam, the audience was certainly quite spectacular.

 

How frustrated must those who hoped for my failure be right now.

 

And…

 

‘How many points did I earn with Duke Carnel?’

 

I turned my head to look at him.

 

Color had returned to the Duke’s pale face.

 

He finally offset the memory of family disgrace that had made him bolt upright even in his sleep. He wasn’t hiding that sense of pride.

 

Of course, he must still be troubled by the incident that happened right before this ceremony. But…

 

‘Whether the family is in shambles, whether he got backstabbed by an employee, as long as it looks fine to others, that’s all that matters.’

 

On that point, the Duke and I agreed without having to say anything.

 

“As the head of the Rosen Family, I declare that the ancestral spirits have recognized that the current eldest daughter, Aristina Bianca Rosen, is qualified to be the successor!”

 

Duke Carnel raised one hand and made a magnificent declaration.

 

Above his head in the night sky, fireworks exploded with a bang! Arrow-like streaks of light soared across the sky and burst brilliantly in all directions.

 

Colorful fireworks poured down like rain over the heads of the people gathered at the ball, and the sky was splendidly painted to the majestic march played by the orchestra.

 

People stared at the sky in fascination.

 

“Incredible…”

 

Of course. What was exploding frantically right now wasn’t fireworks, but the Duke’s money.

 

100 million in 2 minutes.

 

Along with the bundles of money evaporating in the night sky, I magnificently passed the successor qualification test.

 

That was enough.

 

“Money really is the best.”

 

Whispered voices from here and there reached my ears.

 

“But then does that mean Young Lady Aristina will inherit the Duke’s family?”

 

“That’s not it! She just gained successor qualifications, she’s not actually the successor yet.”

 

“But if she really becomes the successor…”

 

I could definitely feel that people’s gazes had changed.

 

Everyone thought I had no possibility of becoming the successor, but now I could at least stand at the starting line.

 

‘Did you all see that well?’

 

I put strength in my eyes and looked around at the people. They all flinched and stepped back.

 

‘Anyway, I’m still someone to avoid in high society.’

 

It’s not that the world ostracizes me, but that I ostracize the world.

 

Just as I was lifting my chin high with that thought, a certain noble lady suddenly stepped forward from among the people who were maintaining a safe distance around me.

 

“Congratulations, Young Lady.”

 

She was none other than Liliebes Oeclaire, the Viscountess. The opponent I had clashed with at the luxury goods store.

 

What’s this haughty young lady up to?

 

Everyone looked on in surprise. I was also surprised, but I responded without showing it outwardly.

 

“Thank you, Liliebes. How have you been lately? Are you doing well?”

 

“Thanks to you, Young Lady.”

 

She said that and curtsied elegantly.

 

“I’m not just being polite, I really mean it. I keep thinking about what you said to me that day at the luxury goods store. ‘Don’t be swayed by your family elders’ pressure anymore. They’ll definitely try to smooth things over again.'”

 

“That’s what I said.”

 

“Sure enough, the elders tried to persuade me to give my uncle one more chance. At that moment, something seemed to snap in my head. I lost my composure and poured out everything I had been holding in. ‘Me or my uncle? Choose.’ When I came on that strong, my uncle ended up being banished to a rural territory with nothing but chicken coops.”

 

“Oh my, that’s wonderful news.”

 

“Indeed. How refreshing it was!”

 

The Viscountess truly looked relieved.

 

“When I heard your words that day, I was angry and embarrassed, but in the end, it was a great help. Everyone just told me to endure it. But it was you, Young Lady, who gave me advice that was truly good medicine. I think I’ve misunderstood you greatly all this time.”

 

“Not at all. My words were quite harsh too.”

 

The two of us shook hands warmly in front of everyone.

 

“So about that. About living as the family troublemaker…”

 

The Viscountess didn’t leave and continued to seek my advice.

 

Perhaps gaining courage from her example.

 

“Um, Young Lady. How did you get a refund from Mary’s Wardrobe? They really don’t give refunds there.”

 

Other young ladies began approaching hesitantly and asking me questions.

 

Starting with that, people quickly gathered like clouds.

 

Just moments ago, I had been haughtily ostracizing the whole world… But with this turn of events, my heart secretly changed.

 

‘Hmph! Now you finally recognize my true worth?’

 

I opened my fan and gave advice arrogantly.

 

“Oh, I see. You have to come on that strong for the other party to even pretend to listen…”

 

“Truly excellent. Wait a moment. Let me take some notes.”

 

I was getting carried away by everyone’s reactions when…

 

“Next, there will be an opera performance to celebrate the Young Lady!”

 

Seeing the lights come on at the outdoor stage, I suddenly came to my senses.

 

“Well then, I’ll be going. See you next time.”

 

I quickly escaped from there.

 

It was nice being intoxicated by the feeling of victory, but now wasn’t the time for that. I had finished what I could do for the family, so now I needed to focus on survival again.

 

Even at this moment, I mustn’t forget about Eunice who would be crying injustice, and her gang waiting for good news at the ducal mansion.

 

That was priority number one for my survival.

 

‘Well then, shall we clean house thoroughly?’

 

As I was crossing the ballroom at lightning speed, avoiding people, someone suddenly appeared in front of me.

 

“Wait a moment, Aristina.”

 

It was Zikren. He seemed to have also quickly escaped, avoiding people.

 

‘Aha.’

 

I looked Zikren up and down. Even though I was in a hurry, I couldn’t help but say something.

 

“Countess Peres is really beautiful, isn’t she?”

 

Zikren flinched.

 

“Haha…”

 

After stroking his red hair and laughing awkwardly, he began making excuses.

 

“You know what entrapment is, so why are you doing this? I didn’t just lie to you. To avoid suspicion, I had to spread stories about Countess Peres everywhere.”

 

And he glanced at my face.

 

“But it’s surprising that you still remember the name I mentioned. No matter how much other people pry into my private life, you’ve never shown even the slightest interest in me.”

 

“That’s not it. If the Second Prince has a woman he likes, I can’t not remember her name. Isn’t that basic social etiquette?”

 

“Is that so?”

 

Perhaps feeling pleased, Zikren’s golden eyes sparkled with light.

 

“Anyway, congratulations on passing the test. Now that we’ve gotten rid of the foreign substance, all that’s left is to enjoy the party. You know what, Aristina? This is the first time we haven’t fought with each other at a party venue. Shall we commemorate it by livening up the atmosphere?”

 

And he extended his hand to me.

 

“…?”

 

The people who had been watching us were startled.

 

Well, Prince Zigfriedren, who had always been in charge of dragging me outside at every party, was now politely asking for a dance. It must feel like a moment when heaven and earth have turned upside down.

 

On Zikren’s face as he looked at me was a fresh smile that seemed excited by the ball’s atmosphere.

 

At that moment.

 

Zikren’s appearance, dressed in unique attire and adorned with splendid accessories, looked like a prince from a fairy tale. It felt like something truly wonderful would happen if I took his hand.

 

“….”

 

I could see the faces of several young ladies who usually cursed me turning pale. They were so infuriated.

 

‘Go ahead, let’s see a few of you faint and get carried out?’

 

While I was having such thoughts for a moment….

 

Zikren, who had been standing with his hand extended before me, suddenly swayed. He had been pushed by other people.

 

“We’re sorry! Your Highness the Second Prince! Those behind us suddenly moved aside….”

 

Someone suddenly popped out from among the people hastily apologizing. It was none other than the golden-haired Crown Prince.

 

“Princess, so you were here?”

 

Aldensis quickly stood before me.

 

“I just remembered belatedly that I was so busy chasing Prince Istan earlier that I left the Princess behind and departed. To turn one’s back on a lady without saying anything is the height of rudeness. I would like to ask for a dance as an apology.”

 

Then he lowered his voice and whispered.

 

“You said you’d let your hair down and run wild to chase away the young ladies, right? I need that right now!”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“Please save me.”

 

Aldensis extended his hand to me.

 

Unlike the elegant and refreshing smile on his face, his gaze was intense and even persistent.

 

Though he couldn’t quite grab my hand outright, it seemed like once he took hold, he would never let go.

 

Perhaps it was because of the memories of Aristina’s unrequited love for him. I could feel my heart pounding.

 

Then.

 

“But more important than anything else is the academic advancement of our Empire.”

 

An arrogant yet confident voice struck my ears. From another direction, Ruellian was striding over.

 

“I’ve been bothered all along by starting the prayer without receiving the report. Since it’s come to this, I should at least hear an oral report before returning. What do you say, Princess?”

 

He gestured with his chin toward the balcony on the second floor of the ballroom.

 

People looked around in bewilderment.

 

Was that a place for academic reports? Wasn’t it where lovers had secret meetings? Everyone seemed to think it was absurd, but he himself was very confident.

 

Though he couldn’t extend his hand like the other two, he was instead leaning his body closest to me.

 

Suddenly remembering what had happened in the ballroom earlier, my ears grew hot.

 

Though he was avoiding contact due to regulations now, it felt like he would approach boldly whenever necessary. I could sense that intensity in his violet eyes.

 

“Aristina! We have a duty to liven up the atmosphere of this ball!”

 

“I’m in serious trouble right now without the Princess. I just witnessed hell.”

 

“Rather than such trivial matters, I believe advancing Imperial Religious Studies is more important….”

 

The sight of three people maintaining courtesy yet refusing to back down was truly a rare spectacle. People couldn’t believe what they were seeing with their own eyes.

 

“Why are they acting like that? Those who had no interest in women are suddenly all seeking out Princess Aristina as if they’d made a pact!”

 

“Let’s stay calm. They all have their reasons.”

 

“But still, this doesn’t make sense!”

 

As the venue buzzed chaotically with the top popular men surrounding me.

 

“Wait a moment!”

 

Serene appeared, pushing through the crowd.

 

“Why are you all suddenly acting like this toward Miss Aristina when you’ve been so cold to her all this time?”

 

Zikren was flustered.

 

“I….”

 

“No, Prince Zikren. It’s not a question, so don’t try to answer. I know everything.”

 

“What do you claim to know, Miss Serene?”

 

At Aldensis’s question, Serene pursed her lips.

 

“You’re trying to create the impression of being ‘kind even to the villainess’ in everyone’s minds, taking advantage of the attention being focused on today’s host!”

 

“….”

 

“But what to do? Unfortunately, we’ve already agreed to raise a toast as soon as this matter ends. Come on, let’s go! Lady Aristina!”

 

Zikren, Aldensis, and Ruellian looked at Serene with their mouths slightly agape, then asked simultaneously.

 

“‘Lady Aristina?'”

 

“Why? Is there a problem? She gave me permission to address her that way. Isn’t that right, Lady Aristina?”

 

Serene said this while extending her hand to me.

 

The number of people surrounding me had increased to four.

 

Who would Princess Aristina choose among them? Everyone murmured and watched me with excited, interested eyes.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————