I Became the Villain’s Master - Chapter 115

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Chapter 115

***

Once again, Kiris was about to summon the Madam from the Montblanc fashion house. However, I managed to dissuade him, insisting I didn’t need another dress. Kiris had already magically transported my entire dressing room here, and I had no desire to be buried alive in gowns.

“My lady, you look absolutely stunning!” Mary exclaimed.

I had chosen what I considered the most suitable dress. After all, I was attending as Kiris’s partner, so appearances mattered.

“As expected, you have such a wonderful figure, my lady. Anything looks good on you,” Mary flattered, and I glanced at the mirror. My brown hair, styled in cascading waves, was swept up today, complemented by elegant earrings and a necklace.

‘I can’t let the other noblewomen look down on me.’

Everyone likely already knew about my family’s decline, so I needed to hold my head high. Despite my resolve, seeing myself dressed up after so long felt strangely unfamiliar. The crimson dress, with its intricate lace embroidery, was striking.

“Mistress, are you ready?” Kiris asked. He leaned against the wall, adjusting his attire. Since it wasn’t a formal ball tonight, he wore a light blue riding jacket. His appearance struck me as almost decadently handsome, and I couldn’t help but swallow hard.

‘As always, Kiris is breathtaking!’

The fitted jacket accentuated his muscular physique.

“Shall we go?” he asked, extending his hand. I nodded.

“Yes.”

***

We traveled to the Imperial Palace in a magical carriage.

[Mistress! This is another strange carriage. Did that ominous man make this one, too?]

Snow, in his spectral form, settled onto my lap with a put-upon air.

‘Yes, I suppose this is my first time in a magical carriage.’

I shrugged.

‘If you didn’t want to come along, you could have stayed with Mary.’

[This magnificent being is graciously protecting you, Mistress!] Snow declared, proudly lifting a paw to poke my thigh. Of course, being a spirit, its touch was imperceptible.

I turned to Kiris. “Kiris, when will this carriage be available to the public?”

“Soon, I believe.”

“Really?” The magical carriage, soon to be commonplace, was remarkably smooth and stable. Was the Magic Tower finally embracing innovation?

“Ooh!” I covered my mouth in surprise. Kiris gazed at me intently and said casually, “I told you I’d give you one, Mistress. Take it. Or the entire Magic Tower, if you wish.”

‘The Tower Lord is offering me his tower!’

If Louis had heard this, he would have burst into tears. He cherished the tower that much.

“Ahaha… but I’m still staying at the tower, and I lack nothing. Besides, I never go anywhere alone.”

For my own safety, I wasn’t allowed to leave the tower without Kiris’s permission. He was adamant that I couldn’t step foot outside until all threats were neutralized. I understood. While I didn’t know why I was being targeted, there were undoubtedly dangers.

“Tell me if you want anything, Mistress. Anything.”

“Yes, I will,” I replied, dismissing the suggestive undertone in his voice. What I truly desired was a quiet, happy, single life, but that ship had long sailed. Despite everything that had happened, my current life with Kiris was surprisingly fulfilling.

“Mistress,” Kiris said affectionately, taking my hand. His large hand enveloped mine, our fingers interlacing. I saw my wide-eyed reflection in his crimson gaze. “If anyone displeases you today, let me know. I’ll take care of it.” His usually gentle eyes sharpened. I offered a silent prayer for the unfortunate soul whose life now hung precariously on my words.

“Who would dare? I’m here as the Tower Lord’s partner.” Honestly, who would be foolish enough to threaten or offend the partner of the Tower Lord? The young lord who had bothered me at the previous Imperial ball had only done so when I was alone. During the Holy Festival, partners were expected to remain together, leaving little opportunity for such incidents.

Apparently satisfied with my answer, Kiris remained silent. A comfortable silence settled between us as we rode to the palace, each of us preoccupied with the warmth of the other’s hand and the quickening of our pulses.

***

The Imperial Forest, the site of the Holy Festival, was teeming with nobles. The young ladies, in particular, were eager to see who had brought whom as their partner.