I Became the Villain’s Master - Chapter 121

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Chapter 121

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I forced a smile and lifted my teacup, desperately trying to hide the trembling corners of my lips.

‘This is just too much!’ I thought. The atmosphere among the noble ladies was so vicious that I almost preferred outright insults.

On the surface, everything seemed cheerful and harmonious, but having witnessed the underlying tension, I couldn’t help but feel on edge.

‘It’s not like I’ve even been to many social gatherings.’

Rosette had missed out on social events, sacrificing her own life for her sister. Now that I had inherited her life, this was truly unbearable.

[Mistress, I’m quite adorable. Shall I make an appearance?]

Seeing me sweating and forcing a smile, Snow puffed out its chest and wagged its white tail.

‘No, please stay put,’ I thought, shaking my head at the image of Snow suddenly bursting into the tea party. It would be impossible unless I intended to ruin the Holy Festival.

‘Though it would be nice if it all went up in flames…’

I glanced at Aria, now a princess, exuding an air of nobility and composure far greater than at the previous Imperial Palace banquet. For the sake of Terrion and Aria’s budding romance, this much was nothing!

“So, Lady Rosette… you’re from the fallen House of Cernia, is that right?”

the noble lady who had been glaring at me since my arrival asked, a seductive smile playing on her lips. Raised from birth as a high-ranking noble, her elegance was undeniable. I seemed to recall she was the cherished youngest daughter of the House of Clementi.

“Oh my. The daughter of a fallen noble attending the Holy Festival…”

“It’s surprising that the Tower Lord is her partner.”

Excuse me, but I haven’t done anything wrong! Kiris was the one who brought me to the Holy Festival! I felt wronged but couldn’t offer any rebuttal.

The slightest misstep could lead to me being trampled underfoot by Lady Clementi and her entourage.

‘Do they really hate me this much?’

“Um…”

“How could someone as perfect as the Tower Lord…” I began, forcing a smile, but Aria, her eyes wide, interrupted.

“Lady Clementi. What does that have to do with anything?”

She looked around the room, her gaze confident. The timid, rabbit-like Aria who had been clinging to my hand was gone. At this moment, she was every inch the noble princess.

“What are you saying? Shouldn’t a fallen noble be treated accordingly?”

“That’s right. She should pay for the sin of sullying the honor of the nobility.”

“And… I believe the Princess is in a similar situation.”

The surrounding noble ladies chimed in, their words punctuated by cruel laughter.

“No,” Aria said coldly, her voice silencing the room. Everyone stared at her, eyes wide. “I don’t think so.” With a calm expression, she continued, a relaxed smile gracing her lips. “Do you think it’s right to belittle someone with unverified information, relying solely on your family’s influence?”

“That’s…”

“And Lady Clementi,” Aria said, her eyes curving into a beautiful smile, “I understand the House of Clementi does a great deal of business with the Tower.”

Whoosh. A fan unfolded, swaying gently.

“I wonder what would happen if they knew you insulted the Tower Lord.”

‘You’re amazing!’ I thought, covering my mouth. Aria gently took my hand, a small smile playing on her lips, as if to say, ‘It’s okay, I’m here.’ Then she spoke again.

“So, Lady Rosette, don’t worry about it.”

“Thank you.”

“Ugh!”

Lady Clementi glared at Aria and me, her face flushed. The once amiable atmosphere had taken a sharp turn. Lady Clementi, who had maintained her composure until now, had finally lost control of her expression. Naturally, hostile gazes converged on us.

‘Isn’t this getting out of hand?’ I wondered.

Just then, an attendant’s voice cut through the tension.

“His Highness requests your presence.”

‘What? Has news of this already reached the Crown Prince?’ I thought, startled. As I flinched, the attendant looked at me and spoke again.

“You alone, my lady.”

“Me…?” I asked, pointing at myself. The attendant nodded.

‘What’s going on now?’

It wasn’t about the situation at the Holy Festival, but a separate summons? I recalled the Crown Prince’s earlier appearance. He seemed a bit sharp, but nothing out of the ordinary.