The Unlikely Imprint of the Villainess and the Male Lead - Chapter 11
Chapter 11
Translator: Yonnee
—
“What? Were they very worried?”
“Well, specifically, Father was.”
“Haha…”
Even though staying out overnight after a ball was common and considered natural in this society, the walk of shame was still unavoidable.
Especially considering how much her father, just like her brother, doted on her. She felt dread at the thought of facing him. The prospect already darkened her vision.
“I-I should go and greet them quickly.”
“By now, our parents must have been informed that you’ve arrived, so let’s go up together.”
“Yes, um, okay.”
Luciana naturally linked arms with Lorrain, who had offered his arm, and headed toward the office.
* * *
“Lucy!”
“F-Father…”
As expected, as soon as Luciana stepped into the office, a voice called out to her.
The middle-aged man with long, neatly tied silver hair—previously pink—and golden eyes bore a striking resemblance to Luciana, making it clear to anyone that he was her father.
“You’re finally here?”
Terzion, who had been anxiously pacing the office, rushed over to embrace his daughter and check her over to ensure she was unharmed.
‘Anyone would think I’d just returned from the battlefield…’
Although Luciana felt a bit embarrassed to still be treated like a child despite being of age, she quietly endured it, understanding it was her father’s way of expressing his love.
“Yes, you seem safe.”
No, that’s a bit too much, don’t you think?
Luciana could only offer a sheepish smile in response to Terzion’s words, which sounded as if he had aged ten years in relief.
Her father’s eyes, much like Lorrain’s, were mixed with anger directed at her overnight companion.
“Terri, let her go and take a seat. Lucy is no longer a child, after all. Lorrain, you should relax as well. It’s embarrassing for even me to watch.”
“Dear…”
“Ahem. Yes, Mother.”
The one to calm the two fiery men was the matriarch, Marquis Leslie, who was seated at the head of the room.
Unlike Luciana, Crevian had a sharp and cold exterior and skillfully managed the situation.
“Hmm.”
Savoring the now lukewarm tea, the household head finally spoke to Luciana.
“Lucy, you look tired. Will you be able to attend the New Year’s ball tonight?”
“Yes. I already have a partner I promised to accompany…”
Attending night balls in succession was truly exhausting, but the ball celebrating the end of the year and the beginning of the new year was a major social event in the empire, and most nobles felt compelled to attend.
‘I’m supposed to meet our esteemed Duke there.’
Luciana sighed inwardly, recalling the promise she had momentarily forgotten.
Imprint.
There was a mountain of things she needed to discuss with Richt about that troubling matter, but she had to leave his residence in a hurry due to his schedule.
“We’ll discuss the rest at the New Year’s ball. It would be best to meet on the balcony at an appropriate time.”
Those were Richt’s last words to her as of late.
“…Is that so?”
Seeing Luciana looking unusually weary today, Crevian raised an eyebrow but assumed it was due to fatigue and changed the subject.
“Preparing for the ball will keep you busy. You must be tired, so go ahead and rest in your room.”
“Yes, Mother. I will.”
“Oh, Luciana. Are you planning to come back late tonight as well?”
“Cough—!”
Lucy, will you really…?
For a fleeting moment, Luciana could feel her father’s and brother’s intense focus on her response.
“No…!”
“Phew.”
“Good, that’s a wise decision.”
As soon as Luciana hurriedly denied it, two sighs of relief followed.
‘Ugh, how embarrassing…’
If she stayed out two nights in a row, her reputation would be in shreds.
Blushing furiously, Luciana practically fled the office.
* * *
“Lucy.”
“Huh?”
While walking down the corridor with Lorrain, who accompanied her upstairs, she noticed his serious expression as he watched her intently.
“You can be honest with me.”
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