The Unlikely Imprint of the Villainess and the Male Lead - Chapter 16
Chapter 16
Translator: Yonnee
—
“Have you not told her yet?”
“……”
Richt confirmed with his silence.
Winter. The wolves’ mating season.
Richt’s outward appearance was entirely human, but from the womb, he had inherited the wolf’s traits, and once properly imprinted, he would inevitably burn with an intense yearning for his mate.
‘Of all times, to imprint in winter…’
Despite the chaotic situation, Richt realized that he hadn’t conveyed the most crucial and troubling fact to Luciana.
He turned his head irritably.
It felt suffocating, as if he had swallowed dirt, to have to inform the unsuspecting lady of the harsh reality they were now entrenched within.
“…It’s fine. We agreed to meet again at the ball.”
“Yes, understood.”
“Is there anything else?”
“Ah, well…”
Richt asked, noticing that Godwin wasn’t leaving the office as usual.
The butler then handed him a small item that the maids had found while tidying the bedroom that morning. It was something Richt had never seen before.
The emblem, about the size of his thumbnail, depicted a red rose and a white snake on a black background.
‘What is this?’
Did the lady leave it behind?
The coiled snake appeared both sinister and elegant.
While it didn’t look like a mere decoration, Richt assumed it belonged to Luciana without much thought. After all, she was the only one who had set foot in his bedroom besides himself.
“Leave it here. I’ll deliver it myself.”
“Yes. Shall I have the attendants start preparing for the ball right now?”
Looking at the clock, it was already close to five o’clock.
Although it was a bit early to start getting dressed, Richt nodded lightly, knowing he needed to gather his thoughts on what to convey to Luciana.
“Then, I shall take my leave.”
Having returned to his usual calm expression, Godwin left the office to carry out his tasks.
Once alone, Richt massaged his throbbing temples and stood up.
‘…Luciana Leslie.’
His blood-red eyes, thinking of meeting his mate again soon, were as cold as frost-covered glass.
* * *
“Miss, how would you like your hair styled?”
“Just naturally.”
“What about perfume? I’ve selected a few that would suit your outfit…”
The maids were incredibly busy preparing for the ball.
Luciana glanced at the clock on the wall as her maid, Mary, carefully brushed her hair.
The ball was set to begin at nine o’clock, and it had just passed seven, so there was plenty of time before they needed to leave.
“Why do you look so down today?”
“Because I’d rather be in bed resting than dealing with high society.”
“What? Why? Did you suddenly dislike your partner?”
Mary was puzzled, especially since Luciana had personally chosen her dress and accessories for the ball two weeks ago.
“Oh!”
Then Mary remembered that her lady had stayed out the previous night. She reacted with excitement, as if witnessing a romance protagonist’s love story.
“Oh my! I didn’t realize. You must be very tired!”
“No, that’s not it. I’m just really not in the mood.”
“Hehe. Sorry.”
Though Mary quickly closed her mouth under Luciana’s sharp gaze, her cheeks still bulged with suppressed laughter.
‘Ugh. Mary’s made me remember last night. I had almost forgotten.’
Luciana shuddered, thinking about how she had entangled herself with Richt, not knowing he was the male lead.
If only all of this could disappear like a dream upon waking.
She knew it was foolish, but she couldn’t help but cling to such hopeless wishes.
“Should I tie your hair halfway and secure it with a pin?”
“Yes. And I’m wearing the necklace Father gave me for my coming-of-age ceremony, the pearl one.”
“Yes! I’ll bring it right away.”
“Mary, you don’t need to overdo it. Anyone would think I’m preparing for a wedding.”
Luciana tried to calm Mary, who was overly enthusiastic about the preparations for the ball. But it seemed Mary was too focused on making Luciana the most beautiful lady of the night to listen.
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