The Unlikely Imprint of the Villainess and the Male Lead - Chapter 17
Chapter 17
Translator: Yonnee
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Luciana sighed as she watched Mary, who was so excited that she was humming a tune, with indifferent eyes.
‘Will there be some benefit in doing this when I meet the male lead later? I really hope so.’
But why did she have such a bad feeling?
Luciana tried to ignore the heavy sensation creeping up on her, and when she saw Mary approaching with the necklace, she quickly masked her expression.
“I’ll put it on for you, Milady.”
The pink pearls, placed near the fireplace so they wouldn’t feel cold against her skin, gently settled on her pale, slender neck.
“Wow, you look absolutely stunning today!”
“Thank you.”
Mary admired Luciana, who looked like a flower blooming in the early dawn.
Her outfit, accentuated with pink and yellow details to match her lovely spring-like appearance, wasn’t extravagantly flashy like a rose in full bloom, but exuded a subtle charm that was softly captivating.
“It’s time to head down. Thank you, Mary.”
With a soft feathered fan in hand, Luciana walked out into the hallway, receiving a farewell from Mary.
* * *
When it came to social events outside of smaller gatherings like tea parties, it wasn’t a strict rule, but attending with a partner was an unspoken expectation.
Whether man or woman, arriving alone could make one the subject of light gossip, so most found an appropriate partner. For married nobles, it would be their spouse, and for the unmarried, a fiancé or someone from a family of equal standing.
Luciana, too, had arranged to attend the New Year’s ball with a pre-agreed partner.
“You look absolutely beautiful today, Lady Leslie.”
“Thank you, Count Graham.”
In the Empire, it was customary for the one who requested the partnership to personally escort their companion.
Holding the Count’s hand, Luciana boarded the carriage, engaging in polite conversation as they made their way to the imperial palace.
“Count David Graham and Lady Luciana Leslie are entering!”
After verifying their invitations at the entrance, the servant loudly announced their arrival.
As Luciana lightly linked arms with the Count and entered the hall, countless eyes briefly landed on the pair.
“My lady, may I have the honor of this dance?”
“Yes, Your Lordship.”
Following proper etiquette, Luciana accepted the count’s offer to dance and moved to the floor with him.
Relaxing into the music, Luciana expertly followed the steps, recalling the endless lessons in ballroom dancing from her days of lessons on being a lady.
‘I’ve heard he has a good reputation among the nobles. Indeed, his character seems to match that.’
The count’s hand, resting on her waist, was far more respectful than her partner from the previous night.
As she smoothly turned, Luciana glanced at her partner. With common brown hair and eyes, the count was not quite on the level of Richt, but still handsome in his own right.
‘But…’
Despite her favorable impression of him, Luciana couldn’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment and bit her lip.
The count, who had been silently observing her, slowly spoke.
“Lady Leslie.”
“Yes?”
“I’ve heard you graduated from the Sylona Academy last year.”
“Ah… that’s right. I majored in Magical Manufacturing.”
The count’s voice was as pleasant as his gentle appearance.
“Magical Manufacturing, is it? You must have a strong aptitude for magic, my lady.”
“You’re flattering me. I’m still far from skilled.”
Luciana smiled modestly at his praise, a bit shy.
The count’s gaze lingered momentarily on the soft blush that lightly colored her cheeks.
As the melody loosened, seemingly to calm the heightened atmosphere, the count subtly posed a question, taking advantage of their close proximity.
“Did you refrain from taking a fiancé during your studies to focus on your education?”
“Well… I suppose so.”
“…And now that you’ve graduated, do you still feel the same?”
Ah, as expected.
Luciana, realizing the count’s growing interest after his careful probing, trailed off.
It was quite natural for marriage talks to arise while dancing with a partner. And it was clear that the Count had taken quite a liking to her.
However.
‘…What a shame.’
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