The Unlikely Imprint of the Villainess and the Male Lead - Chapter 18

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Chapter 18

Translator: Yonnee

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Luciana also found the count, who not only had a respectable appearance but was also gentlemanly, to be quite likable. Moreover, the Graham family was well-regarded in high society.

‘Not too long ago, I would have loved to have a sweet, simple life with a dependable man like him.’

A kind and chivalrous person.

Luciana had once hoped to choose an appropriate husband and enjoy a comfortable married life in the near future, and so, he would have been the ideal match for her.

“Yes… I wish to broaden my horizons a bit more.”

“I see.”

But despite the count’s careful and polite approach, Luciana could not afford to leave even the smallest hint of hope.

There was the imprint with Richt.

Now that she was bound to another man under the name of a ‘mate’, she could not form any meaningful connection with anyone else.

“I wish you the best in your future endeavors, my lady.”

“Thank you.”

As the orchestra’s performance ended, the count let go of Luciana’s hand, which he had been holding throughout the dance, and bid her a calm farewell.

‘I’m sorry, Count.’

The lingering disappointment in his gaze weighed on her heart.

Luciana had to swallow her bitter feelings as she observed how the count, despite her sharp rejection, remained courteous and ended things gracefully.

It was true that she wanted to pursue her studies further, but that didn’t mean she intended to forsake relationships altogether.

‘Even though Richt and I don’t have any real affection for each other, and since the mark isn’t even visible to other people, no one would know… But still, hiding the fact that I’m imprinted and meeting other men would be wrong.’

Luciana sighed deeply, staring at her wrist.

As she glared at the mark, the whole situation felt more and more unfair the longer she looked at it, the memory of those blood-red eyes glaring at her in the bedroom surfaced.

‘It was nice to read about him in the original novel, but now that I’m tangled up in it myself, he’s just a handsome shell with a terrible personality. Of course, that’s probably because I’m not the female lead.’

If his imprinted partner had been the female lead, they would’ve probably had a grand wedding shortly after getting over their initial shock.

‘Well, he’s the male lead, so of course. Being warm only to his woman while growling at everyone else—typical male lead behavior.’

Glaring is the least he could do, isn’t it? Well, he’s already gone so far as to threaten to kill me.

As Luciana muttered complaints about the duke who didn’t hesitate to speak harshly to her, a voice interrupted her thoughts.

“His Grace, Duke Richt Cassio, is entering!”

“!”

Speak of the devil.

The moment Luciana thought of Richt, the tightly closed doors of the ballroom swung open.

Good heavens. It’s Duke Cassio!

Luciana, along with many others, immediately turned their gaze toward the entrance, shocked at the appearance of such a distinguished figure.

‘He came without a partner?’

In any other situation, it would have earned him a few snickers, but considering who it was, not a single person dared to gossip.

Whether it was his exceptional looks or something else, entering alone didn’t make him look pitiful—instead, he carried himself with the grace of a solitary swan.

Without realizing it, Luciana found herself staring at Richt, who radiated the unmistakable aura of a protagonist.

His black hair, which normally covered his forehead, was slicked back with pomade, neatly styled, and his tailored uniform complemented his natural physique, exuding an even greater charm.

There was an overall cold-blooded aura to his appearance. If anything, that only made him more suited to his role… which was, perhaps, the issue.

‘Even if his personality is like that, his face is… Ah! What am I doing? This is no time to be admiring him!’

If she ran into Deborah, things would get complicated.

Luciana frantically scanned the room, but the noble lady with the honey-gold hair and violet eyes, symbols of the female lead, was nowhere to be seen.

‘She hasn’t arrived yet?’

In any case, it was much better that the female lead wasn’t around. If Luciana accidentally got caught talking to Richt, things would only become more uncomfortable.

‘Thankfully, my parents and brother haven’t entered yet either. I need to finish my business with him before they arrive.’

However, by this point, a group of nobles who were eager to form even the slightest connection with the duke had already surrounded Richt, subtly jockeying for position.