The Unlikely Imprint of the Villainess and the Male Lead - Chapter 25
Chapter 25
Translator: Yonnee
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‘Still, I can’t rely solely on the imprint, so I’ll have to mix in some research on new products as a diversion. But for that, I can reference the idea I submitted as a project during my fourth year…’
Ugh, even with ten bodies, it wouldn’t be enough to get all of this done.
But if she could just get through this hurdle, she’d be able to research freely without raising suspicion from her family.
Would Mother really allow that…?
Luciana forced an awkward smile in the atmosphere that felt like a one-on-one interview.
‘When I was younger, they used to dote on me a little since I was born late in my parents’ lives, but…’
However, after Luciana entered the academy, it seemed Crevian had decided to raise her youngest daughter strictly, often showing a stern side.
‘She wouldn’t scold me for not having a plan… right?’
As the silence dragged on, Luciana grew nervous, only to be startled by an unexpected question.
“Have you thought about marriage?”
“Huh?!”
Where did that come from?
“But I don’t even have a fiancé yet?”
“My dear? Lucy… marriage…?”
“That’s right, Mother! It’s still too early!”
The moment the word ‘marriage’ left the marquis’s mouth, the peaceful table turned into a chaotic scene.
“Are you not both aware that Lucy will soon be twenty-one?”
“But…”
At Crevian’s calm rebuttal, everyone fell silent, as if on cue.
“Luciana, you don’t have to be solely focused on business. If you want, I can help find you a suitable husband. You can arrange an engagement when the time comes.”
“Well, that is…”
Marriage, huh.
‘Since I was born a noble, it’s something I’ll have to do eventually. It’s not like I haven’t thought about it…’
But right now, with the imprint, she couldn’t meet anyone except the male lead.
And she couldn’t tell them that honestly. What should she do now?
“Brother is still unmarried, so how could I…”
“We’re not living in that kind of era anymore. Whoever’s ready goes first.”
“T-That’s right, Lucy. I’m really okay with it, so if you want, you can hold the wedding anytime! Though, of course… that’s only if you actually want to get married…”
Her mother calmly sipped her tea as her brother fidgeted like a child left at the water’s edge.
No matter what, if she expressed any intent to pick a husband right now, portraits of eligible bachelors would soon pile up like a mountain.
“Uh… I’d like to focus on my work for now.”
“Is that so?”
If that’s what you wish.
Crevian nodded while cutting into the fish garnished with fragrant lemon, leaving the two men behind her to sigh in relief.
“All right. Challenge whatever you like. You’re a smart girl, and I know you’ll do well.”
“Yes, Mother. Thank you.”
Phew, it looks like I got through that safely.
‘In a way, it’s for the best. Marriage is something I’ll have to deal with eventually, after all.’
Now, all Luciana had to do was throw herself into her research under the pretense of business.
‘…Today is the promised day, isn’t it.’
128 Rodwell Street.
It was the day she was to receive the research journal from House Cassio.
* * *
‘If I don’t want to be late for the appointment, I should go now.’
After finishing her breakfast, Luciana quickly went upstairs.
To retrieve the item, she needed to call Mary first. Opening the door to her bedroom, Luciana immediately rang the bell beside her bed.
“You called for me, Milady?”
Mary, though chatty, was always quick to respond.
“Yes. Mary, could you run an errand for me? I need you to go here.”
“Of course!”
It’s been a while since I’ve run an errand outside! Could the young lady be craving a dessert from the bakery?
Unaware of the true purpose, the innocent maid nodded eagerly and took the note from Luciana.
“Huh? Is this address correct?”
Sure enough, Mary looked puzzled as she read the word ‘Rodwell’, far removed from any sweet bakery.
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