The Unlikely Imprint of the Villainess and the Male Lead - Chapter 26

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Chapter 26

Translator: Yonnee

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“Well, I’ve graduated now, so I decided to try my hand at some research for a while. There’s a place that trades in rare magical herbs, so I’ve already placed an order.”

“But Milady, this place isn’t a residential area or a shopping district—it’s a place with no clear identity. Oddly enough, for such a suspicious area, the security seems good.”

Luciana agreed with that point. It was the perfect place to make contact out of sight, as its purpose was unclear to most people.

“That’s what I’m saying. The process to make a deal is way too complicated. Maybe the owner has a secretive personality? That’s probably why they chose Rodwell as the meeting place.”

“Ah… Is it a very secretive place? For you to say something like that, Milady?”

“Right? I had to ask around just to find out about it.”

Mary, I’m sorry, but it’s all a lie.

It wasn’t something she should say after deceiving her so naturally, but watching Mary trust her so easily pricked at Luciana’s conscience a little.

“Just give them my alias, ‘Lillian’, and show this. They’ll take care of the rest. I’ve already paid in advance, so all you need to do is pick up the item.”

“Oh! You’re even using an alias?”

Luciana had no choice but to come up with an excuse, as she was really trying to avoid any leaks while staying in contact with the male lead.

“For the sake of customer privacy?”

“R-Right… is that it?”

“Then I’ll leave it to you, Mary.”

Luciana hurriedly saw her off before Mary, who was simple but diligent, could question it further.

‘I hope there’s plenty of useful information.’

Luciana watched Mary’s empty spot with worry as she left for her errand.

* * *

“Mister Connor, hello!”

“Oh, if it isn’t Mary. So, you’re off on an errand?”

“Yes! Here’s the address!”

The coachman, who had been waiting in advance on Luciana’s orders, greeted her warmly as he took the reins.

With a shout and a flick of the reins, the carriage smoothly left the estate and rolled down the paved road.

‘It’s a bit cold, but at least it’s not snowing, so this won’t take too long.’

Mary tightly held the most important item for today’s errand—a handkerchief—within her coat and opened the velvet curtains to gaze out the window.

Rodwell Street was a place she’d only heard of but had never visited before in her life.

According to rumors from some senior servants, it was often used by large noble families to handle affairs or make transactions discreetly without anyone knowing.

Whether that was true or not, Mary thought it was a fitting reputation for Rodwell, a quiet and mysterious place where no one could quite figure out what went on.

Mary’s emerald-green eyes remained fixed on the view outside as the carriage continued its journey.

“Oh… so this is Rodwell Street…”

After passing the sparkling, doll-like shops and the stylish middle-class district, they entered a secluded, eerily quiet area with not a soul in sight.

“There’s not even an ant around!”

Seeing Rodwell Street for the first time herself, Mary began to believe that perhaps the rumors she had heard might be true. It was that secretive and mysterious.

“We’ve arrived.”

“Oh!”

Torn between the determination to complete her errand for Milady Luciana and the fear that made her want to run home, Mary stepped off the carriage.

“……”

Gulp.

The building in front of her was a two-story structure that looked ordinary enough, but the deserted street made her feet feel heavy, unwilling to move forward.

‘Milady said I had to go in alone…’

The more she thought about it, the less she liked this arrangement.

Just what kind of person was this owner to insist on such a troublesome method?

‘I-I’m the lady’s closest maid! She entrusted me with this very important errand, so I can’t back down!’

Though Luciana had assured her there would be no danger, and that it was perfectly safe, Mary still felt nervous. She clutched the handkerchief tightly, finally mustering the courage to press on.

‘Wait for me, Milady! I’ll be right back…!’

As simple as she was, Mary quickly regained her resolve, then stood firmly in front of the closed door and knocked loudly enough to be heard inside.