The Unlikely Imprint of the Villainess and the Male Lead - Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Translator: Yonnee

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“Isn’t this exactly that trope? The male lead who’s obsessed with no one but the female lead, just like in the epilogue of the original story.”

In the final episode, the two protagonists have a grand wedding, blessed by everyone, and spend their first night together.

“Since that was their first night, the imprint must have been formed then…”

So, it wasn’t strange at all that Richt became a devoted husband after that.

But the current situation, which was a complete mess, felt like…

“Enough! I’m doing this to set things straight.”

Luciana shook her head vigorously, as if to shake off her thoughts, and immediately sat down at her desk.

First, she decided to write down, in chronological order, what herbs were used and how they were combined to break the imprint. She thought it might be a good idea to look into the mating season as well.

Though it would take a considerable amount of time to organize, the detailed notes on side effects and effects would make the analysis much easier.

Scratch, scratch.

It was quite a lot of work for one person to handle alone, but Luciana stayed at her desk, losing track of time.

For a while, the only sound in the lab was the busy scratching of a pen.

* * *

“……”

Who could have spiked his drink?

‘They could have disguised themselves as a servant of the palace.’

It was worth investigating, given the circumstances, but even though he was a grand noble, Richt had no authority to investigate the palace.

Of course, if he made a formal request to the emperor, it might be possible. But since Richt hardly ever asked for small favors, the emperor would likely become overly interested and dig into it obsessively.

Moreover, by now, the culprit would have erased the evidence and fled, and with his own memory still unclear, even if he ordered a thorough investigation, it wouldn’t yield much.

‘I’ll have to gather a team and order an investigation today.’

At this time, they should be in the middle of training.

Thinking of the knights, Richt furrowed his brow for a moment.

Whether it was because he had become overly sensitive after the imprint, headaches had become more frequent.

‘Maybe I should have some medicine brewed .’

Rubbing his temples, Richt headed towards the training grounds.

* * *

The Caranta Knights.

This was the elite force led by Richt, composed solely of knights selected based on their skills.

Perhaps because the only qualification for joining was exceptional talent as a knight, when it came to swordsmanship, they were on par with the elite knights of the Imperial Guard, who were known for their strict selection process.

“I swear, I saw her leaving the mansion!”

“Pink hair? Then, shouldn’t that be someone from… the Leslie Marquisate?”

“I’ve heard of them! The younger sister that the Young Marquis Leslie dotes on!”

The only flaw in this group, given that skill was prioritized above all else, was that a few individuals didn’t quite fit the typical image one would have of knights.

Particularly, the trio currently engaged in a lively discussion about the duke’s lady were known as the most talkative men in the entire knight order.

“Are you sure you didn’t see wrong?”

“Hey, I have perfect vision in both eyes!”

“If it’s true, then this is huge news.”

Who would have guessed that the usually stoic commander would bring a noble lady back from the ball!

While it was generally considered bad manners to pry into someone else’s personal life, especially that of a superior, they couldn’t help but fixate on the mystery woman who had spent the night with Richt.

It wasn’t a vulgar curiosity about the woman who spent the night with him, but more of a fascination with how their commander, who had never shown any interest in women, had suddenly changed. They were excited about the possibility of romance on the horizon.

The knights had been somewhat concerned about Richt, who, despite his impeccable looks, power, and wealth, had shown no interest in getting engaged, let alone finding a fiancée.

Sure, his difficult personality was a bit of an issue, but with his handsome appearance, which surpassed all previous imperial beauties, combined with his top-tier status and wealth, finding a bride shouldn’t have been hard for him. Yet, time spares no one…

“So, is that why His Grace has been so busy these past few days?”

“Finally, a lady who can melt our commander’s cold, frozen heart!”

The massive knights chuckled among themselves, imagining a passionate and fateful romance blossoming for their commander.

“Hey… wait a minute.”

“Huh?”

One knight, who had been silently observing his comrades, suddenly remembered something and spoke up.

“Didn’t you say she had pink hair, not blonde?”

“Why are you bringing that up all of a sudden… Ah!”

The knight who had claimed to have seen Luciana quietly nodded, then suddenly smacked his forehead as if he’d just realized something.