The Unlikely Imprint of the Villainess and the Male Lead - Chapter 34

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Chapter 34

Translator: Yonnee

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“Hmm… It would feel too impersonal if I only mentioned the supplies, wouldn’t it?”

Among the materials she requested were some that were quite expensive, and it pricked her conscience a bit.

“It won’t hurt to be polite. Instead of feeling uneasy, I should just go ahead and make a proper greeting.”

「 Greetings, Your Grace. This is Luciana Leslie.

As winter has truly begun, the weather has become much colder. I hope you’ve been doing well during this time.

I’ve carefully reviewed the research journal you sent, and as expected, given its age… 」

“I’ll be waiting for your reply… Hmm, this should do, right?”

Luciana, having finished reviewing the letter for any mistakes, sealed it with wax and placed it in the box. Sitting at her desk for several days had made her body feel stiff.

Stretching her tired limbs, she locked the box securely with a key.

Click, click.

“Okay, that’s done.”

Now she had some free time until the materials arrived.

“Ahh… I’m so tired.”

After all her hard work, Luciana decided to go to bed early for once. Staggering toward the bed, she quickly fell asleep without anyone to disturb her.

* * *

“Mary, could you head back to Rodwell without being late?”

The next morning, as soon as the day began, Luciana asked Mary to run the same errand as before. Though Luciana apologized for sending her to Rodwell every week, the cheerful Mary shrugged it off and assured her it was no trouble at all.

“Here, this is a small gift from me.”

“Oh! Can I really accept something this valuable…?”

“It’s not just for the errand. I was planning to give it as a small token of appreciation for your hard work this year. Even though the New Year has long passed.”

Mary’s eyes widened in surprise at the emerald jewelry that matched her own eye color. The small, finely crafted earrings were clearly of high quality, but their simple design made them perfect for someone like Mary, a maid.

“Milady…!”

Since emeralds weren’t Luciana’s favorite gemstone, it was clear this gift had been specially prepared for Mary. Her eyes were as vibrant as the lush green of summer.

‘Milady… thought of me…!’

Realizing this, Mary’s eyes filled with tears, and she looked at Luciana, who gave an awkward smile, with gratitude brimming in her gaze, as though she were ready to hug her on the spot.

“I’m glad you like it. Now, I’ll leave it to you. I have to go see my brother off.”

“Don’t worry! You can count on me!”

“If anything happens, let me know.”

“Yes!”

Leaving behind the enthusiastic Mary, Luciana stepped out of the bedroom and walked down the hallway.

‘But now I have to wait a whole week for the reply.’

If only there were some magic to instantly send the items.

‘I know this is the best way to avoid being found out by others, but time keeps passing… and I don’t know when his rut will hit.’

While she wouldn’t idle away her time waiting for the materials, the uncertainty still weighed on her mind.

“Lucy!”

As Luciana tightened her cape against the chilly wind and stepped out the front door, she spotted Lorrain in the distance, giving instructions to the servants.

Her parents were there too, which meant they were about to depart.

“Brother!”

Momentarily setting aside her thoughts about the research, Luciana ran over to Lorrain, who would soon be away for some time.

Thud!

As Luciana threw herself into his arms, Lorrain’s gaze softened as he gently patted her back.

With a smile that reflected both his affection for his family and the sadness of parting, he teased playfully.

“Lucy, I hardly saw your face these days. You’ve been holed up in your room so much, I thought you’d completely forgotten about me.”

“Well…”

Luciana could only avert her gaze in response, unable to deny the truth.

Although she knew Lorrain was only teasing, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt, sensing the hidden disappointment in his words.

‘It’ll be hard to see him for at least a year.’

Thinking about that made her regret not spending more time with her brother. Yet, she quickly shook her head, remembering the reality that continued to hold her back.