The Unlikely Imprint of the Villainess and the Male Lead - Chapter 52

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Chapter 52

Translator: Yonnee

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“I apologize for this incident. As a gesture of apology, I will pay double the estimated repair costs. Additionally, I will compensate for any lost business during the repair period.”

“T-Thank you, sir… hiic! I-I mean, Your Grace the Duke!”

The shopkeeper’s voice wavered between gratitude and fear, but Logan’s capable handling ensured there was no further conflict.

When Richt, having belatedly collected himself, approached and promised a generous compensation, the victimized shopkeeper, rather than feeling angry, bowed repeatedly in gratitude, creating a comically absurd scene.

‘Every time I look into those eyes, it feels like my lifespan is shortening by the second.’

This wasn’t only due to the substantial compensation offered, which melted away any sense of injustice, but also because of Richt’s impassive expression, making it impossible to discern his thoughts. The shopkeeper was eager to leave the scene quickly.

“Well then, I’ll be awaiting your contact.”

“Ah, y-yes! P-please, take care!”

Like a rabbit escaping its predator, the shopkeeper hurriedly retreated into the shop, disappearing from sight.

Once the situation was resolved, Logan guided Richt back to the main street, speaking with evident frustration.

“Your Grace, why did you suddenly punch a perfectly good wall? First the imperial palace, and now this—you’ve been acting really strange today.”

“……”

Despite Logan’s protests, punctuated by a thump of his chest to emphasize his point, Richt avoided his gaze and remained silent.

While Logan deserved an explanation, this silence was the best that Richt could offer.

How could he possibly admit that he had impulsively punched a wall just because he failed to overhear details about a woman’s birthday?

“…Where is the carriage?”

“I instructed it to wait at the plaza. It should have arrived by now.”

“Understood. Let’s go.”

Logan sighed heavily at Richt’s clear attempt to avoid conversation but followed after him without further complaint.

‘Well, it’s been nearly a month since His Grace began investigating the badge, and we’ve had no progress. No wonder he’s on edge.’

The damaged wall, Logan reasoned, was likely a physical outburst of pent-up frustration.

‘Is this a nervous breakdown? I should ask the physician to examine His Grace’s mental state soon.’

Considering how the duke’s mood dictated the atmosphere of the entire estate, Richt’s emotional stability was essential for not only Logan’s peace but also that of the other servants.

“There aren’t any urgent documents to handle today, so I suggest you rest when we return, Your Grace.”

Logan brushed his weary eyes, silently praying that the culprits provoking Richt’s nerves would be caught soon.

Pause—

“Your Grace? Why have you stopped?”

“……”

The duke, who had been walking without issue, suddenly froze in place.

‘Surely he’s not about to damage someone else’s property again…?’

A creeping sense of unease swept over Logan as he stepped closer to Richt.

“Hm?”

He followed Richt’s gaze and blinked in surprise.

The duke had stopped in front of an elegant jewelry store, its display designed to appeal to the refined tastes of nobles. It was a high-end shop currently gaining popularity in the capital.

“Ah, a pink diamond.”

Richt’s crimson eyes were fixed on a set of jewelry displayed gracefully in the shop window.

“……”

Lost in thought, Richt stared at the necklace, seemingly unaware that he was standing in front of the glass.

Luciana’s birthday.

The chance mention of it had completely overtaken his mind, as if it controlled his entire being.

‘Has His Grace developed an interest in jewelry?’

Logan observed Richt, who appeared entranced, and made a light comment.

“Diamonds are a great collectible, categorized by color. Many nobles enjoy not only collecting the raw stones but also crafted jewelry sets like these.”

Of course, Logan didn’t suspect for a moment that Richt, a man utterly indifferent to women until now, was inwardly conflicted over someone.

‘Until now, he’s never paid attention to anything like this. I just assumed he had no interest in such matters at all.’

Logan simply thought that Richt had discovered a new hobby, much like other nobles.

‘Well, His Grace has been far too focused on work and training. If he picks up a constructive hobby like this, it might actually do him some good.’

Concerned over Richt’s recent instability, Logan decided to encourage what he assumed to be a positive development.

“This level of craftsmanship makes it well worth acquiring. Also, this store—I just realized—isn’t it run by Jean Ferté?”

“Jean Ferté? A renowned artisan?”