The Unlikely Imprint of the Villainess and the Male Lead - Chapter 55

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Chapter 55

Translator: Yonnee

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“…Ahem, sir?”

To think he seemed so regretful. I feel sorry for him myself.

“Please, don’t be too disheartened.”

“When was I ever disheartened…”

“Actually, I do have something just as good, if not better.”

Though his appearance was suspicious, the man seemed to be someone of considerable means.

Jean quickly darted off somewhere and returned moments later, struggling to carry a safe with complex locks in both hands.

“That won’t be necessary. I’m not interested in anything else.”

But Richt answered firmly without a moment’s hesitation.

‘I can’t let myself get dragged into something foolish again like yesterday. I should just leave now.’

Whatever valuable item lay hidden in that safe, the very fact that it was kept under such secure conditions gave him an uneasy feeling.

“This—this is a rare opportunity!”

Jean’s voice wavered with urgency.

The gem he was about to present was one he had acquired with great difficulty through extensive connections. He had spent two months painstakingly crafting it into a premium piece.

It was a treasure he had safeguarded with the utmost care—how could he accept such an indifferent reaction?

“I assure you, you won’t regret it!”

“Ugh, hey!”

Seeing that Richt wasn’t about to change his mind, Jean grew increasingly anxious. He knew his behavior bordered on rude, but he clasped the duke’s sleeve desperately and hurriedly unlocked the safe.

Surely, once the man laid eyes on the gem, he would understand Jean’s persistence.

“Here it is! The ‘runet,’ imported from the Kingdom of Ivnia, known as the paradise of jewels!”

“……!”

Richt stared at the item before him, almost in disbelief.

Nestled on a crimson velvet cushion was an oval-cut gem about the size of his thumb.

“This is…”

“How about it? Trade between the empire and the kingdom has only just begun, so this is an exceptionally rare piece.”

Even at a glance, the clear, radiant brilliance of the gem spoke to its exceptional quality.

But Richt wasn’t astonished by its craftsmanship.

Though predominantly pink, the gem shimmered with a subtle golden luster depending on the angle—reminiscent of someone.

‘Luciana.’

The name came unbidden to his mind, so similar was the gem to her.

‘Haah.’

It was unmistakable—this gem was practically her twin.

―This is it! This is the perfect piece for Luciana!

The voice that had tormented him through the night abandoned all thoughts of the pink diamond and now clamored for the runet.

“Haaaah.”

Here we go again.

Richt rubbed his face in exasperation. To Jean, however, he appeared deeply captivated by the gem, as though mere words couldn’t capture its beauty.

‘I knew it! From the moment he laid eyes on my collection, I could tell he had an eye for quality. He’s clearly fallen for the runet!’

Satisfied by Richt’s reaction, Jean shrugged proudly and began to chatter.

“This will undoubtedly become a huge trend soon. The noble ladies especially will adore its delicate hue. In fact, there are already rumors that some of the more fashion-forward individuals are scouring the black market just to find a runet.”

Richt, who had been silently staring at the gem with an unreadable expression, suddenly spoke, as though he had been waiting for an opening.

“A gem favored by women?”

Damn it. Why is my mouth moving on its own?

Even Richt himself flinched in embarrassment, as though he’d just said something completely out of character.

“Haha, absolutely! Unlike other gems, the runet possesses a soft and endearing color—it’s utterly charming!”

‘Oh? Perhaps he’s looking for a gift for a lover? Despite his appearance, he’s quite the romantic, it seems.’

A gem as exquisite as the runet, transformed into a symbol of noble love, was a beautiful notion.

Jean couldn’t help but wonder who the woman was that had stolen the heart of this prickly nobleman.

Lost in his musings, Jean was abruptly pulled back to reality when Richt asked why he was smiling, prompting him to clear his throat awkwardly.

“Ahem. The price is roughly this much.”

Emphasizing the gem’s rarity and his masterful craftsmanship, Jean handed Richt a piece of paper with the price written on it.

“……”

Though less expensive than the jewelry set from the previous day, it was still steep for a single gem. Of course, to the Cassio Duchy’s immense wealth, the cost was negligible.