The Unlikely Imprint of the Villainess and the Male Lead - Chapter 71
Chapter 71
Translator: Yonnee
—
Of course, Richt wasn’t the type to show his face so readily for such a trivial reason.
Following a program resembling childish, playful make-believe just to flaunt one’s beauty and reveal one’s charms to attract attention—
‘A gathering with not even the slightest hint of amusement.’
Just the thought of it made his face scrunch up in disgust, as if recalling a social gathering filled with overly sweet scents.
Though he was naturally averse to interacting with people, events like the Spring Festival were especially the type of gatherings he detested.
In fact, since his debut in high society, he had never once attended the Spring Festival.
Perhaps his resolve would remain the same this year, too.
“It’s almost that time.”
Richt casually placed the invitation on the table with an indifferent gesture.
After checking the wall clock and charging his artifact with mana, it wasn’t long before Luciana appeared, carrying an empty box in both hands.
“……!”
Richt, who had been looking at Luciana without any particular intent, instantly froze like plaster.
‘I’ve never seen her like this before.’
He muttered to himself without realizing it.
Her outfit was the same as usual, but there was one noticeable difference.
Perhaps it was because she had loosely braided the hair that normally flowed around her waist—an unfamiliar aura now emanated from the once-familiar her.
Was I really that obsessed with appearances?
Before Richt could even fully register her change, Luciana strode directly toward him.
“!”
His shoulders tensed in anxiety.
Had she switched even her soap for the new spring? With every step she took closer, a refreshing scent—not the usual vanilla he had grown accustomed to over the long winter—filled the air.
Ting-ting.
It was as if a kaleidoscope of fragrances, reminiscent of a sunlit glass greenhouse, tickled his insides.
Gulp.
Richt’s throat loosened sluggishly.
He was merely breathing to survive, yet every time that happened he found himself lost in the illusion of leaning on her shoulder.
“…The smell—”
“Yes?”
“…No, never mind.”
“……?”
What about the smell? Could it be that it was unpleasant?
‘I even bathed not long ago…’
As Richt’s expression stiffened slightly and he kept his distance, Luciana timidly sniffed, bringing her nose to her wrist.
‘I mean, I smell fine, right?’
Muttering under her breath, she shrugged and handed a memo she’d prepared to the Duke.
Richt, clearly wishing to steer the conversation away from the matter, promptly changed the subject.
“There’s only a few items on this ingredients list today, I see.”
“There are a few items I’ve removed from the candidate list. There shouldn’t be any major changes for a while.”
Richt nodded wordlessly, and then Luciana proceeded to give a brief report on the week’s research.
“So… that’s all.”
“Understood. If you need additional materials, let me know separately.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Perhaps because there was nothing particularly urgent to convey this time, even though it hadn’t been thirty minutes since they met, the meeting was already drawing to a close.
‘I guess I can go back early today.’
It was at that moment, as Luciana was preparing to head back to the mansion, that she casually discovered an invitation tucked in a corner of the table and spoke up.
“That invitation…”
Under normal circumstances she would have ignored it, but the unwelcome appearance of that invitation compelled her to bring it up.
His cold gaze followed her words.
Noticing where Luciana’s eyes had landed, Richt finally seemed to realize the presence of the discarded envelope.
‘Haah, I really don’t want to go.’
It appears that the Second Princess was really expecting active participation from the nobles.
Could it be because her true feelings suddenly surged? Luciana sighed as if venting her frustrations.
‘Even if she’s a princess of the empire, she can’t just force her will on other people. I’m pretty sure not attending wouldn’t pose a problem. It’s been ages since I last set foot in social circles… But in the end, I know I’ll have no choice but to go. People around here don’t take kindly to someone who’s holed up at home all the time.’
For someone who preferred resting on a soft bed, the society in which she lived was truly exhausting.
Observing Luciana silently, Richt suddenly asked,
“…Will you be attending as well?”
“Huh? Um… I suppose so…?”
Why would someone who never cared about what I did suddenly ask that?
Luciana awkwardly nodded, setting aside her small doubt.
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