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Chapter 9. I Became a Fake Villain
Paryan’s blaring voice rang throughout the ballroom. Everyone remained stupified as they gazed his way.
I also turned my face to his sudden declaration. My eyes widened in astonishment as Paryan stared my way. No, to be exact, he was eying Lennox, who stood beside me.
‘What? What is he doing?’
As I tilted my head while observing his actions, Paryan resolutely upheld his questioning allegations.
“There is one candidate who was not named.”
I have a bad feeling about this. This ominous premonition of mine couldn’t be wrong. I could see the Emperor standing near Paryan in silence. He seemed aggrieved by his son’s bizarre actions.
“The remaining candidate.”
Looking at his expression, it didn’t seem they reached a mutual agreement.
Not long after, my guess led to a conviction.
However, Paryan’s lips were faster than mine.
“The young lady of Count Latni.”
Hey, you crazy punk. Don't involve me in this! I never volunteered!
As soon as his words concluded, I tried to scream that I wouldn’t comply with his rubbish. However, before I had the chance, Paryan was dragged from his stage by the Emperor.
‘Where are you going?! I need to get it into your head that I won’t act as you wish!’
Damn it! Unable to contain my boiling anger, I glared towards the area Paryan stood just a moment ago and poured alcohol down my throat. When the Emperor returns, I’ll approach him first thing and deny the offer.
“Young lady Latni, congratulations…”
Does this look like an event worth celebrating? I shot the nobleman a deadly stare. He drifted his speech and retreated hesitantly.
I don’t even recall how many commendations I’ve received after.
I grind my teeth, an exasperated expression overwhelming my face.
The mere fact that a lady was a candidate meant she could be the possible Crown Princess.
‘I’m placed on a tightrope already.’
The nobles would surpass any obstacles for the child who had but an insignificant chance to become the Crown Princess.
Of course, numerous aristocrats did attempt to approach me. However, not one person dared open their mouth before me as I exuded a menacing aura.
“Serrine!”
As I delayed in wait for the Emperor and Paryan to return, a bright voice called for me.
It was then that April jumped in my arms. Surprised by the sudden contact, I pushed her away.
“Kya!”
April shouted in surprise. All the attention of the ball focused on us.
“Are you alright? Young lady.”
Even I was startled to the point I couldn’t react until people began aiding April.
No matter how much I didn't want to get involved with the main protagonists, it wasn’t to the extent I would intentionally act so viciously.
“A-April.”
April's shoulders shuddered as I called her name hesitantly.
April stood with the help of the others, tears streaming down her eyes.
“I-I wanted to congratulate you…”
My conscience pierced as I considered myself harassing a kind, gentle animal. The frowns of all the nobles were directed towards me. At the same time, whispers emerged throughout the ballroom.
“S-sor…”
Regardless of the reason, it was still wrong for me to push her away. However, the chance for me to apologize vanished as the nobles who supported me just a minute ago hurriedly left with April.
‘I’m ruined.’
I threw myself back on the chair helplessly.
“Lady Latni and Lady Violetta…”
“Was she already keeping her in check?”
“Did Lady Latni admire His Royal Highness?”
No! Don't just make things up.
“Ough.”
I rubbed my temples and proceeded to gulp all the liquor brought by the attendants, regardless of the sort.
During my days as a slave, I suffered frequent violence from an early age. That was why my body hardened unconsciously whenever someone touched me, even with their fingertip.
As I recalled memories, I began emptying my glasses in one shot.
The refreshing feeling mixed with the moderate bitterness wasn’t horrible.
‘First off, I’ll make it clear I’m not interested in the whole thing after Paryan and the Emperor return.’
One more shot.
‘Also, I must apologize properly to April before everything is destroyed. There’s nothing positive about stealing her spotlight. If I insist I was surprised and didn’t mean any harm… April is kind, so she would surely understand, right?’
I shifted my head to find April smiling brightly amidst the crowd. Perhaps she felt better due to the comfort of her surrounding area. The sad tears that left her eyes a while ago were nowhere to be found. She must be enjoying the praises sent to her.
Her appearance was definitely in contrast to mine.
“It’ll be better for you to stop drinking.”
As I finished another of my many glasses, a familiar voice resounded beside me.
“Oh, it's you again."
It was Lennox.
Having disappeared while I was called as a candidate for the Crown Prince, he naturally sat across the table, lightly moistening his lips with champagne.
“I should congratulate you. It seems you’ve used all your luck for this one moment. Now you may pay all your debts.”
“I’ll refuse their offer.”
“Well.”
Lennox elegantly placed his glass on the table. He intertwined his fingers.
“If you announce here and now that you wouldn’t become a candidate, they wouldn’t allow it.”
“What…”
“If you act against the words spoken by the Imperial family before all the influential nobles, there would be no tolerance. The royal family is united with self-esteem and confidence.”
Damn it.
He wasn't wrong. The reason everyone joined together stood for a statement they couldn’t go against, no matter the circumstance.
Lennox frowned as I stole his glass of champagne and emptied it.
‘I'm furious with this idiot of a male protagonist!’
This wouldn’t have happened if you didn’t call me by name! There was no reason for you to push the female protagonist in such a way!
The strong flavor and bitterness in my mouth caused a stir in my head.
And strangely enough, this unpleasant feeling of mine started to improve.
***
“Where am I, whereeee…”
“…Ha, be quiet.”
I could hear someone near me inhaling deeply.
I giggled as their breath tickled my neck.
Strangely, I felt as if I were flying.
How should I word it? I was walking but at the same time flying. Maybe like a bird?
Were there any ripe fruits nearby? I continuously inhaled a sweet, tempting aroma. It would be a waste not to eat the fruit.
A door creaked open.
“Ha.”
I felt my body being tossed. A fluffy sensation. Feathers? Did I ever touch such a soft material in my life?
I feel good.
“I’m doing all this, and for what.”
The voice was loud.
Where is this place? Why am I here? What was I supposed to be doing before? …Ah, that’s right. I'm a slave.
I guess I was working. I’m too tired of doing this labor. I can’t think of anything. Seeing I can’t even feel my body, was I beat again?
“I brought you only because you wouldn’t shut your mouth. The next time something like this happens, I’ll throw you away.”
Ah, then this person is master? I have to get a hold of myself and greet him. I’ll be hit if I don’t…
“…Are you master?”
Was I too tired? I think my pronunciation is distorted. But why do I feel so comfortable? It's nice here.
“…What did you just say?”
I'll work hard. I'll greet you well, too. I'll do as I'm told without showing my feelings. So, please.
“Don't hit me.”
I couldn’t hear an answer. Did he leave? He must have left. Ugh, did I doze off with my clothes on? Why is the atmosphere so compacted?
My forehead narrowed as I worked to throw off my garments. Oddly, my dress wouldn’t easily slip off like before.
I wanted to open my eyes and untie the lace, but they were glued shut.
Eventually, I lost heart and only stretched the cloth as far as possible.
“Oh, it’s so hot!”
Even with my eyes closed, my vision spun.
“What are you…”
I could discern a voice speaking. Who was it? Master left earlier.
Ah, it must be Neria. She shared a room with me. Neria was such a poor child. Unlike me, she had parents, but they sold her off due to a lack of budget.
“Neria!”
I smiled and patted the area beside me with my palm. Huh? I lie down on the stone floor, why is it suddenly so soft? Didn't I put away the blankets before?
Ahh~ I don't know.
I called for her, my face beaming.
“Come here. Let's sleep together!”
I endeavored to open my eyes with all my strength.
“Ha.”
A scoff filled with ridicule entered my ears. The sound of a deep sigh followed by the rustling of clothes could be heard. She seemed tired.
I could see an unfamiliar blurred appearance through my dimly opened eyes. The person was removing something that seemed like a jacket.
I helped myself to a seating position, gazed absent-mindedly, and reached my hand.
Tuk.
I could feel the person touch my fingertips.
“…Rough.”
Was Neria’s body this muscular and firm? I remember it as smooth and delicate.
“Be honest. Are you awake?”
The person seemed to be saying something, but I couldn’t hear them too well.
“Do you work out?”
Again, a ridiculous laugh left their mouth. I felt safe while in contact with their harsh skin. Unlike mine, theirs was cold, so I wanted to keep holding it.
“Let's… sleep.”
I don’t know why I'm so sleepy. My body tilted as I closed my eyes once more. I felt the person rush to support my body.
Shortly after, my body floated again. Seeing I was in such a comfortable stance, it seemed they laid me down properly on the bed.
‘Was Neria this cool?’
I grabbed her forearm and rubbed my face against it.
As I felt better, my mind disappeared within the darkness.
***
Lennox observed the drowsy Serrine and loosened the button on his shirt.
He did try to be as quiet as possible. However, the employees of his mansion witnessed the two the moment they entered.
“Whoo.”
He gulped down the cold water from the table and swept his drenched hair.
He anticipated throwing her out when,
“Driven eyes…”
The unconscious Serrine muttered softly. Lennox's dark eyes trembled slightly in response.
“What…”
Even before Lennox's words finished, Serrine mumbled once more, her scent suddenly sweet.
“Driven eyes… Hey, run away…”
He couldn't hear well as she was barely audible, but the words ‘driven eyes’ properly reached his ears.
Lennox's fierce gaze directed to Serrine.