Chapter 31

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter Title: Villainess Imprinted with the Male Lead Chapter 38

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"Of course."

Mary pulled out the hairbrush that was practically an extension of her own arm and flashed a bright smile.

"You've been skipping out because of the academy all this time. This year, you have to be the Goddess of Spring, right?"

"Ugh!"

"But you've still got a long way to go for that. Come on, sit right here. Hehe."

Mary pointed to the elegant vanity that would boost her battle readiness, humming a little tune as she signaled the start of full preparations.

'No half-measures today, I guess.'

Whenever Mary picked up that brush and grinned like a villain, there was no stopping her, no matter what Luciana tried.

Goddess of Spring? Luciana had zero interest in drawing that kind of attention.

'That spot's already spoken for anyway.'

She wanted to say there was no need to go all out, but that was probably pushing it.

Looking into Mary's sparkling green eyes, Luciana could tell skimping on prep was off the table.

With a half-resigned expression, Luciana shuffled over and plopped down in front of the vanity.

"And... just this last touch...!"

Mary, holding her breath as she painted color onto Luciana's lips, let out a tiny cheer once the final stroke was done.

"Miss, how do you feel? You're always beautiful, but today... oh! My eyes might go blind."

"Mary... how many times have I heard that now? I'm scared someone might overhear."

Luciana pressed the back of her hand to her forehead and blushed at Mary's wobbling enthusiasm.

"What? That's nonsense! Everyone must feel the same way. Sigh, if only Luton Borden could paint this moment right now..."

Mary gazed at Luciana's reflection with admiring eyes, even naming one of the empire's top portrait artists.

'Kuh! Our miss is the best! All that hard work paid off.'

Each strand had been meticulously brushed to give her hair full, voluminous waves, silky smooth to the touch.

And that was just the start. The eyelids shimmered with warm, subtle pearls, while her flushed cheeks perfectly suited the bountiful Spring Festival.

"Let me check your outfit one last time!"

Mary led Luciana to the full-length mirror and inspected the dress for any wrinkles or flaws.

"Hmm. Ribbons and frills are a must for spring, aren't they?"

Unlike winter's wool and fox-fur armor, the mild weather let her neckline and waist silhouette shine, accentuating Luciana's slender figure.

'Spring really is here.'

Luciana stared at her reflection.

Sitting at the vanity since morning was tiring, but slipping into this light, airy spring dress lifted her spirits.

"Alright, time to head out!"

"Thanks for all your hard work. I appreciate it, Mary."

With the bonnet to shield against the harsh spring sun as the finale, the long dressing session came to a close.

'What's he doing here so early?'

Hearing her partner had arrived, Luciana hurried to the entrance.

There, admiring the garden her father had landscaped to his tastes, stood the visitor.

"Ah."

At the faint sound of her footsteps, his gaze turned to Luciana.

"I thought you were just showing up for appearances? You went all out."

A familiar voice with a hint of rebellion.

Spotting her—dressed like she'd captioned it 'Spring Festival slay'—he pursed his lips and grumbled in a bored tone.

"Sorry. Did I keep you waiting long?"

"Not really?"

"...You're just being grumpy again, aren't you?"

"Bingo. Dummy sis."

"The nerve. Who're you calling dummy?"

Teasing her right off the bat after so long apart.

Luciana shot a fond glare at Louis, her partner for the day and also her cousin.

"If the marquis or Tersion were here, I'd at least say hello. Lorraine's off at the estate, right?"

"Yeah. Mom and Dad had morning plans too, unfortunately..."

"What a shame."

Two years younger than Luciana, Louis had his uncle's silver hair but eyes a vivid orange like his aunt's.

"Hey, have you gotten taller since last time?"

Last year, he hadn't been that much taller. Her brother too—what were these guys feeding themselves to grow like this?

"Or maybe you're just shrinking, sis?"

"Louis!"

"Kidding. Come on, hop in. Lady Leslie, fair as a silverbell flower."

"You..."

Louis chuckled at her exasperated reaction and offered his hand, clearly delighted.

'He's basically an adult in a few months, but acts like a kid still.'

Luciana sighed at her cousin, too busy teasing to even exchange proper greetings, and climbed into the carriage. Louis settled opposite her, and the coachman set off in earnest.

"Don't forget the promised amount?"

"I know, I know. I'll send it this week, so quit asking."

"That's why I like you, sis—generous."

Louis whistled like a rogue, recalling the hefty sum she'd promised.

'Money-grubber.'

Luciana shook her head at him.

When the Spring Festival invite arrived, she'd racked her brain over a partner.

A few requests had come in, but going with someone who had a crush on her felt awkward. Then she thought of Louis.

At that age full of curiosity about romance, Louis was an early proponent of singledom who loved money most.

If it was Louis...

Entering with family wasn't common, so they'd draw eyes, but precedents existed—no big issue.

So she'd offered an amount he couldn't refuse and asked him to be her Spring Festival partner. Naturally, he'd accepted.

"From that look, you're not thrilled about the festival. Why pay up to go?"

"If it were a small tea party, maybe, but I've been holed up since my birthday. Time to show my face."

"You all live so tiringly. Who cares what people say?"

"...You're the weird one."

Even as she said it, Luciana wished she could ignore opinions and bury herself in research like him. If this world weren't so reputation-obsessed like her past life, maybe she would.

"Hm? Carriage stopped—we're here."

"Already?"

Descending with his escort, Luciana gazed at the vista filling her view and let out a soft gasp.

This year's Spring Festival was held in a small forest owned by the imperial family.

Luciana's lips parted slightly at the scenery.

Under the open sky, nobles in vibrant colors mingled, butterflies fluttering gracefully between them. The soft, downy breeze brushing her skin matched the novel's description perfectly.

"Right, first time at the Spring Festival?"

"Huh? Yeah. No time with the academy."

She hadn't been eager, but now, faced with this serene, gentle scene, spring felt truly real.

The novel-perfect sight was novel in itself, and before she knew it, Luciana was looking around like a kid on her first outing.

Watching her quietly, Louis made a rare suggestion.

"Still a while till it starts. Wanna wander a bit?"

"Sure... why not?"

Luciana nodded—it sounded nice.

"Whoa, Louis. The crowd's as thick as a year-end ball."

Just five minutes of walking, and she'd seen a month's worth of people.

Louis smirked at her already overwhelmed expression and quipped in his usual joking tone.

"Hmm, stuck in this mob for hours? On second thought, your offer doesn't cover it. Guess I'll need hazard pay."

"No conscience! You want more?"

His mischievous laugh tickled her ears lightly.

The pair bantered as they circled the area.

"Looks like this is the end."

"Yeah. Bigger than I thought."

So peaceful.

As they strolled back leisurely, a nearby conversation rang out clearly.

"Look over there! It's Duke Cassio!"