Chapter 4

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter Title: The Villainess Imprinted with the Male Lead: Chapter 13

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'Still, I can't just focus solely on the imprinting issue, so I should work on researching a new decoy product in parallel. I can probably reference the idea I submitted as a project back in my fourth year...'

Ugh, trying to handle all that would leave me short even if I had ten bodies.

But if I can just get past this hurdle, I could dive into my research freely without raising any suspicions from the family.

I wonder if Mother will even approve...?

Luciana gave an awkward smile in the one-on-one interview-like atmosphere.

'When I was little, they doted on me as the late-born baby of the family.'

But ever since Luciana entered the academy, Crevian had decided her talented youngest daughter needed toughening up, occasionally showing a stern side.

'She won't scold me for having no plan, will she...?'

As the silence stretched on and Luciana grew tense, an unexpected question startled her.

"No thoughts about marriage?"

"Pardon?!"

What was this now?

"I-I'm not even engaged yet!"

"Dear? Luci getting married...?"

"Right, Mother! She's too young for that!"

No sooner had the word "marriage" left the marquis's mouth than the peaceful dining table erupted into chaos.

"You two do realize Luci will be twenty-one soon, right?"

"But still..."

Everyone fell silent at Crevian's matter-of-fact rebuttal, as if on cue.

"Luciana, you don't have to devote yourself entirely to business. If you wish, I can find you a fine match. We can arrange the engagement whenever you're ready."

"Well, um..."

Marriage.

'As a noble, it's something I'll have to do eventually, and it's not like I haven't thought about it at all...'

But right now, because of the imprint, I can't be with anyone but the male lead?

I couldn't exactly say that out loud. What now?

"My brother isn't even married yet, so how could I...?"

"What era do you think this is? We don't wait our turn anymore."

"Y-Yeah, Luci. I'm totally fine, so if you want to get married, go ahead anytime! But... this is only if you want to, of course..."

Her mother sipped her tea nonchalantly, while her brother fidgeted like a child left by the riverside.

Whatever the case, if she even hinted at wanting to select a groom now, portraits of eligible bachelors would pile up like a mountain in no time.

"Um... I'd like to focus on work for now."

"I see."

If that's your choice.

Crevian nodded, slicing into her lemon-juice-drizzled grilled fish, ignoring the two beaming men behind her.

"Very well. Give it a try. You're a smart girl; you'll do fine."

"Yes, Mother. Thank you."

Phew, crisis averted. That went smoothly.

'Actually, it's good we cleared the air. Marriage was an issue we'd have to address eventually.'

Now all Luciana had to do was throw herself into research under the guise of business.

'...Today was the day we agreed on.'

Lordwell Street No. 128.

The day she'd receive Duke Cassio's research journal.

'To make the appointment on time, I need to head out now.'

After breakfast, Luciana hurried up the stairs.

To pick up the item, she first needed to call Mary. Opening her bedroom door, Luciana immediately tugged the bell cord by the bed.

"Miss, you called?"

Chatty but diligent, Mary responded promptly.

"Yes. Could you run an errand for me, Mary? Just go here."

"Of course!"

It's been ages since I got to run an errand outside. Does Miss crave desserts from that fancy patisserie?

The innocent maid, clueless as ever, nodded eagerly and took the note from Luciana.

"Huh? Is this the right address?"

As expected, she blinked in confusion at "Lordwell," far from any sweets shop.

"Now that I've graduated, I'm planning to tinker with some research for a bit. I commissioned a place that deals in rare magical herbs you can't find in regular shops."

"But Miss, this isn't a residential or commercial district—it's some mysterious spot. The security seems good, but it's still shady."

Luciana agreed on that point. It was an ideal location for discreet dealings precisely because its purpose was unclear.

"Exactly. Setting up the deal took forever because the process is so convoluted. The owner's paranoid, I guess? That's why they picked Lordwell as the meetup spot."

"Ahh... So it's super secretive? If even you say so, Miss."

"Yep. Took a lot of digging to find out about it."

Mary, it's all a lie. Sorry...

It wasn't for Luciana—who had spun the tale so naturally—to think, but seeing Mary swallow it whole pricked her conscience.

"Just say the name 'Lirian'—my alias—and show them this. They'll handle the rest. Payment's already made upfront, so just bring back the item."

"Whoa! You even use an alias?"

It was a precaution against info leaks from ongoing contact with the male lead, but Luciana could only dodge again.

"To protect client privacy?"

"Uh... Yeah, I suppose?"

"Thanks, Mary."

Luciana quickly ushered her out before the simple girl could question further.

'I hope it has plenty of useful info.'

Luciana watched anxiously as Mary departed on her errand.

"Corner! Hi there!"

"Oh, Mary! Out on an errand, huh?"

"Yes! Here's the address!"

The coachman, waiting per Luciana's orders, greeted her warmly and took the reins.

With a "Hyah!" the carriage set off smoothly, leaving the mansion and speeding along the paved road.

'A bit chilly, but no snow, so it shouldn't take too long.'

Mary clutched the most important item—a handkerchief—tight against her chest, then parted the velvet curtains to peer outside.

She'd only heard of Lordwell Street; this was her first time going there.

Senior servants had once mentioned that major noble houses used it for secret dealings or trades away from prying eyes.

True or not, the rumor suited Lordwell perfectly—a quiet neighborhood whose purpose no one could quite pin down.

Mary's emerald eyes stayed glued to the passing scenery, thrilled by the rare outing.

"Oh... So this is Lordwell Street..."

After the glittering shopping district like dollhouses and a stretch of upscale middle-class homes, they entered a eerily deserted, silent zone.

"Not a soul in sight!"

Seeing it firsthand, Mary wondered if those rumors held truth. The air was thick with secrecy and mystery.

"Here we are."

"Ah!"

Torn between her duty to complete Miss's errand and sheer terror making her want to bolt home, Mary stepped down from the carriage.

"......"

Gulp.

The building before her was a plain two-story structure, but with the empty street, her feet refused to move.

'Miss said I have to go in alone...'

The more she thought, the less she liked it.

What kind of owner insisted on such hassle?

'I-I'm Miss's personal maid! She entrusted me with something important—I can't back down!'

Luciana had sworn it was safe, but fear was fear. Clutching the handkerchief, Mary steeled herself.

'Wait for me, Miss! Be right there...!'

Her simplicity fueling quick resolve, Mary stood before the firmly shut door and knocked loudly enough to be heard inside.