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Chapter 9
I’m the Villainess, but I Was Imprinted with the Male Lead
Luciana watched Mary humming happily, practically glowing with excitement, and let out a tired sigh.
If I meet the male lead later… I’ll at least get something out of it, right? Please let that be the case.
So why did she feel such a bad premonition?
Luciana brushed away the heavy feeling creeping up for no reason and composed her expression as Mary approached with the necklace.
“I’ll put it on for you.”
The pink pearl, warmed near the fireplace so it wouldn’t feel cold against her skin, settled gently onto her pale, slender neck.
“Wow, you look absolutely stunning today!”
“Thank you.”
Mary admired Luciana as if she were a single flower blooming in the dim dawn light.
Her outfit today, accented with soft pink and yellow tones to match her gentle, springlike appearance, wasn’t as flamboyant as a fully bloomed rose—but it carried a subtle elegance that naturally drew the eye.
“I should head down now. Good work, Mary.”
With a soft feather fan in hand, Luciana left the room, escorted by Mary.
* * *
For formal social events beyond small gatherings like tea parties, it wasn’t an official rule, but it was an unspoken custom to attend with a partner.
Whether male or female, entering alone often made one the subject of light ridicule, so most people secured an appropriate companion in advance. Married nobles came with their spouses, while unmarried ones attended with fiancés or socially suitable partners.
Luciana was also scheduled to attend the New Year’s Ball with a partner she had arranged in advance.
“You look very beautiful today, Lady Leslie.”
“Thank you, Count Graham.”
In the Empire, it was customary for the person who requested the partnership to personally escort their partner.
Luciana took Count David Graham’s hand, boarded the carriage, and exchanged polite small talk as they headed toward the Imperial Palace.
“Lady Luciana Leslie and Count David Graham have arrived!”
At the entrance of the ballroom, the attendant checked their invitations and announced their arrival in a loud voice.
Luciana linked arms lightly with the count and entered the hall, instantly drawing countless gazes.
“Lady, would you honor me with a dance?”
“Yes, Count.”
Following the count’s lead, Luciana stepped onto the dance floor in accordance with etiquette.
She let herself drift with the music, effortlessly moving through the practiced social dance she had learned until she was sick of it during her noble education.
He seems to have a good reputation among nobles. So he must have a decent character.
The count’s hand on her waist was polite and restrained, unlike her rude partner from the previous day.
As she turned smoothly, Luciana glanced at him.
Count Graham, with ordinary brown hair and eyes, was not as striking as Rihit—but he was still considered a fairly handsome man.
But…
Despite her favorable impression, she couldn’t help but feel a faint sense of disappointment.
The count, who had been quietly watching her, spoke slowly.
“Lady Leslie.”
“Yes?”
“I heard you graduated from Silona Academy last year.”
“Oh… yes. I majored in magical engineering.”
His voice was as soft as his appearance.
“Magical engineering… so you are quite skilled in magic-related studies.”
“Ah, that makes me embarrassed. I’m still quite inexperienced.”
Luciana smiled shyly at his praise.
His gaze lingered briefly on her lightly flushed cheeks.
As the music softened, the two drew slightly closer while dancing, and the count asked casually.
“Was your decision not to take a fiancé until now because you were focused on your studies?”
“Well… yes, I suppose so.”
“…May I ask if you still feel the same way even after graduating?”
Ah, so that’s it.
Luciana caught on to the subtle intent behind his careful probing.
It was natural for conversations about marriage prospects to arise while dancing with a partner. And the count clearly seemed interested in her.
…What a shame.
She, too, thought well of him. He was handsome, polite, and from the respected Graham family.
Not long ago, I would’ve wanted exactly this kind of steady man.
A kind, gentlemanly partner.
Someone she could marry and build a comfortable life with—this man would have been perfect.
“…Yes. I’d like to broaden my academic knowledge a bit more.”
“…I see.”
But Luciana could not leave even the smallest opening in response to his gentle interest.
The imprint with Rihit.
As someone already bound as a “mate” to another man, she could not form meaningful ties with anyone else.
“I wish you success in your future endeavors, Lady.”
“Thank you.”
Just then, the orchestra finished its piece, and the count released her hand, which he had held throughout the dance, and gave a calm farewell.
I’m sorry, Count Graham.
His lingering gaze stayed in her mind.
Luciana swallowed the bitterness rising in her chest as she watched him, so polite even in rejection, never taking offense at her firm refusal.
Her words about wanting to pursue knowledge were true—but they did not mean she had sworn off relationships entirely.
Anyway, Rihit and I aren’t even in love, and the mark can’t be seen… so it wouldn’t be discovered… but still, I can’t just hide something like being imprinted and meet other men.
Luciana sighed deeply and looked down at her wrist.
The mark that felt more and more unfair every time she saw it reminded her of the cold crimson eyes that had stared at her like he wanted to kill her in the bedroom.
When I read about this in books, it seemed romantic… but now that I’m actually involved, he’s just a good-looking male lead with a terrible personality. Well, I guess that’s because I’m not the heroine.
If the heroine had been the one imprinted with him, maybe after initial shock they would have ended up in a grand wedding soon after.
He really is a classic male lead, huh. Only warm to the heroine, growling at everyone else. That’s supposed to be their charm.
Isn’t glaring like he wants to kill people just standard? Well, he already threatened to kill me anyway.
As Luciana muttered complaints about the duke, something suddenly changed.
“Duke Rihit Cassio has arrived!”
“…!”
Speak of the devil.
The moment Luciana thought of Rihit, the tightly closed doors of the ballroom opened.
Good heavens. The Duke of Cassio!
Not only Luciana, but all the nobles turned their attention to the entrance at the appearance of such a rare figure.
He came alone?
Under normal circumstances, this might have drawn ridicule—but no one dared say a word in front of him.
Perhaps it was his overwhelming beauty, but his solitary entrance didn’t look lonely at all. Instead, he appeared almost regal, like a swan that belonged nowhere but above everyone else.
Luciana found herself watching him, radiating protagonist-like aura.
His black hair, once messy over his forehead, was slicked back neatly, and his formal uniform fit his naturally imposing physique perfectly, enhancing his striking presence.
He looked cold—almost bloodless. And oddly enough, that suited him.
Even with that personality… his face is—ah! What am I doing? This isn’t the time to admire him.
If she ran into Deborah here, things would get complicated.
Luciana quickly scanned the room with sharp eyes, but there was no sign of the heroine with honey-blond hair and violet eyes.
She hasn’t arrived yet?
That was good. Better if the heroine wasn’t here at all—seeing her accidentally interact with Rihit would only make things worse.
Good. My parents and brother haven’t arrived either. I need to finish this quickly.
But by now, nobles eager to establish even the smallest connection with the Duke of Cassio had already begun gathering around him, carefully positioning themselves like predators sizing each other up.
