MLBR 29

chapter 29

I hesitated for a moment at the conversation that seemed out of context, but then I moved forward with graceful steps.

From an outsider’s perspective, it would look like I had accepted Herace as a partner who clings to me. In that case, he could very well deliver such a heartfelt line.

‘I should look a little flustered, yet composed, and not entirely displeased.’

Deciding to resolve the situation with a small smile, I hesitated for a moment before taking Herace’s hand. The instant our hands touched, his smile brightened immeasurably. I memorized the sight and, as I accepted his escort, whispered softly:

“Did you not receive the scenario?”

“Scenario? You mean the situations we wanted to happen at this party? After you said you were busy, the letters stopped coming. Did you send it separately?”

Before fully drafting the scenario, I had discussed the upcoming scenes with Herace. It wasn’t technically a scenario, but hearing him speak now, it seemed he hadn’t received it.

“I was just going to talk about a few scenes we pinpointed early on—”

“Sorry to interrupt, but we should get going now. We’re running late.”

At the driver’s words, Herace and I nodded and climbed into the carriage.

There was no time after that to discuss the whereabouts of the scenario. Practicing how we would behave at the party and the acting I would show took precedence.

“So, you give signals in urgent situations.”

“Whenever things get confusing, just look at me.”

Herace, who had gotten out of the carriage first, extended his hand. I took it and lightly jumped down.

“Is that possible? There will be situations where you can’t speak, or even be in a condition to do so.”

My body stiffened from the tension.

Although we had rehearsed our cues, so I wasn’t overly anxious, a little worry remained. This wasn’t a tea party—it was a political event, a place where gazes lingered more than usual.

It was my first time attending such a venue with someone, and yet there was no scenario to guide me. Even after speaking in the carriage, preparation felt insufficient.

Herace leaned forward to meet my eyes, as if to reassure me. Being tall, he bent slightly and walked backward while patting my shoulder.

“It’s fine, I’m here.”

“You are here, Herace.”

“It’s a party. Even if there is a scenario, unpredictable things will always happen. With so many people, there are so many variables. Maybe not having a scenario is actually more advantageous for us. From the start, we’re prepared to handle situations as they come. Right?”

“That’s true. Unlike the Saint Selection Ceremony or a tea party, people will move fluidly this time.”

Herace lightly tapped my head. The touch, both ticklish and kind, eased the weight on my heart.

Exhaling softly, I double-checked:

“My acting isn’t lacking, right? I’ve improved, haven’t I?”

“Who said our lady’s acting skills are lacking? Bring them here. I’ll set them straight.”

Herace furrowed his brows in mock severity. I replied seriously, half questioning his genius memory.

“Are you saying you’ll scold yourself, Herace? I hope there’s no self-deprecation involved.”

“It’s my past self. Yeah… my past self just misspoke. Not good, really.”

Herace overlapped our hands and rubbed them against his cheek. Unlike his cat-like movements, his gaze was steady and calm.

“What part of you, Philena, is lacking? Your acting is quite good. It was my past self that was lacking. Misjudged, that’s all.”

His praise made my lips twitch.

It was my first time being praised for acting. Though the role required me not to smile brightly, I couldn’t help feeling happy.

I had practiced acting alone countless times. Clara had even mistakenly thought the reason I got my act together was my passion for acting.

“You still need to improve your response to Herace’s surprises, but you’ve improved, right?”

“Definitely. Before, I just froze, but now I speak, move, and even anticipate situations in advance. If that isn’t progress, what is?”

“Above average, considerable progress, right?”

“You compare progress to averages, huh? Then why aren’t you rational in these situations?”

Herace stopped walking backward, turned, and increased his pace. I followed him as he turned to look at me with a smile.

“Considerable progress. Look at how much effort our Philena has put in.”

At that moment, the fluttering worry swept away. Even though it was our first party together as the villain and villainess, I felt confident everything would be fine.

Two things were enough to know:

When Herace surprises me, I look at him. And when judgment is difficult, I follow his silent signals.

The moment we entered the party hall, the atmosphere shifted. Even I, not particularly sensitive, felt the sudden focus on us.

Interest aimed at minor characters or extras? No—most were staring openly with curious eyes, and only a few gazed drowsily.

Even my reputation had made remarkable progress.

Had this been a post-remake novel, I could have ignored the attention. Now, finally, I had earned it. A long-distant future had brightened.

I lifted my chin and stood proudly, just as I had practiced. Herace stayed close, bringing water, fixing my hair, and wiping my sweat with a handkerchief.

Meanwhile, I smiled politely in response to his kindness to shed my villainess image. I also made sure to lower my head and shake my hands in a shy gesture.

I might have been lost in the sweet music filling the hall. Nobles, who normally paid me no mind, approached to greet me.

“Your recent news has kept me from sleeping properly,” Viscount Hanis said cautiously before asking,

“I hope this isn’t rude, but are you currently courting?”

Herace, shaking a wine glass filled with water, whispered as if sharing a secret:

“I’d like to say yes, but I guess we’re still getting to know each other. First impressions aside, Lady Light is even more charming the more you know her.”

The crowd around us grew larger. Noticing this, Herace raised his voice slightly.

“I admit I’m a problem child, and I empathize with that. But honestly, the rumors of Lady Light being wicked are greatly exaggerated.”

As if aware of being listened to, Herace scanned the crowd overtly. His rough, sharp red eyes gleamed.

“This problem child is learning manners and speech from Lady Light. Even in this short time, look at how well she’s acting. Whoever spread those ridiculous rumors, I don’t know.”

The more he spoke, the sharper his tone became, exuding dangerous charisma.

At that moment, Herace intentionally tilted his arm outward and—clang!—dropped the wine glass.

“Oh, an accident.”

His tone, contrary to the act, was proud and arrogant.

Nodding, Herace chuckled lightly. Crash. The glass shards broke once more beneath his feet.

“See? Now the glass falls to the floor, not at someone’s face.”

The hall fell silent.

“If it were the face of whoever spread rumors about Lady Light, I might have thrown it at them.”

“……”

“Oh, that last one wasn’t an accident—it was a joke.”