Queen Of Villains - Chapter 52

An imperial masquerade ball celebrating the founding anniversary of the nation.

Thierry prepared handmade masks for Killian and Emily.

Killian's was a pure white Bauta mask and triangular hat that revealed only the lower part of his face, while Emily's was a golden half-mask with a red rose brooch and feathers attached to the left side.

“Your Grace’s outstanding appearance cannot be hidden even by this mask.”

The mask, rather, emphasized his strong, masculine jawline and thick Adam's apple. It was a sexy sight that made your mouth water.

"What about you, Madame? You look so fresh and captivating in this mask. I feel like I'm seeing a different side of you."

Cassili said, putting a peach dot on her cheek.

Unlike regular balls, masquerade balls are the most extravagant and extravagant. Because of this, the grooming time takes twice as long, requiring couples to wake up at the crack of dawn to prepare.

When they finally put the masks on, Emily and Killian were on the verge of a light sleep.

“It’s all done.”

They barely came to their senses when they heard that the meeting was over.

“Is it all over now?”

“Yes, it’s perfect all the way to the end.”

“Please look forward to it, as these two will definitely be the main characters.”

At their words, Emily examined herself in the full-length mirror. So satisfied was she that she wanted to quickly go to the ballroom and show off.

In the carriage heading to the palace, Emily explained to Killian the rules of the masquerade ball.

Killian, who had come home early the previous day to take care of the organization's business, gradually came to his senses at the sound of Emily's clear voice.

"Don't mess with people wearing short cloaks called Zendalos. They're known for being mischievous."

“Do you ignore me when I try to talk to you?”

“Since it’s a masquerade ball anyway, no one will say anything if you avoid answering.”

As the carriage reached the flat road, Emily covered her mouth and yawned. Never in her life had she encountered such a perfectionist designer.

“Have you been unable to sleep?”

Killian asked with a smile on his face.

"Kassili was working on the basting again late last night. Aren't you tired?"

“I’m okay now.”

While they were talking, a carriage pulled up in front of the palace. Because of their high official status, the carriage could enter quite far inside, but it was still quite a walk to the banquet hall.

And Emily was wearing high heels.

Killian allowed Emily to lean on him a little more.

“Are you feeling better now?”

“Yes, thank you.”

Thanks to Killian's support and escort, Emily was able to walk more comfortably to the entrance of the banquet hall.

Because it was a masquerade ball, there was no one to call out their names, but everyone inside easily recognized them as the Starr couple.

Their beauty was not hidden even by masks, for in this empire, there was no couple with such fine looks on both sides.

“Emily.”

Marlene, who recognized her first, approached them.

The Starrs didn't know who she was at first, but they soon realized who she was when they heard her voice.

Marlene was wearing a cat mask with ears and a bright yellow dress that really stood out.

“Hello, Your Grace.”

"Hello."

Now, Marlene and Killian could greet each other without feeling awkward. Just that much!

Thanks to the mask covering her face, she can at least say hello to him.

“Why didn’t you play with them and come here?”

Emily asked, pointing to the group that had been with Marlene a moment ago.

Before answering her question, Marlene nodded slightly to Killian and nodded, indicating that she could borrow Emily.

Killian, who recognized Marlene's wink, gave way.

“I was just talking about how rudely the two of you left the Duke of Sadie’s estate, leaving me behind.”

As soon as Killian left, she snapped at Emily and said.

“What? Did you really say that back then?”

"It was a perfect first topic. People immediately gathered around me."

In fact, the reason Marlene brought that up was to say that the Starr family had received an invitation of such importance that it could be compared to other famous families.

But she can never do the shameful thing of honestly confessing her efforts to Emily.

“Yes, I’ll go around telling people that you had an affair with the Count of Blois.”

“What? No!”

Marlene said, hastily covering Emily's mouth.

“I might even get engaged to His Highness the Crown Prince.”

At those words, Emily's expression became ambiguous.

“...Is this a realistic possibility?”

“Yes. I heard this story directly from the Empress herself when she summoned me a while ago!”

Emily's mind became complicated at Marlene's words.

The reason was that the Crown Prince had sent her a red rose just a few days ago. And not just any rose, but a red rose with all the thorns removed.

In the Vancent Empire, a red rose with its thorns removed signified blatant courtship.

Emily ordered burning it without Killian's knowledge. But she and the other servants of Starr Manor couldn't hide their uneasy feelings.

In the midst of all this, the Crown Prince, who had been courting her, was engaged to her friend.

"What are you talking about! Marlene is my friend. Come on, Emily!"

Marlene frowned as she slapped herself.

“Why are you suddenly hitting yourself in the face?”

“It’s nothing.”

The rumor didn't spread because the Starr family kept such tight security, but she was hesitant to tell Marlene about it.

“Suspicious.”

Marlene looked at Emily, who remained silent, with a suspicious look.

“Are you afraid that I will become the Crown Princess?”

Emily's gaze grew cold. Yes, it seemed best not to tell Marlene about it. In the current situation, it was difficult to even say she had been courted by the Crown Prince.

“When I become the Crown Princess, I will immediately make you my maid.”

Being a maid of honor was a very honorable position, but Emily's expression was rotten.

“...Are you done talking now?”

Emily wanted to stop hearing useless talk, so she looked around to find Killian.

Killian was taller than most men, so finding him wasn't too difficult.

“But who is there in front of him?”

Emily and Marlene went over to Killian, wondering who the man was with him.

"Hey, Toto Carrot Cake is from Starr? How much money are you trying to raise?"

“I don’t take a single penny from Starr.”

It was definitely Enoch Blois's voice. Sensing it, Marlene took a slight step back.

“I’m going to go now.”

“Where are you going?”

Emily forced herself to link arms with Marlene and walked towards him with a mischievous expression on her face.

“Hello, Count of Blois.”

“Oh, Madame Marchioness! And isn’t that the lovely Miss Huppert next to you?”

“What kind of masquerade ball is this without anonymity?”

Marlene grumbled and gave Enoch a cursory greeting.

“We met in this crowded crowd. I guess it must be fate.”

“If you look at it that way, my fate today is over 37 people.”

Marlene cut him off coldly.

“By the way, I heard earlier that Count Blois has also tried Toto’s carrot cake?”

He nodded at Emily's words.

“Yes, that’s right! It’s so famous, you have to try it to keep up with the trend.”

“Yeah. Now that I think about it, is your business doing well?”

Marlene said with a pout.

"That's not our business. As the lord, I'm helping the people of Sinope with what they're doing."

Killian and Emily had made a promise to each other.

To prevent Toto's carrot cake business from becoming a target for other mafias, they made sure to keep his business and family completely separate.

The profits from the investment in the business were almost entirely used as a fund for the development of the Sinope estate.

“Oh, is that so?”

Enoch and Marlene immediately looked indifferent to Emily's words.

“By the way, isn’t Duke Sadie here?”

At the sudden appearance of the unpleasant topic, Killian's expression turned cold without even trying to hide it.

Marlene also stopped Enoch by tapping him with her elbow.

“What nonsense are you talking about all of a sudden?”

“I was bored, that’s why. It was fun to watch the love triangle.”

Marlene eventually decided to sacrifice herself after hearing Enoch's thoughtless remarks.

“Count Blois. Follow me.”

She had no choice but to take this filthy, clueless count into her group.

What can she do with him if she takes him? Marlene doesn't know. Since tastes are so diverse, there's bound to be at least one girl who likes him. After all, his looks are quite appealing, aren't they?

'Thank you, Marlene.'

Marlene looked at Emily's mouth and forced one corner of her mouth to lift.

'Tch! Who do you think would take Enoch away from me?'

Emily was right next to Killian, so she couldn't see his expression, but Marlene, who had to face him head-on, was so scared that her legs were shaking.

Trying hard to forget Killian's murderous gaze, Marlene glanced at Enoch, who was following her from the side.

Enoch, who had to openly endure Killian's murderous intent, should have peed his pants, but he seemed completely unfazed.

“Why are you looking at me like that, Young Lady Hupert?”

“It’s nothing.”

'What kind of person would laugh so stupidly?'

She found it funny that she even thought for a moment that he had a hidden identity.

“Ah! Now I know why.”

“Don’t say anything. Whatever you think, Count, is wrong.”

“Are you finally captivated by my charm? Enough to steal a peek.”

“I just warned you not to open your mouth.”

“Why? You're afraid that if I open my mouth, you’ll be even more insufferable from my charm.”

Marlene looked at the fountain beyond the window.

'Should I just throw him over there?'

It was a really attractive option for dealing with people who talk nonsense and have no sense of humor.

Previous                    Next