The Baddest Villainess Is Back - Chapter 40
“…Didn’t they announce Ducal Lady Bellion just now?”
“…Surely not. That gloomy, stuttering one… the one with the ridiculous makeup?”
“The lady in the glamorous dress now?”
“…I think I saw that dress recently at Fleur Boutique… It was a reserved item, not for sale….”
Whether they meant to whisper or wanted to be heard, Roxelyn couldn’t tell.
Each step she took was accompanied by tiring whispers piercing her ears.
‘I just want to sleep.’
Because she had to wake up at dawn today.
Misinterpreting her wish to stand out, her father had summoned a makeup artist first thing in the morning.
Even the coordination for her dress for the evening’s banquet was taken care of.
A dress the color of the night sky, with silver hair cascading like silk.
Her red eyes accentuated by a slightly muted and softer shade of red lipstick than usual.
Opulent jewelry and an impeccable posture to match.
The Roxelyn Bellion they remembered was always a gloomy young woman, hunched over, keeping to herself with a somber face.
A young woman who would glare if spoken to, keeping her lips sealed tight or ignoring them completely.
Unkempt and never retaliating to any words thrown her way.
So they couldn’t immediately recognize the Roxelyn they remembered as the same person standing before them now.
Seeing mouths drop open all around as they belatedly grasped the situation, Roxelyn wore an expression of annoyance.
“Tsk, the child’s face will wear out from all the staring.”
At Duke Bellion’s remark, those shamelessly gawking at Roxelyn flinched and turned away.
Belatedly noticing Duke Bellion, they hurried over.
“Duke Bellion! It’s been a while. Have you been well?”
“Ah, the Duke has arrived. Such an honor.”
“My goodness, Young Duke Zerti Bellion, it’s been ages. I think it’s the first time since ten years ago, do you remember…?”
“I am Count Loira, if you remember! We briefly attended the academy together…!”
People swarmed around Duke Bellion and Zerti.
Roxelyn, disgusted by the thronging crowd, stepped back.
Soon, the Duke and his heir were at the center, and Roxelyn found herself being retreated to a corner slowly but surely.
‘…Wow.’
Roxelyn observed her father beginning to exude a gloomy aura.
Zerti, with his long black hair tied back, revealing his forehead, was at the peak of his attractiveness.
It was puzzling why he hid such a face.
The buttoned-up shirt gave off an ascetic atmosphere, while his slightly dark, rigid expression exuded a decadent air.
His appearance was nearly wrinkle-free, not matching his age.
His narrowed eyebrows in slight annoyance showcased a temperamental personality.
‘Anyway, the face is perfect.’
Even in shabby clothes, his face would stand out.
Imagine then, dressed up and made up, how would he look?
‘I didn’t mean he had to wear makeup.’
She just wanted the gloomy, somber atmosphere gone, not for him to uncharacteristically sweep back his bangs and expose his face.
‘…The wonders of genetics.’
Roxelyn benefited from it too.
Just as she who wished not to stand out leaned quietly against a wall in a secluded corner, a large shadow loomed over her.
“Uhm~? Who is this? Isn’t this Lady Bellion~? My, how ladylike you’ve become in my absence….”
Licking his lips, the large, familiar man obscured her view.
That bastard.
The one who insulted Roxelyn in her past life.
Baron Gilbert.
“Hmm, let’s see. Just as I said, you look so beautiful when you dress up. The full bust, the slender waist— This is all thanks to my advice.”
The man smirked, wiping sweat with his handkerchief.
Roxelyn, too, smiled broadly at the familiar face she hadn’t seen in a long time.
Her foul mood was thanks to the person in front of her now.
This man who once dragged her down to the depths.
