Chapter 6

The passionate red eyes of the woman turned cold. The goodwill she had shown moments ago vanished, replaced by a look of disdain as if she were staring at a beggar.

“Hmm…”

Rose von Berdalin unfolded her fan, covering her mouth. Her emotionless eyes clearly showed she no longer wished to converse with me.

“I heard times are tough for you, but it seems you still have the means to dress up.”

“That’s right. This dress seems too extravagant for me.”

“Well, I suppose you’re struggling hard.”

Her voice dripped with sarcasm. Behind the fan, her lips must have curled into a sneer. Without hesitation, Lady Berdalin turned away from me, her bored eyes showing she had no further business here.

Crossing the vast hallway, she entered the ballroom, her figure resembling a graceful swan. I sighed briefly as she disappeared from view.

“…I guess so.”

Of course, I know Artasha has been diligently trying to restore the family’s honor, but the public perception of the Blanchard Baronet Family is different.

A reckless family head.

A gambling addict.

A greedy drunkard.

A family drowning in debt.

A noble family on the brink of collapse.

That was the image of the Blanchard Baronet Family etched in the minds of the nobility. Even though Bonnie, the main culprit, was dead, such perceptions don’t change easily.

No matter how hard Artasha tries.

So, receiving such disdainful glances wasn’t surprising. In fact, compared to what I was about to face, this was nothing. Once I entered the banquet hall, I would be met with scornful looks from many.

Artasha had repeatedly told me not to lose heart, so she must have anticipated this. Yet, she still sent me into the social circle because there was no other choice.

If a daughter from a powerless family avoided entering the social circle at the appropriate age, there truly would be no future. Artasha sent me out, grasping at straws.

How painful must it have been for Artasha to send her beloved daughter into such a disadvantageous battlefield? Someone like me couldn’t possibly understand.

Well, anyway.

“I have to do what I can.”

Yes, I received some scornful looks.

Did it bother me?

No, not at all.

I don’t feel a sense of loss over such trivial matters. I know well that for someone as powerless as me, wounded pride means nothing.

Does pride feed me? Or provide a warm bed?

Hardly.

Pride is a luxury only the privileged can afford. For people like me, it’s nothing but poison.

Without hesitation, I moved forward. Opening the door and stepping into the ballroom, a vast banquet hall, incomparable to the hallway, unfolded before me. Some people were engaged in lively conversations, while others danced to the melodious sounds of instruments.

In the hall filled with a lively crowd, I blinked dazedly.

‘…I already want to lie down.’

For someone as introverted as me, this was overwhelming. Just standing here made my eyes feel tired.

I lightly slapped my cheeks a couple of times to pull myself together. The most important thing in the social circle is a smile. With a pleasant smile on my lips, I took a step forward.

Thanks to the month-long training, I managed to blend in without drawing much attention. As I walked around quietly to get a feel for the atmosphere, a sweet and savory aroma wafted into my nose.

Exquisite pastries, each adorned with intricate designs, were spread endlessly on the luxurious tables.

“…They look delicious.”

I swallowed hard. Like a child mesmerized by candy, I gazed at the sweet pastries.

Since my possession, I hadn’t even touched such luxurious pastries, let alone eaten them. In Korea, pastries were common, but in this world, they were ridiculously expensive.

Naturally, our Blanchard Baronet Family couldn’t afford such luxuries. We were grateful just to have ordinary meals.

…Should I have a little?

No, I must resist.

It would look undignified.

Pastries are meant to be enjoyed while chatting, not for a lone lady like me to indulge in. If I really wanted to eat, I should find a conversation partner first.

Suppressing the desire bubbling inside, I looked around. Numerous nobles attended the imperial palace’s ball. Some were alone, like me, but most were in groups, chatting away. Among the crowd, I discreetly searched for the person I wanted.

‘Bright blonde hair, red eyes, a bold outfit…’

This was a ball hosted by the imperial palace. If my knowledge wasn’t wrong, she must be here.

And as expected, I found her standing out in the crowd.

Of course, I didn’t come here barefoot without a plan. I knew my position in the social circle. To survive this harsh world, I needed allies.

Without hesitation, I approached her.

Despite the conservative nobles’ disapproving glances at her bold attire, she exuded a charisma that set her apart.

Pushing through the crowd around her, I lightly tapped her shoulder. Her radiant blonde hair swayed, and her blood-red eyes gazed at me.

“My, what a lovely lady.”

Her name was Mardian Aubreldein, the daughter of the Aubreldein Count Family, a founding contributor to the empire. She was also a significant character in the Princess Training Simulation, appearing as a villainess if Lillian, the saint, was chosen as the protagonist.

“How are you, Lady Mardian? It’s an honor to meet you.”

I placed my hand over my chest and bowed politely. Mardian covered her mouth with her fan, scrutinizing me from head to toe.

“Hmm… It’s nice to meet such a charming lady too.”

There are too many eyes around.

It would be better to call her aside.

“Lady Mardian, if it’s not too much trouble, could we speak privately?”

I whispered softly into her ear. My sudden request seemed to displease her, as her neatly arched eyebrows slightly furrowed.

“My lady, without even introducing yourself—”

“It’s about the Camellia Gambling Den.”

Mardian’s ruby-like red eyes flickered. But as if nothing had happened, she calmly scanned me and gracefully stood up.

“…Follow me.”

I obediently followed as Mardian bid farewell to the other nobles. Even as a villainess, the grace ingrained in her was undeniable.

Mardian picked up a luxurious wine glass and opened the balcony door. Unlike the bright and lively hall, the outside was enveloped in the dense darkness of night, with a faint moonlight setting the mood.

After briefly gazing at the sky, Mardian turned her eyes back to me. Unlike before, her eyes now held a cold glint.

“May I ask your name?”

“Tina Blanchard.”

“Blanchard… Tsk, what a nuisance.”

Muttering to herself, she twisted her face and stepped closer to me. Instinctively, I stepped back at her fierce approach.

“It would be best to explain everything, Lady Blanchard. I’m not a kind person.”

I know.

You’re a villainess.

A terribly cruel one at that.

“You couldn’t have stumbled upon this by chance… What do you know about the Camellia Gambling Den?”

The Camellia Gambling Den was a secret gambling house operating in the empire’s underworld. While famous in the shadows, very few knew who its owner was.

“I know the Aubreldein Count Family runs it.”

Mardian’s eyes flickered again. Though she tried to hide it, deep turmoil remained in her eyes.

Of course, Camellia was secretly operated by the Aubreldein Count Family.

Though meticulously designed to prevent any connection to the Aubreldeins through numerous layers, this didn’t apply to me, having seen the endings multiple times.

‘These are privileges I can benefit from; I must make the most of them.’

“…Sigh, I came here just to enjoy myself today. But it seems that’s not possible.”

Mardian’s visibly annoyed face clearly showed her displeasure.

“So, what do you want?”

With this information, I could blackmail Mardian. Considering the Aubreldein family’s wealth, our family’s debts could be resolved in an instant.

But I wouldn’t do that.

Because Mardian is terrifying.

Even if she’s a villainess who gets punished by the protagonist later, she’s not someone a declining baronet’s daughter like me can handle.

She’s not someone to gain benefits from through blackmail. If an ordinary person like me clumsily tried to scheme, I might end up dead in my sleep without anyone knowing.

So, what will I do?

“If you’re thinking of blackmailing me, let me tell you now. Amateurish tricks—”

“Lady Mardian!”

I put on the most harmless smile I could muster and tightly grasped Mardian’s hands. My sudden action left her eyes filled with confusion.

“What, what is it?”

“Lady Mardian… I truly admire you.”

“…Admire me?”

Pity.

The easiest favor the weak can gain from the strong. Even if she’s a villainess scorned by the world, as a human, she couldn’t help but feel it.

I will use pity to bring Mardian to my side.