67: The Prelude to the Long Night

With the blisters on Avril’s feet had completely healed and having recovered from dancing with her tutor for several hours, the day of the masquerade ball arrived.

The event was taking place in the venue of a certain aristocrat’s mansion. For Avril, every mansion in the royal was akin to a palace.

Avril recalled what she knew Ashfield house—the host of today’s masquerade ball—while examining the guide map displayed at the entrance of the palace.

“The Ashfield family, a family with strong connection to infrastructure. Despite having the title of viscount, the current head of the family is resourceful and has an excellent business acumen. His skills are definitely worth more than his title, and the size of his network is simply astonishing. However, as that house was too fixated on making a fortune, various not-so-flattering rumors surround it!”

“Correct.”

“Lord Dylan!”

By the time Avril considered she was speaking too much, it was already too late. But when she tried to mend the situation, she remembered she no longer had any need to do so.

Even though the social circle was still bustling with gossip over Dylan’s supposed preference for villainesses, in the house of the Duke of Lancester, Avril could be herself. Nevertheless, the masquerade ball was set for that night. She thus dressed in an appropriate manner.

For a change, Avril wore a sleek crimson dress and braided her hair around her face, exuding an entirely different atmosphere.

Indeed…

—I believe Corinna always dressed like this whenever she snuck out…

With a butterfly motif mask placed over her eyes, she truly resembled Corinna. Although it was her first time attending a masquerade ball, she felt like she’d get through it easily in that outfit.

Today, I’m a villainess attending a masquerade ball. My duty is to accustom mysefl to the venue, escort Lord Dylan discreetly, and ensure the success of our mission…!

As Avril admired how evil she looked through the large mirror placed at the entrance, Dylan whispered.

“I knew it. To be honest, I didn’t want to bring you here. However, you seem to be well-informed about the Ashfield family, which is reassuring.”

“…Of course.”

Despite being praised for her knowledge, she felt a bit frustrated for some reason. Perhaps, it was  a remnant from her time pretending to be Corinna. Avril composed herself. She had to regain her composure as a villainess.

“—Avril!”

But the next moment, she found herself stopping.

Uh…?

When she turned around, there stood a blond, wavy-haired man in frivolous garments. He was leering at her.

I don’t think we’ve ever met before…

…And yet, the man’s amber eyes—which could be seen beneath his mask—were brimming with excitement. Dylan reflexively stepped forward to shield Avril, but to the man, it was as if he never existed. Fixated on Avril, the man spoke with fervor.

“I was right! It’s you! …I missed you. I seldom see you these days.”

Even though he was wearing a mask, Avril somehow knew that Dylan was frowning. Maintaining a friendly tone, Dylan asked.

“…Are you acquainted with this man?”

“No, not at all. Perhaps, he mistook me for someone else?”

“I thought as much.”

The masquerade ball was a playground for adults. Even though it was her first time participating, someone claiming know her appeared. She had to wonder just to what extent had her name spread.

I’m sure he’s one of Corinna’s former dandies. With the downfall of the Count of Allingham family, it’s understandable that he’s worried about Corinna.

While Avril and Dylan figured what was going on, the ecstatic man went on.

“Why are you acting so indifferent? Even though I’ve given you everything, you still left me. Avril, if I give you more jewelry, will you become mine?”

“!”

Wow, Corinna is really amazing.

Of course, she had other comments as well. But above all, Avril was impressed—Corinna was truly a full-fledged villainess!