The Villain is Being Suspiciously Kind

After finishing their meal and leaving the restaurant, Desian saw Citrina off at her townhouse.

When she returned home, Citrina decided to think calmly about her feelings for Desian.

But just before Citrina had time to think to herself, Adilac showed up.

Citrina, theres been a strange rumor.

What kind of rumor?

A weird craftworker is pretending to be the maker of the blue diamonds that make love come true. Thats what Citrina worked hard on!

really?

Yes! I heard he proudly showed off a blue diamond. Blue diamonds are ours, right?

Adilac took some juice out of the cupboard as she fumed. She poured out her anger while pouring juice into a cup.

Adilac gulped down the juice and then slammed the cup on the table. Citrina spoke calmly.

Ive already dealt with that person.

Drip, drip.

The juice spilled out of Adilacs mouth.

-Thats messy.

Gemma said heartlessly.

Adilac stood there, dazed. Citrina was glad she couldnt hear Gemmas disgusted voice.

Huh, how? How did you deal with it?

Its a long story

-Hurry up and give me credit!

Gemma swept back her hair.

Adilac seemed to have quite a lot to ask. And Adilac was talkative, which anyone who had met her for ten seconds would know.

Citrina looked her in the eye and explained what had happened so far.

Wow, so on the street, you conned the con man?

Yes. I also got a craftworker who was being abused.

Then you can still offer the blue diamond to the princess?

No, Im going to revise my plan a little bit. First of all, more and more people know that I have the blue diamond.

Citrina said sweetly and smiled.

How are you going to fix it?

Adilac didnt seem to understand Citrinas words yet.

She didnt explain her whole plan to Adilac. After Adilac calmed down, she could tell her more later.

She spoke quietly instead.

Um Im also organizing my plans in my head. Ill tell you slowly. Come to think of it, the party really isnt that far away. Is it?

Yes thats right. I think my wrist is going to break from working on Estelles jewelry. No, its already broken.

Adilac cried right away. She was so cute that Citrina giggled.

Then should we take a break?

Are we taking some time off?

Yes. Since Ill be awfully busy after the party.

Citrina winked at Adilac.

Adilac listened to Citrina and thought there was something oddly confident in her words.

She was an ambitious woman who seemed to know the future and had a lot of self-confidence.

Adilac Antigone was convinced.

I get it. Then Ill rest well.

Thats a good mindset.

Citrina and Adilac looked at each other while smiling brightly. Then, Gemma spoke bluntly.

This is a beautiful friendship, but arent you going to wipe the juice off the floor?

Oops. The juice that had spilled was drying on the floor.

I think its going to be pretty sticky.

-Yeah, so wipe it up.

Citrina burst into laughter. She called for the house maid.

****

Time flew by. As Citrina predicted, the princesss homecoming party came quickly. The various tasks of trying on her dress and choosing Desians outfit were over.

It was the first day of the imperial princesss party. It was the time when the princess invited young ladies from various noble families to Fiona Hall in the imperial palace.

Its a day when low ranking nobles can participate in the summer ball.

High ranking aristocrats would participate on the last night of the ball, so in reality this was a day given to lower aristocrats to cozy up to the princess.

The imperial clock tower had not yet pointed to noon, and the guard did not look tired so far.

Thats why Citrina had arrived early.

I am Citrina Foluin of the Foluin Barony.

The knight raised the magic orb with a stiff face.

-Gemma, are you ready??

isnt that a bit ominous?

Gemma needed attention, but the safety of the contractor should still take precedence. So she shouldnt do anything to embarrass Citrina. She should try her best as promised.

maybe.

-Im excited! So excited!

Gemma flew ahead of Citrina into the hall. Putting aside some unpleasant foreboding, Citrina slowly entered the hall.

It was a completely class-based society.

Very few people were interested in a young lady from a barony as she walked along the soft carpet. Citrina knew very few faces as well.

She turned to the outside of the hall rather than the center. The princess had not yet arrived.

Its Lady Phantemang.

When she saw Citrina, Phantemang turned her head with a disgruntled face. It was clear that she hated Citrina.

Well, what can I do? Its not a bad thing to value aristocratic standards.

She was tired of playing these games time and time again. Citrina chose to ignore it comfortably. Phantemang wasnt likely to have a big influence on Citrina anyway.

Citrina leaned on a seat near the wall.

Did you hear she works as a jeweler like some member of the gentry? [T.L. Note: Gentry are below nobles, even barons.]

Oh my gosh, no matter how much a noble family may fall, to do that

Its true that the barony collapsed. What a pity.

The women burst out laughing. Citrina glanced at them.

Thisseems to be a fairly interesting story.

Their voices looked down on her.

Nevertheless, it didnt bother her at all. It was just background noise, really.

Citrina carefully went over what they were saying about her.

The last one is the worst.

They didnt really feel bad for Citrina.

They were merely back-talking her gracefully.

But Citrina didnt think much about it. That was all there was to it.

Satisfied, she picked up some of the fruit laid out on the table nearby. However, as she was about to put the fruit to her lips, an interesting piece of conversation interrupted her.

By the way, Lady Phantemang, I heard you brought something nice?

I got a precious jewel. Its from a craftworker on Dartrin Street.

what?

A precious jewel from Dartrin Street?

Citrinas ears perked up. She started eavesdropping on them little by little. It was instinct.

Hes a low-class gentry, but he deals in fairly good accessories.

Oh my gosh! That jewelry, did you wear that to the ball?

No.

Gasp!

Phantemang unfolded her black lace fan and smiled gracefully.

Youll see a little later. Ill present it to Her Highness, the princess.

Citrina swallowed tightly. For some reasonshe knew exactly what jewel Phantemang had to present to the princess.

Did she bring the gem that makes love come true?