While Avril was moved by Corinna’s deviousness, Dylan stared at the wavy-haired man with heightened vigilance.

“What business do you have with my partner?”

“…Partner? Avril doesn’t belong to any man, right? She isn’t attached to anyone, for she’s a lascivious bombshell of a lady. I can’t believe you’re trying to monopolize her…”

Dylan sternly spoke to the distraught man.

“Even if that’s the case, you haven’t seen each other for a long time. Doesn’t that make it apparent she no longer wants to see you? Otherwise, why would she have left you without a word? Doesn’t playing with fire get tiring after a while?”

Avril was confused.

…Lord Dylan knows a lot about playing with fire—!?

Come to think of it, Dylan once asked Avril to clarify what she meant by ‘night activity’ and ‘playing with fire’… Naturally, Avril, who didn’t know how answer, hurriedly changed the subject.

While she hadn’t minded it at the time, now her frustration showed itself.

Dylan probably chosen those words with their surroundings in mind. Avril, who could only vaguely imagine what’d occurred at a masquerade ball, was left feeling awkward.

What is this stuffy sensation…? It’s that, I haven’t studied enough.

Although she no longer had to pretend to be a villainess, she was still lacking in the knowledge needed to be a duchess.

Avril looked at her feet, they were adorned with party heels. If not for all her dance practice, she doubted she’d be able to endure the grueling hours of dancing that might await her.

Therefore, I have to work harder. Because of Lord Dylan’s kindness, I’ve become negligent…

The conversation between Dylan and Corinna’s former lover progressed while Avril was immersed in her own thoughts.

“She isn’t tired of me. She was just unable to see me. Our relationship isn’t over, mark my words.”

“Open your eyes, this is a masquerade ball. Also, please stop addressing her in such a friendly tone, it’s simply distasteful.”

There was a hostile atmosphere between the two of them, and the surrounding crowds began to worry. Upon realizing that, Avril was taken aback.

No, now isn’t the time to be impressed by Corinna’s villainy. The reason I’m here today is because of the important mission from Prince Lawrence! I shouldn’t overthink things—I have to support Lord Dylan!

Hearing the name of the Duke of Lancester would probably be enough to silence Corinna’s former lover. However, considering the location of the masquerade ball and the mission from Lawrence, Dylan would probably refrain from doing so.

Avril stared at the face of the pitiful man. Corinna seemed to have forced him to splurge on jewelry. The pair of amber eyes beneath the mask were swirling with anger and despair.

First of all, I have to separate him from Lord Dylan.

Steeling herself, Avril smiled gently. She had come to understand that Corinna’s gorgeous smile, which captivated her surroundings, wasn’t suitable for her.

Instead, she assumed the smile of Alexandra—the crown prince’s fiancée, and also the prodigal woman of that kingdom. When she thought she’d done it right, she drew a bit closer to Dylan.

“I want to dance with other gentlemen. If I may, can we act separately for a while?”

“—!? What are you…”

“It’s been far too long since I’ve last attended a masquerade ball, so I want to indulge myself. Besides, don’t you have an errand to do? Once you’re finished, you can invite me to dance.”

It was her second year as a villainess. No more faltering voices or panicked gazes. Yet, Dylan was still unconvinced.

“But…”

“Learn to enjoy the moment. Naturally, the same goes to you.”

Tittering, she alternately glanced between Dylan and Corinna’s former lover. Dylan seemed to finally understand her intentions. After sighing and nodding slightly, he glanced at Chris.

“…Please.”

“Yes, leave the princess’ amulet to me.”

It was a line that a villainess couldn’t ignore.

Nevertheless, Dylan seemed to have accomplished his original purpose in coming to that masquerade ball.

I’m glad. It’s an important mission from Prince Lawrence. Although, it’s a pity that I won’t be able to dance with Lord Dylan…

As Avril reluctantly saw off Dylan’s back as he left, she soon became aware of the most pressing matter in the current situation.

What should I do? I don’t even know this gentleman’s name. After all, he’s Corinna’s acquaintance, not mine.

---

***T/N: Is entertaining this guy really a good idea?

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