I’m Leaving the Villainess Station

Chapter 28

#28

I smiled slightly at my mother’s encouragement.

“I wasn’t that worried. Alright, Mother.”

Besides, this time, I wasn’t the only one people would talk about.

Raina would have it even worse. She would be exposed to even harsher curiosity and cruel gossip than I would. But that was something she had to handle.

After all, she was the one who chose to love and desire someone from that world.

Naturally, my thoughts moved to Bern, who would already be at the ball escorting Raina. I clenched my teeth for a moment.

But it wasn’t the same burning anger as before—the kind that made me feel like I was rotting inside or that I might destroy myself.

‘I still want to get back at him somehow.’

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that our worlds simply didn’t overlap.

Our lives were too different, making it rare for us to cross paths.

Aside from Raina, he wasn’t the type to get caught up in messy love affairs or social scandals.

‘If I wanted to, I’d have to spend a lot of time and effort setting things up and bringing in new people…’

I hesitated slightly.

‘Honestly, I don’t feel like going that far anymore.’

Doing so would mean sacrificing a lot of my time and emotions, knowing I’d probably hurt myself in the process.

And when I thought about whether he was even worth that much effort now, the answer was unclear.

If it would bring me true happiness, maybe it’d be a different story.

But from the moment he decided to bring his love life into the open and marry her, he had already punished himself.

Besides, the letter from the Demeter family suggested they were considering a new heir without Bern.

‘Maybe his position isn’t as secure as it seems…’

Even if he and Raina had a child, it wouldn’t be a blessing—it would only bring more suffering.

A faint smile crept onto my lips without me realizing it.

But before I could think any further, I arrived at the entrance of the ballroom. My lighthearted thoughts scattered.

“The Lady and Young Lady of Armen have arrived!”

A servant at the entrance announced our family name as my mother and I stepped in.

The warm, fragrant air rushed in, contrasting with the chilly breeze outside.

Then came the stars.

As expected.

Glances were thrown our way, surprised faces, and hushed whispers behind fans.

“This place hasn’t changed at all,” my mother said, scanning the room with a neutral expression.

“No, it’s always the same.”

Now I saw it—the look my mother wore when she accepted unpleasant things without complaint.

I felt uneasy, but I focused on keeping my face smooth and gentle, like untouched porcelain.

Calm and soft, like flowing water—never letting my true thoughts show.

‘If I show any weakness, I’ll only give them more to talk about.’

Then, my mother moved first.

With a graceful smile, she confidently walked forward, cutting through the gazes.

“It’s been a while, Lady Rust. I heard your daughter organized this ball—how lovely it is.”

She greeted the hostess of the Rust family and nudged me to do the same.

“Carmilla, greet her. It’s been a while for you, hasn’t it?”

I smiled politely and spoke warmly.

“Hello, Lady Rust. It has indeed been a long time.”

“Yes, I’ve heard about everything. Such a pity. Please enjoy the ball and take your mind off things.”

I made sure to keep my expression relaxed as I responded.

My mother and I moved through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and small talk.

As we did, the stares gradually lessened, replaced by new conversations.

Then, from across the ballroom, Lady Rust’s daughter approached.

Her cheeks were flushed—perhaps from too much champagne.

“Lady Carmilla! I was getting impatient waiting for you to arrive, so I came to find you myself!”

Her red hair was styled in elegant curls, and her bright crimson eyes sparkled with excitement.

Diana Rust was always lively and talkative, but I didn’t dislike her.

So I greeted her warmly.

“Oh my, Diana. It’s been a while. I was busy greeting the elders, so I couldn’t come find you first.”

“Come now, you promised to call me Diane! Please, call me that—it’s much friendlier.”

Her playful tone had a way of making people lower their guard, so I smiled as I replied.

“You’re right, Diane. It’s just been so long that I hesitated.”

But Diane was already distracted.

She grabbed my hands, her eyes shining with curiosity.

“By the way, where did you get that rose embroidery? And which workshop made your dress? Since you arrived, all the ladies have been talking about it!”

I suddenly let out a soft chuckle.

So that’s what they were whispering about. Not just my personal affairs.

I had assumed they were all gossiping about my situation. But that wasn’t entirely true.

Before I could respond, Diane pouted impatiently.

“Everyone’s been dying to see you! Lady was practically fainting from anticipation, so I just had to come get you myself. Come on, let’s go mingle!”

Nearby, my mother, who had been speaking with a duchess, overheard and smiled.

“Yes, young people should spend time together. Have fun, dear.”

Diane beamed and eagerly pulled me away.

I glanced at my mother, who nodded with a reassuring smile. The duchess beside her also looked at me warmly.

So I let Diane lead me.

Honestly, it was better to have Diane spreading the word than someone more malicious.

People’s curiosity about me was at its peak—I would have to answer some questions anyway.

At least Diane wasn’t one to twist words cruelly.

She was the perfect person to subtly shape the story.

She loved socializing, so she always spread the news quickly and accurately.

Normally, that made me wary of her. But right now, it worked in my favor.

“Oh, by the way,” Diane suddenly whispered, leaning close and covering her mouth with her fan.

“That young lady you’re introducing tonight… is she Bern’s secret lover?”

I widened my eyes.

I had expected rumors, but not ones this close to the truth.

Where had such accurate information leaked from?

I was still processing when Diane gasped, realizing my silence meant confirmation.

“Oh my! So it’s true!”

She sighed dramatically.

“A friend of mine who knows the Madame at Yuli’s Boutique mentioned something, but I thought it was just nonsense. I mean, you’re so composed—fighting like this doesn’t suit you. But acting as her sponsor?”

Diane frowned.

“That’s just cruel! Helping the woman who ruined your engagement? No matter how kind you are, this is too much. Bern is taking advantage of your generosity!”

Is that how others saw it?

In truth, this was my revenge.

Diane, full of sympathy, squeezed my hands tightly.

It was a misunderstanding, but it still felt nice to be comforted.

I chose not to correct her. Instead, I said softly,

“Please don’t judge the young lady too quickly. She’s quite kind. And as for Bern, I respect him as a person, but I no longer love him. So don’t worry—I’m fine.”

Diane still looked doubtful but signed in surrender.

“If you say so…”

Maybe my response had been too formal, but I didn’t regret it.

Diane was a good person, but not necessarily someone I could trust completely.

She loved gossip too much.

“I’ll wait over there, alright? Once you find the lady, bring her over.”

I nodded.

“Yes, I won’t take too long.”

Finding Bern and Raina was easy.

They stood out—the perfect, beautiful couple.

People stole glances at them while pretending not to.

Raina, in particular, looked like a golden tulip.

I had chosen her dress to match her blonde hair, and it worked perfectly.

Hannah had complained about the design, but her skill was undeniable.

Raina looked like a fairy who had just awakened in a field of flowers.

The emerald necklace I had lent her reflected green light, making her golden eyes shine.

She looked like spring itself.

I approached them calmly and greeted them.

“Good evening, Sir Bern. Lady Raina. That necklace suits your eyes beautifully, Raina. I’m sure everyone here thinks so.”

Raina flinched, her face turning red as she quickly thanked me.