Since When Were You The Villain?

Chapter 74.  

   

He enjoyed it so much that he was grateful to Sofia for dancing with him. And he hoped Sofia had as much fun as he had.   

“To be honest, I’m not sure. It all went by so quickly. I don’t even remember if I danced properly or how I danced. My mind is blank.”  

Sophia lightly tapped her cheek as she spoke.  

“But I still feel good after dancing.”  

She smiled, and her flushed cheeks became even rosier.  

Killian, seeing her blushing cheek, smiled as well.  

* * *  

 
Next to the dance hall, there was a party area with simple snacks and drinks, as well as a lounge for people to relax and chat. Satisfied with just one dance, Sophia and Killian moved to the party area together.  

In the party area, tables were covered with red tablecloths, and light finger foods were arranged. There were also swan-shaped ice sculptures and an eight-tier champagne fountain of unknown origin and craftsmanship. The champagne fountain sparkled like an upside-down crystal chandelier, adding even more glamour to the party atmosphere.  

It was clearly a cheerful atmosphere where people could enjoy conversations and laughter. However…  

“What did you just say now?”  

As soon as they entered, Killian and Sophia stopped in their tracks due to the heavy tension in the air.  

“I can see all the shallowness, Lady Estelle.”  

Right as they entered, a heated dispute between the ladies was taking place in the party area.  

The atmosphere was instantly chilled by Barbara and Estelle.  

‘It’s starting.’  

A show that couldn’t be missed at the ball—a quarrel between the ladies, driven by jealousy for the heroine 

Furthermore, Barbara and the others seemed more excited than usual; perhaps they had already had a few drinks.  

“As soon you arrived, you immediately clung to Sir Ian, then it was Grand Duke Rivelon; and after that, you danced with his highness the Crown Prince?”  

“You made the rounds in such a short time that we’re all embarrassed just watching.”  

Barbara and the others looked at Estelle with disdainful eyes.  

“As expected of the low blood.” 

“…Low blood?”   

Estelle’s face, which had regarded Barbara and the others as annoying nuisances, turned cold.  

“You thought we wouldn’t know? Lady Estelle is an adopted child who doesn’t even know where she’s from.” 

There was a sense of superiority in Barbara’s thin eyes.   

As Barbara had said, Estelle was adopted at a very young age by Viscount Niore.  

According to the original story, the Niore couple found Estelle a long time ago in the sacred forest revered by their family.  

An abandoned child whom someone couldn’t raise, Estelle was raised by the Niore family as if she were their own daughter, but the judgements of those around her were different.   

Estelle is a hard-working character who puts in a lot of effort, and the reason she sometimes reacts harshly to receiving help from others is because of her complex about her origins.   

‘Compared to that, I don’t have to suffer because of my background.’ 

Although Sophia thought her situation was quite unfortunate, she was fortunate that she did not have to suffer more than Estelle in that respect.  

She was briefly disgraced due to rumours of being a maid, but it was resolved to some extent.  

“Who knows? Maybe dirty blood is running in these veins.”  

The young ladies laughed lightly, waving their fans.  

Sophia felt sympathy for Estelle for being mistreated by the high-ranking young ladies in this system, but she didn’t intervene because Estelle was a capable heroine who could handle it herself.  

Right as she was doing.  

“I don’t know if dirty blood is running through my veins, but I’m sure your minds are filled with dirty thoughts.”  

“What did you say?!”  

When Estelle retorted to Barbara, Barbara raised her voice.  

When the daughter of a Viscount from the outskirts dared to attack the daughter of a Marquis from the capital, the people around them were filled with astonishment.  

Except for Killian and Sophia.  

Sophia wasn’t surprised by this situation because she already knew that Estelle was not to be trifled with.  

On the other hand, Killian seemed tired of the fights that took place at every social event and did not want to interact with anyone.   

“I showed interest in grand masters, but is that wrong?”  

“Hah! You showed interest in grandmasters? Of course, showing interest means you can’t deny it yourself, right?”  

Barbara chuckled, picking at her words.  

The young ladies behind them taunted Estelle, suggesting that her interest in ‘great masters’ wasn’t innocent and that she was just drooling over impressive and handsome men.  

In response, Estelle shot a piercing glare at the young ladies and muttered.  

“Maybe you’re interpreting things so poorly because your heads are full of filth.”  

“Lowly?! Have you said everything you wanted to say?”  

“Yes, I’m done. There’s no point in continuing. You seem to treat me poorly no matter what I say.”  

“Poorly…!”  

And finally, it was time for the cliche villainous gesture. Barbara, with champagne in hand, splashed it on Estelle with a snappy wrist snap.  

However, Estelle had always excelled in physical activities, and she swiftly dodged the flying champagne directed at her. The problem was that Sophia was standing behind Estelle.  

“Oh no!”  

Sophia, who was relieved that Estelle would not be harmed, did nothing as the champagne flew at her.   

At that time, Killian, who was next to her, pulled her closer.   

With a whoosh, the splashed champagne lightly sprayed the hem of Sophia’s dress and scattered onto the floor.  

“Are you alright?”  

Sophia nodded with a dazed look on her face.  

She almost became an extra-comedy character who gets embarrassed while watching the female protagonist drink cider.    

Having ensured Sophia was unharmed, Killian shot a stern look at Barbara, the one who had splashed the champagne.  

When Barbara met Killian’s gaze, she became flustered and started to raise her hands as if to make excuses.  

In that moment, a splash!  

Champagne was poured directly onto Barbara’s face.  

“Kyaaah!”  

Drenched from head to toe, Barbara gasped and let out a scream.  

Standing in front of her, holding an empty champagne glass, was Estelle.  

The surrounding onlookers were once again stunned, their mouths agape as they observed the scene.  

“Can’t you avoid this either? And yet you tried to splash champagne on me?” Estelle said, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she looked at Barbara, who was now soaking wet and trembling.  

Barbara’s eyes rolled back in her head, and she lost control.  

“This vulgar wench!”  

Barbara went into a frenzy, reaching out towards Estelle, seemingly attempting to grab her by the hair.   

However, Estelle easily evaded Barbara’s agitated attacks.  

“Whoa, calm down, Barbara.”  

Estelle’s taunting skills were top-notch.   

Even Killian, who was about to get angry at Barbara, found himself speechless in the face of Estelle’s presence.  

Barbara, who had never experienced such humiliation before, repeatedly tried to grab Estelle by the arm, but she was left grasping at thin air.  

Barbara began to look increasingly ridiculous, especially as her smeared makeup from the champagne made her appear even more disheveled. 

It was embarrassing to watch, and those around them wished someone would intervene and clean her up.  

“You can’t even catch up to me, Barbara. Your movements are like a stupid  beast.” 

Estelle continued to taunt Barbara while evading her as if she were about to be caught.  

Barbara, seething with anger, finally lunged at Estelle, screaming in frustration.  

However, in a crowded party, her attack was too conspicuous.  

That’s when Estelle grabbed Barbara’s arm.  

‘Amazing…’  

Sophia was so engrossed in watching the two women fight that she momentarily forgot she had almost been hit by the champagne.   

She watched as Estelle easily subdued Barbara, who was struggling and screaming in pain.  

Estelle had a vexed expression as she forcefully twisted Barbara’s arm behind her back, causing her to cry out in agony.   

In the process, Estelle’s dress at the waist was torn slightly.  

“This is why I hate dresses,” Estelle muttered irritably, as if she were inconvenienced by the situation.   

She held Barbara without much embarrassment, and although her dress was slightly torn, she didn’t seem to care.  

It wasn’t a big tear, but the bare skin on Estelle’s back was visible through the gap that opened every time she moved.  

And through that gap, Sophia could see the scars on Estelle’s body.  

‘I guess a knight’s family member is a knight…’ 

When Sophia looked closely, she saw small scars not only on her waist but also on her arms.   

Estelle wasn’t just a pretty and delicate lady; Sophia found her rather impressive. She wasn’t the typical refined noblewoman. S  

Sophia thought Estelle had a certain mystique about her.  

‘This level of strength… Isn’t this at the level of a male lead?’    

Sophia mused to herself. Estelle excelled in combat and effortlessly dealt with someone like Barbara. Her combination of beauty and a cool demeanour was captivating.  

‘I hope Estelle takes the friend route rather than the villain route.’ (T/L: I also hope she is not another bitxh character.)  

Sophia didn’t particularly like Barbara, so she felt a subtle camaraderie with Estelle.  

Just then, a refined voice called out, breaking the tension.  

“What’s all this commotion?”  

Sophia turned her head towards the entrance to see Empress Beatrice and Crown Prince Mikhail entering the party.  

“Your Majesty, the Empress!”  

“Your Highness, the Crown Prince!”   

People collectively bowed their heads and made way, and Kilian and Sophia stepped aside as well.  

Estelle released Barbara as Empress Beatrice made her entrance. Beatrice was clearly displeased, looking around at the mess of spilled champagne and scuffled surroundings.  

“In the founding festival, in the sacred palace, what is the meaning of this?” 

Empress Beatrice expressed her anger, taking in the disarray caused by the champagne and the scuffle.  

“I apologize, Your Majesty,” Estelle immediately lowered her head, and then Barbara immediately spoke to the Empress with tears in her eyes.  

“Your Majesty, please drive out this violent woman!”  

Barbara instantly changed her face to pretend to be the victim and clung to the Empress.  

Estelle made a bewildered expression, and so did Sophia.  

‘If a person has a conscience, she can’t do that! No. I shouldn’t expect such a conscience from such a villainess, right?’   

Sophia shook her head.  

But apparently Barbara was the Empress’s lady-in-waiting after all.  

“Violent, you say?”  

“She poured champagne on me and made me look like this!”  

Barbara’s voice trembled with feigned distress as she pointed an accusing finger at Estelle. 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TRANSLATOR:

Dear readers, I hope you like my work, COMMENTS are much appreciated for encouragement, and for fuelling me up.

Read exclusive chapters  on ‘Patreon’ or tip me at ‘Buy me a coffee’ at (click on the image for the link)

If you find any mistakes, please let me know in the comment section. Happy reading : )