Please Fall in Love with Me! – A Villainess on Her Second Loop, using 'Seduction' to Avoid Ruin! - Chapter 3.3

“But I don’t want to wear that dress! It’s far too revealing!”

“It is. And?”

Wait—and?

Was that even a question? This was a huge problem!

“It’s a tea party! A tea party! Why do I need to show so much skin?”

The dress the maids had prepared was nothing short of scandalous. The neckline plunged so deep it left nothing to the imagination, her shoulders were completely bare, and the overall design screamed seduction.

Shocked, she had immediately demanded to know who had chosen such a thing.

The answer? Claude.

“A-And the color! It’s the exact shade of Siegvard’s—no, Lord Argento’s—eyes! Your intentions are so obvious, it’s shameless in more ways than one!”

It was practically screaming, Please, do whatever you want with me!

Yet Claude only furrowed his brows, looking at her as if she were the strange one.

“That was the point, was it not? My lady, your only redeeming qualities are your face and body. If you refuse to make full use of them, then what do you have?”

“Th-That’s not the issue! I want him to fall in love with me! Seducing him with my body is not the same thing!”

“And what, exactly, makes you think you have anything else he would find appealing? Isn’t that a rather generous self-evaluation?”

Guh—!

His words cut way too deep!

She had thought she was used to Claude’s sharp tongue, but this was on another level!

“B-But still, this is just too much—”

“It’s not as though I’m telling you to actually take things that far. However, wouldn’t anything that increases the likelihood of catching his interest, even slightly, be worth trying?”

“I-It’s not like I’m doing nothing!”

If she hadn’t taken action, this tea party wouldn’t be happening in the first place!

As she mumbled, Claude responded coolly, “I see. So you believe that as long as you do something, there’s no need to give it your all?”

“N-No! That’s not what I meant!”

“You do sincerely want Lord Argento to fall for you and marry you, don’t you?”

“Of course!”

“Then is this really the time to be picky about methods? Shouldn’t you be using every available strategy?”

“…Ugh…”

“I don’t sense any real determination from you. Is this all the conviction you have?”

Ughhh!

“If you’re only playing around, I have far better things to do with my time.”

Grrrr!

He did this in my first life too! His provocation skills are ridiculously high-level!

There was no way she could just sit back and take this!

“F-Fine! I’ll wear it!”

“Ah… How admirable.”

What was that reaction?!

After all that provocation, this was his response?!

“A-Are you sure about this, my lady?”

The maid hesitantly glanced between her and Claude.

“Yes. I’ll wear it.”

She was a villainess.

And if she was going to wear it, she’d own it.

Claude gave a small bow and turned to leave. But just as he reached the door, he hesitated, resting a hand on the doorknob before glancing back at her.

“My lady, I was under the impression that you liked extravagant, seductive dresses.”

The comment was casual, likely an offhand remark.

And yet, for some reason, it felt like he was asking, Are you really Adelaide?

“That’s… well…”

Forcing herself to remain composed, she quickly averted her gaze.

“I-It’s just… when I’m in front of someone I want to marry… it feels a little embarrassing.”

“My, my. So you do possess a sense of shame. How fascinating.”

Damn it!

Why did every conversation with him have to end with her feeling mocked?!

◇＊◇

And so—she wore the dress.

A deep, seductive purple—the exact color of Siegvard’s eyes.

“Y-Y-You are most welcome… L-Lord Argento…”

“…”

Siegvard stood frozen in place, his eyes wide as he stared at her.

“Oh, my lady! You forgot your jacket!”

Thankfully, Sheska had the presence of mind to rush forward with a short lace jacket. Thanks to her quick thinking, a complete disaster was avoided.

Though… it still didn’t cover her cleavage.

Ugh…

“I-I deeply apologize for… for the inappropriate appearance…”

“O-Oh, no… You don’t need to apologize… It’s fine…”

His entire face turned red as he hastily shook his head, flustered.

Ughhh… he’s so kind…

Taking a deep breath, she straightened her posture.

She would deal with Claude’s pay cut later.

For now, she needed to focus.

This was her moment.

She would make Siegvard fall for her!

Resolving herself, she led him toward the terrace overlooking the Kishtaria Ducal House’s magnificent gardens.

The weather was lovely, and the fresh air would have been pleasant, but for today, the terrace was preferable.

She didn’t want the scent of flowers interfering.

“I heard that you are fond of tea, Lord Argento.”

“Please, call me Siegvard. …Yes, I do. The aroma has a calming effect.”

Siegvard nodded as he took his seat.

“In that case, please allow me to recommend this blend.”