A Fortune-telling Princess - Chapter 94

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

“I didn’t deceive anyone. I simply didn’t mention it.”
“That’s the same thing!”
“You never asked.”
“What?”
“You never asked if I was the owner of the mana stone.”
“…If you can’t even speak up.”
The way he called me loose-lipped when he’d pretended not to notice me pacing anxiously because I couldn’t obtain the mana stone myself was infuriating beyond measure.
“Don’t you remember what you said before? That I had to look good in front of Arsian to get the mana stone! Huh?”
“Older Brother meant it as advice for me to get along well with others, and I was simply—oh, oh!”
“I’m so grateful I could cry, huh?”
“Ow! Ah…!”
Camilla cried out in pain as both her cheeks were pinched, but Ravi only released his grip after a long moment.
She stepped back, cradling her cheeks in both hands, and glared at Ravi with narrowed eyes.
“Tsk….”
“Tsk? You haven’t learned your lesson yet, have you?”
“Would you like another mana stone, Older Brother?”
Goodness! I’m truly blessed to have such a good sister!
“And you’ve got nerve too.”
“What do you mean?”
“Why did you buy another mine this time?”
I’d heard the winning bid for the mine at this auction was astronomical.
The fact that this brat had paid that enormous sum without hesitation was still hard to believe.
She hadn’t even borrowed the Sorpel Household’s power—she’d paid such a vast amount entirely through her own means.
“Why? Because I wanted to.”
“…?”
“I bought it so I could support my Older Brother for life without him lifting a finger.”
“….”
“Just wait. I’ll make sure you live without getting a single drop of water on your hands.”
“…You’re not exactly getting your hands wet even now, are you?”
Ravi looked at her with an exasperated expression, then finally burst into laughter.
I couldn’t fathom why her boastful words sounded so pleasant to my ears.
Rumble!
In that instant, lightning flashed outside the window. Thunder followed, and both Camilla’s and Ravi’s gazes turned toward the window simultaneously.
“It’s going to pour.”
“Indeed.”
The summer monsoon was about to begin in earnest.
* * *
Patter, patter—
The rain that had begun falling in early evening continued through the night without ceasing.
After admiring the thunder and lightning outside her window and finishing a warm cup of milk tea, Camilla soon retired to bed.
“Ah, perfect.”
I was going to sleep wonderfully tonight. I was long past the age where thunder could keep me awake.
Strangely, ever since some point, I’d been sleeping better on nights like this.
‘Should I call it relative peace of mind?’
Unlike the world outside, the space beneath my blankets felt safe, and I slept more soundly than usual.
Thud… tap, thud….
But not long after I’d settled into bed, a terribly grating sound pierced my ears.
Tap tap, the sound of water dripping.
With rain pouring down, I could have overlooked it, but if that sound was coming from inside my room—that was a different matter entirely.
This wasn’t some dilapidated thatched cottage, and there was no reason water should be leaking just because it was raining.
Tap… thud….
And if that sound was drawing steadily closer toward where I lay?
“…Damn.”
The moment I opened my eyes, I let out a quiet curse. There was something pressing its face right up to mine.
“As if it wasn’t humid enough with the rain.”
I clicked my tongue in mild irritation, then simply pulled the blanket back over myself as though nothing had happened.
[Hey….]
The Water Ghost standing beside me couldn’t hide her bewilderment.
[You’re just… sleeping?]
“Mm.”
[You’re really just going back to sleep?]
“Mm!”
[….]
I’d suspected it somewhat when I saw her in the Valley before. That this human had nerves of steel.
But I never imagined she’d be so composed as to simply return to sleep after I appeared so suddenly like this.
Shouldn’t she at least ask why I came?
[Hey! Are you really sleeping?!]
“…What?”
How long has it been since we last met, and she’s calling me “what”?
“Just—shut it!”
[…!]
“Stop making noise.”
The look in Camilla’s eyes was absolutely murderous. She’d never been lenient with things that came at night and disturbed her sleep.
Especially not when that entity was a ghost she barely knew.
“Who comes at night making a racket? Just because you’re dead, did you forget your manners along with your life? Huh?”
[Ah, no, aren’t you curious? About why I came to find you?]
“Not at all.”
[But….]
“If you say one more word from this moment on, I’ll assume you want to be dragged out of here thrashing and screaming like last time.”
[But…!]
“Tsk.”
[….]
In the end, the Water Ghost had no choice but to close her mouth quietly.
“Stop splashing water everywhere and stay put in the corner like a good ghost.”
With that, Camilla completely dismissed the ghost from her mind.
Watching her, the Water Ghost’s face filled with bewilderment once more.
Is she really sleeping? Really?
But the thought that she might be dragged away by other ghosts again, just like last time, prevented her from asking any further questions.
[Can’t you just cut me some slack? I stayed quiet all night like you said.]
“I hate feeling cooped up.”
[That’s because it’s raining outside!]
“And you’re not helping matters.”
Outside, the rain continued to pour down steadily. It seemed unlikely that clear skies would return anytime soon.
“So, what did you come for?”
Camilla asked the Water Ghost standing before her, her voice dripping with annoyance.
[Actually, you know what.]
“What?”
[Can I ask you something first?]
“What is it?”
[Why are you suddenly speaking informally to me?]
At the Water Ghost’s question, Camilla let out a hollow laugh.
The Water Ghost was someone she knew well. It was that prickly Water Ghost from the valley during the outing with the children last time.
The one who had been dragged away by Zeno and Derin’s hands….
“Back then, you were the one intruding into my space.”
Now you’re the one barging into mine whenever you please. Why should I bother being formal with you?
“If you don’t like informal speech, then get out right now.”
Honestly, I’d prefer it if you just left. Ghosts always came to her for the same reason anyway.
[Just do me one favor.]
See? See!
“The rain’s depressing enough without this.”
I had a feeling this would happen, and of course it did.
As always, Camilla pretended not to hear. She could already sense how tedious a request from a being consumed by resentment would be.
[I’m asking you to listen to my request!]
“I wonder when this rain will stop.”
[Hey!]
“Should I make some tea?”
[Find a child for me.]
Camilla, who had been feigning indifference, froze.
“…A child?”
[Yes, my child.]
Tears welled up in the Water Ghost’s eyes in an instant.
[My child, please… please find them for me.]
The desperate, pleading voice tinged with sobs made Camilla exhale a short sigh despite herself.
* * *
“We’re hosting a party at our house this week. If you have time….”
“Do you like tea? We’ve just acquired something quite rare….”
“My father recently acquired a most fascinating creature. We’re all gathering to see it this week. Won’t you join us, Camilla?”
“Camilla, tomorrow….”
Sweet-smelling food attracts insects like bees and flies.
Watching the countless people drawn by the sweet scent of wealth, Camilla clicked her tongue inwardly without pause.
As expected, the stream of visitors seeking her out since morning showed no signs of stopping. Even during classes, letters and gifts had poured in without end.
“Miss Camilla, my father has long wished to meet Duke Sorpel’s daughter-”
Tap.
“What?”
The man speaking to Camilla swatted away someone’s hand that had lightly tapped his shoulder with an irritated gesture.
Tap, tap.
But when the hand tapped his shoulder again, the man’s face twisted in frustration.
“Ugh, seriously! I’m already talking here!”
I’m swamped, so who on earth…!
“Gasp!”
The man spun around ready for a confrontation, but his expression froze solid.
“Move.”
A low, thick, brief command.
Yet its impact was tremendous. Everyone gathered around Camilla instantly scattered to one side.
“Aren’t you leaving?”
Because the one who had spoken was Arsian.
“Do you have more business here?”
“N-no!”
“Not at all!”
Those who had been hesitating just in case shook their heads vigorously in unison.
Watching them disappear in haste without a moment’s delay, Camilla felt genuine admiration.
“Truly a human insecticide.”
“What are you talking about?”
Camilla asked with a short laugh.
“What brings you here?”
“It’s time.”
“Time?”
“Time for the Club.”
….
“Why?”
I really want to ask her once.
‘Why are you so genuinely invested in this club activity?’
As for me, I’m only doing it out of necessity instead of attending major courses.
“Arsian.”
“What?”
“Hasn’t the Swordsmanship Instructor said anything?”
Everyone who mattered already knew that Arsian had joined the Volunteer Club. Naturally, the Academy instructors would have heard about it too.
“What do you mean?”
“Something like telling me to focus on swordsmanship?”
“He hasn’t said anything.”
Well, nagging should be tailored to the person, after all.
‘Even the Swordsmanship Instructor must know his own life is precious.’
Camilla exhaled a short sigh and rose from her seat.
“Huh?”
As I stepped out of the classroom, Petro was standing right in front of me.
“Did you two come together?”
“Are you insane?”
“I came to escort Camilla, but since this man entered first, I was waiting outside.”
“Hey!”
“What now? I didn’t even call your name.”
Are you two still arguing over titles?
Camilla subtly shook her head and kept her distance from them, walking as if she weren’t part of their group.
Click!
“…! C-Camilla!”
Moments later, as I opened the Club Room door and stepped inside, I could hear Laila’s startled voice first.
“Welcome.”
From the voice that followed, I could immediately understand why she looked so flustered.
“What’s going on?”
“I’m here to join this club.”
Lania was sitting in the Club Room.
“Join? This club?”
“Yes.”
The way she greeted us was so natural, as if she were already a member here.
“I’m sorry, but we have no intention of accepting new members anymore.”
“Really?”
“Isn’t that right, President?”
“Huh? Ah… y-yes, that’s right?”
The club president couldn’t hide his bewilderment at Laila’s unusually firm tone and answered awkwardly.
“That’s strange.”

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————