Because She Had A Time Limit, She Became The Villain’s Daughter-in-law - Chapter 91

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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13. The Masquerade Ball
The city was overflowing with decorations and supplies for the masquerade ball. I was examining masks at a shop when I suddenly recognized a familiar face and blinked in feigned surprise.
“My goodness, Viscount Litshia?”
In truth, I wasn’t surprised at all—I was simply pretending to be.
“What a coincidence meeting you here.”
Serena had arranged the meeting location and time through a guild member. It wasn’t just me; countless people had come to purchase masquerade supplies. In other words, there were far too many eyes watching.
Though I hadn’t shown my face in the Capital’s social circles, there was hardly anyone who didn’t know of me. Therefore, I had to be cautious with every move. No matter how low I’d kept my profile, House of Icard could have had someone following me.
“It’s good to see you, Laria. It’s been a while.”
In truth, we’d met last month due to various business matters, but Simor was equally skilled at deception.
“Have you been well?”
“Yes, I was actually considering sending you a letter.”
I set down the mask I’d been holding and spoke.
“Kail—that is, Kail Dart Labonis—asked me to relay a message to you.”
At those words, Simor’s brow furrowed slightly. Through our various business dealings, I’d come to understand that he disliked Kail.
In Hanua, Kail’s reputation far exceeded Simor’s. Since the territory had originally been divided in two, comparisons were inevitable, and Kail simply possessed superior administrative capabilities.
But there was nothing to be done about it. While Simor bustled about here and there, I was able to carefully oversee the Labonis territory beside Hanua. From his perspective, Kail could never be welcome.
“Why would that brat contact me?”
“…Brat? You don’t even know Kail Dart Labonis well, so why—”
“I can tell just from how he manages his territory. His directives are incredibly petty.”
What was wrong with my management style…?
I couldn’t maintain my composure against this sudden barrage of criticism.
Sorry for being petty, you bastard.
“Well, one could also call it meticulous, I suppose.”
At my lukewarm response, Simor raised one eyebrow and launched into more complaints.
“And have you seen the exterior of the manor? His aesthetic sense seems rather lacking.”
At that remark, my eyes grew cold.
I’d personally chosen each and every detail, and he called it lacking? That was harsh.
I answered sullenly.
“I thought it was fine… It has a certain classical charm to it.”
“And according to rumors, he apparently treats his workers quite poorly.”
That rumor was absolutely false. After all, everyone working there was a guild member, and they were all living quite comfortably!
I became completely serious, unable to contain my exasperation.
“That’s definitely just a rumor. Who on earth is saying this? Who’s spreading such nonsense? I wouldn’t even mind sewing their lips shut—”
Simor touched his lips lightly, rolled his eyes, and sighed before asking.
“Why are you taking his side so strongly?”
“I’m not taking sides. That’s simply what I think.”
“You speak ill of Kail Dart Labonis, yet you become so serious with me, your business partner all this time… Is Kail Dart Labonis more precious to you than I am?”
Now he was asking me such an absurd question when I was already self-absorbed.
“Of course he is. Anyway, that’s not important—”
I couldn’t hide my displeasure and spoke curtly.
“Kail mentioned that there seems to be iron ore deposits buried in Hanua.”
“Really?”
“Something about studying geology and such… I don’t know the details myself. Anyway, he said they’re planning to start mining development in Kail-Hanua right away, and Viscount Litshia also asked if it would be good to begin development.”
I could almost hear the gears turning in Simor’s head.
“Weren’t you planning to excavate the mountains soon to track down the three ancient magical artifacts anyway?”
“Well, that’s true, but…”
“It doesn’t seem like a bad deal. Kail offered to share the information in exchange for price fixing.”
Simor couldn’t hide his internal conflict, his lips twitching. He didn’t want to listen to Kail, but the prospect of an iron ore mine was far too tempting, leaving him visibly torn.
However, I already knew Simor’s choice. If there was money to be made, he was the type who could easily set aside his distaste. Iron ore was currently in such high demand that prices were skyrocketing beyond reason.
“Go ahead, Simor.”
I began applying subtle pressure.
“I came to deliver this message personally. My instincts are good too. There hasn’t been a single venture that failed when you followed my advice.”
“…Sigh.”
Simor eventually nodded under my pressure.
“Very well. Since you’ve conveyed this message, I’ll accept it.”
“Yes, I’ll have Kail send you the details by letter.”
“It’s an important matter, so meeting in person wouldn’t be a problem…”
“Kail doesn’t particularly enjoy meeting strangers.”
“He certainly is a peculiar one.”
Fearing he might ask more detailed questions about Kail, I changed the subject.
“I hear you’ve been meeting Princess Elani quite frequently lately.”
“Ah, yes.”
Simor answered casually.
“We happened to have a few opportunities to converse, and we found that our political views align.”
…Did Simor even possess such a thing as political philosophy?
“So lately I’ve been providing her with some political funding.”
But regardless, the fact that he was giving money was what mattered. That was a true sign of love, after all.
‘As expected, even if the original work is flawed, its coherence is remarkable. No matter how much I intervene or meddle, couples destined to be together will still end up together.’
Even more certainly than before.
Then he suddenly asked me a question.
“Will you be attending the masquerade ball?”
“Yes.”
“Then how about this?”
He handed me a mask while smiling, his charming green eyes sparkling brightly.
“I’ve been thinking it was beautiful ever since earlier.”
Upon seeing the mask he offered, I suddenly grasped the grandeur of the original work anew.
“Right, my mask is supposed to be a white butterfly.”
The mask Simor handed me was precisely a white butterfly.
From what I remember, Simor and Elani appear at the masquerade ball wearing the same white butterfly mask and become entangled with each other once more. So at this masquerade ball too, they would inevitably meet again.
“It’s not bad. I’ll keep it in mind.”
I spoke calmly, but Simor went so far as to place the mask directly into my hands.
“I think it would suit you beautifully, Laria.”
His hand brushed against mine casually as he offered it.
I furrowed my brow and replied.
“This is the first shop, so I can’t possibly finish shopping here.”
At that, Simor chuckled softly and bowed politely.
“Then I shall take my leave, Laria.”
Then he whispered softly.
“Surely you don’t intend to end your life with a marriage in your youth.”
How could he possibly know this marriage would end my life… His intuition is remarkable.
“And… that matter we discussed together is progressing well.”
I had indeed been curious about that affair.
At the approaching masquerade, Simor and I had planned to undertake a venture together. This time, since I had directly contributed my own ideas, I wasn’t merely riding on his coattails. It could be seen as a modest atonement for what I had profited from until now. Of course, I intended to secure my share quite shrewdly as well.
“Then I shall see you at the masquerade.”
Simor ended his whisper and quietly turned away, disappearing into the crowd.

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