Celebrity Lady - Chapter 159

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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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Celebrity Lady
Side Story 1
Under the protection of potent spirits, the Deccard Empire had achieved an age of peace and prosperity.
Since Emperor Lark van Rashmah Deccard’s accession—Deccard’s twelfth sovereign—the entire populace sang in unison of a “world fit to live in.”
The first necessity for such a world to flourish?
Wealth.
The old-guard nobility who once lounged at home without lifting a finger, fanning themselves idly, were now treated as obsolete ghosts.
The Empire’s rising nobles, who had rolled up their sleeves and plunged into the frontlines of business, accumulated riches to fill the imperial treasury and led the charge through trade, spreading this new wind to foreign lands.
Thus, the winds of change originating from the Deccard Empire heralded an era of transformation and industrial progress, weaving a virtuous cycle that stabilized all nations.
And here.
The pioneering figure of “noble enterprise.”
The heroine of a “success story.”
Rubetria Deccard stood.
“Welcome, Director.”
“Welcome, Director.”
Employees lined up on either side of the entrance bowed formally in unison.
The morning arrival was a gauntlet of courteous greetings; the “Director,” draped in a well-tailored black coat, glided through their arch with the stride of a model.
Click, click, click.
The Director appeared, as always, with an aloof and graceful gait, and spoke with a radiant smile.
“Let’s give it our all today!”
* * *
Decarn, the capital of the Empire.
Atelier Ruby—a sprawling fifteen-story comprehensive retail complex built with cutting-edge architectural technology.
The proprietor of this mammoth enterprise, styled after a modern department store, was none other than Rubetria Deccard, a successful businesswoman and the Empress of the Deccard Empire.
She held two positions that seemed incompatible, yet Rubetria demonstrated remarkable business acumen and impeccable administrative work, shining brilliantly in either role.
How was such a thing possible?
Because she needed only three hours of sleep a day.
“You have a speech scheduled at nine for the children’s clothing department store opening ceremony. Since that’s your only morning engagement, you should head directly to the trading partner coordination meeting after lunch.”
Siena, her secretary, began the day as she always did—reviewing the Director’s schedule.
[Director. Rubetria Deccard]
The fifteenth floor of Atelier Ruby. The Director’s office.
Beyond an elegant nameplate bearing her name, Rubetria was signing documents in rapid succession.
“Oh, is that today? It’s been ages since I’ve seen little Jamie’s adorable face.”
Even as she hurriedly reviewed papers, her ear remained open to Siena’s words. Observing her listen while multitasking, Siena couldn’t help but shake her head in admiration.
This prodigy, now twenty years old, had amassed wealth and fame in a short span that some could never accumulate in a lifetime.
Having witnessed her ascent from the days as a noble young lady, Siena’s sentiments ran deep.
What began as a modest dress shop with an unknown tailor in a cramped, small building had become Blanc de Rubis, the Empire’s premier luxury boutique.
The enterprise had grown into a massive establishment with ten branches across the Imperial Court alone, and now, having expanded the flagship location, it had launched as Atelier Ruby, a sprawling comprehensive retail complex.
A triumph accomplished in just five years, starting from three hundred million marks borrowed from her father at fifteen!
Now, at twenty, she was a magnate recognized even abroad.
“Siena?”
“Oh!”
Siena, lost in thought, startled. Rubetria, already dressed for the morning event, was stepping out of the Director’s office.
Following after her, Siena spoke.
“The opening speech—”
“Here. Would you mind giving it a quick once-over for me?”
Rubetria, walking ahead, handed over a single sheet of paper. As Siena took it to review, she swallowed hard.
Such trivial work could easily be entrusted to a specialist. Yet the Director had insisted on writing it herself despite her packed schedule, and as always—
The speech was impeccably composed, flawless. Knowing Rubetria had managed only three hours of sleep yesterday, Siena couldn’t fathom when such a polished result had been created.
“Jamie! Sara!”
Rubetria, walking briskly, called out with delight, spreading her arms wide.
Atelier Ruby, ninth floor.
Jamie Rodriguez, a three-year-old model attending the opening ceremony for Blanc Bebe, the children’s clothing brand. And Sara Rodriguez, his mother and a celebrated actress of the Imperial Court.
“Auntie!”
“Goodness, Jamie! My stars!”
Jamie, spotting Rubetria, toddled toward her on short, quick legs. Rubetria promptly scooped him up.
“Jamie! That’s not Auntie—it’s Her Majesty the Empress! You and Mommy practiced at home, didn’t you?”
Sara, hurrying after him, flustered. Rubetria shook her head.
“Sara, never mind. How could a child possibly remember such formalities? Besides, here at work, I’m the Director.”
“Still, it’s been far too long, Your Majesty.”
Sara smiled warmly and took hold of her skirt hem, offering a graceful curtsy.
“It is an honor to lay eyes upon Your Majesty, Rubetria Deccard, the Moon of the Empire. May the glory of the realm accompany all your endeavors.”
Sara had exchanged wedding vows the same year as Rubetria. Her groom was her fellow actor, Heron Rodriguez.
Their son, Jamie, was born just three months after the ceremony. With no forewarning, she’d announced the marriage, and Rubetria had wondered why—only to discover Sara had wished to marry before her pregnancy showed.
When the truth emerged later, Rubetria had been startled indeed.
“Auntie! Auntie!”
Jamie, the son of one of the Imperial Court’s most celebrated beauties and handsome men, gleamed with beauty even at merely three years old.
With many older sisters and three aunties—Heron’s side contributing to the count—Jamie would throw his arms around any adult woman he saw, chirping “Auntie!”
“Goodness, he’s too precious.”
Each time, Rubetria would melt.
She’d thought she wasn’t particularly fond of children.
But seeing Jamie, she understood.
She simply had never had the chance to encounter a child before—she’d never known they could be this beautiful.
“Jamie, you’re getting heavy. Come down now. Go to Mommy.”
“Mm.”
Reluctantly, his plump cheeks quivering, Jamie descended from Rubetria’s embrace and soon took his mother’s hand with a bright smile.
Rubetria couldn’t tear her gaze from his angelic form.
*Do you want to have a baby?*
The telepathic voice resonating in her mind made Rubetria glance subtly to the side.
Invisible to all others yet always at her side—a man with dazzling golden hair, long and radiant.
Wishit, Rubetria’s spirit.
He gazed down at Jamie with an exceptionally handsome face and a indifferent expression.
*Yes, I suppose I ought to, shouldn’t I?*
Rubetria replied silently. Wishit shifted his gaze to her, regarding her with unwavering eyes.
Three years since the Imperial Marriage.
As Empress, the foremost duty was to bear an heir, yet she had deferred it until now.
These past three years had been consumed by fortifying and stabilizing the business foundations that had begun expanding overseas.
The prospect of pregnancy itself—those crucial ten-odd months—had felt burdensome.
Yet the other name for “Director” was “Empress of the Deccard Empire.”
Having shouldered such a weighty position, it was only right to fulfill its obligations.
Bearing an heir was not a choice for Empress Rubetria—it was a duty.
*Honestly, I’ve managed this long with Lark’s patience, but in all conscience, I should prepare myself now.*
* * *
The Imperial Palace, Grand Council Chamber.
“Well, then, let’s set aside Duke Ordel’s proposal for discussion at the next session and conclude today’s meeting here.”
Emperor Lark van Rashmah Deccard signaled the lull in proceedings, and the nobles bowed and departed.
The Grand Council Chamber fell silent in an instant.
Yet as always, five figures remained glued to their seats.
Centered on the Emperor’s dais,
three on the left.
Heads of venerable ducal houses: Raijer, Merlin, and Ferdi, respectively.
Two on the right.
Leonard Diolus, Duke of House Diolus, and his eldest son, Biego Diolus, the young lord.
They had no intention of leaving.
As if they’d been waiting all along, they cracked their necks left and right, popping their knuckles in preparation for their own “second session” meeting—their private conference.
*Good grief. Why do they carry on like they’re about to brawl…?*
Watching them stretch menacingly, Lark quietly shifted in his seat.
“Well then, I should probably take my leave—”
“Ahem!”
“Cough!”
“Hmm!”
The three on the left immediately cleared their throats, signaling him sharply. Lark had no choice but to sit back down.
Bang—!
“Today we shall settle the matter of Your Majesties’ heir once and for all.”
Duke Raijer, having struck the table fiercely, glared across at the opposing team as he spoke.
Leonard Diolus laughed derisively in response, waving his hand.
“Come now—”
A tense atmosphere descended.
Leonard added lightly, as if the tension were nothing.
“—do give it your best.”

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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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