Celebrity Lady - Chapter 76

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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
Chapter 76
“What’s on the schedule today?”
Rubetria asked while stretching at the sides, and Sienna flipped through her notepad to answer.
“The artisan Helen arrived last night. You have a meeting at lunch, and at 2 PM you’re scheduled to check prototype samples for the Accessory Shop’s January new collection at the Workshop.”
“Good.”
Sienna handed Rubetria a towel and a water bottle after briefing her on the day’s agenda.
Rubetria received them with practiced ease, draped the towel around her neck, and gazed out at the view of Lyubon spread below from the mountainside.
08:00 AM.
Morning jogging time.
Though it was winter, the clear weather made for perfect exercise conditions.
“The air’s nice. I’ll be back soon.”
“Have a good run, Miss.”
Once again, Rubetria set off running.
* * *
Rubetria Diolus’s days were never long enough—a full twenty-four hours fell short.
She crunched on a slice of apple as she flipped through the approval documents that had piled up on her desk.
“Isn’t your birthday the day after tomorrow?”
Wishet asked, watching with some concern as Rubetria worked herself ragged.
“It’s just a birthday that comes once a year. Nothing special about it.”
“Hmm.”
Rubetria replied dismissively, then frowned.
“The wristwatch production is falling way behind.”
According to the Accessory Shop report, demand was overflowing but production had stalled temporarily.
A customer had placed an order for a full set of women’s accessories—necklace, earrings, bracelet, and ring.
The jeweler Hamilton Galakio was too occupied with that order to take on the watch decoration work.
“Just how rich must this customer be to order a full set of Grade-A Diamond Accessories? The Imperial Domain really does have no shortage of wealthy people…….”
There’s nothing to be done about it, Rubetria muttered, shaking her head slightly.
After a cursory glance at the documents, Rubetria now turned her attention to the mountain of letters stacked just as high, opening them one by one.
Nearly one letter arrived per day—so many that she only managed to read them in bunches every three days. Roughly ninety percent of the letters in her current pile were from Biego.
Rubetria, your birthday is coming soon.
I was reminded of a letter you sent me some time ago, and it pained my heart. So I’ve prepared a special gift for you—please have a happy time on your day.
And please do write back, even if you’re busy. I’m always waiting.
Biego.
Rubetria crunched another bite of apple and casually tossed the letter aside with an indifferent expression.
“Wishet, what did I write to Brother Biego in that letter before?”
“Let’s see… Wasn’t it when Biego asked what kind of birthday gift you wanted, and you never replied?”
“Ah, that’s right.”
The new year had begun, and she was now entering her sixteenth birthday—her first as an adult.
How terrible had her sixteenth birthday been in her previous life?
Tormented by those vicious twins, forced to eat rotten food, locked in a closet.
‘That day, Rebecca couldn’t stand it anymore and spoke up, but she got caught by Molga…….’
Rubetria shook her head vigorously to dispel the horrible memories that surfaced unbidden, then let out a small laugh.
It won’t be like that this time. If she were in the Imperial Domain right now, she couldn’t say what mischief those demons might attempt…….
‘But I’m under Quarantine Status~’
They couldn’t torment her even if they wanted to. For the first time, her exile felt like a blessing.
“I remember now. I was so happy not to see those twins’ faces that I wrote it.”
[Brother, I’m being punished for causing trouble, so let’s skip the birthday congratulations.
Sigh…… I do miss the faces of Ricky and Lilia, and all my friends, who always celebrated my birthday. It pains me, but what can I do?
I’ll spend this birthday quietly, in reflection. That’s all.]
Rubetria recalled how she and Wishet had laughed together as she wrote that line about how it pained her, even though she didn’t mean a word of it.
“This birthday, I’m finally going to have a quiet one!”
She had no idea what gift Biego was planning to send…….
“Just not seeing Molga and those twins’ faces is gift enough!”
Stretching contentedly, Rubetria smiled with satisfaction.
* * *
Two days later, January 6th. My birthday.
On what should have been my happiest day, I fell into despair.
“Holy shit.”
This world must definitely contain something that couldn’t be changed, even after a regression.
Otherwise, there was no way such a lousy situation could unfold.
“What in the—…….”
Twenty-odd escort knights dressed in uniforms bearing the Emperor’s seal came pouring in and began to surround the Villa.
“Lady Rubetria Diolus, a pleasure to meet you. I am Dillan Osiris, the Emperor’s Sword. The Emperor Himself has sent a gift and personal letter—please do examine them.”
“Th-thank you…….”
I stepped outside the Villa and accepted the letter that Captain Dillan held out.
I sincerely congratulate you, Rubetria Diolus, on your sixteenth birthday—the precious jewel of House of Diolus.
Now that you’ve come of age this year, I hope you will dedicate yourself all the more to etiquette and social grace, bringing honor to your house.
As you are currently under Quarantine Status, it is unavoidable that I send my knights. Please know, however, that I wish for you to spend a happy time even here on this day.
The Emperor, Leonard van Rashmach Decarde.
“As you are currently under investigation in a public capacity, we have been stationed here, though we understand it may be inconvenient.”
After reading the Emperor’s letter, I was so flabbergasted that I actually staggered. Captain Dillan spoke on.
“However, all of the knights will wait outside the Villa, so please don’t worry and enjoy your birthday celebration, as the Emperor has commanded.”
Captain Dillan bowed deeply and withdrew before I could say anything.
Behind Captain Dillan, who stood solidly at the Villa’s entrance, multiple carriages were steadily rolling in, cutting through the snow-covered mountain path.
“Oh my God. Heaven help me.”
Gorgeous carriages bearing the seals of the kingdom’s most prominent noble families.
Descending from them one by one were young noblemen and noblewomen of my age.
I recognized a few familiar faces, but there were many I’d never seen before.
“Miss!”
Rebecca rushed over to me while I stood in a daze and thrust another letter into my hands.
“What’s this…….”
“It’s a letter from the Young Duke.”
“What! Give it here!”
No question about it—the orchestrator of this cursed forced birthday party was definitely Biego.
I snatched the letter from Rebecca’s hands and unfolded it.
My beloved sister, Rubetria.
I know how much you regret not being able to celebrate with your friends, so I took matters into my own hands.
The investigation chief, the Crown Prince, said that because of your Quarantine Status, a celebration would be impossible…….
But because I felt sorry for you, I went to the Emperor myself and made my appeal. Fortunately, he granted my request.
I was delighted to learn that so many people wish to celebrate your birthday.
I’ve made all the arrangements, so please just enjoy yourself.
Biego.
“Wow…….”
As I read the letter, I grabbed the back of my head in exasperation.
Of course. The sharp-witted Lark would naturally have refused such an outrageous request for a birthday party on his end.
But this fool Biego didn’t give up—he went even higher and had a private meeting with the Emperor himself, stubbornly intent on gifting me this nightmare……!

I couldn’t very well voice my crude frustration out loud, so I vented to Wishet at my side instead.
Wishet clicked her tongue as she watched the endless procession of arriving carriages.

That was absolutely true. Biego had clearly sold his sense of tact to Andromeda. He was an older brother impossible to be fond of.
‘What an impressive talent—to create this insane situation without a shred of malice. Brother…….’
The only way I could salvage this mess was to send an SOS to Lark, but even that was going to be difficult.
[Hey, your birthday’s tomorrow, right? I tried to clear my schedule, but it’s packed back-to-back.
Still, I’ll come straight from court, so just wait a bit for me. I’ve prepared an amazing gift, so look forward to it.]
He’d only be coming in the evening, after all.
“Lady Rubetria, happy birthday. I’m Sharon Pellat from the House of Pellat.”
“Th-thank you so much for coming…….”
“Lady Rubetria, happy birthday. Thank you for inviting me. I’m Erica Langton.”
“Y-yes, nice to meet you…….”
Young girls with braided twin tails each handed me a gift box and filed into the Villa.
‘So I’m supposed to spend the whole day playing with children like this, laughing and giggling?’
Watching the enormous carriage bearing the House of Diolus seal roll in, I forced out a strained laugh.
‘And demons on top of that?’
As the carriage came to a stop in front of me, the faces I’d least wanted to see emerged from within.
Lilia and Ricky.
“Rubetriaaaa! I missed you!”
“I missed you too…… Wait, you’re really Rube, Rubetria?”
Though I had to feign warmth in front of everyone watching, the malice glimmering in their eyes was unmistakable.
Facing the twins with their angel-like faces, I gritted my teeth and forced out a smile.
“Yeah. I missed you guys too…….”

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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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