I’ll Be the Heroine’s Competent Divorce Partner - Chapter 56
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 56
5. Is this finally the first dress from that dress shop?
I’ve been in a very good mood lately.
So good that even dining with that insufferable David didn’t kill my appetite.
‘I already got marketing effects from the cravat anyway.’
I cut a piece of steak neatly and put it in my mouth while becoming lost in thought.
If I could just successfully debut one outfit here, I could perfectly raise my recognition…
‘Isn’t there some good method?’
But then.
Someone called me in an indifferent tone.
“Elodie.”
It was David.
At the same time, I realized I had overestimated my appetite.
The moment I heard that characteristically arrogant voice, my appetite suddenly plummeted.
Ugh, really.
Is making people irritated just by calling their name also a talent?
“Yes, Elder Brother.”
Grumbling inwardly, I quickly put on a warm smile and turned to look at David sitting at the head of the table.
David didn’t even look at me.
He just kept his gaze fixed on his food plate while speaking in a commanding tone.
“An invitation came from Marquis Bartsen’s house this time, so make sure to attend.”
“……Marquis Bartsen’s house?”
I froze with my smiling expression intact.
The original Elodie had been married off there as if being sold.
And where I had secretly bought Arthur’s early work this time.
‘That’ Bartsen?!
“Yes. They’re holding a painting exhibition.”
David nodded and added sternly.
“So go there and conduct yourself well so as not to bring shame to the family. Do you understand?”
What’s the standard for not bringing shame to the family?
Making a marriage that somehow benefits the family according to your taste?
I suppressed my desire to be sarcastic and answered meekly.
“Yes, Elder Brother.”
Just then.
I felt a gaze boring into me.
When I glanced over, Isabel across from me was looking at me with troubled eyes.
‘Don’t worry.’
I gave her a gentle eye-smile to reassure her.
Just then, David wiped his mouth with a napkin and changed the subject.
“Come to think of it, His Highness the Crown Prince is holding a new expedition ceremony for the New Trade Route development, isn’t he?”
Well, I had heard about it too.
The newspapers were making such a fuss about it.
However, unlike usual when they generally treated the Crown Prince favorably, this time articles with rather critical tones were predominant.
The major daily newspapers’ headlines were like this, so you can imagine.
‘Tsk, acting like they know when they don’t.’
I was disgusted inwardly.
Of course, it’s inevitable that it looks unstable in the current situation.
But having read the original, I know.
Later, the moment the Crown Prince succeeds in developing the New Trade Route, the media and all the Empire’s citizens will completely change their tune and give him applause.
“Just how much tax money is he trying to waste, tsk.”
David clicked his tongue disapprovingly.
Marisa quickly chimed in.
“It seems His Highness the Crown Prince made a poor judgment this time. Don’t you think so, son?”
“Well, honestly, it does seem that way. Though it’s somewhat disloyal thinking as a noble who has pledged loyalty to the Imperial Family…”
Meanwhile, half-listening to their conversation, I suddenly thought of the Crown Prince.
‘Is His Highness the Crown Prince okay right now?’
No matter how confident the Crown Prince is in himself.
In a situation where everyone is giving such harsh criticism, it would be burdensome in many ways.
‘Should I send a comforting letter…’
Recalling the direct contact information I had received from the Crown Prince last time, I soon shook my head.
‘No, what if the Crown Prince misunderstands again that I like him.’
Didn’t I boldly say before that I wouldn’t harbor impure intentions?
It might just be asking for trouble.
‘Let’s just stay still.’
I deliberately shook off my thoughts about the Crown Prince.
* * *
After the meal ended.
“Are you okay?”
Isabel, who had approached me, asked carefully.
David’s intention to pair me with Marquis Bartsen was that obvious.
…But I no longer wanted to be forced into an unwanted marriage, so I had taken Isabel’s hand.
“Of course, I’m fine.”
Meeting those worried green eyes, I felt my sunken mood lift a little.
I smiled faintly without realizing it.
However, Isabel still had a worried expression.
“Still… won’t you be uncomfortable in various ways, Miss?”
“Well, personally it’s not a very welcome occasion.”
After answering somewhat cynically for a moment.
My eyes lit up.
“But in a way, it’s a good opportunity.”
“A good opportunity?”
“That’s right, isn’t it? Marquis Bartsen is one of the notable figures.”
Whatever else, Marquis Bartsen was a person with standing as both a painter and art critic.
He had even held several solo exhibitions.
Well, of course, that prestige was largely thanks to his status as royalty…
“Various distinguished guests will surely attend this exhibition, right?”
From what I heard, only carefully selected high nobles who were acquainted with the Marquis would attend.
He pretends to be modest on the surface but is secretly quite elitist, isn’t he?
“That’s true, but… Ah!”
Isabel’s eyes widened slightly for a moment.
Did she finally understand my intention?
“That’s right.”
I gave her a cheeky wink.
“It’s an opportunity to naturally showcase Bella Dress Shop’s dresses.”
I had been worried about not having a suitable event to display the dresses, so this actually worked out well.
Really, I was even considering whether I should host a party myself!
Plus, the timing was perfect too.
Because.
“Thanks to His Highness the Crown Prince’s cravat, many people have become curious about our dress shop, haven’t they?”
“Y-yes, that’s right.”
“If we subtly mention that the cravat is also our product, we can draw even more interest from people.”
I continued confidently.
“The dress shop that His Highness the Crown Prince also patronizes is ambitiously releasing dresses for the first time… something like that.”
“……”
“And Princess Laventess chose that first dress.”
“……”
“It’s embarrassing to say this myself, but people who receive all the attention in high society chose the same dress shop. The promotional effect will definitely be solid.”
I concluded with a proud tone.
This is excellent storytelling, isn’t it?
The new rising star of the fashion world that the Crown Prince and Princess are paying attention to!
‘Huh?’
But something feels strange.
I had believed without doubt that Isabel would be as happy as I was.
But she just kept silent.
‘…Why is she acting like that?’
An intense sense of unease crept up my spine.
As I glanced at Isabel’s expression, I quietly opened my mouth.
“Um, Sister-in-law?”
“……”
At the same time, I stiffened my shoulders in shock.
Isabel’s beautiful face had turned deathly pale without any color!
A trembling voice asked me.
“What should we do?”
“Pardon?”
“I mean, before the Marquis’s exhibition is held… we absolutely must complete the dress somehow, right?”
Her pupils, shaking wildly as if an earthquake had struck, looked at me desperately.
Her dry lips moved again.
“And that dress must be perfect enough to receive everyone’s attention, right?”
“Th-that’s…”
I unconsciously trailed off.
At the same time, a belated realization struck my head hard.
‘I see.’
I had read the original story and knew how popular Isabel’s dress shop would become.
But Isabel was still half-doubting her own abilities, wasn’t she?
The current situation must feel burdensome to her.
“No. I’ll stop with the weak talk.”
A moment later.
Isabel swallowed her dry saliva and shook her head firmly.
Then she spoke with determination.
“I can do it. No, I must somehow make it work.”
But contrary to that resolute tone.
Isabel still couldn’t hide her tense expression.
I broke out in a cold sweat inwardly.
‘I-is this really going to be okay?’
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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