I’ll Be the Heroine’s Competent Divorce Partner - Chapter 83

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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 83

“When someone gives you a compliment, you should just accept it, but you get all embarrassed for no reason.”

Penelope was even nodding enthusiastically beside me!

“That’s not it, we really did accomplish this together……”

“Oh my, you’re deflecting.”

“I’m not!”

After bickering like that for quite a while.

“Anyway, about these winter clothes, I think we definitely have a good chance of winning.”

The co-representative and pillar of Bella Dress Shop.

The genius designer certified by the original story made her eyes sparkle like stars.

“Let’s do well together from now on.”

“Sounds good.”

“Let’s all work hard!”

Penelope and I also responded with bright voices.

* * *

Northern Garrison, Northern Commander’s Office.

“Why is His Highness the Crown Prince suddenly issuing the announcement directly?”

The Northern Commander couldn’t hide his displeased expression.

His thick fingers nervously tapped on the table.

“The Northern Army’s bidding projects are clearly our responsibility.”

That was right.

Usually, Northern Army-related projects were delegated to the Northern Command.

But this winter clothing bidding project for the Petno Garrison was different.

The Crown Prince had suddenly intervened and announced that the Imperial Family would directly handle the bidding project.

However, it wasn’t something to worry about too much.

Because……

“Well, His Highness the Crown Prince is still young.”

The Northern Commander wore a bitter sneer.

“Young people naturally want to show off impressive achievements in front of others. I understand that feeling. I was like that when I was young too.”

“Oh, did you have times like that too, Your Excellency the Northern Commander?”

At those words, the middle-aged man sitting across from him put on a surprised expression and flattered him.

“I can’t imagine it at all. You’re such a perfect person.”

“Haha, this fellow really. What a joke.”

Though he outwardly gave a gentle rebuke, the commander’s lips constantly held a pleased smile.

The other’s flattery was very pleasant to hear.

“Anyway, it’s not that I don’t understand His Highness’s impatient feelings. But still……”

The Northern Commander leaned back leisurely on the plush sofa and deeply furrowed his brow.

“I didn’t expect him to take away even these trivial bidding projects.”

Then, the middle-aged man quickly chimed in agreement.

“His Highness is really going too far. There are clearly separate duties for the Imperial Family and the military.”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying. How can general dress shops even qualify for military supply bidding projects?”

Deep wrinkles formed on the Northern Commander’s brow.

“I heard they didn’t even put restrictions on which dress shops could apply. At this rate, all sorts of riffraff will come flocking…… What on earth is His Highness thinking?”

“Your words are absolutely right, Commander. Shouldn’t work be judged based on expertise?”

“Right, that’s exactly what I’m saying! Youthful vigor is good, but this seems like overambition…… Tsk.”

The Northern Commander clicked his tongue briefly and turned his gaze back to the man.

“There’s a reason I’ve consistently given you work until now. Things only run smoothly when handled by experienced places.”

“Haha, I’m always nothing but grateful to Your Excellency.”

The man smiled and spoke in a subtle voice.

“I always trust only you, Commander. You know that, right?”

“Of course, naturally. When have I ever disappointed you?”

The Northern Commander answered confidently and shrugged his shoulders lightly.

“Things got a bit complicated this time, but still, you only have one company to compete against.”

“……”

The man who had been constantly appeasing the Northern Commander like a tongue in his mouth fell silent for the first time.

The Northern Commander added in a subtle tone.

“I heard it’s just a place that handles women’s clothing at best. You should be able to beat that easily. Right?”

“Ahaha, yes……”

A slight crack appeared in the man’s smiling face.

At the same time, the Northern Commander stood up lightly.

“Ah, then I should get going. Someone from the Hesus Trading Company is here.”

“From the Hesus Trading Company?”

“Yes, they said they sent a list of fabrics for making military uniforms.”

The Northern Commander smiled with his eyes.

“I’ll share it with you later too.”

Even though matters related to material supply should not be disclosed to outsiders in principle.

His attitude was familiar, as if he had already given hints several times before.

The man also bowed his head politely instead of showing surprise.

“Yes, I’ll be waiting.”

So the Northern Commander left the office.

The man who had been bowing and scraping the whole time slowly raised his head.

The gentle smile from just moments ago was nowhere to be found, and the man’s face was completely distorted.

‘Damn it, talking so carelessly because it’s not his own business!’

Unable to contain his rising anger, the man clenched his fist tightly.

His well-manicured nails pierced his palm, but the man didn’t even notice the pain.

‘After all the money I’ve fed him, he’s going to let another company interfere?!’

The man’s name was Thomas Bremont.

He was the representative of Bremont Dress Shop and someone who had built a very intimate relationship with the Northern Commander.

Drinking together.

Playing card games together.

Having sincere conversations.

And sometimes slipping pouches of gold coins to the Northern Commander.

Thomas had been steadily winning military uniform-related bidding projects in the Pegno region.

Until now, the Northern Commander had been worth the money he paid.

He had made Bremont Dress Shop the winner of every bidding project.

That selection process also included putting pressure on other competing dress shops in advance.

Until now, this was possible because applications were received within the North, and dress shops capable of producing military uniforms were limited.

‘As you well know, it’s really difficult to manipulate the system.’

The Northern Commander’s arrogant voice still rang clearly in his ears.

‘Besides, His Highness the Crown Prince is also taking interest in this bidding project…… It was very difficult. You understand, right?’

Using the Crown Prince as an excuse to subtly show off his own efforts was absolutely infuriating.

‘Well, I put as much pressure as possible on the companies expected to apply. I trust they’ll show their sincerity to the fullest this time too, if only to acknowledge my efforts.’

He had even efficiently extracted bribes.

Still, he felt reassured inside.

Since he had been so confidently arrogant, he naturally believed he would be selected as the contractor for this project as well.

However.

‘Damn it, where the hell is Bella Dress Shop!’

Suddenly some unheard-of women’s clothing specialty shop had popped up, and the Northern Commander shamelessly claimed he had no choice.

Good heavens, competing with a dress shop that fiddles around with lace?

This Thomas Bremont?!

‘What on earth do little girls know about military uniforms!’

After fuming like that for a while.

Thomas suddenly narrowed his eyes sharply.

‘Wait.’

According to his investigation, the dress shop’s main designer was a commoner woman named Penelope.

From what he heard, after some orphanage was disbanded due to an unsavory incident, the seamstresses who had been staying at the orphanage were all hired by Bella Dress Shop at once.

Penelope was among them.

‘If she’s from an orphanage, she probably doesn’t have any particular family either.’

He didn’t know who the actual owner of Bella Dress Shop was, but they were probably quite wealthy.

Would a commoner designer from an orphanage really be that important to such high-class people?

Thomas could confidently answer ‘no’ to that question.

In that case…….

‘Wouldn’t it be fine to give this a little touch-up?’

If something happened to the dress shop’s designer, wouldn’t they naturally withdraw from the military contract?

The Bella Dress Shop side might initially try to find out who the culprit is.

But she’s just a lowly commoner, isn’t she?

If they can’t easily catch the tail, they’ll give up quickly.

No matter how benevolent a business owner might be, they wouldn’t devote that much care to a commoner who’s merely a replaceable part.

‘Good.’

Thomas twisted up the corner of his lips.

It was a sinister smile.

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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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