Isn’t Being A Wicked Woman Much Better? - Chapter 150

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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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Chapter 150
Countess Basslein’s eyes widened as she sipped her tea.
There was a calculated assumption beneath my words—since I had accommodated her wishes regarding the gift, she would find it difficult to refuse this proposal as well. After all, it was not easy to voice a second refusal.
‘Perhaps she finds the suddenness troubling?’
Yet contrary to my expectations, her blue eyes reflected only bewilderment.
“Our Ripples Estate is always open to distinguished guests such as yourself, Lady Deborah. However… I fear there may not be as many things to capture your interest or attention as the Capital offers.”
Of course, it was only natural that she would think this way—in her mind, I was surely a flamboyant wastrel who followed every fashionable trend.
“I have loved the sea dearly since childhood.”
I spoke in a hushed, confessional tone.
“…Lady Deborah?”
Her face deepened with suspicion. It would indeed seem strange—the Eastern Region, Simour’s territory, was a plains area, so my claim of loving the sea since childhood was peculiar.
“Yes. I’ve only taken a few vacations to the coast with my father long ago, but those blue waves have never left my memory.”
I spoke while recalling a school trip to Haeundae from my past life. The blue sea I had seen then had truly made an impression, so it was not entirely a lie.
“Indeed. Villas overlooking the sea are quite popular among the nobility.”
“The waves possessed a rhythm like an orchestra’s performance, and the seagulls seemed to dance in time with it.”
Countess Basslein, who hailed from the south and currently managed a territory adjacent to the sea, listened intently to my words before folding her fan and opening her mouth.
“The endless interplay of tides and ebbs—that is the sea’s greatest allure. When one gazes upon the white spray crossing back and forth, time seems to repeat eternally.”
The Countess spoke as though reciting poetry, quoting the final words from my letter.
“In truth, I rather liked that expression.”
I had deliberately employed many metaphors related to the sea in my letter, and I was relieved that she had appreciated this particular passage.
“I suspected that Isidore, who favors metaphorical language, might have given you a subtle hint, but that was merely my prejudice. I apologize.”
‘She is as straightforward and sincere as Isidore.’
I sipped my tea while conversing with the now-softened Countess about the sea. She clearly cherished Basslein Castle and her estate overlooking the waters.
“The sight of the sun rising above the horizon from atop the Tower Peak is truly magnificent.”
“When I gaze upon the endless horizon of the sea, it stirs my imagination—I wonder what lies beyond.”
The Countess responded lightly to my words.
“All children living near the sea share such imaginings. I once believed that a great monster dwelled at that distant end.”
“Now, looking back, I realize that beyond the horizon lies gold.”
I broached the subject delicately, and the Countess burst into laughter.
“Hmm, gold, you say? Surely you don’t actually believe in legends of treasure islands…”
I smiled back at her with a knowing expression.
“I am interested in trade with the duchy beyond the Bornas Strait. I am convinced that such trade will bring gold no less valuable than any treasure island.”
She erased her smile and looked thoroughly astonished.
“I never expected a Magic Department student to take interest in trade with Ferdin Duchy.”
She bit her well-formed lips and added a quiet remark.
“Most people in the Empire regard the people of Ferdin as barbaric and beneath contempt…”
“I believe their potential is boundless.”
“I am curious why you would regard Ferdin Duchy, a remote minor state across the sea, as a treasure island brimming with gold.”
“Could you prepare some hot water and a teacup?”
I unfolded the paper containing freshly roasted coffee grounds, poured it into the teacup, and dissolved it with hot water.
“Coffee, I see. I tried it once in Armand since it’s said to be effective for improving concentration.”
As the rich aroma of roasted beans soon filled the room, the Countess demonstrated that she recognized what I had brought.
‘Since she knows Armand, our conversation will flow more smoothly.’
“Yes. Coffee is the flagship product that Armand is actively promoting. Sales and demand increase daily. It’s exceptionally effective at banishing sleep, so researchers at the Magic Tower seek it out most frequently. Some even call it the beverage of wisdom.”
“How does Deborah Simour know such facts so well?”
“The Trading Company that operates Armand is Leticia, and I am its representative.”
A cough erupted immediately. The reaction was identical to Isidore’s when he was surprised, and I nearly laughed despite myself.
* * *
“Isidore!”
My aunt burst into the Visconti Town House without announcement, and Isidore, who had been reviewing documents, startled and rose from his seat.
“Aunt?”
“Why didn’t you give me even a hint about Deborah Simour? You must have heard that I became her chaperone.”
“Ah, so you met the young lady today.”
“You knew that she was the owner of the famous Armand, didn’t you?”
“Apart from me, you’re likely the only person the young lady has revealed her management of Armand to.”
The Countess, who had felt some disappointment at her nephew’s lack of forewarning, softened her tone at his words.
“…True. It’s not easy for a high-ranking noble to publicly disclose their involvement in business.”
Duke Basslein’s wife, having calmed her excitement, settled into her chair while fanning herself with her fan. Then, sipping her tea, she calmly recalled her meeting with the young lady once more.
‘I was completely flustered.’
Though she had chaperoned countless noble ladies throughout her life, never had she encountered one so utterly unpredictable.
‘At first, I thought she was trying to win me over with money and power, which I didn’t appreciate….’
The truth was that her conversation had been remarkably refreshing.
“I was wearing prejudiced glasses because of rumors. Now I understand somewhat why you chose Deborah Simour as your ceremonial partner.”
“She’s charming, isn’t she?”
Watching Isidore chuckle with pride, the Countess let out a dry cough.
Contrary to her concerns, the young lady was neither vain nor arrogant. She possessed confidence without being presumptuous, and she was quite flexible and graceful. Still, blood runs thicker than water, and her nephew was still… a pity.
“Hmm. I thought your temperaments would suit each other well. You’re also cunning and unpredictable in your own way.”
“It seems you had quite an unpredictable conversation.”
“Perhaps I’ve grown old, but I simply cannot handle someone as lively and spirited as the young lady. She spoke of loving the sea and asked me to invite her to Ripples Estate, and before I knew it, I was swept along and agreed.”
“You invited the young lady to Ripples Estate?”
“Yes. It takes half a day to arrive if one uses an ancient long-distance gate, but it does seem rather sudden.”
“…Aunt.”
Suddenly, Isidore gazed at the Countess with pleading eyes. Seeing her nephew with both hands clasped tightly together, the Countess trembled slightly.
“Why are you suddenly making such a burdensome expression?”
“Please invite me as well. I’ll bring a gift that the two of you will appreciate.”
Duke Basslein’s wife let out a scoff. To think he would use their precious Basslein Castle for romance.
‘Not a chance.’
And strictly speaking, Deborah Simour was a guest visiting the estate for trade matters, not for personal reasons.
“Very well. Once Deborah Simour finishes her business and departs, I shall extend the invitation immediately.”
“Actually… I’m currently in a business partnership with Deborah Simour.”
Caught red-handed by his aunt, Isidore quickly threw up a shield of work.
“Cough!”
Countess Basslein nearly shattered the cup in her hand this time.
“What on earth are you two doing? You’re not an onion, so why does something new keep coming out no matter how many layers I peel?!”
She finally burst out in exasperation.
* * *
I gazed at the invitation I’d received from Countess Basslein.
The schedule for visiting Ripples Estate had come together surprisingly quickly. Since Duke Basslein was preparing to set sail to suppress pirates, I needed to advance the timeline to meet with the lord directly and discuss matters of distribution and trade.
“Sigh.”
I took a deep breath in front of my father’s office. To visit Ripples Estate, I would need to be away for a time, which meant I had to convince Duke Simour—and I had no choice but to reveal that I was conducting business.
‘Still, Armand should be substantial enough not to draw criticism, shouldn’t it…?’
Though nobles did tend to look down on commercial activities, I had made it clear from the start to the Duke that I intended to conduct business.
‘Of course, Father didn’t seem to believe me.’
“My lady. Please come in.”
“Very well.”
The Aide opened the door at once. In the office, Father and Beleck were attending to duties. When I shot them a look asking why he hadn’t left, Beleck shrugged.
“Is this something I shouldn’t hear? We’re business partners, after all.”
“True enough. Since it concerns your magical artifact business as well, it wouldn’t hurt to hear about it in advance today.”
“Why are you making such a solemn expression? What is it you’re trying to say?”
At Duke Simour’s question, I let out a nervous cough.
“Father. The truth is….”
Just then, Duke Simour seemed to realize something and flinched, his face turning pale.
“Don’t tell me you’re already getting married….”
“Father! Breathe, please breathe!”
Watching Duke Simour clutch his chest, Beleck exclaimed in astonishment.
“What are you suddenly saying, Father? I came to give you a progress report on the business I’ve been conducting with the funds you invested in me.”

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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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