Isn’t Being A Wicked Woman Much Better? - Chapter 155

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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 155
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Despite the grand banquet held the previous day, Duke Basslein commanded that a party be prepared in honor of Lady Deborah Simour.
‘The more I think about it, the more astounding it is.’
The transaction with the lady yesterday had left him thoroughly satisfied. Moreover, Kev Blancan was a merchant whom the Duke had invited to the castle multiple times over the years, always courting his favor.
‘Yet no matter how hard he tried, Kev never took the bait.’
To see Kev, who had maintained such a passive, observant stance, display such enthusiasm was remarkable. Not only had Kev promised to bring forth a buyer for the copper, but he had also agreed to remain at Basslein Castle and assist the Duke with his insurance business.
“Lady Deborah Simour is a pumpkin that rolled in with its vine intact. And you, who became her chaperone and invited her to the castle, are a goddess of fortune.”
The affectionate Duke chuckled heartily, pressing kisses to his wife’s hand several times.
“It wasn’t something I initiated. Lady Deborah Simour actively requested an invitation to the castle.”
The Countess Basslein continued, adjusting her husband’s attire.
“I was initially displeased with Lady Deborah Simour due to the unfavorable rumors. I thought where there’s smoke, there’s fire. But now I find myself coveting the role of her patroness.”
The sight of the lady negotiating with her husband in such a composed manner had left a vivid impression on the Countess. What struck her most was how the lady maneuvered circumstances to her advantage while maintaining appropriate boundaries, ultimately drawing out a result that satisfied everyone.
‘I learned something today.’
Her own husband was a typical rigid military man, difficult to persuade, yet the lady had wrapped him around her finger. She had even melted the Countess’s own prejudices. In many ways, she was a remarkable young lady. It was only a pity that she was undervalued in High Society due to her cold demeanor, sharp tongue, and the murky origins of the rumors surrounding her.
‘How am I to explain this to the other noblewomen?’
I wish I could boast to everyone that I am the chaperone of this prodigiously talented young lady.
“But still, she’s only just arrived, and already her departure is set for tomorrow morning. Time truly flies.”
The Duke spoke with evident reluctance.
“Indeed.”
“I suppose I must open that oak barrel I’ve been saving.”
Duke Basslein descended to the hall where the party was being held, fine wine in hand and a broad smile on his face. The Countess Basslein handed a glass of champagne to Isidore, who stood near the terrace, and spoke with a subtle hint.
“Nephew, she’s a true gem—hold her tight. You understand what I’m saying, don’t you?”
“She’s already been caught. I can’t move an inch.”
The Countess Basslein was startled by her nephew’s murmur, which sounded so earnest.
Throughout his past, people had never ceased to surround Isidore, and he had always maintained the upper hand in every relationship, never wanting for anything.
‘Though she is no flower, how the bees and butterflies swarm around her.’
He concealed it well now, but in his childhood, Isidore had regarded those around him with the expression of one observing insects. His father, the previous Duke, had habitually remarked that the indifferent and cold Isidore was the most Visconti-like of all.
That her nephew, who seemed to interact with others only out of necessity and showed little interest in emotional connection, would one day burn with anguish over a single young lady—she had never imagined such a thing.
The Countess Basslein found herself oddly pleased by this change.
“If you care for her so much, why not ask her to hold you tight? Objectively speaking, you are truly handsome.”
At his aunt’s playful counsel, Isidore smiled faintly and finished his champagne in one gulp.
Shortly after, when the lady of honor appeared in the banquet hall, Isidore, as always, gazed upon her with relentless intensity. The Countess Basslein clicked her tongue at the sight of him unable to tear his eyes away for even a moment.
“The lady is beautiful, certainly, but you are now a Duke—maintain your dignity. For your information, our Visconti bloodline has been renowned for generations for its pride and aloofness….”
“…Just as you say, Aunt, she seems even more beautiful today.”
Isidore, having selectively heard only what pleased him, approached the lady who stood with a cool demeanor. The taciturn lady’s eyes widened the moment their gazes met, and a subtle smile played at the corners of her lips.
‘How does she always leave me so parched?’
In that instant, Isidore found himself wanting to bite her crimson lips, curved in that faint smile. Simultaneously, the dizzying sensation he had felt when her lips touched his body came flooding back. The overwhelming, breathless emotion that had surged through him when her soft skin and warmth had aligned perfectly with his own.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“It’s remarkable that you could become even more beautiful than before.”
“…You can be rather blunt at times, Knight Isidore.”
“I’ve actually shown considerable restraint.”
“Restraint? From what, exactly?”
Yesterday, I had nearly blurted out an invitation for her to live together without any preparation whatsoever. When she mentioned wanting an invitation to Basslein Castle, I’d suddenly found myself imagining the two of us standing together atop the castle’s tower, overlooking the sea. The thought had nearly escaped my lips.
It was fortunate she hadn’t heard. I didn’t want to say something so important in such a casual manner.
“In any case, I’ve shown considerable restraint.”
“I understand you held back that day, but it seems like you’ve never actually restrained yourself from saying what you wanted to say.”
“I was just now about to bite my lip and didn’t say it, didn’t I?”
“Oh, come on!”
Meanwhile, watching the two of them banter, Countess Basslein narrowed her eyes.
‘This is unbearable. I can’t even bring myself to take sides.’
The allure of House Visconti lay in their mysterious, enigmatic nature—yet here was her nephew wagging his tail like a puppy. It was utterly exasperating.
‘He’s far too transparent. Goodness. How frustrating.’
No, wait. The boy had no romantic experience, so perhaps his earnest honesty was preferable to awkward games that would expose his inexperience anyway.
Countess Basslein swallowed her sigh, forcing herself to think this way.
* * *
Duke Basslein’s party continued late into the night, and I found myself growing closer to Kev Blancan and his wife. Kev, typically reserved, became increasingly talkative once alcohol loosened his tongue.
“Thanks to you, Lady Deborah, we’ve been able to invest in such a promising venture! With the current state of affairs and the lord himself championing it, it’s like finding treasure. I have a good feeling about this. We’ll make a fortune.”
“Profit is important, but what matters most is demonstrating prompt and fair compensation when accidents occur. Once people’s perception of insurance improves, we can modify the terms and market new products.”
Kev marveled at my words repeatedly.
“You’re truly a remarkable businesswoman, Lady Deborah. I’ll do everything in my power to be of service to you. I hope we can maintain this excellent relationship for years to come.”
“Of course.”
“As you requested, once I locate a coffee specialist from Ferdin who wishes to remain in the Empire, I’ll send word immediately to Simour.”
“I’ll prepare to receive them.”
I clinked my glass against his in a gesture of goodwill.
“By the way, you certainly hold your liquor well, Lady Deborah. That cognac Duke Basslein brought out tonight is no ordinary spirit.”
‘Strange—I’ve barely drunk much, yet I’m already feeling lightheaded.’
The intoxication was creeping up on me, but since it didn’t seem to show outwardly, I pretended to be unaffected and drained half my glass.
‘I have my reputation as Lady Deborah Simour to maintain.’
“Well, this is nothing particularly remarkable.”
“You truly have the temperament of a businesswoman.”
I thought another glass or two wouldn’t hurt, but I’d already exceeded my limit. As my focus began to slip from the conversation, Knight Isidore, who had been speaking with Duke Basslein, approached and took the glass from my hand.
“Let’s get some fresh air.”
Barely managing to maintain my composure, I took his arm and walked toward the terrace.
‘That liquor is no joke.’
The cool sea breeze did nothing to dispel the intoxication—if anything, it intensified. My stomach churned and my head felt heavy as stone. I rested my head against his broad shoulder, and Knight Isidore chuckled softly.
“You seem drowsy. I’ll take you to your quarters.”
Suddenly my body lifted into the air, and I flailed my arms slightly.
“Have I developed the ability to fly?”
“You’ll soon develop the ability to reach your bed.”
As he suggested, my body stretched out onto the plush bed.
“Sleep well.”
The warmth of his presence faded, and I found myself reaching out, drawing Isidore close by his waist. He exhaled softly, then gently stroked my hair with careful tenderness. As he soothed my shoulders, the turmoil within me seemed to settle.
“Don’t go. Hold me.”
“Of course. I’ll stay until you fall asleep.”
“You’re mine.”
“I know. I’m all yours.”
“Thank you, Isidore. But stop spinning around.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll stay still.”
Isidore responded tenderly to my disjointed murmurs tumbling from my lips. As I groaned about the dizziness, I drifted into sleep within his embrace before I knew it.
‘Is it because the wine was so expensive and rare?’
I had barely any hangover, and my memory was intact. Which only doubled my embarrassment.
‘I’ve already made a fool of myself twice in front of Isidore because of alcohol.’
It seemed I had no capacity for learning.
While I was drowning in self-deprecation, Isidore brought breakfast himself to wake me. The transfer gate was scheduled for early morning.
“I thought your stomach might be unsettled, so I brought fruit juice instead. And… I think it would be better if you only drank in front of me.”
“Did I really behave so terribly?”
“Not at all. You were far too adorable. Dangerously so for my heart.”
….
Left speechless by Isidore, I had a light breakfast with him before preparing to depart Basslein Castle.
The Duke and Countess Basslein, along with Arabelle, came out to the castle gates early in the morning to see me off.
“Basslein Castle is always open to you, my lady. Think of me as your uncle and visit whenever you wish.”
“I shall wish you well from afar, Duke Basslein.”
“Haha. Yes, travel safely.”
After concluding my conversation with the Duke, Arabelle shyly offered me something—a bracelet woven from shell-shaped ornaments. Since I was already wearing a bracelet, Arabelle and I exchanged gifts.
“Please come again.”
“You visit Simour too. I’ll treat you to delicious desserts.”
“Yes, my lady!”
She fingered the platinum bracelet I’d given her, her face flushed with shy delight.
I boarded the carriage, leaving behind this precious new bond. As the sea grew distant, a bittersweet longing deepened within me.
Thus my brief journey came to an end, and the busy schedule of the Capital awaited me once more.

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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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