Isn’t Being A Wicked Woman Much Better? - Chapter 169

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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 169
‘The world never unfolds as one expects.’
Despite being the architect of the improved formula, I had been subtly dismissed for never actually using it in practice. While I’d merely been collecting royalties as consolation, the moment I discovered the possibility of wielding the formula myself, my spirits soared with unbridled excitement.
That’s why, ever since Thanksgiving, I’d secluded myself in my room researching sacred magic, eventually reaching a level where I could spar with Isidore.
“If we keep going like this, I’d win nine times out of ten, wouldn’t I? I’m not bound by any magic class—I can deploy offensive spells using sacred power however I please.”
As I smirked and boasted, Isidore gently tousled my hair.
“I suppose I’ll need to be more careful next time. …But do I really have to keep fighting you from now on?”
He asked with an expression that seemed somewhat dejected.
“I’m joking, just joking. I won’t.”
He looked like a puppy threatened into attacking its master.
“Honestly, nine out of ten of your jokes aren’t even funny.”
“Isn’t that a bit harsh for someone who’s supposed to be my lover?”
“You actually tried to hit my bones.”
He grumbled while slipping back into the vest he’d removed for our sparring, adjusted his clothes, and put his glasses back on.
‘Every time I see it, his style is truly impeccable.’
I’d never particularly favored glasses as an accessory, but his coordination made them exude intellectual charm. The way his atmosphere and appearance shifted with each outfit or hairstyle was so captivating that I found myself mesmerized, gazing at him endlessly.
“Isidore.”
“Yes?”
“How about this kind of joke?”
As I reached for his glasses again, Isidore raised his eyebrows with clear disapproval.
“I said they weren’t funny….”
I quickly removed his glasses and silenced his pouting lips. Isidore pulled me urgently against his waist, emitting a soft laugh as he bit his lower lip repeatedly.
“Seems like I’ve been caught expecting something.”
“You were expecting something? I had no idea.”
“You can’t possibly understand how thrilling and exhilarating it is that you’ve entered my domain.”
He closed the door to the dressing room beside the Training Ground and slid his lips repeatedly across my neck. My breath quickened at his large hands’ blatant exploration of my body, my toes curling slightly.
He left crimson marks across my shoulders and neck, and I exhaled warmly while pulling his head close.
“It’s a mess.”
After hastily tidying my disheveled hair, I rubbed my flushed cheeks.
“You’re beautiful.”
He said it seductively while licking his reddened lips, and after spending a precarious amount of time with him, I returned to the Reception Room.
Soon the servants arrived with cold beverages and refreshments. Throughout our card game, an endless stream of appetizing snacks kept appearing—I felt like I was being pampered by the Visconti House.
“…This house is really wonderful.”
As I murmured absentmindedly about my dream—living as a wealthy idler—he’s eyes sparkled as if he’d intended to elicit exactly those words.
“Visit often.”
“At this rate, I really might end up settling here.”
“You say you’ll settle down, yet you’re already trying to leave?”
It seemed time to depart, so I rose from my seat.
“I received an invitation to a forum on leadership. It’s just a brief appearance, but I should prepare content related to the discussion topic….”
I’d only attended formula lectures until recently, but lately I’d been receiving many letters requesting my presence at various events and tea parties. I’d declined using the excuse of needing rest after my debutante season, but this event was difficult to refuse.
Since this was an event planned and overseen by high-ranking Imperial officials, it felt burdensome to refuse from the start, and with Marquis Devion—who granted Armand various privileges—handling the practical arrangements, I felt obligated to make an appearance for the sake of maintaining connections.
“I heard the event you’re planning to attend is the day after tomorrow. Why are you preparing so early?”
“Truth is, I tend to get terribly nervous when I’m the center of attention. My mind goes completely blank.”
“…I had no idea. You hide it so well.”
“Right? That’s why I need extensive preparation just to find a shred of peace of mind….”
Just then, a thin meow echoed from somewhere, and a golden cat with a strangely familiar face approached me and rubbed its small head against my leg.
‘Why does this cat feel like I’ve seen it before at the Academy?’
“Cookie is telling you not to go either.”
“This tiny cat is Cookie?”
“Originally, Cookie was being raised at Blanche to build up body mass. The cat is fearful of people and quite timid, doesn’t warm up to most—but it’s taken an unusual liking to you, which surprised us.”
‘So Cookie was a holy beast too.’
That massive creature being timid was the complete opposite of Purple, who had been reckless even as a kitten. I swallowed back a laugh that nearly escaped and scooped the tiny Cookie into my arms.
“So you were Cookie all along?”
Cookie’s yellow eyes gleamed brightly as it let out a thin meow.
“How adorable.”
Watching its pointed ears perk up and long whiskers tremble, my chest ached with a bittersweet pain.
‘This household even has such a charming cat.’
As I gently tickled its chin, Cookie’s eyes narrowed and it began to purr. Isidore gazed at me, completely enchanted by Cookie, and smiled tenderly.
“It’s getting late. Shall I have dinner prepared?”
“Yes.”
I could only nod, utterly bewitched.
* * *
To summarize: my first visit to the Visconti Town House ended poorly and descended into chaos. A rift had opened near the Southern Region’s coastal territory.
The soldiers stationed in Visconti’s lands seemed to have dealt with the monsters, but Isidore prepared to leave the Capital to manage the damage, while I returned home, desperately suppressing the rising sense of dread.
‘What was the intention behind creating this rift? Or is it, like the rifts that have occurred across the Empire, simply meant to cause chaos without any clear purpose?’
Unable to pinpoint who was behind it, I felt a headache building.
Mere suspicion made it difficult to deduce the culprit. I was currently investigating Francois Marquis’s movements, but if he used the magic circles installed within shops like he did when entering Blanche, it would be nearly impossible to identify the specific location of the leadership.
Even if we raided the shops he frequented, they could simply seal off the Underground Cavern with the magic circles, rendering surveillance essentially meaningless. The Black Mages would be moving with meticulous precision, as their identities were matters of life and death.
‘This is troublesome.’
At least it was a small mercy that I’d gained the ability to wield holy magic amid all this.
‘Or perhaps….’
I swallowed my sigh and stopped my ruminations, instead preparing materials for the forum presentation. I thought focusing on something might ease my mind somewhat, but my thoughts only grew more scattered.
I gazed endlessly at the night sky, dark as if thick ink had been scattered across it, with not a single star visible, my frustration mounting.
* * *
The forum conducted by Marquis Devion was held in the Royal Library building within the Horun District. The structure possessed an antique, dignified charm that was quite impressive to behold.
The moment I appeared, Marquis Devion came forward to greet me.
“Lady Deborah Simour. Welcome. I’ve wanted to meet you in person for some time now, and I’m truly delighted you’ve come to this gathering.”
“It’s a pleasure, Marquis Devion.”
“I’m honored to assist in your meaningful charitable endeavors. Please, come this way. I’ve prepared a special seat for you.”
As I walked into the building, the eyes of those seated in the designated area of the library turned toward me. Unlike before, there wasn’t that suffocating, cold silence, yet people still regarded me with wariness because of my appearance and background—and truthfully, I didn’t mind it at all.
‘It’s good to see you looking well.’
I took the seat the Marquis had indicated, and soon the empty chairs around me began filling with luminaries from various fields.
“Good evening, Deborah Simour.”
Caught off guard, I startled slightly as someone suddenly addressed me.
“I heard that you personally manage a Trading Company, and I thought it was truly admirable. House Olite has commerce as our family trade, but thanks to you, I too found the courage to establish my own Trading Company. I know you must be terribly busy, but I would be deeply grateful if you could attend a party at the House of Olite sometime in the future.”
“Ah, yes. Of course.”
Though she seemed nervous, her eyes burned with such passion that I found myself swept up in her enthusiasm and agreed, after which people began approaching me from all directions.
‘What is this?’
It was my first time receiving countless requests for handshakes in a place like this, surrounded by ordinary people rather than at the Magic Tower, and I felt somewhat bewildered.
‘The Prime Minister’s influence really is formidable.’
As I resolved to maintain good relations with that man, a presentation on policy began in front of the Grand Hall.
That was when it happened.
Crash—!
As I stifled a yawn and endured the tedious proceedings, a thunderous sound suddenly shook the very earth.

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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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