Isn’t Being A Wicked Woman Much Better? - Chapter 190

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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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Side Story Episode 2: Deborah’s Friends(?)
After the battle with the Great Demon, Deborah Simour had become, in every sense, the most popular person in the Empire. The fervor surrounding her was so intense that some nobles even held gatherings dedicated entirely to discussing her.
“Has there been any recent news about Deborah Simour? We’ve already heard about her betrothal to Duke Visconti, so let’s skip that.”
“Nothing particularly new.”
The news of Deborah and Isidore’s betrothal had caused only a brief stir that single day. Honestly, anyone with eyes and ears had already anticipated it. Some had even questioned why they hadn’t announced it sooner.
What truly astonished everyone was the revelation that Deborah Simour was the incarnation of a saint. Intellectually, they understood it, but there was a cognitive dissonance that wouldn’t fade.
“I would love to meet her once.”
“Indeed. Even now, thinking back to that moment fills my heart with awe. That reverent, sacred power as she drove back the wicked demon… the word ‘holy’ hardly does it justice.”
“She saved my life during the battle with those monsters. She is my savior.”
“Having accomplished such a heroic feat, one would think she’d be gracing High Society and receiving everyone’s admiration…”
Yet Deborah Simour, rather than basking in explosive popularity, had chosen to withdraw from High Society and live quietly at home.
“Her haughty and arrogant demeanor all this time must have been an act to deceive those wicked Black Mages!”
“Truly, she is a saint.”
While everyone praised her humility, they were all eager for more, and then came word that the reclusive lady had accepted an invitation to a social gathering for the first time—a tea party hosted by the Fifth Princess.
“So the Fifth Princess is the one closest to Deborah Simour.”
“I’ve always wondered why they were so close. Perhaps it’s true that birds of a feather flock together—exceptional people instinctively recognize one another.”
The Fifth Princess, who had also contributed to vanquishing the demon with her powerful flame magic, enjoyed considerable popularity in the Empire. The Imperial Court’s honor, which had been tarnished by the Fourth Empress, had not rolled into the depths of ruin thanks to the Crown Prince and Fifth Princess, who risked their lives in battle to restore the Imperial family’s dignity.
“I wonder what other remarkable person the Fifth Princess will invite to this tea party?”
“Is there any chance I might be granted the honor of attending?”
“It’s the most coveted gathering of the new year.”
* * *
“Where should we hold the tea party? I’d like to show the lady my magical artifact collection displayed in the glass case.”
“Your Highness, if I may be so bold, wouldn’t a more modest venue be preferable to the exhibition hall?”
“Hmm. I have so many ordinary reception rooms that I can’t seem to decide.”
Meanwhile, the Fifth Princess was thrilled at the prospect of Deborah Simour visiting the Imperial Palace. She had visited the Simour Mansion before to inquire after her health, but this would be the first time the lady had come to her residence.
So excited was she that, a week before the tea party, she was bustling about with the Imperial Palace maids, making elaborate preparations to receive her guest.
“…What should I wear? How about this dress with purple amethyst embroidery? It’s an expression of my affection for the lady.”
‘Affection? Surely she meant friendship?’
The maids thought to themselves.
“Does it suit me?”
“Your Highness looks beautiful in anything you wear.”
Each time the Fifth Princess, tall and striking in appearance, changed her outfit, the maids fawned over how magnificent she looked.
“Your Highness, which tea should we prepare?”
“Use the tea leaves we imported from the Milo Duchy last month. Pair them with a complementary dessert.”
She unhesitatingly drew upon tea leaves so precious that the Emperor had a safe built specifically to store them, and she commanded the Imperial artisans to craft a seven-tiered cake.
Meanwhile, word that the Fifth Princess was preparing the tea party with such dedication spread through the Capital’s High Society like a blessing to the young noblewomen.
Until recently, most high-ranking nobles and Imperial Administrators had been consumed with the aftermath of the Great Demon incident, and High Society, which they led, had fallen into stagnation as a result.
But a tea party with the saint and the Fifth Princess?!
Who would possibly be invited to a gathering attended by the Empire’s most celebrated figures?!
The young noblewomen with connections to the Fifth Princess were brimming with anticipation.
‘I’ll be able to boast about this for the rest of my life in front of everyone!’
‘An opportunity to deepen ties with the most influential connections and wealth!’
Yet no matter how long I waited, no letter ever arrived from them.
* * *
“Vivienne, about that tea party you’ve been preparing lately. You haven’t decided who to invite yet, have you? You haven’t deliberately avoided deciding, right?”
The Crown Prince asked casually upon hearing his younger sister’s grand tea party plans, and the Fifth Princess clicked her tongue.
“I was hoping for an intimate gathering, just the two of us. When on earth did word of this get out?”
Just… the two of them? The Crown Prince’s pupils trembled uncontrollably.
“Listen, little sister. I have no desire to be at odds with Isidore. He’s my closest friend before he’s my political supporter.”
“At most we’d just have tea together—why are you making such a fuss? Do you think I’ll suddenly grab a pair of gloves and rush off to quarrel with Duke Visconti over romantic rivalry?”
“Wait, hold on. You pestered me relentlessly for three days and nights to overhaul the Empire’s biased marriage laws… you don’t remember that?”
The Crown Prince regarded his younger sister with anxious eyes, as though she were an unstable explosive waiting to detonate.
“Hmph! I’ll still address that separately, but the Countess… she’s already betrothed.”
“Hm? I thought you wouldn’t accept it.”
The Crown Prince found this somewhat unexpected. His sister always saw things through to the end once she became fixated on something.
“I may lack backing, but I know how to respect the line before me.”
The Fifth Princess replied calmly.
Had Deborah Simour’s betrothed been anyone other than Isidore, it would have been difficult to accept. Deborah had shone more brilliantly than anyone I had ever met.
A man willing to wear pink for his partner—I made the decision to let him go gracefully.
‘Besides, there was no room to interfere anyway.’
Feeling a bittersweet emotion, the Princess spoke softly.
“…Still, I’m Deborah Simour’s closest friend.”
After the unfortunate incident of demon summoning, the Countess had resumed her High Society activities through the parties I hosted, earning the recognition of noble society. We were best friends, after all.
“But besides you, who else is the Countess close to… cup!”
The Princess suddenly covered her mouth, cutting off her brother’s words.
“There’s no other young lady she’s close to besides me! That sounds odd! The Countess has such a wonderful character… hm? …such a magnificent one.”
“Is that so…?”
Seeing her older brother’s suspicious expression, the Fifth Princess’s competitive spirit flared, and she impulsively picked up her quill to write an invitation.
‘But really, who else was she close to besides me?’
She racked her memory hard.
“Kyaaaah!!”
“W-what’s wrong?”
“Michèle received an invitation from the Fifth Princess!”
That night, joyful screams from Michèle echoed throughout the Granbel Marquis Residence all through the night.

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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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