Isn’t Being A Wicked Woman Much Better? - Chapter 40

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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 40
* * *
‘What on earth is this?’
I started at the unexpected object resting on my desk. Using a platinum letter opener I’d never had occasion to use before, I tore open the envelope sealed with wax and twine.
Since my possession of this body, this was the first invitation I’d ever received.
‘Ah, damn—so that’s what it was.’
My initial flutter of excitement deflated the moment I glimpsed the contents and sender. It was an invitation to attend a magical theory academic conference.
They wanted me to present directly on the subject, as they wished to conduct a more in-depth study of equations.
“Life, I swear….”
Reborn with beauty and wealth, and yet I received invitations only to academic conferences—not a single glamorous party or social gathering.
‘At least it’s not a duel challenge.’
Though somewhat tedious, I penned my acceptance.
This was a golden opportunity to promote the refined equations, and I had no reason to refuse. Lately, every mage had begun to look like a potential customer to me.
“Convey my affirmative response.”
The attendant who received my letter, sealed with purple wax, bowed respectfully.
“Yes, my lady. And Helen Jigoto has just arrived with dresses for the spring flower festival ball.”
“I’ll go to the reception room.”
As I settled onto the sofa with my arms crossed, the doors opened and attendants began filing in laden with dresses that exuded the essence of spring.
Helen Jigoto, whom I’d personally selected from Yones District, had consistently designed my wardrobe. From sleek, urban aesthetics to elaborate, refined elegance—she had a talent for capturing the image that suited me.
Though I’d entrusted her with most designs due to her talent, I’d involved myself directly with this spring flower ball gown.
I’d shown Helen the pink diamond myself and requested she design something that would complement the jewel. I’d deliberately avoided wearing it until now, wanting to distance myself from the original plot, but thinking of what Philaf had done to me stirred a subtle anger.
That bastard would find fault with me regardless of what I did, viewing everything through prejudiced eyes.
‘It’s my jewel—why shouldn’t I wear it proudly?!’
Perhaps it would be more satisfying to follow Master’s suggestion and resell the pink diamond at a higher price this time.
‘And the necklace’s prominence depends heavily on the dress design.’
My face and figure were always at their best, so Helen just needed to do her part.
Today’s dress designs felt somewhat off.
Helen, showing clear signs of having worked late into the night, presented the dress hesitantly, gauging my reaction.
“My lady, this dress is crafted from pale pink silk satin with an elegant swan-like neckline and a design that exposes the shoulders to showcase the necklace beautifully.”
It was beautiful, but the problem was it didn’t suit me.
After holding several dresses against myself before the mirror, I finally spoke.
“None of the designs you’ve brought today appeal to me. The frills are excessive, and particularly this ribbon—you’d understand without me explaining further.”
Helen’s pale complexion deepened as she lowered her head.
“My sincerest apologies. I was so focused on the pink diamond that I failed to consider you, my lady, who would actually wear it. This is entirely my fault.”
‘It seems this isn’t working out….’
The pink diamond featured a heart-shaped design emphasizing a lovely aesthetic. No matter how skilled Helen was, emphasizing the necklace would inevitably clash with my sharp image.
After all, in the original story, it had been an accessory meant to enhance the charm of the demure and innocent Miya.
‘I’ll have to abandon the idea of showcasing the jewel.’
If I wore one of these delicate pink dresses, everyone would think I was clumsily imitating the woman beside Philaf. I’d only look ridiculous.
“Helen. Forget about the pink diamond and redesign it to suit me instead.”
“Yes, Lady Deborah Simour.”
“I like the off-shoulder design—let’s proceed with that. But I’d prefer the fabric to be a much deeper burgundy than what we have now.”
After offering a few more suggestions, I sent Helen back to the costume room, only then realizing I’d overlooked the most crucial detail.
I had a dress, but I didn’t have a partner to escort me to the ball.
* * *
‘I could just drag along some suitable fellow, couldn’t I?’
Last spring, during the flower festival, I’d attended the ball with some easily manipulated vassal’s son, then made excuses about a stomachache and left early. I’d been in a foul mood after Philaf Montes rejected my request to be my partner.
Every festival season leading up to a ball, I’d subtly hinted to Philaf Montes that I wanted him to escort me, but the results were always dismal.
‘Why do I have to bear the shame?’
No wonder Philaf Montes had developed such a severe obsession with axes.
As I sipped my apple juice while dwelling on these pathetic fragments of my past—evidence of my complete lack of learning ability—a knock interrupted my thoughts, and I straightened up.
“…What is this now?”
I raised an eyebrow at the sight of a servant entering with a letter and several large gift boxes. There was no way these could be from the academic society.
“Young-sik has sent gifts for you, Lady Deborah Simour.”
“For me?”
With a suspicious feeling, I reached for the letter, and the moment I saw the sender’s name, I sputtered and sprayed juice everywhere.
Four letters—that name alone had once gifted me vivid nightmares of being chased by wild Thomson gazelles.
I tore the letter open and scanned its contents.
Greetings, Lady Deborah Simour. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Louis Gazel, eldest son of the Gazel Family, which owns the silver-rich Acorn Territory. I am currently receiving education to become the head of my household… (abridged)
Looking at the opening of this letter, brimming with self-praise, I clicked my tongue.
‘So the original’s that stupid pervert is confirmed.’
I have heard much from Beleck Simour regarding your beauty… (abridged) Would it be permissible for me to request you as my partner for the ball? I await your favorable response.
As expected, the letter contained a request to be my escort at the ball. The ball held at the Imperial Palace was indeed an appropriate venue for acquaintances to deepen their connections.
“Hmm, he played his cards well.”
After reading the letter, I opened the gift boxes Louis Gazel had sent, and they were filled with silver specialty products from the Acorn region.
“Lady Deborah Simour, what shall we do with these items?”
“Leave them for now.”
“Yes? Ah, understood, ma’am.”
The maid flinched at my words, visibly flustered.
She had every reason to be.
In the past, Deborah had mercilessly thrown the gifts from her suitors into the trash and held public burning ceremonies for their letters. Of course, after her vile nature was exposed to the world, she’d fallen out of favor with them, and the gifts had stopped coming altogether.
Yet Deborah had convinced herself through mental gymnastics that she wasn’t unpopular—rather, everyone was simply too intimidated by her unwavering devotion to Philaf Montes to dare approach her.
‘What can I say, she’s consistently stupid as a character.’
If gifts came from noble suitors, they were surely expensive—why throw them away? What a waste.
‘How much is all this worth?’
I beamed at the sight of the silver ingots and jewelry packed inside the boxes. Though the Asteia Empire operated on a gold standard, silver coins were also in circulation, making these items far more liquid than gemstones.
‘Thank you for the introduction, Beleck. I’ll repay this favor immediately.’
I grinned while examining the specialty products from the Acorn region.
* * *
When Beleck Simour learned that Deborah had not burned Louis Gazel’s letter and had kept it along with the gifts, he pressed his hand to his forehead.
‘Why?’
I thought she’d throw a fit like a mad dog if it wasn’t a gift from Philaf Montes.
I can’t predict my sister’s actions anymore—it’s utterly bewildering. So much so that I’ve been plagued by excruciating headaches every night, and my appetite has vanished entirely.
“Damn it.”
He spat out a crude curse, raking his long hair back roughly.
“How in the world could something like this happen?!”

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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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