Isn’t Being A Wicked Woman Much Better? - Chapter 59

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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 59
I had worked as a librarian at the Academy Library throughout my second year of university’s summer break, so I was well-versed in organizational methods for materials.
The longer my explanation went on, the wider Arin’s eyes grew.
“If we mark the card numbers and book information this way, then classify them by author, title, and subject, it really would make searching much faster, wouldn’t it?”
She let out an exclamation of admiration.
“You catch on quickly.”
I drew a ring on the paper that could be opened and closed—the kind used in binders and diaries.
“Once we punch holes in the index cards, we can use these rings to freely insert and remove the cards as needed. Even as the collection grows, managing the catalog becomes much easier.”
It seemed this place didn’t have ring binding methods. Judging by how shocked Arin looked.
“That’s truly ingenious! Managing the book catalog would become so much easier!”
“If you implement this indexing system well at the Simour Library, you’ll likely earn recognition for your abilities. I’ll ask my father to lend you some staff.”
“Thank you so much! I’ll do my best.”
“There’s no rush, so take your time and work on it whenever you have a moment.”
“It sounds like it’ll be fun.”
‘She’s incredibly diligent. Meanwhile, I’m forced to be diligent because of that ten billion.’
“Well then, good luck.”
After watching her burn with enthusiasm, I picked up a foundational formula theory book and headed toward the second floor. I planned to work in the library since I might need to reference other books.
As I walked up to the second floor of the library, I spotted Enrique sitting by the window, bathed in sunlight and reading a book. I immediately pressed my hand to my eyes.
‘He’s far too adorable.’
The moment I saw his small legs gently swaying beneath the chair with apparent contentment, dizziness washed over me. He looked exactly like a kitten wagging its tail in the warm sunlight.
Sensing my presence, Enrique’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Hello.”
I hesitated for a moment before greeting him carefully. Enrique blinked his large eyes slowly, then nodded his head.
Fortunately, unlike last time, he didn’t blush and flee. But if I approached him with obvious affection, he’d narrow his eyes and become wary—that much was certain. So I deliberately sat down at a distance.
Pretending to ignore Enrique, I coolly pulled a notebook from my bag and began flipping through the formula book.
‘Ugh, I’m so sick of working I could scream.’
To secure more regular customers, I was planning to publish a textbook that explained equations in a way even children could understand. When I thought of the astronomical royalties the author of 『The X of Mathematics』 must be earning, I simply couldn’t sit still.
I’d secretly spread rumors that my math book helps with children’s intellectual development, then sell it in bulk to non-mage nobles too. Hehehehe.
As I was scheming about various ways to make money, I rested my chin on my hand and let out a short sigh. Why couldn’t I go out and enjoy this beautiful weather when I was already incredibly wealthy?
After repeatedly vowing that once I bought that cursed title, I’d live as a lazy do-nothing afterward, I was writing away when I felt a piercing gaze and looked up. Enrique, who had been staring intently at my notebook, suddenly caught his breath and quickly buried his face back in his book.
‘Huh? Could he actually be interested in formulas?’
“Enrique.”
“Hiccup!”
Apparently startled by my call, the boy suddenly began hiccupping.
“Hic! Ugh-hic!”
Enrique’s eyes glistened with tears as he clamped his mouth shut with both hands, but it was no use. Even when I gently patted his small, trembling back, the hiccups showed no sign of stopping. Instead, he seemed flustered, his ears and cheeks growing progressively redder.
Eventually, I gestured with a bell for a servant to bring water. After taking a sip, Enrique breathed in ragged gasps.
“Are you alright?”
Instead of answering, the boy gripped his book so tightly his fingertips turned white, then suddenly jumped to his feet. Since he was clearly about to bolt, I quickly caught the collar of his clothes and lifted him up.
The small body in my arms thrashed about wildly like a fresh fish. Of course, since I possessed tremendous strength, I didn’t budge an inch.
“Let go!”
“Enrique. Are you perhaps interested in the formula I devised?”
Unable to deny it outright, his rough movements began to subside slightly.
“If you’re curious, I’ll explain it to you.”
“…Why?”
Doubt and unease flickered in Enrique’s large eyes. Pretending to be virtuous now would only deepen his suspicion, so after a moment’s deliberation, I opened my mouth.
“My Achievement must be known by more mages. I intend to spread my greatness and genius throughout the Empire.”
As I muttered like a villain with middle-school syndrome, Enrique’s face grew bewildered and his lips parted slightly.
“So, sit here.”
I grinned and patted the seat beside me. The boy’s eyes rolled around before he quietly took his place.
‘Oh, how obedient.’
Suppressing the urge to ruffle his round head, I began the lesson.
Enrique, who had been squinting suspiciously at me the entire time, showed focus once the tutoring began. Normally, children his age are scattered and loud, making instruction difficult, but Enrique was the complete opposite.
“Tell me if it’s difficult. I’ll explain it more simply. Understood, Enrique?”
“Y-yes….”
Enrique’s cheeks flushed slightly as he answered in a small voice.
‘Hmm.’
Even if he didn’t understand, he didn’t seem the type to ask questions actively, so after explaining the concepts, I gave him a few simple problems to solve.
“Want to try solving these?”
With his small hands trembling, Enrique filled in the answers crookedly, and the moment I took the worksheet from him, he swallowed hard with a tense expression.
“That was difficult, yet you didn’t give up and solved it all. That’s impressive.”
Before grading the problems, I murmured as if speaking to myself. I’d heard that praising a young child for results rather than effort creates pressure to perform well next time, which isn’t beneficial.
Intentional praise is even worse.
“Dohee is such a good child, so play with your younger sibling while Mother is out. Understood?”
“Dohee has the kindest heart, so you should yield to your older sister.”
Once, my parents’ words sounded like praise and made me happy, but over time they became a burden and shackles.
Lost in reminiscence, I graded the problems and returned the perfect quiz sheet to Enrique. Then, without further comment, I moved straight to the next lesson.
Unlike before, Enrique couldn’t concentrate and kept fidgeting with the quiz sheet.
“Are you tired?”
“N-no. I want to do more.”
Enrique shook his head hastily.
“Then we’ll do just ten more minutes.”
Though he had excellent focus and a sharp mind, he was still just a child, so I ended the tutoring at an appropriate point.
“That’s all for today. My instruction is so excellent that you must be disappointed it’s ending already, but we’ll cover more next time.”
“Y-yes.”
‘He took the bait.’
Seeing how quickly he bit at the word “next,” his wariness had clearly softened. Either that, or he was simply very interested in magic.
“Let’s meet again at this time next week. You don’t have to wait until next week—you can arrange a time whenever you wish by giving word to my attendant. I’m busy and precious, but I spare no time in cultivating my disciples.”
“…Yes.”
Perhaps my self-praise was too excessive, as Enrique murmured with a hesitant expression.
“Hmm, I’m a bit peckish. I should get myself a sweet and delicious chocolate cake from the Rose Garden.”
Please fall for it this time. Chocolate, I’m saying. Choco.
“Sister, then I’ll take my leave. Thank you for the valuable instruction.”
But Enrique bowed respectfully, tucked his books and problem sheets under his arm, and left the Library with an air of indifference.
‘Is he really leaving?’
He was like a cat that showed interest only in what fascinated him, then departed as if there was nothing worth seeing once the treats ran out.
‘How can a child be so unresponsive to chocolate?’
Did he inherit his father’s distaste for sweets?
‘…Could it be strawberry papaya?’
I snapped out of my shock and regained my senses. Since we now shared a common interest, there would be more opportunities to grow closer in the future.
‘The Simour men are all difficult in their own way, aren’t they.’
That Beleck was so prone to dramatics. Not only did he keep postponing the deadline for kitchen utensil production, but whenever he had a chance, he spouted nonsense about fraudulent contracts.
‘And on top of that, he even tormented my one and only servant, Arin.’
Just you wait. I left the Library with my eyes blazing with determination.
That evening, I visited Duke Simour and handed him a brief report regarding the organization of the Library’s collection.
“What do you think, Father?”
“Proceed with it. You’re better than the Academy Library’s Librarian.”
The Duke skimmed through the report and offered praise, then suddenly narrowed his eyes.
“Deborah, this seems like it will be a tedious and time-consuming task. You’re not planning to do it yourself, are you?”
“All I need is for you to provide the personnel that my servant will oversee. They’re talented individuals I’ve personally selected, so they’ll certainly do well.”
A faint smile briefly appeared on the Duke’s lips before fading. I noticed he was pleased and quickly presented my request.
“Father, since organizing the collection is such a troublesome and difficult task, if I successfully complete it, I would like you to officially hire my servant as the Librarian.”
“Of course. Since you said she’s excellent, I trust she’ll do well even if it seems difficult.”
‘Excellent.’
“By the way, you seem to have been particularly busy lately.”
I had boldly told the Duke before that I’d borrow 4,000 and start a business, but I hadn’t reported on the progress since then. And Duke Simour didn’t seem to imagine that I would actually venture into commerce.
‘So I’ll just not mention it.’
Commerce wasn’t a preferred profession among the nobility—at best, it broke even. It seemed better to reveal the business once it was on a successful trajectory and the profits became significant.
“I’ve been busy preparing for the seminar.”
I answered belatedly.
“Ah, I heard you were invited to a seminar attended by mid-level officials from the Magic Tower this time. It seems you’re being mentioned more frequently in magical circles than I am these days.”
Watching the Duke, who seemed subtly pleased, I spoke even more shamelessly.
“To meet the expectations of the mages, I’m planning to announce a new formula soon, so I’m quite occupied.”
Since summer had arrived, I was thinking of raising the monthly subscription fee as well.
“When?”
‘It would be better to do it after the shop opens, once things settle down a bit.’
I glanced sideways at the calendar and murmured.
“Soon.”
The opening day of the shop was already just around the corner.

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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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