Isn’t Being A Wicked Woman Much Better? - Chapter 77

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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 77
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Psshhhhh—
I gazed long at the Townhouse shrouded in rain-hazed obscurity. Though this Mediterranean climate rarely saw monsoon seasons, the downpour had persisted for days without mercy.
Duke Simour’s absence, called away by recent troubles in the Territory, had cast a heavy pall over the Mansion’s atmosphere.
The Eastern Territory’s situation had taken an ominous turn. While tracking the barbarian chieftain’s whereabouts, a Monster Wave had erupted without warning—the very reason Rozard’s return to the Capital had been delayed.
‘I’ve seen this part in the novel before.’
The Monster Wave’s sudden emergence stemmed from a crack in the Eastern Barrier. Toxic demonic beasts had forced the monster colonies to flee eastward in panic, overwhelming the Territory’s defenses.
Currently, Rozard was defending the Territory from the invading monsters, while the Duke traversed endlessly between Capital and Territory via Gate, attempting to restore order to the chaos.
‘A crack in the Barrier.’
The plot device of a crack in the Goddess’s Barrier unleashing demonic creatures provided the perfect stage for Miya Binoshu—blessed with divine power—to shine and flirt with all manner of handsome men. For me, however, it was merely a danger to be managed.
‘Why does this even happen?’
It lacked plausibility to dismiss it as merely a device to elevate the heroine.
“Sigh.”
Unable to fathom it, I exhaled involuntarily.
‘Why did I have to meddle with an unfinished novel?’
Pressing my temples while observing the Rose Garden drenched in deep green, I abandoned my fruitless contemplation and made for Armand.
Descending from the carriage, I stationed my escort at the front entrance and withdrew a key from my robe—one distributed only among the core business members. Unlocking the small rear door and slipping inside, I rang the bell, whereupon the Shop Manager of Armand came rushing out in disarray.
The basement contained two rooms: one housed the transfer gate connecting to Blanche, while the other served as my research laboratory and office.
“How stands the Naria situation lately? Is it collapsing nicely?”
I asked darkly, my robe pulled low over my face.
“They’ve accepted the false recipe as gospel truth. I’ve heard rumors they’ve purchased expensive medicinal herbs to produce ion beverages.”
I laughed inwardly at their folly. No matter how thoroughly they steeped those herbs, they would never produce an ion beverage. While they clung to their doomed endeavor, cycling through endless trial and error, three precious resources would drain away: money, time, and manpower. This is why one must cultivate a virtuous heart.
‘Still, sales have dropped considerably here.’
With rain pouring as though the heavens themselves had torn open these past days, the previously skyrocketing sales graph now traced a stark downward curve.
‘What to do.’
There would inevitably be periods of foul weather ahead.
‘Weather….’
Lost in contemplation, a sudden inspiration seized me and I spoke.
“Shop Manager. Let’s create a menu called ‘Tea of the Day.'”
“Tea of the Day?”
To the bewildered Shop Manager, I elaborated in detail.
“We recommend a special, fresh tea suited to that day’s weather and atmosphere. It’ll make customers think of our shop whenever the weather shifts.”
“Ah, I see.”
“I’ve heard set menus sell exceptionally well to busy mages and bureaucrats who loathe deliberating over what to eat. By similar logic, ‘Tea of the Day’ will produce comparable results for regular customers who’ve grown tired of their usual orders but can’t be bothered deciding what to try next.”
Furthermore, ‘Tea of the Day’ possessed an inventory-clearing effect.
Popular tea leaves preferred by customers command high prices regardless of quality. Through ‘Tea of the Day,’ we can easily sell lesser-known varieties to customers. Of course, we must use genuinely fresh, high-quality leaves so patrons feel proud of their adventurous choice.
The Shop Manager transcribed my words with reverent precision, not omitting a syllable. Though the proprietor had initially harbored doubts about my suspicious appearance in a hooded robe and seemingly youthful visage, the remarkable sales trajectory had gradually elevated me to the status of a business deity in his estimation.
“Oh, and today—brew some strongly-scented tea leaves and let the fragrance permeate the entire shop.”
On humid days, moisture-laden air carries scent particles more readily to the nose, dispersing them slowly. Rainy days, I reflected, were ideal for savoring tea’s delicate aromatics.
A pleasant fragrance also had a calming effect on the nerves. I wanted those who entered the shop after braving the rain to feel a sense of tranquility and ease.
While new menu items and events mattered, the food service business ultimately thrived on loyal customers. Since the key was to leave a good impression and draw them back, I invested heavily in the shop’s atmosphere and cleanliness, despite the labor costs.
“I’ll proceed exactly as you’ve instructed.”
“How are things progressing with the autumn season menu?”
“Development is nearly complete.”
He handed me a sheet of paper.
“What’s this?”
“The promotional copy for next season’s menu posters and banners.”
I scanned the paper and clicked my tongue inwardly.
‘The wording is far too honest.’
These people possessed no skill whatsoever in captivating customers. A touch of tasteful exaggeration would have been appropriate, yet they were so naive and complacent that I often found myself sighing.
‘Perhaps my previous world was simply too harsh.’
“Give me a quill pen.”
“Of course.”
I dipped it in red ink and revised every line of copy, then rose from my seat.
“Master of the Trading Company. Is this truthful?”
“Well, what does it matter? There’s no way to verify it anyway. As long as the customers are pleased, that’s all that matters, isn’t it?”
“…I see. There truly is no way to verify it.”
I ignored the Shop Manager’s stare of disbelief and stood up. Climbing the basement stairs, I entered through the back door of the shop, then casually exited through the front, boarded a carriage, and headed toward a large toy shop in the Yones District.
It was to purchase a gift for Enrique.
‘His birthday was coming up.’
The moment I learned that Enrique’s birthday was approaching, my heart sank. Had I not coerced and bribed a maid working at Enrique’s Residence, I would have let the occasion pass without even preparing a gift.
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Having sensed something unsettling about the nanny Caryl, I intimidated one of the maids who had worked long at Enrique’s Residence. The moment I began rattling off her family’s personal information, she trembled as though I intended to harm them, and seemed ready to divulge everything.
“Enrique has seemed unwell lately. Is he ill?”
At my question, the maid bowed her pale face.
“It’s likely because the young master has been receiving a great deal of private tutoring.”
“But his study load hasn’t suddenly doubled or tripled, has it?”
“Ah! And around this time each year, he doesn’t eat well, and his condition seems to worsen.”
“Why is that?”
“As you know, the young master was born prematurely and suffered greatly as an infant, did he not? Madam Caryl suggested that the aftereffects might still be influencing him. In fact, once this period passes, he recovers quickly.”
‘What nonsense that is.’
It was absurd to believe such drivel as fact.
“So Enrique’s condition deteriorates at this time every year?”
“Yes, my lady.”
He was always tense in my presence, so if he could barely stay awake during lessons, it meant he was losing sleep severely at night.
‘And he has no appetite either.’
From what I observed, these were classic symptoms of stress. They bore some resemblance to depression as well. Suddenly, a certain suspicion crossed my mind, and I furrowed my brow.
‘Surely that’s not it.’
Yet most children eagerly anticipated their birthdays, so the fact that Enrique experienced stress at this particular time could only mean he viewed his own birthday negatively.
In that moment, a fragmented memory suddenly surfaced in my mind—a small, scattered piece of the past.
It was my birthday. Despite receiving lavish gifts from both the main and branch families, I watched my younger brother Enrique remain expressionless, utterly unmoved by the presents. I found him unnaturally composed for his age, almost senile in his indifference.
That year was also when Enrique had achieved the Second Circle at an unusually young age through his exceptional talent. I, who possessed no mana sensitivity whatsoever, felt a crushing inferiority wash over me as I glared at the child.
Then it happened. Enrique suddenly disappeared in the middle of the meal. In the ensuing confusion, I quietly slipped away from the table. I had never been fond of the branch family relatives anyway.
“Ugh!”
The child who had left the Party Venue was retching onto the lawn, his face twisted in evident agony.
“Young Master. To leave during the meal on your birthday—how could you worry everyone like this? The Duke went to such lengths to arrange this grand celebration, and now he’ll be so disappointed.”
In that instant, I understood the source of the discomfort I had felt around that Nanny and the unsettling sensation that had plagued me during our tutoring sessions.

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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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