Surviving as a Terminally Ill Heiress - Chapter 48

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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 48

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‘Oh, the floor is spotless.’
I tapped the smooth white stone tiles with my foot.
The paths where nobles walked were cleaner than the insides of most slum dwellings.
This was Elaine.
The noble district north of Jedo Shopping District.
The purpose of my first visit here today was simple.
“This should be quite the pleasant shopping experience!”
“Indeed.”
I smiled warmly as I followed the excited Tru.
She chattered animatedly.
“So we’re buying two complete sets—dresses, shoes, hats, and accessories—correct?”
“That’s right.”
“And from the most expensive shop in all of Elaine!”
Well, that was because Duke Ambrose had already purchased one complete set for me.
As payment for a favor, so to speak.
‘The amount was surprisingly generous, even for him.’
And now it was time to collect the rest.
Double from Count Graim!
A blank promissory note bearing his name warmed my chest from inside my dress.
I could have simply placed an order like the Duke, but I wanted to try this at least once.
‘Shopping without worrying about money…!’
I walked toward my destination with Tru.
Of course, Alec and Pepper came along as well.
As we moved through Elaine, the nobles we passed began looking at me with curious, unfamiliar gazes and whispering to each other.
There was a definite air of recognition.
‘I suppose that’s to be expected. I’ve been caught up in the imperial family’s affairs more than I’d have liked recently.’
The illegitimate daughter of Duke Ambrose, blessed with the favor of the Empress and the Second Prince, they said.
There could hardly be more sensational gossip than that.
Regardless, I continued forward without hesitation and reached my destination.
The most expensive and renowned boutique in Elaine, which itself was the finest noble shopping district in all of Atera.
“Welcome.”
The shop was clean, elegantly appointed, and the staff was exceptionally courteous.
I nodded in satisfaction.
The sign outside bore the familiar mark of the Ambrose Company.
‘Ah. A Certified Affiliate of the Ambrose Company, as I thought.’
Direct-operated stores had gold-trimmed marks, while certified affiliates had silver ones like this.
I recalled Orka’s instruction.
The Ambrose Company controlled a vast number of business enterprises.
Each one was impressive enough to command attention simply by name.
These numerous establishments fell into two broad categories.
The first was Direct-operated Stores, which the Ambrose Company created and managed itself.
The second was Certified Affiliates, independent businesses that had joined and registered with the Ambrose Company.
The conditions for joining as a Certified Affiliate were so stringent that people joked you’d sooner be reborn as a Direct-operated merchant in the next life than meet them in this one.
‘And even after joining, surprise inspections would come, and if they found even one thing displeasing, they’d strip away the certification mark immediately.’
To be honest, during lessons I’d found it somewhat petty and dirty.
But the advantages of belonging to the Ambrose Company were equally extraordinary.
The genuine prestige of that name, the continent’s largest distribution network, meticulous management and support.
Should a business face unavoidable hardship, they could receive high-quality assistance at any time.
‘Which is precisely why merchants across the empire scramble to join, despite the substantial commission fees.’
I nodded and took the seat the staff member indicated.
The area was curtained off, arranged like a private sitting room reserved for distinguished guests alone.
“Once you’ve looked through the catalog, the proprietor will visit. What would you care to drink?”
“Hilden Tea, if you have it.”
“Of course. Please wait just a moment.”
The staff member left the parlor with impeccable courtesy to the very end.
This must be how one keeps from losing the certification mark.
I let out a quiet laugh at the thought.
Before long, the curtain slid open and a woman entered.
She was breathing heavily, as though she’d hurried over.
“I am Johanna, the proprietor. I’ve been awaiting your arrival, and I shall ensure you receive the finest service.”
My, she was intense.
It felt less like choosing a dress and more like being fitted for armor before battle.
I smiled faintly and said,
“A little less perfect service would be fine, really.”
“No, absolutely not…!”
“It’s truly fine.”
I was starting to feel burdened.
Whether my meaning had gotten through, the fierce gleam in Johanna’s eyes dimmed slightly.
I’d come here to enjoy shopping, not to torment a small business owner.
Of course, this establishment didn’t seem particularly small—but only in comparison to Ambrose.
“In any case, I did glance through the catalog while waiting….”
“Yes, yes. Which designs caught your eye?”
Having steadied herself, Johanna continued asking with warmth and enthusiasm.
With her and Tru joining in, we debated for quite some time about what would suit me best.
‘So this is what makes choosing clothes fun.’
The thought came to me suddenly.
In my past life, clothing had served only to keep warm.
I wouldn’t have minded wearing burlap.
In fact, I’d actively avoided dressing well.
‘Because then the neighborhood thugs would pester me far more.’
Even when I dressed a little more neatly than usual, they would come.
Spouting nonsense about how pretty I looked that day, asking if I’d dressed up for them.
I’d kicked them away each time.
But they didn’t relent for a long time.
It wasn’t until Hugh grew quite tall that they finally disappeared.
‘Because Hugh went and beat them up himself.’
I laughed quietly in disbelief.
I’d wondered why things had become so quiet, and only learned later by accident.
Who knew such a gentle boy had been doing that on the side.
I’d kept their misdeeds hidden from my younger siblings, but sharp-eyed Dido had reported every detail to his older brother.
Those two, really.
I scolded them back then, but I wished I’d told them it felt good.
‘…Next time, I should bring Hugh and Dido along.’
I’d buy them beautiful clothes. Clothes as precious and lovely as my siblings’ hearts.
While I was lost in these thoughts, Johanna and Tru reached a disagreement.
“Surely a vibrant style that highlights her beauty!”
“No, our young lady’s greatest asset is her pure charm!”
Really, bickering over such things.
I interceded with gentle authority.
“Then we’ll do one of each.”
Both women nodded in understanding.
Half a day had slipped away while I’d simply sat and chosen clothes.
I stretched slightly. Even just sitting had made my body ache as though I’d been working.
Had I spent this time washing dishes instead, I’d have earned barely a few coppers. Now I was writing out a blank promissory note for running a single errand.
It was almost absurd, the gap between them.
“Proprietor….”
A staff member came looking for Johanna.
The young man, who seemed somewhat anxious, whispered something in her ear.
Johanna’s brow furrowed, and she turned to me with an apologetic expression.
“I apologize, but I must step away for a moment.”
“Of course. Take your time.”
It was clear something had gone wrong in the shop.
Something serious enough to summon even the proprietor away from a distinguished guest.
Johanna bowed apologetically and hurried away.
I expected her to return quickly, but the wait stretched longer than anticipated.
‘Hmm. It’s getting late, and I should probably head back.’
Hugh and Dido would soon be looking for me and crying.
Feeling sorry for Johanna, I nonetheless rose from my seat.
I spoke to the staff member who had been attending to me.
“I’ll be going now. Please have the purchases sent to the residence, and tell Johanna not to worry about it at all.”
“Yes, I understand.”
And just as I stepped out beyond the curtain,
I spotted a familiar face among a group of young ladies entering the lobby.
“Hehe, my great-grandfather is so kind to me, always doting on me so….”
Of all the places to meet.
I approached quietly and called out her name.
“Clara?”
“…Ugh.”
The young lady who turned to face me made an elegant gesture of obvious disgust.

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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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