The Baddest Villainess Is Back - Chapter 12
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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 12
The Evening Dresses alone numbered at least twenty, there were numerous accessories and ornaments besides, and more than a dozen pairs of shoes.
“Is there a problem?”
“No, if that’s what you want, I can certainly buy them for you…….”
At Roselin’s fierce tone, Gerren Wilbrid lifted his shoulders with apparent ease.
“Just as well—I haven’t a spare coin to my name.”
She let out a short laugh and gave a slight nod.
After she had slowly examined the entire Boutique and finally selected her purchases, she settled onto the sofa arranged in the center.
‘……Her taste is better than I expected.’
Fluer swept her gaze over the dresses Roselin had chosen and found herself thinking.
There were designs not yet in fashion, but ones she believed would be soon; there were classics loved for generations; and there were designs that might have been slightly extravagant.
She had picked out nearly all the pieces Fluer thought acceptable—or those made with particular care.
‘……I heard she was quite insensitive to trends.’
And yet, what of Roselin now?
The dress Roselin wore was unmistakably the Black Dress that everyone avoided.
A dress that would naturally make any young lady look drab and gloomy.
Yet against her porcelain skin, the deeply painted red lipstick and brilliant red eyes paired with her white hair created an impression that was far more captivating than dreary or melancholy.
It seemed as though the dress had been made for Roselin alone.
Feeling her preconceptions shatter, Fluer found herself drawing in a quiet breath.
Fluer gestured quickly to her assistants to bring fresh tea and refreshments, then approached Roselin.
“Miss, I know you must be tired, but would it be alright if I took your measurements? I’ll need to have the clothes tailored to fit you properly.”
“Go ahead.”
Roselin rose from her seat.
Fluer swiftly took her measurements with meticulous care and guided her back to her chair.
“I didn’t realize you were someone with such expensive tastes.”
Roselin narrowed her eyes at the man she had met not long ago in the Imperial City—a man she found far from agreeable.
“Whose fault is it that my wardrobe is empty, then?”
“Ah, well, I suppose I do owe you an apology for that.”
He answered with a low laugh, unperturbed.
Gerren Wilbrid.
Sure enough, it seemed he too retained memories from before crossing into this world.
“Well then, if your mood has improved, won’t you come to my manor? I have matters we ought to discuss, and it seems there are many things you’d like to talk about as well.”
At Gerren’s words, Roselin tilted her teacup and narrowed her eyes.
Watching her drink in silence, Gerren still wore that subtle smile.
Gerren had always been a difficult man for Roselin to read.
The man in his late thirties, far younger than she remembered, still spoke like an old man and conducted himself with perfect propriety.
Now the discrepancy was so pronounced it felt almost grotesque—far too refined for his apparent years.
Roselin gazed steadily at his chestnut hair and violet eyes, then exhaled softly.
“Miss Fluer.”
Roselin looked toward Fluer.
“Where should I have these clothes and accessories sent?”
“Send them to Roselin Bellion at the Bellion Duchy. I’ll have my steward informed.”
“Yes, I understand.”
Fluer answered with a smile as bright and natural as a blooming flower.
“These are still prototypes, but since you’ve purchased so much, if you’d permit me, I’d like to gift you one dress as a token of my gratitude……Would that be acceptable?”
“That’s very kind of you.”
Roselin curved her red lips in a smile and gave a ready nod.
“Yes, well, the alterations will take some time, so I’ll make sure everything is ready for you within a week.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“And if you find any issues after receiving them, please contact me anytime. I’ll rush over to check immediately. Whenever you need a dress, just call and I’ll visit in person.”
At Fluer’s extraordinary declaration, her assistants behind her widened their eyes in shock.
Who was Fluer, after all?
Except for the royal family, there was no one she would move for, no matter who called.
With a reservation, one had to wait a full year to receive a custom dress, and no amount of money could bypass that wait.
Since the Boutique itself operated by appointment, properly speaking, Roselin and the Marquis Gerren should both have been turned away.
If Roselin hadn’t simply barged in, glanced around rapidly, and pointed with her finger at pieces she wanted to purchase, she too would have been politely turned away by Fluer.
“The total comes to 820 million, 380 thousand Oran.”
But money was powerful indeed.
Fluer spoke with an even brighter smile than when aristocrats with high pride had first learned her name and formed long queues.
“How shall I help you with payment?”
At Fluer’s words, Roselin glanced toward Gerren.
Gerren let out a low chuckle, then drew a sheet of paper and a pen from the inner pocket of his formal jacket.
After writing something on the paper, he handed the rectangular sheet to Fluer.
“Take this check to the bank, and they’ll give you the money.”
Fluer’s eyes widened as she carefully accepted the paper.
It was a blank check—something she’d only heard spoken of until now.
Moreover, the amount written was less than the price she had quoted.
One billion Oran.
Fluer looked up at Gerren in bewilderment.
Gerren had already turned from her and was extending his hand to Roselin, who sat on the sofa, offering her his escort.
“I’ll consider it an advance purchase of a fine dress you’ll design for me.”
The meaning seemed clear enough: he was giving her a deposit so that when something suitable was made, she would reserve it for Roselin.
Though surprised, Fluer bent in a respectful bow.
“Yes, when my finest work is complete, I shall certainly see to it. Thank you for placing such trust in me.”
Gerren answered with a knowing smile.
Roselin watched Gerren with displeasure for a moment, then clicked her tongue and placed her hand upon his palm.
‘What on earth is the connection between those two?’
Fluer, though modest, had inherited the title of marquess and thus attended several social gatherings.
Yet she had never heard of any link between Roselin Bellion and Gerren Wilbrid.
Roselin, for her part, felt curious eyes upon her from various corners of the shop.
“Owner, you said your name was Fluer?”
As Roselin, accepting Gerren’s escort, turned to leave, she suddenly smiled and spoke.
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“The dress was of excellent quality. The design was quite remarkable.”
“Oh! Thank you so much.”
At Roselin’s rather measured compliment, Fluer’s smile brightened.
“Running a boutique like this, one hears and sees many things, I imagine…….”
At Roselin’s measured tone, Fluer lifted her head—then went rigid.
Those crimson eyes, which had spoken with gentle warmth, were utterly cold.
And they were fixed directly upon Fluer.
In that moment, Fluer—who had stiffened completely—hurried to speak.
“Yes. But I assure you, our boutique maintains the strictest discretion. There is nothing we would do to disappoint you, my lady.”line>
Having swiftly grasped what Roselin was asking, Fluer answered quickly.
Otherwise, she would have suffocated beneath the weight of that gaze.
Only then did Roselin nod with satisfaction.
“Good, that’s reassuring. I can trust you then.”
“Please, have no concerns!”
At Roselin’s words, Fluer even clenched her fist as she spoke.
“Well then, we should be going.”
The moment Roselin finished speaking, she bowed deeply.
“Thank you so much for your patronage! Please do visit us again anytime. Fluer Boutique will always welcome both of you.”
Roselin stared silently at that bowed head for a moment, then opened her mouth.
“And this is simply my own meddling, so feel free to disregard it if you wish.”
“Pardon?”
“There are troubling rumors spreading from the South. It might be wise to reconsider your suppliers.”
Ting.
“I… beg your pardon?”
By the time Fluer lifted her head to process what had been said, Roselin had already vanished.
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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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