The Circumstances of Being Chosen as the Villainess’s Favorite - Chapter 28

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 28

“And even with errors, look at this. Compared to before, there are far fewer errors, and rather than major mistakes, it’s just simple calculation errors, right?”

From teaching Lady Claudius these past few days.

Lady Claudius had somewhat clumsy tendencies…

She didn’t make mistakes on important parts, but frequently got things wrong on trivial details like item quantities?

“These minor mistakes can be quickly caught by administrators, so it’s fine.”

“…”

“I wanted to teach you the overall flow of the budget. And it seems you’ve already mastered that part splendidly.”

Honestly, how often would the mistress overseeing domestic affairs directly write budget proposals?

Rather, the main job would be to finally review and execute budget proposals submitted by administrators.

This much is sufficient.

I continued with sincerity.

“You haven’t even been studying seriously for that long, yet you’ve achieved this much. You’re truly amazing.”

“…”

Lady Claudius still had her head buried on the desk.

But her ears were a bit more honest than their owner.

Every time I rattled on with various words, her ears would perk up.

‘Just a little more and this should work?’

I coaxed Lady Claudius again.

“Just a little more, and you’ll be able to manage domestic affairs splendidly on your own without my help.”

“…”

“You have talent, Lady Claudius. Really.”

After coaxing and soothing her several times like this.

Lady Claudius slowly lifted her head.

Though she still had a sulky expression, she obediently extended her hand to me.

“Well, give me the budget proposal for now.”

Thank goodness, her mood seems to have improved a little.

I sighed in relief inwardly and quickly handed over the documents.

Lady Claudius, having regained her motivation, began groaning as she corrected the wrong parts.

Meanwhile, listening to the scratching sound of pen on paper, I suddenly thought this time was very comfortable.

‘When I was serving as Seraphina’s maid, my nerves were always on edge.’

When I’m with Lady Claudius, I somehow seem to become gentler myself.

“Here.”

After waiting a bit, Lady Claudius suddenly thrust the corrected documents at me.

Then she made her characteristic prim expression and turned her head away sharply.

“You know, when you said I was amazing… was that sincere?”

Lady Claudius pouted her lips.

“You weren’t just saying nice things to comfort me, right?”

Ah, I’ve been caught.

But showing signs of panic here would be amateur.

I smiled smoothly.

“Of course not!”

Well, I did have intentions of comforting Lady Claudius.

But half of it was sincere.

Lady Claudius had never received this kind of education before.

Considering it had only been about a week since she started studying, Lady Claudius wasn’t the type who completely lacked academic ability.

‘Especially… that attitude of wanting to learn.’

Just look at Seraphina and Gregory.

They would dump all the troublesome calculations and documents on me, saying numbers were headache-inducing.

Though Lady Claudius grumbled, she wasn’t someone completely unmotivated about studying.

A moment later.

After reviewing all the documents, I even clapped exaggeratedly while praising Lady Claudius.

“My goodness, you got everything right this time!”

“…”

“It took me almost 5 years of heir training before I could write budget proposals without calculation errors!”

“…”

“But for you to be this perfect… truly, you must be a genius, Lady Claudius!”

Lady Claudius kept her mouth tightly shut, but I could still see it.

Lady Claudius’s sulky expression gradually softening moment by moment!

“But, Lady Ansi.”

As evidence, the voice calling me was noticeably softer than before.

“Why do you keep making me practice mock budget proposals?”

Lady Claudius rested her chin on her hands like flower petals and grumbled.

“We’re going to execute real budgets anyway. Then wouldn’t it be fine to experience actual work first…”

“No.”

I firmly shook my head and asked back.

“Before we started lessons, what did I tell you?”

“…That the Townhouse budget proposal isn’t a one-time event like a salon, so it needs to be discussed with the Ducal House’s butler and administrators.”

“And?”

“That outsiders shouldn’t be allowed to interfere in the Townhouse’s overall budget proposal and personnel management issues like servants and maids.”

“Good. You remember well.”

I answered with satisfaction.

“Really, Lady Ansi is too strict. Well, but still…”

Lady Claudius, who had become slightly sulky, glanced away and muttered.

“That makes you more trustworthy though.”

Huh?

I was organizing documents and didn’t hear the last part properly.

I tilted my head and asked back.

“Pardon? I’m sorry, I didn’t hear clearly. What did you say?”

“It’s nothing.”

With those words, Lady Claudius huffed and turned her head away.

‘Well, if it was something important, she would have said it again on her own.’

I just shrugged lightly.

More than that…

‘Since you’ve been doing well so far.’

It would be fine to give you a carrot at this point.

“Lady Claudius.”

With that judgment, I spoke in a subtle voice.

“You said you wanted to get a new tea pot set for tea time, right?”

“Wh-what did you just say?”

Lady Claudius turned her head sharply, her eyes sparkling brightly.

“Am I finally getting into actual work now? Is that it?!”

Getting a tea pot set for tea time wouldn’t consume much of the budget anyway.

This much involvement from me probably wouldn’t be a problem.

I nodded generously.

“I’ll have them prepare catalogs from different brands. But what did I say you need to do first?”

“Price comparison!”

Lady Claudius clenched both fists and shouted.

“But don’t just focus on price, also consider the quality of the items. Rather than just checking documents, receive actual samples in advance, and carefully examine the condition when you receive the items later.”

“Good.”

Listening to the rapid-fire answers, I nodded my head in satisfaction.

Still, seeing Lady Claudius absorb the teachings so readily made it truly enjoyable to teach.

Meanwhile, Lady Claudius, who had been cautiously watching my expression, quietly opened her mouth.

“But, Lady Ansi.”

“Yes?”

“I want to buy five different types from each brand…”

What, five types from each brand?

Was she planning to buy tea pot sets from every merchant guild in Jedo?

I unconsciously put on a stern expression.

“No. Only two types.”

“Hmph.”

Lady Claudius, who had become thoroughly dejected, let both her shoulders droop.

* * *

A few days later.

‘Hmm?’

Somehow the townhouse felt a bit noisy.

Dietrich, who had been holed up in his office since morning, got up looking puzzled.

When he glanced outside through the window, he could see merchants busily making their way into the townhouse.

Each was carefully carrying boxes wrapped in cloth in their hands.

‘What on earth is that?’

Dietrich couldn’t hide his puzzled expression as he pulled the bell cord.

The butler who entered the office bowed his head respectfully.

“Did you call for me, Lord Claudius?”

“I noticed merchants entering the townhouse earlier. What’s going on?”

“Ah, Lady Claudius said she’s acquiring tea pot sets for tea time.”

The butler smiled slightly.

“So she requested sample products, and today is the scheduled date to examine those samples.”

“…Samples?”

Dietrich’s face went blank for a moment.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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