The Fake Wife of the Strongest Husband Wants to Survive - Chapter 37

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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 37
“It’s not a precious gemstone, unfortunately….”
A flicker of disappointment crossed Beluci’s eyes.
She gazed at the Morganite once more, murmuring to herself.
“I find this Morganite far more captivating than the cold Ruby I wore before.”
Pesha smiled broadly at that.
“For ladies like you, I’d love to build a business around these stones. They’re far too beautiful to be discarded or neglected simply because they’re not classified as precious gems.”
Beluci set the Morganite back into its case and spoke thoughtfully.
“It’s a truly brilliant idea. But… a business, you say. That means selling these stones to the nobility, and establishing a new gemstone in the market is no simple matter. I’ve spent long years in High Society, yet I’ve rarely witnessed a shift in gem preferences. When it comes to jewels, people’s tastes move with glacial slowness.”
“It’s not impossible, though, is it? Especially if you work alongside someone as influential as you are, a new gemstone venture could very well become reality.”
Beluci tilted her head slightly.
“I have no business experience. Hosting parties and receiving guests is an entirely different matter from commerce.”
“That’s where Duke Fontloy will assist us. You need only introduce these stones to society. I’ll ensure your investment shares are more than generous.”
“Hmm….”
“You said this pink color resembles spring sunlight, didn’t you? Then why not showcase Morganite accessories at spring social season events or flower-themed galas, introduce them to your circle? The response would surely be favorable.”
She rested the Morganite on the back of her hand, her expression growing distant and contemplative.
“Perhaps… the reception might be better than expected. People do seem to be growing weary of Ruby and Diamond—everything’s become so common that there’s a hunger for something new.”
Pesha smiled with confidence, her conviction ringing clear.
“Fashion begins with the first choice of someone who leads the way. You’ve been doing exactly that all these years, changing the tide.”
Silence settled between them for a moment.
Beluci gradually shed her earlier hesitation and began to gather her courage.
“Very well, let’s try it. I’ve been wanting to take on something new, and with someone as young and passionate as you by my side, I have a feeling this could turn into something genuinely interesting.”
When she extended her hand, Pesha grasped it firmly.
She felt as though she’d gained a most dependable ally.
After releasing her hand, Beluci touched the handle of her teacup thoughtfully.
“But I’m afraid I’ll struggle to take the lead in promoting the stones myself. However noble a gem might be, young people won’t want to follow the fashion choices of an old woman like me.”
“Madam, that’s not true at all. High Society will always be curious about your taste and your elegance.”
Beluci gave a soft laugh and waved her hand gently.
“Your flattery is kind, but reality tells a different story. Anyway, that’s why I have an idea. Are you familiar with the play Pollyanna? It’s been completely sweeping through High Society lately.”
Pesha knew that name well indeed.
In fact, anyone who read newspapers or broadsheets could hardly remain ignorant of it.
“Of course. People talk of nothing but Pollyanna wherever one goes. And I’ve heard the actress Rosa Hardi is extraordinarily popular.”
Beluci smiled with satisfaction and continued.
“Rosa is my granddaughter. What if we were to sponsor the Morganite—the one the Countess mentioned—for Rosa to wear? If she appeared on stage wearing it, people would imitate her at once.”
Rosa Hardi.
Her face appeared on theater billboards throughout the Capital so frequently that there was scarcely anyone who didn’t know her, and she had become such a trendsetter that young noblewomen were now imitating her mannerisms and laughter.
But there was another consideration entirely.
Pesha hesitated briefly before speaking.
“That’s excellent.”
“Does something give you pause?”
“Well… to be honest, I’ve been considering a similar but slightly different approach.”
The Countess regarded Pesha with curious eyes.
“Entrusting the stones to the most popular woman of the moment would naturally have people following in her wake—it’s only a matter of time.”
Pesha nodded in agreement.
“That’s true. But a strategy that relies on admiration for a particular person might have short-term impact, yet ultimately depends entirely on that actress’s popularity and favor. Which means sales would be temporary and limited.”
“I see….”
“I want to reach a much broader audience. Even those who’ve never seen Pollyanna, or didn’t enjoy it, should feel these stones as their own and naturally want to wear them.”
At that moment, Duke Fontloy, who had been listening quietly, asked a question.
“Then what approach did you have in mind?”
Pesha’s eyes brightened with a spark.
“Magazines.”
“Magazines, you say….”
“Specifically, popular magazines aimed at the middle class—the sort that ladies will claim to find embarrassing while secretly being the first to purchase and read. I’d like to run special features and columns there.”
Beluci’s eyes widened with interest.
“What would the column be about?”
“I’m thinking of a title like this: ‘What Is Your Birthstone?'”
“Birthstone?”
“The mineral called Beryl that comes from Swaf has different names depending on its color. Emerald, Aquamarine, Heliodor, Morganite…. I’ve focused on this characteristic. By assigning each stone a month and its own meaning, anyone could discover and express their own nature.”
“I see….”
“If this succeeds, the Birthstone will become a mark of individuality in High Society—a way for people to know and understand one another.”
“Fascinating,” she murmured.
At her words, Pesha grew a shade more confident in her pitch.
“I was thinking of incorporating Beluci’s suggestion into the column—perhaps by exploring the Birthstones of characters from the most popular play right now, Pollyanna. Something like: ‘Pollyanna was born in October, Morganite.’ That way, people will naturally develop a deeper interest in these gems.”
Beluci smiled quietly before responding.
“What a brilliant notion. You’re allowing everyone to invest these stones with their own special meaning.”
“Yes. Once the column is published, I’ll need Rosa Hardi’s help—exactly as you suggested. I’ll ask for her assistance then.”
* * *
A few days later, a short column titled “What Is Your Birthstone?” appeared in La Fiancée, the gossip magazine that High Society women read in secret.
Though it carried no advertisement whatsoever, the piece became the talk of High Society with remarkable speed.
“My Birthstone is Aquamarine, you know—such a lovely color, don’t you think?”
“I’ve just heard that Morganite is the October Birthstone, and now I’m absolutely determined to find one.”
Most striking of all was the revelation that Pollyanna, the protagonist of the play, had been assigned October’s Birthstone—Morganite—which sparked enormous interest.
Audiences began paying close attention to her gemstones.
On opening night, Rosa Hardi took the stage wearing a Morganite necklace and earrings that Pesha had prepared for her.
Throughout the performance, the jewels glowed beautifully beneath the stage lights, captivating the audience completely.
The moment the curtain fell, High Society erupted in a fever for this new stone.
“The Morganite that Pollyanna wore—it was absolutely stunning!”
“I want the same one! Where can I get it?”
Pesha, who had commissioned the column and then returned to the Swaf Estate to enjoy a leisurely existence, soon received word of how her plan had fared.
“My lady, we have a crisis! All the Morganite samples and Beryl stones we had in stock have sold out! Orders are pouring in from the Capital!”

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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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