The Lady Only Deals With the Real Ones - Chapter 149

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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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‘Why is everyone staring at me like that?’

Does my clothing go against the duchy’s etiquette?

My embarrassment at the servants’ gazes was only momentary.

“Wow… This is a painting based on the legend of Regia Island, right? And that’s a late Verden style sculpture. So magnificent.”

The artworks and sculptures hanging in the corridor caught my eye.

While the Imperial Palace’s artworks were antique and splendid, the Duke’s residence had pieces that were mostly clean and elegant in atmosphere.

As I kept exclaiming in admiration, Tesagh cleared his throat.

“It’s nothing much.”

His voice had a strangely proud tone.

“This is just what’s hanging around. There are much better pieces in the treasury.”

“Really? Wow, could I possibly take a look? I’ll be very careful.”

“No.”

Was that advanced bragging…?

“Then why did you mention it? Did you just want to show off?”

“Today is a holiday. Looking at artworks and antiques isn’t work for you, is it?”

“It’s not work. Of course, I do habitually start with authenticity appraisal and price calculation as soon as I see something, but I still enjoy looking around.”

“That’s what makes it work. …Not this time, come see it next time.”

“Ah, you want to invite me again? I understand. Sure, why not.”

It would be ridiculous to suddenly open the treasury to an outsider anyway.

‘With the Rugenote theft incident, they’d be even more cautious.’

So I figured it was a roundabout refusal and playfully brushed it off, but Tesagh remained silent.

When I turned around, his ears were red.

Did he really say that because he wanted to invite me again?

But before I could even ask, Tesagh walked ahead as he always did.

“…Let’s eat first.”

Then, as he always did, he slowed his pace for me.

Smiling inwardly, I followed him to the banquet hall.

The banquet hall was very spacious, with only one round table placed in the center.

As soon as we sat down, course meals were served as if they had been waiting.

“This is really delicious…”

The light yet harmonious dishes all had eye-opening flavors.

As I was eating happily, I suddenly remembered the past.

‘When I lived in the Moro Duchy in my previous life, I couldn’t even dream of such cuisine.’

To me back then, who had to make do with cold soup I’d scrounged up or coarse bread, if someone had said I would one day be treated to cuisine at the Duke’s residence, I wouldn’t have believed it.

Actually, the Moro Duchy’s welfare policies weren’t bad.

It’s just that I was an illegal immigrant without status, so it didn’t apply to me.

Still, the fact that I was now formally invited to dine in a country I had once arrived in as if fleeing felt quite special.

“Doesn’t it suit your taste?”

I had only paused my fork for a moment, but Tesagh, who seemed to have been watching, asked casually.

I smiled and waved my hand dismissively.

“No, everything is delicious. I just feel a bit strange.”

“…Strange?”

“I feel like I’ve succeeded. Who would have known I’d end up dining at the Duke’s residence like this.”

As I mumbled, Tesagh said bluntly.

“And sitting across from the Duke, no less.”

“Exactly.”

“You’re friends with the Princess, an acquaintance of the Cardinal, and someone who shakes hands with the Captain of the Royal Knights.”

Goodness, he’s still holding onto that handshake?

As I was thinking that, Tesagh said quietly.

“Plus you’re an appraiser of sacred relics for the Imperial Diocese, and above all, the owner of your own business.”

“Uh…”

“So rather, isn’t it an honor for me? To be sitting and dining with such a person.”

He probably meant for me not to feel burdened and just eat, but his words sounded quite affectionate.

I felt a bit shy somehow.

“Thank you.”

“For saying you’re my honor?”

“…Though it was quite abbreviated, yes, that. It sounds nice.”

Tesagh chuckled.

It seemed like the attendant I glimpsed from the corner of my eye covered his mouth, but thanks to that, the atmosphere became much softer.

After the particularly abundant shrimp dishes, dessert and tea were brought in.

I, who had secretly hoped for the Moro Duchy’s specialty wine famous for its good taste, asked tentatively.

“Perhaps some champagne or something…”

“No.”

“Ugh, so firm.”

“If I hadn’t seen you get drunk from just a few bites of rum-soaked cherry cake, I might have been less firm.”

I guess only I thought the mood had softened.

As I was sullenly sipping my tea, Tesagh’s expression suddenly crumpled.

What’s wrong? I thought as I turned around.

“What’s the matter, Border Guard?”

Belastard was walking into the banquet hall with a strange smile for some reason.

“You’re talking as if I’ve come somewhere I shouldn’t, Duke?”

“We’re still dining.”

“You’re obviously having tea and dessert, what meal are you talking about, someone who doesn’t even eat sweets. Your aide was looking for you, why don’t you go for a moment?”

“…”

“Just for a moment. You won’t regret it.”

Tesagh, who sighed deeply, whispered to me.

“I’ll be back shortly.”

“Yes, take your time.”

“No, I’ll be back quickly.”

His words about returning quickly weren’t a lie, as Tesagh left with an expression like he was going to grab his aide and beat him up.

Belastard filled his empty seat.

“Hello, Elisha. This isn’t the pawnshop, so I can call you by name, right?”

“Yes, of course. Hello, Your Excellency Border Guard.”

“Why are you being so formal again? Just call me Belastard comfortably, or Bella for short is fine too.”

I’m more comfortable with Your Excellency Border Guard though…

Since I couldn’t bring myself to say that, I decided to call her Belastard-nim with the feeling of crying while eating spicy sauce.

“I wonder why the attendants are staring like that?”

“Oh, um, a little. I was wondering if my clothing went against etiquette.”

“What are you talking about? They’re looking because you’re cute and pretty.”

Seeing my puzzled expression, Belastard laughed softly.

“More precisely, they’re looking because His Grace the Duke’s guest is much cuter and prettier than expected.”

“…Isn’t that the same thing?”

“It’s a bit different. The attendants probably thought the Duke would drag in something like a bear.”

The mystery is solved.

Compared to a house-sized bear, I am cute. Of course.

As I was nodding, Belastard said with an amused voice.

“But when the Duke’s first-ever guest is someone like this, how could they not stare?”

“First-ever?”

“Yeah, you’re the first guest the Duke has ever invited home, Elisha.”

Belastard added with a sly smile that the Duke probably wanted to keep it a secret.

“Anyway, I’ll handle the attendants’ stares myself. Sorry if it made you uncomfortable.”

“It’s fine, I wasn’t uncomfortable. But if I may ask, how exactly will you handle it…?”

“I’ll just tell them to turn around.”

I was thinking what a remarkably straightforward solution that was.

Belastard scooted a little closer.

“There’s one more thing I need to apologize for. …I’m sorry for sending you to such a dangerous place. Let me formally apologize.”

“Oh no, it’s fine. You couldn’t have known something like that would happen either, Belastard. Besides, I received plenty of compensation, didn’t I?”

I was recalling the amount that seemed to have an extra zero added to it when Belastard ground her teeth.

“That cowardly bastard, if he was going to target someone, why not target Tesagh instead of this little kid…”

“Excuse me…?”

Is this the heart of a lion pushing its cub off a cliff?

Truly befitting someone of high status. Not an ordinary person at all.

‘Come to think of it, Belastard must know about Eivor too.’

Belastard cleared her throat.

“Anyway! I told you I’m someone who settles accounts properly. You can’t say that measly amount was sufficient compensation.”

“But it was more than sufficient—it was an overflowing amount, and I’m supposed to receive materials too.”

“No. Say it’s insufficient, quickly.”

“…Yes, now that I think about it, it does seem a bit insufficient.”

“Right?!”

When I answered reflexively, Belastard’s lips curved upward.

She declared triumphantly.

“So feel free to boss my son around however you want! That’s my third form of compensation.”

I was stunned by the unimaginable response, but surprisingly, Belastard looked pleased.

I asked cautiously.

“Um, is this something His Grace the Duke has agreed to as well?”

Just then, the door burst open.

Tesagh, who had walked over quickly, said to me.

“Let’s go. It’s finished.”

“Where to?”

“Anywhere.”

Unable to resist his urging, I ended up leaving, so ultimately…

“Have a good time, Elisha.”

I never got to hear whether Tesagh agreed or not from Belastard, who was now waving her hand cheerfully.

Good grief, saying only what they want to say must be a family trait.

Having realized the genetics of House Moro in such an odd way, I looked up at Tesagh, who was wearing a somewhat peculiar expression.

‘If I really am the first guest to come here…’

“Can I really go anywhere?”

“Yes.”

“Then I’d like to see Your Grace’s room. Oh, not your current room, but the one you used as a child!”

Wouldn’t it be nice to do something together that Tesagh had never experienced before?

Tesagh looked at me with an expression like ‘Why of all things…?’ as if he’d expected me to ask to see the treasury at most, but I pretended not to notice and smiled while tugging at his sleeve.

“Let’s go quickly.”

And as always, this time too, Tesagh was dragged along by me.

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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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