The Villainess Builds a Department Store - Chapter 23

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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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The Villainess Establishes a Department Store

Chapter 23

Time flowed and flowed until finally the day of departure arrived.

Though it was the morning when the head of the family would embark on a long journey, the atmosphere at the estate was no different from usual.

However, the servants’ voices were more subdued than the day before, and even Antoine, who complained about getting up every day, opened his eyes early without protest today.

“Yaaawn… Sister, I’m sleepy…”

“Very sleepy? Sleep a bit more in the carriage.”

“Mm… But why do we have to leave so early?”

Camille, who was dressing Antoine as he dozed while standing, explained instead.

“We need to launch the ship according to the high tide schedule. To get from the estate to the port, we need to leave now to make it on time.”

“What’s high tide?”

“It’s when the moon pulls and releases, playing tug-of-war with the waves.”

“Like that puppy last time?”

Perhaps remembering when he wrestled with a puppy born in the stables recently over his sleeve, some drowsiness left Antoine’s eyes.

Seeing something puppy-like react to a puppy story was amusing, so I giggled inwardly for no reason.

After finishing preparations and leaving the estate, the carriage was busy loading cargo.

“Be careful not to break anything!”

“In the middle of the ocean, this is more precious than gold! If even one breaks, know that your head will break along with it!”

At the chilling warning that fully woke everyone up, the servants carrying boxes full of preserved meat became even more careful in their movements.

Finally, all preparations were complete.

“Master, have a safe trip!”

“You must return safely!”

“Don’t worry about Madam, Miss, and Young Master!”

With the servants’ farewells, the carriage wheels slowly began to move.

I leaned my head against Father’s arm. And at some point, I fell asleep.

A short while later, I drowsily opened my eyes to hands shaking me awake.

I wanted to see Father’s face for as long as possible, but I must have dozed off at some point.

As the salty breeze brushed my nose and I opened my eyes, what I saw outside the window was not green meadows but a vast ocean.

“Wow…!”

An exclamation escaped me involuntarily at the spectacular sight before my eyes.

Sunlight shattered into thousands upon thousands of rays over the blindingly blue sea, scattering over the heads of the waves.

At the dock extending like comb teeth toward the sea, massive sailing ships waited for their next departure with sails folded like swans.

The ships were so large that the people passing between them looked exactly like swarms of ants.

Sailors full of strength and vigor, merchants excited with anticipation of enormous profits, spectators with heated eyes frantically taking in the unfamiliar sights.

This was Port Nantes, Loire’s largest trading port.

Suddenly, I noticed that all the workers were wearing identical blue pants and smiled contentedly.

Wow, that’s quite a few pairs. Father must have made a lot of money.

“We have some time before departure, so shall we look around the shopping district? There are many things you can’t easily see in ordinary markets, so it’ll be interesting.”

“You want to visit the market directly? I’m not really comfortable with that…”

Mother furrowed her brow with a troubled expression. She showed reluctance, citing smells and uncleanliness as reasons. That was understandable, as Mother’s complexion, which had already been pale, was now clearly wan enough for anyone to see she looked ill.

I’m worried she might collapse at this rate…

“Dear, are you really alright? There’s Guillaume’s building nearby, so shall we rest there? You can look at imported goods there too.”

“That would be better… If I go there and have a cup of warm tea, I’ll be fine.”

As if even those words were too much effort, Mother closed her eyes and leaned her head on Father’s shoulder.

In the atmosphere as heavy as a sailing ship’s anchor, the carriage headed toward Guillaume’s trading company building.

Guillaume’s family was also at the trading company building.

Though that was just Felix in total.

Felix, who immediately made a fierce expression upon spotting me, quietly shut his mouth when he saw Mother getting out of the carriage with Father’s support.

Since Mother was in such a state, we couldn’t go sightseeing anywhere, so as I waited while admiring the port scenery outside the window, Felix casually struck up a conversation.

“…Hey.”

If you’re going to pick a fight, just go away. I’m not in the mood to play with you right now because I’m upset.

“Is the Baroness… alright?”

Was this kid someone who knew how to worry about others?

What remarkable progress.

“She’ll be fine.”

“…How can you be so sure?”

“I asked Guillaume to get medicinal herbs that will cure Mother’s illness. So… she’ll be fine.”

“What. I worried for nothing.”

“What?”

I take back what I said earlier. Just because it comes out of your mouth doesn’t make it words, does it, little Felix?

“You’re lucky. Having a mother.”

My heart sank for a moment at Felix’s blunt words.

Now I understood why he had worried about someone else.

“My father is Loire’s finest merchant. He’ll load the ship with more than enough of those mere herbs and return, so wait without worry.”

Seeing Felix’s confident appearance suddenly put my mind at ease.

Right. Mother will be fine.

That’s why I came back, isn’t it?

“He’ll return safely, right?”

“Of course. The only place I’ll be at the end is by your side. Two arms, two legs, eyes, ears, nose, mouth. I swear I’ll return safely without injuring any part of myself.”

Amid the sounds of sniffling bursting out here and there from those unable to bear the sorrow of parting, my parents shared a final kiss.

“Father…”

“Adele. Antoine. Listen well to Mother and live strong and well.”

“Papa. Will you come after ten sleeps?”

“…Yes. I’ll come after ten sleeps. I’ll buy you big presents too.”

“Uh… Promise, *sniff*. *sob*… It’s a promise! Waaaaah…!”

Antoine finally burst into tears.

Yes, just holding back until now was admirable, my younger sibling.

As Father, having completed all procedures, finally boarded the ship, the sailors removed the gangplank.

The anchor that had been buried deep in the water showed itself above the surface, and as the last rope connecting the port and ship was untied, the ship began its voyage, cutting through the sea lengthily as if stretching.

That was exactly when it happened.

Mother’s body, which had been precarious like a tree with exposed roots, finally collapsed as if crumbling.

“Mother!”

“Eleonore!”

Father’s arm, which had been waving toward us from the ship, froze stiffly.

Father, who had turned pale, gave some instructions to the sailors, but there was no way to stop a ship that had already departed.

Suddenly, something unbelievable happened.

“Eleonore!!”

Splash!

“Someone fell in the water!”

“No, he jumped!”

Father fell from the ship. No, he jumped!

“F… Father…?”

“Eleonore! Ame… *glub*, *cough*… *gasp*…”

Father flailed his arms with all his might. Don’t tell me he’s trying to swim all the way here?

“You idiot! Are you crazy when you can’t even swim?”

Guillaume, what did you say?

“*glub*, sa, save… not me, Eleo… *gurgle*…”

Father, who had been swimming vigorously, sank just like that.

Even the air bubbles that had been rising and gurgling until the last moment gradually became sparse, and eventually nothing came up at all.

No, Father!

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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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