The Villainess Builds a Department Store - Chapter 37

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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 37

When the memories of my first life returned, I carelessly read the text on Mother’s painkiller bottle and nearly fainted on the spot.

Fortunately, since my regression, Mother’s physical condition had never deteriorated rapidly enough to require painkillers, but….

‘But why didn’t I know about this in my previous life?’

After thinking it over carefully, I had no choice but to bite my tongue.

She passed away in an accident before addiction symptoms even appeared, so how could I have known?

‘It’s regrettable that I couldn’t notice and act sooner, but perhaps this is for the best.’

Among ginseng’s effects was also the ability to alleviate opium addiction symptoms.

If research results were officially published, the world would probably be turned upside down.

Ah, isn’t there someone who could do the research and make the announcement for me?

“Madam, is that really true? Please tell me in more detail!”

Here’s one.

Hearing that the opium addiction symptoms had completely disappeared, Monsieur Guérin’s eyes immediately changed.

“Monsieur Guérin, is there some problem with the herb?”

“Not at all! Quite the opposite. If that herb really has such effects….”

Monsieur Guérin trailed off and gulped. He seemed unsure where to begin organizing his thoughts into sentences.

His mind was probably spinning at a breakneck pace right now. There were countless nobles who had spent their final years disgracefully dependent on opium painkillers.

“Doctor. Then does this mean Mother can stop taking the medicine now?”

Please say yes.

“Let’s try stopping the painkiller while taking the herb. And if we compare it to taking only the painkiller, we’ll be able to know more accurately.”

Hooray!

I cheered inwardly.

While we’re at it, I should throw away that soothing syrup or whatever madness syrup it is.

Does it make sense to give morphine to a child just because they won’t sleep and are crying?

After hearing from Mother how she came to obtain the black ginseng, Monsieur Guérin gulped down cold water as if his throat was parched.

“I stake my medical career on this – if this fact becomes known to the world, everyone’s eyes will turn red as they desperately try to obtain even a single root hair.”

“That much?”

I widened my eyes, pretending to know nothing.

But I already knew who would be the first to show interest in black ginseng.

“Come to think of it, I heard the painkiller Mother takes is the highest grade used even in the Royal Palace. Oh? Then shouldn’t His Majesty take it too?”

Sure enough, addiction symptoms were probably appearing by now, knowingly or unknowingly.

As evidence, Monsieur Guérin’s expression instantly became serious.

“Madam. I beg you. Just one root, no. Even a single root hair would be fine – could you spare me a little of the herb? No, could you sell me some?”

“I think you’ll need to get that permission from Adele, not me. Adelaide, would that be alright?”

Monsieur Guérin turned around and stared at me. Then he pleaded with me in an earnest voice.

He had lived his entire life as a doctor, making the best choices for his patients.

But as a doctor, he also knew well that his choices were really no different from choosing the lesser evil.

Nevertheless, he had no choice but to prescribe opium painkillers.

Because he couldn’t turn away from the mothers dying from labor pains before his eyes, the soldiers who had lost limbs, and other patients fighting the agony of death.

But now an herb had appeared that would make all his prescriptions wrong in one fell swoop.

Even though his lifelong achievement of treatment methods was being negated, the old doctor’s heart was pounding with anticipation and excitement.

Perhaps, this time he could truly provide treatment for his patients.

The old doctor’s eyes were sparkling with life, as if he had returned to his days of first studying medicine.

“I apologize. Miss Adelaide. This herb you discovered might be able to help many people. So would you please allow it? Of course, all the credit will go to you, Miss.”

Giving me the credit – what a terrifying thing to say just thinking about it.

Let me say again, my goal is a life like a long, thin silk thread, not a life like a thick jeweled belt where I become the Royal Family’s benefactor and receive praise at a young age.

I smiled brightly and answered.

“Hmm… Since it’s so precious, I don’t think I can give you much. Instead, when there’s a route to obtain it officially, I’ll contact you first.”

“Even that much would be sufficient!”

“And… one more thing.”

“Anything, whatever condition you name.”

Monsieur Guérin seemed ready to take out his own liver and offer it to me right there if I asked.

“Please leave out my name. I was just lucky, that’s all. Since researching the herb is Monsieur Guérin’s role, being praised by people should also be Monsieur’s share. When you publish later, just writing ‘eldest daughter of the Charmeuse family’ would be sufficient.”

If research results were published, black ginseng prices would skyrocket too, so it was actually profitable for me.

All I had to do was secure a ‘legal’ ginseng purchasing route in advance.

* * *

It was around the time when the kitchen staff had become somewhat accustomed to the distinctive smell from brewing black ginseng extract daily.

“Miss Adele. A letter has arrived from Miss Tonel.”

“From Emily?”

Wondering if it was something urgent, I hurriedly opened the letter Camille handed me, and a faint oily smell touched my nose.

“What does it say?”

“Her academy admission has been decided, so she’s asking me to come visit the workshop?”

“Oh my! That’s something to celebrate.”

“If I go right away… that wouldn’t work, would it?”

When I glanced at Camille, she shook her head with stern eyes.

Knowing that I was more familiar with etiquette than children my age, she was teaching me more complex and advanced levels.

“Tch. Fine. I’ll make a proper appointment and go with a congratulatory card and bouquet prepared. Ah! She’d probably like school supplies as a gift too.”

Only then did Camille smile brightly and nod again.

A few days later, Emily’s workshop, which I visited after a long time, had changed to a much warmer and cozier atmosphere.

Does the atmosphere of a space follow its owner too?

“Emily!”

“Miss! It’s been so long. You haven’t had any trouble, have you?”

I ran over to hug her but had to stop short.

Emily wasn’t wearing a receptionist uniform but an apron covered in grease stains that a craftsman would wear.

“Oh! I’m so sorry. I almost dirtied your precious clothes. I’ll go change right away!”

“No. I’m fine. This suits Emily better.”

“Miss…!”

When I held out the bouquet with a small card attached, Emily’s innocent eyes grew moist and tears immediately welled up.

“Emily. Congratulations on your academy admission, truly.”

“Sniff… Thank you so much. Everything, from beginning to end, it’s all thanks to you, Miss!”

Finally, tears fell onto the bouquet.

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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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