The Villainess is a Millionaire Solver - Chapter 32

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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 32

“You’re interested. How cute.”

The baby dragon said such old-man-like words while rolling its eyes around.

“As I said, it’s very easy. I’ll lend you the mysterious power to modify the trap magic circle created by the two Transcendent Ones.”

‘Ooh…’

“However, there’s a 15-minute time limit.”

Ah, it’s time-limited?

‘So you’re saying I need to modify Aldensis and Zikren’s terrifying trap within 15 minutes, so that Ruellian can escape without dying like that?’

“That’s right. Exactly correct.”

The baby dragon nodded its head contentedly.

“Be careful not to exceed 15 minutes, and don’t forget to ask at the very end to erase all records after the magic circle’s creation. Then no matter how you intervene, you’ll absolutely never be caught.”

Really?

Just hearing up to this point, it doesn’t seem too bad…

‘But how would I know when and where that situation will occur? You said the time and place haven’t been decided yet?’

To my question, the baby dragon answered confidently.

“So you need to make it happen right before your eyes.”

‘How?’

“By using your head well? I don’t really know that much either. I’m just the will of a powerful being.”

‘…’

Of course.

Cute baby dragon or whatever, you’re blocked. Don’t hallucinations have functions like 【Report Spam】 or 【Block Sender】?

When I started looking around frantically, the baby dragon went “Ah!” and urgently waved its front paws.

“Wait. Didn’t I say I’d give you a reward in return? There must be something you desperately want from those two Transcendent Ones right now. There, I can see some intense desire hidden deep in your heart…”

At that moment, I felt as if the dragon’s golden eyes were peering into my heart.

An intense desire deep in my heart.

It certainly did exist.

‘That’s right. I want to freely … them!’

The baby dragon came closer and pressed.

“What is it? What do you want to do?”

‘…terro.’

“Hmm?”

‘…Interrogate! I want to interrogate them!’

The desire I’d been secretly hiding burst out without me realizing it. A powerful interrogation urge.

“Interrogate? Hmm… I’ve heard all sorts of different things, but this is new.”

The baby dragon seemed confused for a moment, but soon regained its solemnity.

“Good. If you fulfill my request, I’ll grant that wish as compensation. The two Transcendent Ones will only speak the truth, and they won’t remember your questions at all.”

‘But this would have a time limit too, right?’

“5 minutes. No more is possible, but…”

The dragon showed me another scene before my eyes.

It was Ruellian, currently kneeling alone in front of the Divine Altar.

“Don’t forget about the Agent of the Divine here too. He has no idea that he’s currently facing a life-threatening crisis. But if you disable the trap before his eyes and save his life?”

A large tail swished back and forth behind the baby dragon.

“He’s someone who never wants to be indebted to others. If you show him kindness, he’ll definitely repay it. Won’t you consider that as well?”

‘…’

Right. This is seriously worth considering.

A chance to hear the truth about that night from 2 of the prime suspects, and an opportunity to put 1 other person in my debt.

‘It would be really wasteful to miss this.’

The calculator in my head started spinning rapidly.

“Contractor… Make your decision quickly. If you want to take on this mission, seizing the opportunity to participate now would be most advantageous.”

The baby dragon said this while waving its front paw once more. A sparkling magic wand appeared before my eyes.

“If you’re willing to fulfill my request, take this in your hand. This is the power I’ll lend you, so you just need to give commands. Well then…”

The baby dragon’s voice grew more and more distant.

Reality, which had become hazy for a moment, returned vividly.

I blinked my eyes. My vision, which had been blurred as if I’d fallen into a dizzy spell, became clear.

“…If this operation succeeds, even that infamous thief will be finished.”

The Chief of Imperial Security’s voice could be heard. They were still in the middle of their conversation. It seemed like not even a few seconds had passed.

‘Did I just see things and hear voices? Or did I doze off for a moment?’

I thought that for a moment, but…

As if to say that wasn’t the case, a magic wand was glowing before my eyes.

It was the power the baby dragon had promised to lend me.

‘It said I just need to take that in my hand.’

The sound of conversation continued beside me.

“You said the operation is perfect. But since he acts so mysteriously, the problem is how to lure him into Your Highnesses’ trap…”

“That is indeed the problem.”

Zikren frowned slightly.

“It’s about time for him to move again, so why is there no news? Looking at that guy’s behavior pattern, by now he should have already posted a notice somewhere.”

“There haven’t been any items that became the talk of society. It seems like we need to present some splendid treasure to get a bite.”

“Isn’t there some way to naturally throw out bait?”

“I’ve drafted several luring plans. Since you’re here, let me show you. There’s something like this, or there’s also this…”

The Chief of Imperial Security showed Zikren some documents.

One of those will be decided as the thief capture operation?

‘If I quickly butt in before the decision is made and make it mine, I could easily accomplish the mission.’

I could understand why the baby dragon told me to seize this timing.

‘A thief luring operation…’

A good idea just happened to come to mind.

I suddenly spoke up.

“There’s no need to think complicated – couldn’t you just use that?”

Both people turned around simultaneously.

“You were listening? I thought you weren’t interested.”

Zikren looked at me with a somewhat surprised face.

“But use what? Aristina, do you have some good idea?”

“I just suddenly thought of it watching you two worry…”

I gently began.

“I just started a department store business in partnership with the Imperial Court. I’ll need to open soon, so we could use that opportunity.”

“Hmm?”

Zikren and the Chief of Imperial Security’s expressions changed. They had ‘That sounds plausible?’ faces.

Although that department store business had only been used for other purposes, another opportunity to put it to good use has arisen.

“That’s right! Everyone will think Young Lady is going to promote this new business on a large scale! Meeting those expectations, we reveal a precious treasure along with the opening!”

“Exactly that. Under the pretext of attracting customers to the department store, if we display a treasure that will create buzz among the public? How about it? Wouldn’t that be perfect for tempting the thief?”

“Perfect!”

Zikren shouted.

“Why didn’t I think of that? Then we could set up a trap very naturally. Aristina, how did you think of this? I just brought you to show proof that my words weren’t lies. But there was an unexpected gain, wasn’t there?”

“Indeed.”

The Chief of Imperial Security smiled broadly and immediately adopted my proposal, writing ‘Young Lady Aristina’s Department Store’ on paper.

I finished selecting the location as I wanted in an instant? It’s simpler than I thought?

And…

‘I think I can select the date as I want too?’

My gaze turned to the Chief of Imperial Security’s desk.

On the desk, the materials he had been looking at until just now were spread wide open.

Items the thief had stolen so far, places he had infiltrated, witness testimonies… And crime notice letters.

My gaze stopped at that notice written on unique paper with special ink.

Couldn’t I make good use of that?

That thought occurred to me. I gained confidence.

‘Good. I’ll give it a try!’

I reached out toward the magic wand that was blinking before my eyes.

Pop.

With that small sound, the magic wand transformed into a tiny pattern and settled onto my wrist.

‘The power to modify the terror magic circle created by Aldensis and Zikren as I wish, completely undetected for 15 minutes.’

Though it probably wouldn’t be visible to others, I still pulled up my sleeve to cover my wrist more thoroughly.

‘Now, the die has been cast.’

Toward Zikren and the chief who were whispering in discussion, I declared.

“Since I know this kind of thing well, I’ll participate too now that it’s come to this. How about it, Chief? As a department store manager, I’ll prepare treasures and hold an exhibition to lure out the thief.”

“What?”

Both men were surprised. The Chief of Imperial Security’s face brightened.

“If you would do that, it would be perfect. Haha! To think the Young Lady would participate so actively and work together with us like this…”

It was a look that said he saw me in a new light.

“Aristina…”

Zikren looked at me as if he couldn’t believe it.

“You don’t like me. Yet you’re saying you’ll participate in this operation? That’s really surprising.”

“You misjudged me. Of course we can’t say our relationship is close, but I’m not a fool who would miss something important because of such personal feelings. For someone like me who goes crazy over treasures and luxury goods, that thief is really a headache. How dare he interfere with my hobby! I’ll cooperate with full effort in catching that guy.”

“Right. Right.”

Zikren nodded enthusiastically. The Chief of Imperial Security said with a smile.

“His Highness the Second Prince seems to welcome this wholeheartedly.”

“Of course, seeing a brave citizen of the Empire is always a pleasure. Thank you for offering to join us. I’m counting on you.”

Zikren said this with a grin.

It was a smile befitting His Highness the most popular Second Prince, who was handsome yet retained untainted innocence in a corner of his heart.

‘If he’s acting like this while having murdered Aristina, then he’s the worst kind of human.’

Having that thought must have made my face harden without me realizing it. The Chief of Imperial Security quickly said.

“Ah, you don’t need to worry at all about any potential danger. Don’t we have two transcendents here?”

“Right.”

Zikren arrogantly accepted those words.

“You just lend your name and step back. I’ll tell Father that you made a great contribution.”

Oh, is this the free ride I’ve only heard about? For me, who always held the steering wheel whether in group projects or part-time jobs, has a free ride opportunity finally come?

‘Not a chance.’

That smug prince was greatly mistaken about something.

‘That would be nice, but…’

I’m the one holding the steering wheel.

【Planning: Me】.

【Investment: Me】.

【Presentation: Me】.

It’s a maddening trinity. But…

【All rewards: Me】.

This makes it worth trying.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

I said while looking at Zikren.

If I succeed in this matter, I’ll be able to clearly reveal whether there really is a culprit among the brothers.

“I’m really looking forward to it.”

Grasping my dress hem with both hands and showing courtesy, I smiled brightly.

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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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