The Villainess is a Millionaire Solver - Chapter 66

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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 66

 

After being lost in thought for a moment, I came to my senses.

 

“Is there anything else you’d like to know?”

 

The tavern owner was staring at me, waiting.

 

“No, that’s enough.”

 

I handed him the promissory note I had been holding suspended in the air.

 

“Thank you!”

 

The tavern owner was so grateful his eyes even welled up with tears.

 

When I returned to where the people were, the wheel inspection was already finished.

 

“Please get back in, Young Lady. We’ll take you safely and comfortably to that intersection from last time.”

 

“Alright.”

 

I sank deep into the plush seat. The carriage began racing toward the ducal mansion again.

 

I should stop thinking about other things and focus on my own business.

 

Among my various thoughts, I recalled what Prince Istan’s attendants had said earlier.

 

“They said that woman is almost ready. She mentioned she still has things to prepare…”

 

What could Eunice be preparing?

 

I had a feeling I’d find out once I returned to the ducal mansion.

 

Sure enough.

 

“Duke has instructed that you come to his study as soon as you arrive, Young Lady.”

 

The Head Butler said this as soon as he saw me.

 

“Oh, really?”

 

I immediately headed to the study. Indeed, Duke Carnel was waiting for me.

 

“You’re just arriving now?”

 

Eunice asked me in a respectful tone from beside him.

 

“Young Lady, where did you go today?”

 

I answered.

 

“Oh, I just went to look at some ships and did some preparation for the heir examination.”

 

How foolish. What help could observing ships possibly be?

 

Eunice probably thought that to herself, but without showing any such expression, she looked at Duke Carnel.

 

“Young Lady is really working hard. This time is definitely different. With such confidence, she probably won’t object to ‘that plan.'”

 

“Mm.”

 

Duke Carnel nodded. I asked him.

 

“What plan?”

 

“Eunice made this analysis. There were various reasons why you failed the heir qualification exam three years ago… But especially, it might be because you never successfully hosted a single social event under your name.”

 

“Yes, that’s right.”

 

Eunice picked up where he left off.

 

“I thoroughly investigated the family’s old records, and one of our ancestors, ‘Andrea Caes Rosen,’ also failed the qualification exam and was pushed out of the succession competition. But after successfully hosting a ball under his name and challenging again, he passed immediately.”

 

She handed me some documents as she spoke.

 

“A ball is the flower of social events. If you show that you can magnificently host a grand event along with all the achievements you’ve accomplished so far, the ancestral spirits will be even more pleased. Therefore, as chief aide, I propose this: Let’s arrange a grand ball, invite as many observers as possible, and take the exam at that venue.”

 

So she’s planning to crush me so thoroughly that I can never recover.

 

“Excellent.”

 

I smiled brightly.

 

“I don’t think my achievements so far are lacking, but if the ancestors would be even more pleased, then naturally we should add a ball as well.”

 

“I also think that the more people who see you pass the exam, the more we can wash away that terrible shame from the past.”

 

Duke Carnel said this while reaching for a box on his desk.

 

“You haven’t forgotten, have you? That you must wear this necklace around your neck that day.”

 

When he opened the box lid, a dazzling radiance spread out.

 

A necklace with a large ruby crafted in the shape of a rose, flaunting its brilliant presence. It was the ‘Heart of the Rose,’ one of the founding lord’s heirlooms.

 

“This is proof that the ancestral spirits are with us, so you must handle it reverently as if facing the ancestors themselves. You should also pay your respects.”

 

“Yes, Father.”

 

I extended both hands to receive the box the Duke handed me. I was acting calm, but actually I was a bit nervous inside.

 

‘It would be troublesome if the ancestors’ souls really are dwelling in this.’

 

The moment the box settled heavily into my tense hands, it twitched.

 

‘There really are souls in here!’

 

The chills were brief. This thought suddenly occurred to me.

 

‘Wait a minute. When I think about it, there’s nothing for me to be intimidated about, right? I’ve died too. They and I are the same.’

 

In terms of experience, I’m not really losing out.

 

I suddenly gained confidence. In a battle of wills, the person who comes out strong first always wins. I gripped the box tightly and declared.

 

‘Now is not the time for this. Think carefully.’

 

And I quickly added.

 

‘I’m also someone who was dragged here without knowing why and am struggling to survive. Right now I’m finding my way to live while simultaneously saving your precious Duke Carnel. And I’m preventing that fox who cut out the duchess’s portrait from taking over the family. Cooperate for now, and let’s discuss other issues later. Okay?’

 

The box seemed to quiet down.

 

“…?”

 

Duke Carnel looked at me.

 

“Why are you just holding it still? Did you feel some special reaction?”

 

“Oh, no. Not particularly?”

 

I gripped the box even tighter. As if I might crush it with my grip strength.

 

“It’s just quiet.”

 

“Mm.”

 

The Duke nodded.

 

“Three years ago, as soon as you paid respects to this ‘Heart of the Rose,’ a cold wind blew and the ancestors’ portraits fell by themselves. This time is somewhat different. Perhaps what I saw that night wasn’t an illusion…”

 

“What did you see?”

 

“Just something like that.”

 

He immediately changed the subject.

 

“Anyway, hurry up and send out invitations so many people will gather.”

 

“Yes, Father.”

 

I answered respectfully, returned the box, and left the Duke’s study.

 

When I went up to the 4th floor, my space, maids were sprawled out here and there. They were startled to see me and stood up.

 

“Oh, Young Lady! We’re sorry!”

 

“No, no.”

 

I waved my hand to make them sit back down, feeling secretly pleased.

 

Recently I’d been busy going to meet Ruellian alone, so there was nothing for me to assign the maids. So they all seemed to have relaxed. This was the first time I’d seen them like this.

 

‘How nice.’

 

A workplace should have some comfortable, easy moments to make you want to stay long-term. This was a very good sign for my survival. I said to them generously.

 

“Keep resting. Starting tomorrow we’ll be frantically busy preparing for my heir qualification exam.”

 

“Um, excuse me…”

 

Mia, in charge of clothing, said hesitantly.

 

“The preparations are already finished.”

 

“What?”

 

“Here they are!”

 

The maids pulled down a large scroll hanging from the ceiling.

 

As the paper unrolled, detailed drawings rivaling military operations appeared. Dresses, hair, jewelry, shoes, accessories, etc. – options 1, 2, 3, 4…

 

My mouth fell open at this tremendous plan.

 

“When did you prepare all this?”

 

The maids looked at each other.

 

“Since we heard you’d be taking the qualification exam. You’ll definitely succeed this time! We believe it without a doubt!”

 

“That’s right! The time has come to show everyone that this time is different from three years ago!”

 

“Everyone’s attention will be focused on you, Young Lady! So we absolutely cannot overlook even the smallest detail!”

 

“You must become the most radiant figure in all of high society that day!”

 

They all spoke eagerly.

 

“….”

 

I was momentarily at a loss for words.

 

They hadn’t been lounging around being lazy because I wasn’t there. They had collapsed from exhaustion after using up all their energy.

 

When will these terrifying maids ever let their guard down and relax?

 

While it was very desirable that the fact that they benefit when I do well was ingrained in their minds, they still shouldn’t work themselves to exhaustion.

 

The tired-looking maids seemed to urgently need sugar replenishment.

 

“Good. So the decorations are all done….”

 

I casually asked.

 

“What about the desserts for the banquet? That’s very important too. Are the desserts being prepared well?”

 

“Yes, of course! I heard they’re paying great attention to the banquet food by the Duke’s special orders.”

 

“Really? I find that hard to believe.”

 

I immediately called the butler and said I would review samples of the desserts to be placed in the party hall.

 

A moment later.

 

Tea foods baked in the kitchen arrived by type. The butter aroma was luxurious and expensive fruits were used generously, showing at a glance that real care had been taken.

 

“How is it?”

 

At the butler’s cautious question, I silently frowned.

 

“My appetite has been inconsistent lately, so I’m not sure. Could you all taste them and respond to my survey?”

 

Who would dare refuse my orders?

 

“Understood!”

 

The maids immediately sat in a circle and began tasting the desserts, giving scores from 1 to 5 points for evaluation.

 

‘Hehehe. They fell for it. Forced sugar charging.’

 

They had no idea of my scheme.

 

Hiding the wicked smile that appeared on my lips, watching the maids munching on the tea foods brought peace to my heart.

 

‘The atmosphere is nice, so shall I try the next step?’

 

I recalled the scene of the young lady and maids I encountered in the park. How they had an intimate conversation about cat toe eczema.

 

‘Animals are definitely the safest topic. Even prickly people tend to soften a bit when you show interest in the animals they keep at home.’

 

With that thought, I looked around at the maids.

 

“By the way, I’m planning a new business venture. Do any of you happen to keep dogs or cats?”

 

No one answered.

 

I never expected that none of them would keep pets.

 

“What about squirrels or weasels? Even spiders….”

 

“….”

 

I should have just been satisfied with the forced tea time. I was regretting being greedy when Hanna, the only mother among them, smiled brightly and spoke up.

 

“I can’t keep any, but the kitchen cat had kittens, so I’ve been checking on them morning and evening lately.”

 

“Ah! They told me to take one home too!”

 

Another maid said, and the topic naturally shifted to the kitchen kittens.

 

I couldn’t miss this atmosphere.

 

I casually broached the subject.

 

“Then shall we go take a look sometime?”

 

“Would you like to? They say animals like handsome men and beautiful women too.”

 

Animals really were the best. The conversation continued without interruption. It even expanded to other topics.

 

“I think this mini cake with chocolate tastes best to me. But since they’re all sweet varieties, I think it would be nice to add something refreshing. For example, like the lemon cake sold at Ashley’s shop.”

 

“That’s right! The honey lemon cupcakes. They’re really delicious.”

 

I perked up my ears at the maids’ words.

 

“Ashley, you mean the one in charge of my shoes? Does her family run a bakery?”

 

“Yes. She’s off duty today helping her mother with work. Business is going very well.”

 

“Oh, really?”

 

This was information not in the employment documents.

 

‘Ashley was taciturn and flawless, making her hard to approach. I should find out if her mother has any difficulties with the business.’

 

It was a rewarding time having intimate conversations and gathering information.

 

I wanted to extend the tea time until evening, but as soon as the taste evaluation ended, the maids quickly submitted it and got up to work again.

 

“Don’t you all get off work?”

 

“We need to prepare the ball invitations now! Didn’t the Duke say to invite as many guests as possible?”

 

“If we don’t prepare diligently, we’ll be late! We’ll bring all the cards from the Duke’s supply room!”

 

They were right.

 

As Eunice wanted, I had to gather as many people as possible for the historic moment of her downfall.

 

‘These disgustingly diligent maids. Once we finish this, I’ll have to teach them a lesson with forced vacation.’

 

With that thought, I sent out invitations to all the celebrities of the Imperial social circle.

 

Soon replies began arriving one after another.

 

But….

 

“Thank you, but I have a prior engagement that day….”

 

“Due to a schedule that was set three months in advance, I regrettably….”

 

“Although I cannot attend, I will send flowers instead….”

 

Every single reply was declining the invitation.

 

“Everyone refusing, how can this be!”

 

Even Eunice couldn’t hide her bewilderment, as if she hadn’t expected this.

 

“Why on earth?”

 

Duke Carnel’s cheek trembled.

 

“Even so, this is the successor test ball for the Rosen noble, yet not a single attendee. Does this make sense?”

 

“Well….”

 

The head butler hesitantly presented a paper.

 

“I’ll honestly report what I found out. Opinions like ‘There seems to be a high probability of getting slapped, having hair pulled, or clothes torn,’ ‘People who witness the test failure scene will probably disappear without a trace from this world,’ ‘Since it’s her first party with her name on it, we hope it fails’ have united everyone in a mood of refusal.”

 

“What?”

 

The Duke’s face hardened coldly.

 

“While I can’t say I don’t understand their feelings, how dare they refuse an invitation to the Rosen noble’s ball? Since it’s come to this, let’s show them what’s what!”

 

I asked in shock.

 

“How?”

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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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