Chapter 59

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Chapter 59

‘In the end, I’ll be thrown away… I’m nothing compared to Miss Matilda.’

Because of me, Duke Icard obtained the Holy Relics easier and faster than the original novel. It would only be a matter of time before he takes control of the nobility. Only then should Princess Elanie be taken in, as the highest goal was right in front of his eyes.

‘But, he won’t keep me alive…’

Even though I was fully aware of that fact, I still felt a little discouraged. I really liked the position of Young Lady Icard, so I guess I gave away a piece of my heart before I knew it…

‘A piece of affection leaked out without my knowledge… I need to retrieve it quickly.’

I pitied myself and patted my shoulder.

‘Oh, poor me.’

Even if it was a portion as small as the size of a fingernail, I felt sorry for myself for giving away my heart. Because I originally tend to feel sorry for my little sadness, rather than for others’ bigger ones.

‘…No matter how much you try to stand out, you were more tender-hearted than I thought.’

Therefore, all I had to do from now on was to be thoroughly prepared.

It was time to solidify my initial commitment to ‘Plan A’ again.

“I finally got to meet you.”

I was so absorbed in my thoughts that I didn’t realize someone approached me. Surprised, I turned swiftly to look at the man sitting next to me.

“I was looking forward to a chance. It wasn’t empty words that I wanted to talk to you.”

Seymour smiled prettily at me with his dazzling face.

“Ah, is that so?”

I replied back coldly.

“I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”

Saying so, he gave me a condescending look. In front of him, my entire body was constrained as though I had done something wrong.

I felt like I had cheated on my homework and the teacher had caught me. If he asked me how I solved it, everything would be revealed.

“I’ll excuse myself first. I think my husband is looking for me.”

“Wait. Then, may I ask you one thing?”

What if he asked if I am his stalker? Although I was always right, now it was kind of different…

“I don’t really want to answer…”

“Laria.”

‘Oh? No matter how young I am, how can you call someone else’s wife, whose rank is higher, by her name so casually?’

“By any chance…”

Looking at me excitedly, he asked with a sweet, breathtaking, smile painted on his face. “Do you believe in fate?”

For a moment, silence surrounded us.

‘Oh, my God.’

I had just heard about black magic, and now, we’re talking about fate? What… was this a new heresy?

Does he want to find enlightenment, kinda thing…?

‘Wait a minute. Is the male lead part of some cult? I don’t think there was such a thing in the novel, though…’

Did he make some money out of it?

It was true that I would do everything for money, though I wouldn’t fall into any kind of cult for it.

“I’m sorry, Baron Letucia.”

I replied coldly. “I don’t believe in anything other than money.”

“As expected.”

Hearing my answer, Seymour’s eyes twinkled.

“I think we are destined to be.”

“…Pardon?”

“I also believe in money.”

That was a well-known fact…

“Laria.”

“It’s unpleasant if you call me that way.”

“Those who are close call each other by their name.”

Well, with that brassiness that he was able to seduce Princess Elanie. Even though everyone would be flustered if someone approached speaking casually their name.

While Elanie felt that side of Seymour refreshing enough and let it be.

It must have been because Princess Elanie had a lot of things since she was born. People of enough authority know very well that their value is not lowered by a mere title. So, naturally, when a person without anything gains authority, they would be more arrogant and make them pay the price for disrespect.

Of course, that also applied to me as well.

“Please refer to me properly. Everyone calls me ‘Miss’ Laria.”

“Very well, Miss Laria.”

He answered leisurely, undaunted by my seriousness.

“Have you ever read a book called [ Afternoon of Hanua ]?”

At his words, my heart sank deeply. However, I tried to remain calm as I mustered a reply. “I’m sorry, I’ve never heard of it before. I don’t have a hobby in reading.”

“So, do you know a guy named Kyle Dart Lavonis?”

“That, I don’t know.”

Seymour’s eyes narrowed.

“Well, let’s say so.”

He didn’t look like he really believed what I said. But, so what. Do you have anything? Do you have any proof?!

“I don’t mind taking a long way…”

He stared at me and smiled widely. “I have no doubt that Miss Laria is my destiny.”

‘Wh-what now?’

I wanted to doubt my ears.

His destiny, what…?

Your fated one is Princess Elanie!

“The trusted soulmate that I believed wouldn’t exist in this world.”

“…Um, Baron. What are you…”

He must be crazy!

What is he talking about right now?

My heart was pounding rapidly as if I had sinned, and I began to think, ‘This isn’t right.’ This is… the cliché of the male lead falling in love with the possessed character, instead of falling for the heroine…?

‘Still, all of a sudden, without any context?’

“I am married!”

“Of course, Lord Evan probably wouldn’t mind it. I understand. But, why don’t we keep this relationship strictly confidential?”

Serena was right. I heard that aristocrats who used to get married when they were young think of affairs as nothing.

…Wait, in the original story, he has an affair with the princess, right?

I was trying to take the male lead role and now, I took the female lead role. Furthermore, he’s trying to act as a black courting…

At this rate, it looks like I’m taking everything?

“We already share a love that Prince Evan will never understand.”

“…Pardon? We share what? Love? Don’t be ridiculous.”

“You already told me, didn’t you?”

As I asked, dumbfounded, Seymour blinked. “You said you believe in money. Of course, we share the love for money.”

“…What?”

‘Huh?’

I stiffened at an instant.

“It’s like we’re in sync. Our vision, our goals… So—”

Saying that, he stared at me eagerly before finishing his words. “Would you like to become my business partner?”

“Business… partners?”

I carefully repeated his words.

Not treating me like a stalker, not suggesting a love affair because I’m his fated one. But… what he meant was to ask me if I would be his business partner…?

“I try a lot of things, but most of the time, I’m not sure about what I do.”

Ah, no? Everything you touch turns into gold.

“But, if I talk properly with you and discuss it, I think we can invest.”

I was embarrassed by myself for being mistaken for a moment. Well, in my defense, it is a universal mistake to misunderstand when someone says things like ‘destiny’ or ‘soul mates.’

‘Seymour is a total capitalist monster, I was wrong.’

For him, any grand formula depends on money, not on love.

“What do you think? Do you want to join hands with me?”

“Uhm.”

Thinking of an answer, I glanced away for a moment.

“For example…?”

“As I said, I’ve been interested in jewelry lately.”

“…Yes.”

“The foundation festival is coming. Miss Laria, at this point, which jewel would you like to invest in?”

Of course, I knew the answer.

“Ruby.”

“Why? Princess Elanie wears an emerald necklace every time she goes abroad.”

It was a well-known fact that Elanie liked emeralds.

When she appeared with emeralds matching her ornaments in the founding festival, the price of the jewel would skyrocket in an instant. Therefore, most jewelers thought it was a guaranteed investment as the founding festival approached.

“I don’t know. Though emeralds are used as a tool for magic stones.”

I spoke calmly.

“Now that the situation in the Riva Kingdom is not serious, the anxiety in the border area will probably rise, the insecurity will increase, and the demand for magical stones will explode.”

“Mmh…”

“I’m sure Princess Elanie isn’t unaware of it, and she’s a brilliant person, so she’ll definitely wear other jewels besides emeralds this time.”

“Although, how can you guarantee that she’ll wear a ruby?”

“Because there are many production areas in the empire, so that way we can boost the demand.”

Seymour’s eyes sparkled at my fluent explanations.

“As long as she doesn’t wear some jewelry that everyone dislikes, chances are that, in one way or another, she will beneficially influence the Empire. Even if these predictions are wrong…”

I concluded calmly.

“Emerald was already an investment that others expect, so it’s not very smart to jump at it.”

“As expected…”

As I finished my words, he nodded and laughed ecstatically.

“You and I think alike.”

Of course. Because this was your opinion.

Seymour continued, gazing at me in admiration. “In addition, Ruby always has real demand, so it’s a good price defense. It’s worth the adventure.”

He didn’t hesitate, as if he had already figured out the answer.

“Well, that’s right. That’s what I think.”

I nodded my head in agreement, and he smiled brightly.

“Why don’t we discuss it slowly and pile up money one by one? It would be better than taking chances alone.”

I was deep in thought.

It wasn’t a bad idea.

Wouldn’t it be better to stand next to each other and share the results proudly, rather than copying Seymour and avoiding it for fear of getting caught?

So, that way, I can do it proudly.

“Of course, Princess Icard cannot run out of money, but…”

“What do you mean? You don’t have a basic attitude towards money.”

“It was just empty words. There is no such thing as ‘enough’ when it comes to Capital.”

He spoke quickly and gazed at me as if he liked me even more.

“If it’s Miss Laria, I think I can tell you my truth. To be honest, these days… people only seem to like my money…”

His words continued smoothly.

“It’s very rewarding. I wonder if I have earned that much.”

“What…?”

At that, I unconsciously spoke rudely.

“What does that much money mean? It only means joy, happiness, love, and joy.”

“I see.”

He chuckled.

“I heard the calling of my soul. So, how about working together as a business partner?”

I was just thinking of saving more money without losing my initial goal, so I nodded slowly.

“I will accept the offer.”

Besides, it wasn’t good to rely too much on the Bestian Information Guild. They say not to put all your eggs in one’s basket.

[ T/N: Slang means you shouldn’t put all your sources in one area because you can lose all your efforts at once. ]

After all, I’m not free to move, so the more allies, the merrier. And, if my partner is Seymour, I’ll get all the male lead’s buff as well!

‘If it’s about money, I’m going to work really hard on my feet. Maybe I’ll just say a few words and let him do the rest.’ It’s like being in a group with a great and capable leader full of enthusiasm and ability. Even here, my role was to simply answer, ‘Yes, I think so, too.’

Perhaps it would be more efficient than the Bestian Information Guild, which I had to instruct one by one.

“In exchange, I’ll like it if this is something that only the two of us knew about.”

“Of course, you want to keep it a secret from Lord Evan. It could be a nuisance to the Duke of Icard.”

“That’s right. I don’t want to be exposed. I want you to keep the secret no matter what.”

“I understand.”

Seymour stretched out his hand and smiled brightly.

“I am looking forward to working with you.”

At the same time, I grabbed his hand and smiled for the first time since we started talking.

“Likewise.”

That’s how I was able to proudly share the male lead’s share.

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