Volume 3, Act 28: The Deceiver and the Deceived Part 01
After finishing her meal, Cordelia returned to her room to prepare to go to the Alcott mansion.
In less than half an hour, she left the mansion with Emina and headed towards the Alcott mansion.
Cyrus gave her the deep crimson diary before shed left. Of course, it was boorish to read others diaries, so she suppressed her curiosity and wrapped it in a cloth topped with a ribbon. She was sure that this would prevent her from seeing the contents when it dropped. That was important.
She might have seemed absurd, but she wanted to eliminate any chances of that happening.
Cordelia firmly held the diary as she sat in the carriage and she noticed a glanced from in front of her.
Whats wrong Emina?
Ojou-sama. If something does happen, then please prioritise your safety first.
Its rare for you to say something like that Emina.
Im sorry if Ive offended you.
You didnt. Youre saying that because youre worried about me, right?
Cordelia just simply said what she felt, but she thought that her way of speaking could have been perceived as her talking down to Emina, so she quickly explained. But, it was indeed rare. Emina wasnt the type of person to speak freely.
Are you worried about something?
No. But I dont have a good feeling about this.
Yeah. I dont think anything good is waiting for us.
At least, the desired result wouldnt be achieved if this was a fraud case. However, she never thought that Emina would say something so obvious to her, since she had watched Cordelia grow up.
( Did she hear something from Onii-sama?)
If Cyrus, Christinas host, had ordered Emina, then it wouldnt be strange for her to receive instructions from him. He had also warned Cordelia vaguely about the matter, but he didnt give her any information directly. She presumed that he had also done the same thing to Emina.
Okay. Thanks, Emina.
She was only spectating, he should have explained what he could to Emina.
(If Emina does know something, then shell give me some kind of signal. My job is not to miss it.)
Cordelia believed that and decided that she would observe Emina carefully. But, at the same time, she also reflected on that fact that she got Emina involved in that mess.
(I really have to do my best to thank her.)
I feel awful that she still hasnt taken her holiday for the Founding Festival, and now shes being involved in something that requires caution.
The carriage stopped slowly as Cordelia thought that. They had arrived at the Alcott mansion.
???????
Cordelia and Emina got off the carriage and were guided to the parlour by a servant.
Good morning, sister-in-law.
Good morning, Cordelia-sama and Emina-san.
Christina appeared not long after them, and her maid followed behind her.
Her maid was pushing a cart with tea and bite-sized cheese tarts.
( I can eat some calories if were going to walk later. The tarts arent that big If I exercise a little when I get home, then itll be fine.)
She had eaten enough at breakfast, but she couldnt refuse because the cheese tarts were small and Christina also urged her to eat in a charming voice, Please have some. She put the cheese tarts into her mouth and the rich taste of cheese and raspberry burst in her mouth.
She was in an excellent mood.
Do you like it?
Yes, its very delicious.
Im glad.
Christina laughed happily.
Ill go over the plans for today again Theres another store that I want to visit apart from the stores I told you about yesterday.
Another store?
Yes. We dont have time to waste but
Of course, I have no problems with this if you want to go. Which store did you want to visit?
Christina probably wouldnt overdo it with her request, but Cordelia had no idea where she wanted to go and tilted her head in curiosity.
The sweets yesterday were very delicious, so I also want to give some to Cyrus-sama He also likes sweets, so if he would forget about work for an hour then-
Huh? Onii-sama likes sweets?
Oh my, he eats it a lot, doesnt he?
Eh? Yes, so he does.
However, the conversation ended there.
Oh my, its almost time to leave.
Cordelia agreed with Christina, who had looked at the clock. Thank god, she thought. On the other hand, Christina looked like she regretted it a little as she took the diary to her room.
When Christina returned, she smiled.
Im sorry for keeping you waiting.
Its fine; shall we leave?
Yes. Ill write my reply when we get back.
The diary isnt going anywhere.
Cordelia joked a little, and Christina laughed.
When Im with you, I dont know which one of us is older.
Oh my, its obvious if you look in the mirror, right? Im proud to have Christina-sama as my sister-in-law.
Cordelia said, and Christinas face turned red again.
Then, they visited two stores by noon.
The first store was gorgeous. The owner had studied abroad and actively adapted new styles in his store. The second store was a very traditional store and was linked to the clothing museum next door.
Christina was extremely interested in the clothing museum, but they left after shed said she would visit again.
And, as theyd confirmed earlier, the two stores didnt sell flora silk and Christina didnt find anything suspicious about the two stores.
They had lunch and headed towards the last store when Cordelia heard an unexpected voice.
Huh? Arent you the young ladies from yesterday?
When Cordelia turned around, she saw the man from the store, which sold fake flora silk, from yesterday. He approached Christina and continued speaking with a grand gesture.
This is such a coincidence! The weathers perfect today so its perfect for going out.
Yes, it is.
Cordelia took half a step backwards in response to Christina. Her face said that she didnt want to meet him today if possible. Christina also seemed to be thinking the same thing, and she looked a little hesitant. However, the man didnt seem to notice it.
The man showed interest in the store that Cordelia and Christina were about to enter.
Youre visiting this store today?
Yes. Father allowed me to get a well-tailored dress, but he wanted me to visit various stores before deciding.
If you want a nice and cheap dress then you have to get it done at my store. Look, for the price of a dress at another store, I could also make your sisters dress too.
The man didnt stop even though Christina had evaded him well.
(Were in front of another store, you know?)
She wanted to tell him to stop, but if she were to be too blunt, then it might hinder future investigations.
(I wish he thought about where he was.)
Cordelia held back her sigh, and pulled on Christinas sleeve while tilting her head a little.
Sister-in-law, we shouldnt discuss business on the streets, right?
Yes, youre right.
Cordelia acted a bit childish, and Christina noticed her intention. The man was startled.
Oh, yes. Im sorry. Then please come to our shop again. The wholesaler will be coming today.
Wholesaler?
Cordelia and Christina were both surprised by that word.
Will you be discussing new fabric?
Yes, we will. If you decide right now, you might be able to get special flora silk?
Cordelia also spoke at the man who was brimming with confidence.
Sister-in-law wants to decide on the colour, so she cant agree without seeing it.
Then, do you want to see it? You cant decide on the colour without seeing it, right?
Cordelia looked up at Christina after the man spoke. Its worth going. If it comes to it, then we can leave by saying that you dont like that colour, so we have to go.
Then Ill go see it.
Christina said gently, and Cordelia nodded when Christina looked at her.
Translator: Blushy
Editor: SenjiQ