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Chapter 64
Of course, this world had nothing like stocks.
Or did it?
Since money circulated in the market, there had to be economic activity and investment of some sort.
But if one were to seriously consider whether Finn could have made money through such means, the likelihood was very slim.
Still… there’s something suspicious about him.
He had earned the trust of Sub-Tower Master Jerome, appeared suddenly at crucial moments, and even had the wealth to purchase a dress like this.
Quite the presence for a supposed extra.
Returning to her room, Elizia put on the dress and stood before the mirror. Perhaps because it had been made at the atelier she usually frequented, it suited her astonishingly well. Rather than playful or lively, the gown exuded noble charisma and an air of mystery.
Though the fabric was soft and ethereal, the gleam of the gemstones set throughout combined with the refined silhouette in perfect harmony. Despite its beauty, the dress carried a secretive aura that warned against underestimation. In some ways, it reminded her of Finn himself.
I’ll have to keep watching him.
To see what kind of person he was. What kind of intentions he carried.
At least I got permission to attend—that much is a relief.
To think she’d been allowed to join the banquet at all. All that arguing and running around must have helped somehow. As Elizia let out a sigh—
“My lady, another letter and gift have arrived outside…”
A maid peeked in through the door. Elizia blinked in surprise.
“Another one?”
She had just caused a fuss over the dress, and now something else was waiting for her?
The maid, looking uneasy at Elizia’s expression, added in a small voice:
“His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince and the Saint each sent a letter and a gift.”
“…!”
“But if you don’t hurry, the Duke or young master might see them first…”
“I’ll be right there!”
Elizia bolted before the maid could even finish speaking. She dashed down the stairs at lightning speed, across the hall—and then froze.
I’m really running in a brand-new gown?
Only when she saw the startled expressions of the servants did she realize. Despite the gown’s many ornaments, it made no clinking noise as she ran. Her shoulders and legs moved freely, and despite being a skirt, it didn’t feel like she would trip or stumble at all.
Had someone enchanted it?
However it was made, it was surprisingly easy to move in.
…Honestly, I could fight in this if I had to.
Even if a monster appeared in the palace while she wore this dress, she felt she’d have no problem taking it on. That alone made her love it all the more.
Just then—
“You. What’s with that dress?”
Elizia, on her way to claim the letters, was stopped in her tracks by a nuisance who appeared in the corridor.
Howell.
He must have been out when she had her earlier squabble with the Duke. He was staring at her gown with a faintly shocked expression.
“Did Father buy you a new one? No, that can’t be. He opposed your attendance, so it’s impossible. Don’t tell me the dress you claimed was a gift is…?”
His eyes sharpened at once.
Sharp one, aren’t you.
He could have assumed it was one of her existing gowns, but this one stood out far too much. It was unique, undeniably beautiful, and eye-catching. Howell muttered under his breath.
“Running in a new gown—what are you thinking… Then again, you did the same thing at the palace banquet.”
Muttering to himself as if convincing his own logic, Howell finally nodded. Then he asked seriously:
“Between that dress and the one before—do you like this one more?”
“Hm? I don’t know.”
Why even compare them?
Honestly, they’re both so pretty it’s impossible to choose.
Unless Howell and the Duke favored the previous dress because it was bought under the ducal name. Pride was everything to this household, after all. Elizia replied offhandedly:
“This one’s easier to run in.”
Howell gave her an exasperated look.
“Dresses aren’t made for running! No—more importantly, how can you be running around already after being poisoned?”
“As you can see, I’m fine.”
Elizia shrugged.
She appreciated his concern, but she didn’t have time to linger.
I’d better shake him off quickly.
If she wasted time bickering with Howell, he’d surely snatch away the letters and gifts. And these weren’t ordinary gifts—they came from the Saint and the Crown Prince. Missing the chance to check them would be a huge loss.
“Well then, if that’s all you wanted to say, I’ll be going now!”
Elizia waved, ready to dash again—but Howell quickly shot another question.
“You’re not about to go check those letters that just arrived, are you?”
“…!”
How did he know?
Too perceptive! Better to just run.
Tap-tap-tap!
“Hey! Stop right there!”
As if I would!
Elizia ignored him and sprinted. Now that she’d been caught, speed was everything. She reached the mansion’s entrance and beamed at the servant holding the bundle.
“I heard you’ve got letters and gifts for me. Hand them over, quickly.”
“Ah, well…”
“Wait! Don’t give them to her just yet!”
Howell’s voice rang out from afar. The servant, holding the letters, looked torn, glancing between Howell in the distance and Elizia right in front of him. Elizia pressed urgently:
“They’re from His Highness the Crown Prince and the Saint. You know how high-ranking they are, don’t you? Failing to deliver their words could become a serious issue.”
“Well, yes, but…”
“They’re addressed to me. Why wouldn’t you give them to me?”
“N-no, of course. I’ll hand them over.”
Just as the servant cautiously extended the letters, Howell arrived, snapping sharply:
“Wait! You can’t just grab things like that! You have to be careful with anything from outside!”
“…?”
What’s he going on about now?
Seeing her confused look, Howell sighed.
“Granted, no lunatic would dare impersonate the Crown or the Church… But there has already been someone crazy enough to attempt poisoning inside the ducal house. It doesn’t hurt to be cautious.”
Meaning—
Could there be a terrorist who hid poison or a bomb inside the letters or gifts?
That hadn’t crossed her mind. While Elizia pondered it, Howell turned to the servant.
“You inspected them properly, right?”
“Eh? Oh, yes. Doesn’t seem to be any poison. No curses either.”
“See? It’s fine. Hand them to me, I’ll take care of it.”
Elizia stretched her hand out.
Of course, one had to be wary of outside tricks. But right now, receiving the letters wouldn’t be a problem—for Elizia.
Even if someone had tampered with them, she would hardly be harmed.
With that thought, she snatched the letters. Luckily—or naturally—no poison alerts went off. She said lightly:
“See? Since they’ve been checked, there’s no issue with me taking them.”
“Well, I suppose, but—”
“Then I’ll be going with these, alright?”
Better grab them before anyone changed their mind. Elizia collected all the letters and gifts. Now that she looked, they weren’t only from the Saint and the Crown Prince, but from other noble houses as well.
Shall I go upstairs and read them?
Elizia stared at the pile of envelopes.
“I didn’t expect to get this many letters.”
Perfect. She grinned.
“On MyTube, people do birthday presents and shopping unboxings, right? I’ll film something like that too!”
Yes, the video would be titled: “Villainess Reads Her Mail ~ What Kind of Letters Does a Duke’s Daughter Get?”
The subtitle could be something like: “Wow, not a single letter with any soul! Do I seriously have no friends?”
Because so far, the letters she’d opened really had no soul. They all read: “I heard you were ill, Lady Semperion. I pray for your swift recovery.” Over and over again in slightly varied wording.
“Well, at least they bothered to send something…”
The next one she opened—
“Oh? It’s from the Crown Prince.”
For once, he’d actually written to her. And even sent a gift. Truthfully, this was the main event. She was curious what he’d written.
Elizia unwrapped the present first. A small, elegant green box.
“…Huh?”
Her eyes widened at the contents.
“Isn’t this expensive?”
Inside lay a golden hairpin, intricately wrought, gleaming bright. At its center was set a deep red ruby. Clearly not an ordinary trinket.
Elizia unfolded the prince’s letter. The thick pale-green envelope revealed neat handwriting.
To Elli.
I heard you were unwell. I’m sorry I couldn’t visit in person. There’s been much work to handle…
“Elaborate excuses for not coming.”
In the original story, he had rushed over immediately when Prillien fell ill. Yet here she was, practically on her deathbed, and he offered only a half-hearted apology. Elizia scowled and read on.
I don’t know if you’ve heard, but there will soon be a banquet at the palace.
If you hear that I’ve partnered with the Saint, I hope you won’t be too shocked, Elli.
As expected, just like the original story—Leonard was to be Prillien’s partner.
He must have thought that news would wound Elizia deeply, to write such a lengthy letter.
…Elli.
Even if I didn’t choose you as my partner…
That doesn’t mean you’re distant from my heart.
I trust you’ll understand that much. You know, don’t you?
“Mm, nope. Don’t know. And don’t care. Try saying that with even fifty percent sincerity.”
Distant from his heart? As if she had ever been close. There wasn’t any farther distance to go.
Crown Prince, you only wrote that out of courtesy, didn’t you? I already know everything.
Elizia flipped the page with a bored shrug.
