Chapter 844
Chapter 844
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 844
Chapter Title: The Tyrant for You
-----------------------------------------------------------------
“The items you requested?”
“Yes. Yes. I’ve brought the dresses and jewelry you asked for, along with all the other items.”
Linda sensed something off. Vermere didn’t look like someone here to collect a debt, no matter how you sliced it. Instead, he was having his servant deliver gifts to Leila.
“I couldn’t very well show up empty-handed, so I brought these gifts.”
“What are they?”
“The finest chocolates made by Chef Nunu. They’re all the rage in the west right now. I’m sure Lady Valentine will be pleased.”
“I’ll gladly accept them. As for payment for these items… put it on our tab.”
“Of course. I’ll do that.”
Vermere’s gaze shifted to the side. His eyes met Linda’s. He smiled and spoke.
“You must be Linda Valentine. I’ve heard the stories. Making your debutante this time, are you? Indeed. You’re Lady Leila’s sister. Such striking beauty. With looks like yours, Linda, your debut will go off without a hitch.”
“Pleased to meet you, Viscount Skullog.”
After some light conversation, they ended up sharing a meal. Vermere didn’t even pull out his ledger. He ignored Count Valentine entirely, only paying attention to Leila and Linda’s reactions.
Linda bided her time for a chance to speak with Vermere alone. It was odd how he was approaching her so amicably, unlike in the original story, but this was perfect for carrying out her plan.
“Viscount Vermere. Could you spare me fifteen minutes alone?”
“Fifteen minutes? Of course. Is there something wrong with the dress I brought?”
“No, I love it. More than I deserve, even.”
“Haha. It’s a masterpiece crafted over three months by a renowned dwarf designer. I’m glad it suits you.”
“Three months? It must have cost a fortune.”
“We’ve already settled the payment details with Lady Leila, so don’t worry about it, Linda.”
They spoke privately. Leila had left for the imperial palace in a rush right after the meal.
The Valentine territory was close to the capital, so she was summoned there often. Linda later learned the reason from a maid: Leila seemed to share a considerable bond with Ernst Raist, the emperor’s fiancée.
‘Birds of a feather, I guess.’
Linda brushed it off. This world had already diverged from the original novel. Obsessing over every little reason would just give her a headache. She didn’t even know why Vermere was being so kind right now.
“Viscount Vermere. I have a great business idea. Would you invest in it?”
It was a bit rude. But Vermere didn’t show even a hint of anger. Linda, who had been bracing herself, felt deflated.
“Ho ho. A business, you say? Let’s hear it.”
“You know about the coffee trees in the west? Have you heard of coffee?”
“Some people there drink it instead of black tea.”
“I want to open a café using coffee.”
Linda stated it confidently. She began persuading Vermere with her modern knowledge. The promised fifteen minutes stretched to thirty, then a full hour.
Vermere looked at Linda with genuine admiration.
“...Impressive. Very detailed. I had no idea coffee had so many recipes. My instincts tell me this will make money! The empire has grown wealthy conquering two kingdoms lately! Cafés will bring joy to the enriched citizens and rake in the profits!”
“There are a few issues, though…”
Linda smiled faintly. She wanted to whoop for joy and run laps around the room.
“Don’t worry about that. I’ll handle it. That said… I can’t offer a large advance.”
“I know. It’s my idea, but without your help, Viscount Vermere, it’s impossible.”
“You’re not disappointed.”
“I have other ideas besides the café.”
“Care to share what they are?”
“It’s a secret. Why would I tell you?”
“Haha… I’ll have to get closer to you, my lady.”
Once Vermere left, Linda let out a triumphant yell. Things were going smoothly.
???
Three weeks flew by.
Linda had been incredibly busy. Grooming her appearance, learning etiquette, planning businesses. She’d even grown fond of Vermere from their frequent meetings.
And she was newly impressed by his capabilities. In just a week, he’d opened cafés—not one, but five. Three in the capital alone, all exploding in popularity.
“How do I look, sis? Not bad, right?”
Linda stood naked before Leila. She’d felt repulsed at first, but now it didn’t faze her.
Her skin glowed with vitality, her breasts swelled nicely to an E-cup. Even her intimate area was neatly groomed.
“Perfect. Stay calm, Linda. Remember what I said. Always stay calm.”
“Got it, sis. I’ll nail this debutante.”
“……”
Leila looked at her sister with complicated eyes, then nodded.
Linda brimmed with confidence. She’d won Vermere as an ally and was steadily paying off the family debts. If she could charm the emperor too… the original heroine’s tragic end wouldn’t befall her.
With Leila and the maids’ help, Linda donned provocative white panties, a garter belt, and a flashy light green dress. Once her hair and makeup were done, she rivaled Leila in beauty. Linda smiled at the mirror—a fresh, innocent smile she’d practiced dozens of times a day. She could’ve fallen for herself.
“Linda. There’s something you must remember.”
“Yeah? What?”
“...Never cross Duchess Raist. Never.”
Leila’s face was graver than ever.
???
Linda was thrilled for the ball.
A party. In a romance fantasy world, no less. How could she not be excited? It was a dream for any fan of the genre.
6 p.m. She entered the Great Hall of the imperial palace where the ball was held.
The Great Hall was opulent, filled with elegantly dressed nobles enjoying the evening. The music was soothing, cleansing the ears.
“……?”
Linda felt uneasy the moment she stepped in. The atmosphere wasn’t what she’d imagined. It was tense. Nobles smiled with their lips, but their eyes coldly scanned the room.
No handsome young lords approaching ladies for dances. The men huddled together, whispering. They didn’t even approach the women.
And the emperor’s throne remained empty.
In his stead, a stunning woman commanded the hall. Long silver hair, red eyes, voluptuous figure, sculpted face. Her red dress was alluring, her fan-holding hand the picture of grace.
She alone seemed to be purely enjoying the ball, outshining every other woman there.
‘Ernst Raist…’
Linda mouthed her name. The novel’s ultimate villainess. Crossing her meant physical and mental torment. Best to steer clear.
Linda looked away from Ernst. What bothered her most: passing ladies and matrons eyeing her with pity. It gnawed at her.
As unease crept in, a girl her age approached and curtsied politely.
“Hello, Lady Linda Valentine.”
Long brown hair swayed softly, green eyes sparkled. Her slightly drooping eyes evoked a gentle puppy.
Linda knew instantly. This was Mura Jorand, the heroine’s sole trusted friend from the original novel.
“Hello, Lady Jorand.”
“Oh, you know me?”
“Of course. Your beauty is already legendary, Lady Jorand.”
“Oh, that… how embarrassing…”
Mura blushed shyly. Linda nearly hugged her on the spot.
“You’re a debutante too, right, Lady Jorand?”
“Yes… but no one’s asked me to dance. Am I that unappealing?”
“Same here. The empire’s gentlemen must be shy. Don’t mind it. Oh, call me Linda.”
“Call me Mura, Linda!”
“Sure, Mura!”
Linda laughed. She’d liked the character in the novel, but meeting her in person made her adore her more.
Linda spent time chatting with Mura.
Slap!
A sharp smack of flesh echoed. Linda and Mura whipped their heads toward the sound, startled.
“You joking? Why are you looking at me like that?!”
At the hall’s center, Ernst snapped irritably. Before her lay an elderly lady on the floor. A red handprint marred the woman’s white cheek.
“…Lady Elmarimans…”
Mura murmured the name softly.
Lady Elmarimans.
Wife of the marquess who ruled the empire’s east.
Linda’s face hardened. Even as Duke Raist’s daughter, this crossed a line.
“Please, just don’t annoy me. If you’re old, stay out of sight…”
Soon, nobles would swarm to condemn Ernst and defend Marquess Elmarimans. The famously hot-tempered marquess might even strike her.
But Linda was wrong. No one stepped up. They avoided Ernst’s gaze, pretending not to notice.
Marquess Elmarimans rushed over. The empire’s tiger knelt before Ernst and apologized.
“I’m sorry, Lady Ernst. My wife was rude. Please forgive her just this once.”
“…I’m sorry, Lady Ernst. I… overstepped…”
The marquess and his wife apologized to Ernst.
Ernst clicked her tongue and swung her foot. Her black shoe struck the marquess’s head. Blood trickled down.
“I’m sorry, Lady Ernst.”
“Please… forgive me…”
“Ha… how boring.”
Ernst sneered, kicked the marchioness’s stomach, and walked away. The lady couldn’t rise, trembling on the floor until her husband helped her leave.
Ernst chatted with her group without a care, and the nobles acted as if nothing happened.
“…Lady Ernst is so scary…”
“Yeah…”
Linda replied offhandedly to Mura, shuddering at the ball’s abnormality.
???
10 p.m.
At the bell’s toll, people fled like the tide. Panicked, Linda and Mura tried to follow, but Leila blocked them.
“Sis?”
“Don’t move. The debutantes aren’t done. Stay put, Lady Jorand.”
Not just Leila—other ladies blocked them too. Overwhelmed, Linda and Mura clutched hands tightly.
Soon, only young ladies remained—about 150. At the center: Ernst. She surveyed them arrogantly, fanning her mouth.
“Looks like everyone’s here. Follow me.”
Polite words, arrogant tone.
The ladies followed Ernst to the Golden Swan Palace. Escape was impossible—dozens of female knights surrounded them.
They entered the palace’s hall. Windows draped in curtains, walls flickering with candles, dim ceiling lights twinkling. Decadent, adorned with jewels and delicacies.
“Let’s start our party. Oh, right—five debutantes today? Come forward.”
Linda and Mura swallowed hard. The mood was chilling.
Someone pushed their backs. Leila.
“It’s just an initiation. Do as told. Never defy Lady Ernst.”
Leila whispered.
At the center: Ernst facing the five debutantes. The five huddled fearfully.
Ernst lounged arrogantly on an ornate chair, legs crossed, red eyes scanning them.
“Pleased to meet you, debutante ladies. No need for introductions? …Then let’s begin the initiation. Undress.”
Ernst said.
The ladies hesitated.
“Hm? Ignoring my order? Your handlers must have warned you.”
Ernst’s voice sharpened.
Linda understood why Leila had undressed her earlier. She’d anticipated this.
The five, including Linda, stripped—dresses, undergarments, shoes. Naked, they trembled in terror. Over a hundred eyes on them brought more fear than shame.
They recalled the marchioness’s beating and the senior ladies’ warning: ‘Never defy Lady Ernst.’
“Two are exceptional, three… below average.”
Linda knew it was a beauty rating. The two were her and Mura. The other three were plain at best.
“Mira.”
Ernst called a name.
A lady brought a massive goblet—more basin than cup—filled with clear liquor, setting it before Ernst.
Ernst giggled softly. Only she laughed.
She hiked her red skirt, spread her legs shamelessly, slipped fingers into her black panties, and pulled them aside. She exposed herself without a blush.
“Hng…”
Trickle trickle.
Golden liquid poured from her into the goblet. It lasted over ten seconds.
“Whew… The celebratory drink for you debutantes is ready. Everyone, have a sip. Use your shoes as cups. You wouldn’t refuse my welcome drink… would you?”
Ernst’s red eyes sparkled like gems.