06. Villainess Lady's Diet Operation (3)
A week had passed. About three weeks until the academy term started.
21st Century Item Purchase lv.2 (58%)
It was subtle. Even after getting a gold pouch as payment for a level 2 item, not only did it not level up, but it only went up 30%.
I'd been paid more than enough money-wise. Probably because Leperi de Arno still hadn't used the obesity treatment.
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't getting impatient, but what could I do? There was nothing I could do about it.
Today, like always, I headed to the Owl's Nest Inn with Iris, who'd come to pick up the sauce.
At first, it felt burdensome, like she was obsessed, but after the Leperi incident, I realized I needed at least one connection in the muscle department.
She'd never crossed any lines or made moves on me while we'd been hanging out.
"Once term starts, I won't have this kind of free time anymore. It's kinda sad."
"Can't the department head even leave on time?"
"Early in the semester, the regular professors actually have more downtime. I'll probably be on a human schedule only after spring's over?"
Iris let out a sigh, already dreading the grueling march ahead.
Her ears flapped away—it made her look more like a student hyped for the new term than a professor.
Professors are supposed to clock out on time more than anyone, right?
Guess this academy doesn't have grad students.
The sun had set and light faded, but the shopping district's lamps created streets brighter than daytime.
Streetlights, glowing signs. The greatness of magic and alchemy replacing science.
Thank goodness this romance fantasy world had modern conveniences. If it were straight-up fantasy, I'd have no idea how I'd cope.
"When's your shop opening, Grid? I'm dying to see what you'll sell."
Iris's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
It'd been almost a week since I took over the shop, and I hadn't even put up a sign yet, so she was curious.
"No clue. Haven't decided what to sell, so I can't even request stock from the merchant guild."
I figured I'd do enough business to get by, but... what can I say.
I'd already made plenty of money.
Rent would eat into it for a while, but with 2 gold a day income...
Lionel de Arno had fronted me 500 gold, so it felt like winning the lottery pension. I could coast for a bit.
"Hmm... But you've got a spot in the academy shopping district. Wouldn't it be a waste to let it rot?"
"Once I pick products, opening won't take long."
"Really? You have to invite me on opening day!"
Ears flapping again. I kinda wanted to pet them just once.
Couldn't believe she'd lived over 200 years—she was so fresh and cute. Without the ears, I'd think, "Ah, that concept?"
"Sure thing, customer."
We chatted idly until we reached the inn, then parted ways.
Room 204 was my dedicated spot until the sauce exclusivity deal ended.
No need for my own place when cleaning was handled and room service was free.
"Time to do business~ Gotta eat and live~ Today too, all smiles in bright Korea~"
What the—.
I'd entered the room, closed the door, and was belting out a tune solo when I locked eyes with someone already inside.
"Never heard that song before. Traditional Eastern tune?"
"It's from my hometown, yeah. Good to see you, Count."
Why was Lionel de Arno here?
"I'd fulfilled my role as family head, but every time I visited your shop, you weren't there. So I had no choice but to come to your quarters."
He was mimicking drawing a magic circle—probably snuck in with magic.
"Give a heads-up next time. I'm a scaredy-cat."
You know how embarrassing it is to get caught grooving alone?
"Will do. Time's money for both of us, so straight to business."
The count pulled an empty obesity treatment vial from his pocket and set it on the table.
"As you said, I've confirmed it works. Tested it on a hearty eater, and soon enough, half his face slimmed down."
Clinical trials done. So give it to Leperi already—why me?
"But... isn't one test subject a bit thin to confirm stability?"
What, buy ten more sets then.
"Especially when it's for the world's most precious daughter."
"If you need more to prove efficacy, I can prep ten doses by tomorrow..."
"No, no, that's not it."
He fiddled with the vial on the table.
"I showed it discreetly to a alchemy-savvy friend, and get this—he had no clue what it was made of."
"Obviously, it's Eastern..."
"Ah, he's Eastern-born too. Knows pill refinement decently."
Damn. The invincible Eastern shield shattered already.
"I know you're not scamming me, but too many suspicious bits."
My mistake. Didn't expect him to be this thorough.
They'd both left so quick, I only had fragments—and now it bit me.
Thought doting-dad vibes meant easy freeloading.
"Wait, Count! I can explain!"
"We'll talk at my mansion. Refuse, and I might get rough—cooperate."
The air around the count shifted. No open windows, but a flow started.
-Ziiing
Magic circles formed behind him and on the floor. His tone suggested teleportation.
Think. Think! Once that's done, I'm dragged to the mansion for torture!
What else besides pulling an item? How to escape this?
Magic circles nearly complete. For survival, brain in overdrive. Wrong. Can't solo this.
Right. Not solo.
"IIIIRRRIIIISSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
I yelled with every ounce, summoning Iris aka Sword Saint aka inn owner.
In a flash. A shortsword from behind the count aimed at his throat.
-Shing
"Stop, Count. I don't want my student burying her father early."
Iris's voice was cold, emotionless.
"I'd prepped thoroughly and come early—how'd you know?"
"Oh? Would any innkeeper let a VIP meet foul play in their room?"
Iris peeked over the count's shoulder, smiling at me.
Grateful, but sword + smile = scary.
"I'll remember this, Count."
"Tch, and here I thought I'd wrap it up first."
He sighed, dispelling the magic.
Iris sheathed her blade too—crisis averted.
"Before misunderstandings, I swear on my honor: never meant harm to Grid."
The count shrugged theatrically.
Sword Saint's VIP room invasion? So trustworthy.
But what could a normie like me do?
Just grab popcorn, Grid.
"You know how I hate anyone touching my things?"
"Of course. But for your student? Figured you'd spare my neck."
"What does Grid have to do with Leperi..."
"I'll explain."
I gave Iris the short version of events.
This should convince her. You owe me, Count.
Thought it'd end smooth.
But Iris's eyes were going dead-fish?
"So... you only made new dishes for Leperi, Grid?"
"Why focus there...?"
"Said it was mind-blowing. Unmatched even at the Owl's Nest."
Why fan the flames, dude?
Ah! Distracting Iris to save his skin!
Her eyes dying faster.
Save her.
"Just used rare Eastern rice from the count's house."
Lame excuse, but sell out the count.
"Sold Leperi helpful stuff, got rice as payment to cook for Iris!"
Glared at him with the signal.
Wanna live? Play along. Or we all die.
"Exactly. Prepped plenty so she eats well."
Not just any family head.
Got it, chimed in perfect.
Nearly headless crisis passed bloodless.
"That donburi thing! Show me the taste first when rice arrives, Grid!"
"Of course. I'll stuff you till you're satisfied."
Promise of new grub—ears flap again.
Count promised Iris no more messing with me, then left.
Shouldn't he promise me? Why her?
Wanted to ask, but didn't wanna jinx—buried curiosity.
A week later. Arno Count's Mansion.
Per the letter from a family servant, they'd injected Leperi with the obesity treatment that evening.
Requested a quick visit—so here I was.
Gotta nail after-service for high satisfaction.
Entering the now-familiar mansion gates.
"The family's benefactor has arrived! Best hospitality!"
Huh?
Family's benefactor? Who?
Ahead, servants lined both sides, butler charging at scary speed.
"Thank you for visiting Arno House, benefactor!"
"Thank you!"
What a spectacle. You'd think the president showed up.
"Butler, explain. No clue what's up—benefactor?"
"No need! You are! To the count at once!"
Flustered, but good vibes are good.
In the study, count greeted with beaming face.
"You're here, benefactor!"
Middle-aged dude beaming = weird vibe.
"Ease up on speech, Count. Too much."
"How could I! You erased our family's worry...!"
He rushed, grabbed my hands two-handed, bowed.
"Thanks... truly... Sorry too. Didn't mean to doubt you!"
Bowing apologies nonstop.
This was creepy. What happened in a week?
How much weight did she lose?
"Sounds like it worked great—relieved."
"Yes. Tested on another first—good results—but on my girl? Beyond expectations!"
Me too.
"Mind if I check progress with Leperi?"
Staying here just drags out awkwardness.
Count left, butler right. Flanked by middle-aged duo instead of flowers, to training grounds.
-Boom! Boom! Boom!
What the hell?
Growing closer, crashing sounds intensified.
Wasn't Leperi swordsmanship? What's happening?
At entrance—smoke blinded view.
"Guest's here—stop, Leperi."
Count snapped fingers—wind cleared smoke outward.
Revealed: wrecked grounds.
Cracked floor, shattered wooden dummies.
At destruction's heart: red-haired woman.
Toned athletic build from training, swaying twintails. Sweat-glistened skin.
Who?
No one from last visit.
"Father! I said I'd come after training!"
She yelled, stormed over.
Father? Arno had other kids besides Leperi? Never heard.
Eyes met.
Her pupils quaked—she scrambled for outerwear.
"G-G-G... Grid, hi..."
"You know me?"
I get benefactor buzz, but name-drop on sight? Few would.
"Haha! Even you can't recognize—didn't expect this."
Count clapped my shoulder, whispered.
"My daughter. The one you saw before."
What.
That's... that Leperi who looked like she'd roll if pushed from behind? For real?
Yo, I ain't sold transformation kits...
