Chapter 29
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 29
Chapter Title: The Purple Card's Power
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Episode 29
Scene 029 Call
W-What do you think?
Hehe It suits you perfectly.
Wendy blushed shyly.
The outfit she wore was a casual dress that perfectly matched her age.
She gripped the hem of the fluttering skirt with one hand, as if unsure about it.
Everything looked utterly adorable in Bellas eyes.
My goodness I want to hire her as a maid in my household right this instant.
Where on earth did such a cute girl come from?
She couldnt wipe the smile off her face.
That should satisfy the Count. He values appearances and propriety even in private. So if youre to be his exclusive maid, you need at least one pretty casual outfit like this.
R-Really ? Ehehe
A pure, innocent smile bloomed on Wendys face.
How could this girl make such an expression?
The first time Bella saw Wendy, she had looked like the worlds most unfortunate girl.
Far too delicate to serve in the infamous Ruelverta household.
The fact that she had become Count Tristans exclusive maid was quite shocking.
Hed never had one before, and no one wanted to be the exclusive for someone with such a nasty personality.
I was sure the Count planned to torment this pure girl
Yet a faint happiness lingered on Wendys face.
She gazed into the mirror with an expression no one being bullied could wear.
Bella thought to herself.
The Count had changed somehow.
He didnt seem like the money-obsessed, ruthless Tristan she knew.
Hed even willingly broken off their stubborn engagement.
At the same time, his obsession with Bella had vanished.
No, he was ignoring her outright.
That irked Bella.
Lady A-Are you okay?
Hm?
Wendy looked up at her with concern.
What kind of face had she been making just now?
Bella quickly composed herself.
Ah Sorry. I was lost in thought for a moment.
G-Good But, Lady
Yes?
W-What was the Count like before?
It was an unexpected question.
Bellas eyebrow twitched slightly.
What do you mean, like before?
Oh? I-I mean You were engaged to the Count until recently and you seem to know him well
Ah, well yeah. Weve known each other for a long time. Over ten years, if you really count.
T-Ten years?
Yeah. Looking back, I want to slap my younger self and warn her. Dont ever take interest in a guy like that.
Before he gained weight, Tristan had a charm that captivated the noble youths around him.
Hed actually been a pretty boy.
Many girls fell for his subtly weary look and decadent gaze.
Bella had been one of them.
A past she wanted to forget.
But its probably not much different from what you know. Even back then, the Count was arrogant and obnoxious. If I hadnt played with him, he probably wouldnt have had a single friend.
S-So you were the Counts friend, Lady?
Wha!? What are you!
Bella realized what shed just said.
Wendys eyes were sparkling with anticipation.
In the end, she had no choice but to grudgingly admit it.
Sigh Fine. We were friends. But not anymore.
Friends I see
Wendy nodded slowly.
Feeling embarrassed for no reason, Bella changed the subject.
Ahem. How about buying that outfit since it looks good on you?
Huh? B-But
Youre not leaving empty-handed anyway, right? And its the Counts money, so go for it.
B-But still
Wendy glanced at the price tag and shook her head desperately.
N-No, its too much!
How much is it? F-Fifty million kael?! For one dress! Gasp!
Bella clapped a hand over her mouth after blurting it out.
But only for a moment. The daughter of the Izarkhel Duke composed herself and spoke evenly.
Well Luelsia is luxury, so that makes sense. Maybe even a bargain? Ohoho Id buy one too if they had my size. But they probably dont.
We do have other sizes available, Lady.
Hm?!
Bella turned to see a Luelsia employee beaming at her.
Shed recognized Lady Bella.
How about this one? It would suit you perfectly, Lady.
T-Thats Im
That was when it happened.
Wendy shot her hand up and shouted.
I-Ill take this dress!
Yes?
The employees eyes scanned Wendy up and down.
Im sorry, but do you have sufficient funds, miss? All our Luelsia items are quite pricey, but
What?
Bella bristled at the words.
Hold on, what kind of rude attitude is that toward a customer? This girl is
I-I have money!
What Wendy pulled out was a card gleaming purple.
The employees expression turned subtle upon seeing it.
A card? Are you affiliated with a house?
It was a card made with advanced magic technology.
Even Bella had never seen one in person.
A rare item possessed only by the wealthiest families.
They probably paid with it instead of bills.
Good heavens, how much is that thing worth?
What shocked Bella was the cards value.
Undoubtedly, it held magic worth at least a hundred million.
The Ruelverta family casually enjoyed cutting-edge magic tech like this?
Envy made Bella shiver inwardly.
Y-Yes The Count said this would let me buy the dress
The Count?
The employee took the purple card from Wendy.
As she read the family crest and owners name on it, her face drained of color.
M-My apologies!
Huh?
Before Wendy could react, the employee dashed off somewhere.
The two left behind stood there in bewilderment.
But it didnt last long.
From the direction the employee had fled, a neatly dressed man in a suit strode over confidently.
He greeted them with utmost politeness.
I am Eugene, manager of the Luelsia main store.
Then, out of nowhere, he dropped to one knee before Wendy.
Eek?!
It seems our employee made a grave mistake. I sincerely apologize. This is my oversight as manager. I apologize on her behalf.
H-Huh? I-I'm fine
Why the overreaction?
Bella tilted her head.
Ive verified the card myself. You may take the item right away.
I-Its paid for? Th-Thank you
Wendy bowed deeply.
The manager waved it off.
No, no. How could we charge you? Luelsia belongs to the Ruelverta family. Take whatever you want.
Huh?!
Huh?!
The two girls mouths hung open, refusing to close.
At that moment, Lucy Meikahel squirmed on her throne.
Todays schedule was just dull nodding from her seat.
But to Lucy, it was unbearable.
The title of Empress of the Meikahel Empire felt suffocating.
I want to quit already
Lucy whined.
But no one heeded her plea.
If Marco were here, hed scold her for even suggesting it.
And pour out a torrent of nagging.
It hurts
Why do I have to be on the throne?
Lucy buried her face in her knees.
She knew.
She was no vessel for an emperor.
Her abilities fell far short of ruling this nation.
Lucy removed her golden deer mask.
Beneath it was the face of a trembling, uncertain girl.
Uu Time, please pass quickly. Please
Time was running out.
Soon, she would awaken.
Lucy stared blankly at the gloves on the shelf.
She prayed nothing happened until then.
She didnt want to handle it alone anymore.
Beep-!
Kyaa!?
Lucy leaped from the throne.
The sound came from behind it.
W-Whos there?
Trembling, she peered behind the throne.
But no one was there.
Just a small stone, small enough to fit in one hand.
An emergency communication magic caller.
Outdated, but unbuggable and quite useful.
And now, it was faintly glowing.
A notification.
The red light meant it was probably Marco.
Uuu
She didnt want to check, but she had no choice.
Otherwise, she would get angry.
Reluctantly, Lucy read the message on the caller.
It didnt take long for her face to turn pale.
-Your Majesty. Emergency.
-May I intervene?