The Villainess Is Annoyed by the Male Leads Again Today - Chapter 1.6

The Count doesn’t yet know how valuable my proposal is.

The sea route with the Asuka Empire is currently hardly used.

Trade with other countries is mainly done through the Silk Road with the Riman Kingdom.

So naturally, a proposal to buy port usage rights and sell unheard-of goods would seem absurd.

As this was an expected reaction, I added a detailed explanation.

“You know that the conflict between the Asuka Empire and the Riman Kingdom has been intensifying recently, right?”

“Yes.”

“Soon, the Riman Kingdom will block the Silk Road that connected the Asuka Empire and our country. This is accurate information, so you can trust it. Then, the only way to trade with the Asuka Empire will be by sea.”

“Blocking the Silk Road? And five-colored stones from the Kalus Mountains, dried oak stems? What are these items?”

“These are items that the Empire will need for the upcoming war with the Riman Kingdom.”

These items will definitely sell at a very high price. This is because they will become materials for the Empire’s magical weapons in the near future.

Currently, research related to the five-colored stones is underway in the Empire.

“It’s hard to trust your words. You haven’t received education to learn about these things and read the political situation. Who did you hear this from? Business is not a game.”

I quietly stared at the slightly crumpled edge of the business proposal in his hand before opening my mouth.

“No, this is information I found by myself, not from anyone else. I had enough time to study. I guess you just didn’t have that much interest in me.”

“……”

The Count frowned, and I felt a bit guilty. But even so, I was the only one who knew the source of the information, so it was impossible to find evidence for his suspicion.

I straightened my back a little more to look confident. It was time to play my last card.

“I’ll give you evidence you can believe. Soon, an envoy from the Asuka Empire will come to talk about the sea route. Only to the Imperial Palace, without other nobles knowing. If you confirm that the Asuka Empire’s envoy enters the Imperial Palace, please accept this proposal.”

“Hmm.”

“If it fails, I’ll bear all the risks.”

“You, Lorazie? How?”

I took a deep breath before speaking.

“If it fails, I’ll quietly, very quietly, agree to a political marriage with the nobleman who will pay the highest price for me. Just as you intended when you brought me into the family, Count.”

Of course, it would never fail, but still. I continued to express my opinion with a serious expression.

“But if it succeeds, please allow me to leave the mansion along with 30% of the profits. You’ll gain more profit than you would from marrying me off ten times for political reasons.”

“Hmm.”

“Count, no, Father. Please listen to me just this once.”

The Count was silent for a moment. I also lowered my eyes quietly and waited for his answer.

After pondering for a long time, he sighed and opened his mouth.

“I’ll think about it. You may go.”

“Yes, Count. Please, I hope for a positive answer. Have a peaceful night.”

This response was enough. I quietly stood up and left the dining room.

Returning to my room, I dove straight into the bed.

“Ah, it’s so hard. I’ve said this much, surely he’ll agree to my conditions? If not, it’s Plan B!”

Groaning, I hugged the pillow and rolled around on the fluffy bed.

Irena, who had quickly become accustomed to my behavior, told me she had drawn a bath and asked me to choose a bath scent.

I liked her attitude, which neither ignored nor flattered me, except for the first day. And her calm and gentle personality too.

Even if I leave, wouldn’t I need at least one person to be my hands and feet?

“Irena. I’m going to leave the capital soon.”

“Pardon?”

“But I’m not sure yet if the Count will allow it.”

“Then, perhaps what you said to the Count today…”

“That’s right. You were afraid of me on the first day too, weren’t you? Look at my relationship with the people of the Count’s family. There’s no reason for me to stay here.”

At that, Irena made an expression as if she might cry at any moment.

“My lady.”

“What would you like to do if I leave?”

She lowered her eyes as if lost in thought for a moment. Then she spoke.

“I was scared at first, but now I’m so happy to be your dedicated maid.”

“Yes. And?”

“So I wish you wouldn’t go, but I want you to be happy. If you leave… I’m not sure yet.”

It was a big change considering how she trembled on the day we first met.

“You were very scared of me, weren’t you?”

“Ah, that! Now I know that you’re not someone who treats subordinates carelessly!”

Flustered by my teasing, Irena didn’t know what to do, but then she clenched her fists and shouted solemnly.

I found her cute and smiled slightly, then made her a proposal.

“I like you, so I want to take you with me. Would you consider coming with me?”

“I…”

“I can provide you with ample compensation. Don’t worry.”

Irena was at a loss. It was disappointing, but that was enough of an answer, so I didn’t press her for more.

“It’s okay if you refuse. Think about it slowly.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“The bath water will get cold. Please prepare it quickly.”

“Yes!”

After washing, I became one with the bed again and fell asleep, hoping there would be no need to move to Plan B.

I just hoped the Count would make a wise decision.

After that, I spent peaceful days for over a month.

I slept in until 10 AM, ate a delicious brunch, changed into comfortable and pretty dresses with the help of my maid, and went for walks.

I also diligently bought jewels with the personal funds given to me to build up emergency funds.

I had tea time, and I had Irena fetch popular novels from the public and read them while moving between the bed and sofa.

Lately, my routine has been to stretch out by the window, basking in the sunlight.

Occasionally, I would overlook the provocations of my brothers with a heart as vast as the ocean. Every time, their bizarre expressions were really funny.

Even those who used to bother me every day seemed tired now that I wasn’t reacting as they wanted. I hadn’t seen a trace of them for the past few days.

It was a boring and monotonous life, but I knew that this was happiness, so I enjoyed every moment to the fullest.

And as autumn approached, with green leaves beginning to take on the hue of sunset, the Count summoned me.

Having waited for this day even while playing around, I happily and quickly headed to the Count.

I wanted to dance with joy, but since nothing was decided yet, I maintained a calm voice when calling the Count.

“Count, I heard you called for me.”

“Yes.”

He remained silent for a long time after answering. As time passed, I, who was inwardly impatient, spoke first.

“Did the envoy come? Is that why you called me?”

“Yes, you were right. Where on earth did you get such information? It’s not easy even for me, a Count, to know.”

He looked at me with slightly suspicious eyes. I felt a pang, but I steeled myself.

“As I said, it’s all the result of studying, researching diligently, and thinking constantly.”

I vaguely implied that I had focused during class hours, mainly on textbooks, as if I had gone to Seoul National University.

“I see, but I still find it hard to fully believe your proposal. Those items are useless now, as there’s no guarantee the research will succeed.”

My head lowered more and more at his negative tone. Plan B would be a mess, but is there no choice?

As I was about to open my mouth with a sigh, he was a bit quicker.

“However.”

Hm?