Chapter 16
She politely bowed toward me.
“It’s been a while, Duchess Este.”
“Ah… hello… no, it has been a while.”
“Please forgive my rudeness, Duchess. I could never have expected a great duchess like yourself to attend a party hosted by someone like me—a woman ‘dabbling in trivial business, vile, and unworthy even of heaven after death.’”
Every word she spoke carried a sharp edge. It seemed she bore a deep grudge over being humiliated by Evangeline in the original story.
‘It’s understandable from the Marchioness’s perspective.’
I let out a quiet sigh inwardly.
Why, of all bodies, had I possessed Evangeline’s? I grumbled briefly to myself—but only briefly.
The situation I had been given could not be changed.
Then I had to change my actions.
I nodded as if understanding her feelings.
“You’re right. You have every reason to feel that way. My words must have upset you quite a bit. I’m truly sorry. I was foolish—I spoke recklessly, without considering your position or your suffering.”
“…Excuse me? What are you saying all of a sudden…?”
The Marchioness Windy’s cynical expression melted into one of shock and bewilderment.
I continued.
“After the passing of your husband, who left behind massive debts and the ongoing monthly salaries for your staff, not to mention the expenses for road maintenance and irrigation for your lands… You had to bear these responsibilities even before recovering from the grief of losing the only husband you had. And yet, you tirelessly worked to revive your house. The more I think about it, the more I realize what a remarkable person you are. And I reflect upon my own foolish words.”
“…Really? You, Duchess?”
“Yes. That’s why I’ve come to offer my sincere apologies. I’m truly sorry once again.”
Having poured out the speech I had prepared the night before, I bowed to her.
“….”
The Marchioness seemed genuinely surprised, her eyes widening. Then she spoke to me, addressing my bow:
“…Please, lift your head, Duchess. There is no reason for you to bow to me, a mere Marchioness.”
“Then… does this mean you forgive my indiscretion?”
“Yes. If I didn’t forgive someone who came personally to apologize, my reputation in high society would be ruined. As for your words on that day… I will forgive them.”
She reluctantly accepted my apology, and I understood her hesitation. Being apologized to and forgiving someone are two different things. For now, it was enough that she had eased her heart even slightly.
I smiled with satisfaction and said:
“Thank you. Now that you’ve accepted my apology, I can speak about another matter.”
“So you came under the pretense of apologizing, then? I see… and this other matter—what is it? Surely you don’t want to borrow money?”
“No. I’ve come to provide information. Very valuable information that could help you earn a large sum easily.”
The Marchioness regarded me silently for a moment, then crossed her legs on the long sofa and spoke:
“I doubt such important information comes for free… I take it you expect something in return?”
“Indeed, your eyes cannot be deceived, Marchioness.”
“Then tell me first—what is this information?”
I met her sharp, experienced gaze and spoke.
“I heard that you’ve been making a fortune by monopolizing the sale of Lilliana flower bulbs.”
“Yes, that’s true. But… how is that related to this remarkable information of yours?”
I gave a meaningful smile.
“A month from now, the price of Lilliana bulbs will plummet. So much that even selling a hundred bulbs won’t buy you a loaf of rye bread.”
“…That’s absurd.”
Marchioness Windy scoffed, clearly incredulous.
Understandable—at present, a single Lilliana bulb was worth enough to buy a small house in the imperial capital. Anyone hearing my words would have laughed.
I thought of an event described in the original story—the so-called “Lilliana Flower Speculation Scandal.”
Here’s a brief summary:
After the death of Empress Yuliana, who bore Prince Arthur (the male protagonist), the Emperor immediately married a princess from the southern Tula Kingdom.
The princess’s father, King of Tula, gifted a flower called the “Lilliana” as a wedding present. It was so beautiful and fragrant that everyone wanted one in their gardens.
However, the bulbs were too scarce to meet the demand, causing prices to skyrocket. One flower alone could buy a mansion in the capital.
Nobles and commoners alike were driven by greed. They invested all their wealth, hoping to profit from cultivating and selling the bulbs. A true speculative frenzy ensued.
Three months later, the frenzy collapsed when it was discovered that the flower’s scent could harm the lungs. No one wanted it, and all who invested their fortune went bankrupt. Marchioness Windy herself suffered heavy losses.
‘Including Yusia’s father from the original story, who lost his fortune and had to place his youngest daughter Yusia in the cathedral, where she met Prince Arthur.’
This scandal was necessary for the story’s original plot.
‘Judging by the timeline, this event is certain to occur within a month.’
I intended to leak this information, allowing Marchioness Windy to avoid losses. In return, I would obtain the drug needed to suppress Olivia’s powers.
‘And of course, I plan to profit a bit myself.’
I could not give away this critical information for a mere drug. After Olivia grew safely without succumbing to darkness, I would need funds to live freely, even after divorcing Duke Este.
I met her gaze and continued.
“I see your expression—clearly skeptical.”
“…Yes. Honestly, it’s not that I can’t believe it—I simply don’t want to. The price of Lilliana bulbs has been soaring daily, and now you say it will collapse so completely?”
“Exactly. Those who rush into speculation always think they are investing, not gambling.”
“….”
“But consider this logically, Marchioness. Do you truly believe those flowers are worth such value?”
She pondered my words, then exhaled softly.
“…Well, regarding the Lilliana flowers alone, they have no real value. Still, I can’t simply sell all the bulbs based solely on your words. What if the price rises afterward? Who will cover that loss? Will you compensate?”
“I will.”
“…?”
“I’ll take responsibility for any losses. Follow my advice. In return, if it generates profit, I want 30% of the earnings and the ‘Violet Magical Drug’ you possess. Deal?”
The Marchioness blinked, surprised.
“How on earth do you know I have that?”
“I did some inquiry. A former servant from your household hinted that you have what I seek.”
I had mixed truth with a slight lie.
She studied me with a sharp, curious gaze, then replied:
“If you promise to cover twice the losses I’d suffer, I’ll follow your advice.”
“Excellent. Let’s do that.”
I accepted her offer readily, smiling. Her eyes widened in surprise.
“Tomorrow morning, I’ll send a contract via my maid. You just need to sign it and return it with my maid.”
“Very well.”
“Now, I’ll take my leave. I apologize for disturbing your rest.”
With that, I rose without hesitation. Outside the side room, I clenched my fist secretly.
‘Done!’
Mission accomplished. Now, all I had to do was wait for the Lilliana bulb prices to fall.
Satisfied, I made my way toward the banquet hall.
