Author: miturashidango

this chapter is brought to you by mio
as translator, proofreader and editor!

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Perhaps because he felt as if my shrieks were somewhat abnormal, the butler tried his best to once again inquire about ways to head to the North.

However, the response remained unchanged.

Not only was there a problem with the bridge, but large trees had fallen here and there on the path toward the North, and there were many large potholes, so all the coachmen shook their heads saying that the journey wasn’t possible.

Alright, since I didn’t necessarily have to go North, changing my mind and heading to the border where Commander Leonon was could prove to be a much better decision.

It was a situation where I could disappear in a week, so it wasn’t a situation where I could afford to be picky about.

However, while the butler was trying to get more information and sent a few people to the Holy Knights Headquarters to inquire, all he received in response was another hopeless piece of information.

“Apparently it will take a week to get to the place that the knights have been dispatched to. And even that’s on the premise that it’s a skilled rider who is able to ride a horse without stopping.”

“They say that during investigations, a protective barrier will be cast so that the general public are unable to enter. On the contrary, since it will be that safe, Commander Leonon will definitely not come to any harm. Please rest assured, my lady.”

Tearing at my innocent hair, I was unable to overcome my frustration and couldn’t help crying out, “How could things even turn out like this…!”

As a last resort, I even lowered myself to ask Winnard to send me to the border or to the North. But the only thing that came back was his familiar nagging.

“Did you already forget my words at being unable to intervene in a candidate’s situation?”

No, who would be like this because they didn’t know?!

At this point, he seemed less like my guide and more like a sentinel from hell who was driving me toward my death.

Although I appealed my desperation to Winnard through tears, he still calmly shook his head in the end.

“You said that you know ‘them’ better than anyone else. So, why don’t you make full use of that knowledge and experience that only you possess?”

He disappeared after leaving behind those words.

“And what should I do just because I know them better?!”

I let out an earth-shattering sigh and collapsed onto the sofa.

“Unless I’m able to sell the shares of someone new, this situation is simply one without an answer…”

Huh? Hold on.

My mouth stopped moving by itself for a moment.

After staring blankly into space for a moment, I got up from my seat and swung open the door of the study.

I saw someone nearby right at that moment. It was Joy, who had been circling around me anxiously, watching me almost go out of my mind.

“What’s going on, my lady? Can I help you with anything?”

Kind eyes full of concern stared at me. I looked into her eyes and shouted urgently, “Please prepare a carriage for me to head to the capital!”

“T-The capital?”

“Yep! Right now!”

* * *

pls do not share this anywhere or u will always stub ur toe when u walk past a door frame !! this translation has been stolen from mioscorner.com, pls only read there i’m begging u :kneels:

That’s right. The reason I came here was to use literally everything I had in me.

In other words, it was to utilise my ‘reader ability’!

After hearing Winnard’s words and carefully reflecting on them, it finally occurred to me that in addition to Leonon and Periot, there could still be many more people that ‘they’ would be enthusiastic about.

Therefore…

“Although I’m not sure about any other places, there will definitely be people here whose stocks will sell.”

I looked with determination at the tall buildings towering behind the large castle walls.

The Imperial Palace.

An icon of the empire, built in the very heart of the capital, rumoured to have no place within it that wasn’t breathtakingly beautiful.

The reason I came here again was because the imperial palace was one of the most important places that couldn’t be left out of the romance fantasy genre.

The source of all events and romance, the centre of schemes and intrigue!

The victory festival was still in full swing in the capital, so the area near the imperial palace was also still full of carriages. I nodded with conviction.

“As long as you walk around here, you’re bound to bump into one or two of them.”

Whether it’s the youthful blond-haired duke with limitless power to do anything he wants, or the sweet crown prince with long hair who likes to hide his identity and visit the restaurants of the commoners!

I stood against the wall and began to observe the people who came and went nonstop with eyes of a hawk. I wanted to wipe my sweat that was about to drip down due to my cape that had a large hood, but I pressed down the urge.

Although it was unclear whether I’d be able to meet someone who could help me sell shares like this, it still beat sitting in my mansion and doing nothing.

And if nothing else, it was still a situation where my life was at stake, so of course I had to do something!

Moreover, there were a higher probability of events occurring in the capital rather than in Aurea, where I lived, so it would also be easier for me to sell shares.

So, starting from today, I’d go undercover!

…was the decision I made which only lasted for a moment.

After only waiting for less than half a day, I faced my first major crisis.

“We’ve come after receiving a report that there was a suspicious person wandering around the Imperial Palace.”

Palace guards with stern expressions soon surrounded me.

At some point, a rumour I had heard at the tea party soon came to my mind. It was the fact thatthe  imperial palace was a place that boasted of the highest level of security. 

“I-I’m not a suspicious person!”

After all my efforts, I was finally released after proving my identity.

But of course, I couldn’t give up on my plan just because of a setback like this!

“Please don’t come any closer than this.”

That’s right, even in the face of all odds, I will never give up…

“I’ll have to detain you if you keep this up.”

…Ah, I give up.

As if it was their final warning, the guards glared at me once more with chilling eyes. It was with an energy that seemed to say they really would arrest me if I didn’t listen to their orders this time.

In the end, I was pushed to hide far away from the imperial palace behind a towering tree, holding back my tears, “Just let me off the hook and treat it as if you were saving someone’s life…!”

At this point, it felt as if the entire universe was wishing for my disappearance.

If I couldn’t get near the imperial palace, then I had no choice but to find someplace else. It was when I turned around with a heavy sigh as if the very ground beneath me had fallen through, like a person who had a heavy stone in their heart.

On the other side of the path, I saw a familiar face hurriedly walking towards some place.

“…Isn’t that Sable?”

My rival, Sable Lily, had a frighteningly stoic face. Though of course, I was the only one who thought that we were rivals…

Today, the atmosphere surrounding her was completely different to that of her at the ball, which had seemed kind, and also my first impression of her, who had been smiling chillingly like a person straight out of a horror movie.

She must have also been aware of the change of rules, so I wonder how she had chosen to respond?

She had already sold a lot of shares in the first place, so it wouldn’t have been a big deal for her, right? Or… was she just as nervous as I am?

As I watched her back slowly recede, I slowly lifted the hood that I had slipped off due to the heat. 

Then, I started to follow her quietly from behind.

* * *

She continued to walk non-stop, gradually leaving the palace far behind her.

Half an hour must have passed. The path gradually became narrower and narrower, to the point where not even a single carriage could pass; and soon, a different scene soon unfolded before me.

A river filled with trash floating in it and a stench that assaulted my nostrils. Although there were shoddy looking stepping stones in place, the other side of the river was covered with thick bushes, to the point where you couldn’t even see the path ahead.

Despite it being a hideous sight that made it hard to believe this place was somewhere that existed within the capital, Sable didn’t seem flustered at all and continued to move with a practiced familiarity through the bushes.

I also proceeded to rush after her for fear of forgetting her footsteps. Cuts soon appeared here and there on the backs of my hand due to the sharp thorns of the bushes, but I couldn’t stop.

Not long after, a large building soon appeared in front of me.

The old walls were full of messy graffiti that made me wonder if it was an abandoned building. Apart from that, there were also ditches full of dirty sewage flowing around here and there. 

Even though I tiptoed carefully in case I trudged into the sewage, the bottom of my dress had already been soaked with dirty water.

There was a large sign hanging at the entrance to the building, but it was so worn and tattered that I couldn’t even read what it said.

Unlike me, Sable, who had managed to avoid the dirty puddles and sharp thorns, arrived in front of the building and quickly knocked on the door with a touch of urgency.

After a while, the silhouette of a large man soon appeared.

I hurriedly hid behind a thick bush that was as tall as a person and secretly peeked at them.

It was hard for me to see them since the bushes blocked my view, and I could barely hear them either since I had hid so far away. Only after focusing all my attention on them was I able to somewhat pick up the vague sound of voices that seemed to be arguing.

“…hurry up and guide me.”

“I already told you, but your position…”

“Don’t tell me you’re going to conceal that request since you received that nonsense…”

Just what on earth were they talking about?

As I continued to listen intently and took another step further into the pushes, I suddenly felt something squishy under my toes.

As soon as I froze and looked down at my feet, I spotted a snake that was coiled up, baring its sharp fangs at me.

“Hic…!”

Just as I was about to scream unconsciously.

“Shush.”

A large hand suddenly came out of nowhere and covered my mouth.

At the same time, a sharp dagger was thrust into the snake’s open mouth like the wind with a schwing sound.

Just as the long, disgusting body of the beast, which had seemed ready to rush out at any moment, collapsed, the sound of a young man’s voice rang softly in my ears at the same time.

“Oh, that sister keeps coming back to find us even though she says she doesn’t want to accept anymore commissions. How troublesome.”

Then came the sound of him clicking his tongue softly.

Sister? Are you perhaps talking about Sable? 

…More importantly, just who is this man?

While my mouth was still glued shut and my frozen eyelids blinked a few times, the hood the man was wearing was suddenly blown off by a sudden gust of wind.

I even forgot to blink my eyes for a moment.

Beautiful silver hair that seemed to have been dyed by moonlight fluttered softly before my eyes. Red eyes that sparkled like pomegranates also mesmerisingly hooked one’s gaze.

Ding dong!

「‘Person who risks their life for silver hair and red eyes’ purchases 30,000 shares for the first time. It’s a new record!」

「I came after hearing the news that this is a must-visit restaurant with silver hair and red eyes.」

When I saw the number on the screen, I almost lost consciousness for a moment.

One, ten, one hundred, one thousand, ten thousand… 

Oh, heavens. Oh my goodness.

Forcibly tensing my legs that seemed to be getting weaker, I counted the number of zeroes once more.

One! Ten! Hundred! Thousand! Ten thousand!

It was really in the ten thousands.

And it was even 30,000!

Is this the feeling a dying beggar would have if someone offered them a helping hand? My breathing became labored, and moist tears soon welled up in my eyes.

Meanwhile, the man began to scan the place with his eyes like jewels and proceeded to examine me.

As soon as the face with slightly raised corners of his lips came into view through the transparent system window, I involuntarily let out a gasp.

It was my first time seeing such a good looking face.

No, actually, it would be more accurate to say that he went beyond being just good looking and had an appearance that simply mesmerised everyone.

There was not even a single blemish on his pure white skin, even the mole under his eye was captivating.

He had a youthful face, as if he had just come out of adolescence, but I could see from his broad shoulders and tall stature that he was not just some teenage boy.

“But Sister, who are you?”

Even I wanted to ask him that.

…Then who are you?!

But at that moment, Sable seemed to have sensed our presence and turned around.

“Damn, we’re in big trouble.”

He suddenly grabbed my hand and started to run away.

“Sister, run!”

As if those words had cast a spell on me, I also started to run as hard as I could. That sparkling silver hair shone before my eyes like a mirage.

Although I quickly became out of breath, I gritted my teeth and continued to run as fast as I could.

The unidentified man who couldn’t be recongised, turned his head back at me and smiled sweetly, “Sister, you actually run quite well?!”

Ding dong!

「‘Person who risks their life for silver hair and red eyes’ purchases an additional 30,000 shares.」

「That mole under his eye is unbelievably precious. Let’s register it as a world cultural heritage.」

…No, this sister doesn’t care who you are.

You cute and lovely little gold mine!

Eureka.

This is eureka!

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author’s note

the current sign-up period for the gathering is open. (1/99999) for your information, i also… am registered. (shy)

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naver comments

pt12
but commander leonon has been the only one who has pursued her from the beginning… ha… my first share… should i buy more hereㅠㅠㅠ

ding dong parcel delivery
person who risks their life for silver hair and red eyes (2/100000)

and the final ml on the cover has appeared !! enter in puppy dog younger ml heehee^^

this chapter is brought to you by mio
as translator, proofreader and editor!

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Having stayed up all night with her eyes wide open, Lorella quietly got off the bed and parted the curtain slightly. Outside her window, dawn was breaking. 

As she looked at the sky getting brighter little by little, the last conversation she had with Winnard came back vividly to her mind.

“I really don’t know what’s going to happen from now on. So steel your heart and focus only on selling shares.”

However, what stuck in her mind more than anything else were the words, “There are a lot of people who are already getting bored.”

When she had been in the ‘observer position’, she had left without any hesitation once something she didn’t like had come out. To the point where she even left comments like, ‘I’m getting bored, what can you do.’

That’s why Winnard’s words had a heavier weight to them. Since she knew what sort of feelings they would have more than anyone else.

Although she wasn’t sure if it’ll be in a week, a month, tomorrow, or right now, if she doesn’t sell stocks like crazy, then her life really would be in danger.

Lorella tightened her grip on the window frame.

* * *

pls do not share this anywhere or u will always stub ur toe when u walk past a door frame !! this translation has been stolen from mioscorner.com, pls only read there i’m begging u :kneels:

Apart from her whole mind being filled with selling shares, her daily life became even busier. This was thanks to the fact that she had attended the palace banquet and had gotten to know a lot more people.

It was Marchioness Grace Erne’s banquet that she had been waiting for with a heavy heart.

“Greetings, Lady Lorella. Welcome to you as well, Commander Leonon.”

The Marchioness welcomed the two of us who had arrived on time.

“Greetings, Marchioness Grace. Thank you for extending an invitation toward me.”

Leonon greeted her back with his usual gentle and valiant manner.

“It’s an honour for me to see you again, Marchioness.”

Lorella followed after him with an impeccably polite greeting of her own. However, for a moment, the Marchioness, blankly stared at her, who seemed oddly unlike herself.

She somehow felt completely different from when she was at the ball. Back then, she had seemed cheerful and lively, but today, her face seemed to be filled with sadness for some reason. 

Not only that, but her eyes were bloodshot, as if she hadn’t slept at all in days. 

‘She must be nervous.’

Having come to that conclusion, the Marchioness led her in affectionately, thinking that she should take extra care of her today.

“My thanks to the two of you for coming. Come on in.”

Not long after the two were ushered into the reception room, even the last of the guests finally arrived. After chatting and enjoying a light appetiser, the dinner finally began in earnest.

Delicious food and rare wines were laid out on a long table.

In the large dining room, where many bright crystal lamps were hung, the sound of people chatting happily rang out non-stop.

“Lady Lorella, listen to this too. The pie that our mansion’s chef is so proud of… Oh my, now that I think about it, you are the most renowned dessert entrepreneur in Aurea. It’s me that is ashamed for being so proud.”

Lorella, who was unusually silent while everyone was chatting happily, shook her head in a hurry at the words of the Marchioness.

“Not at all. It’s very delicious.”

Grace, the organiser of the gathering, took extremely good care of Lorella, who seemed to be particularly listless throughout the dinner. Though of course, she wasn’t the only one who paid attention to every one of Lorella’s actions.

“You have to tell me if you’re not feeling well.”

Leonon, who could not take his eyes off Lorella for even a moment, spoke in a small voice that could only be heard by the two of them. She would give a small smile and thank him every time, then stare into space as if she were somewhat embarrassed.

Their appearance looked so affectionate that it even aroused the envious gazes of the young ladies around them.

However, at the same time, it was enough to invite someone’s jealousy.

Just like it was right now.

“Miss Lorella. I’m so glad to see you like this today.”

A young lady sitting across from Lorella raised a corner of her mouth at an angle and spoke loudly as if for everyone to hear. 

“I would also like a chance to get to know you, Lorella. My uncle, Count Cheryl, will be having a hunting contest soon, so why don’t you come with me?”

Then, she hurriedly covered her mouth with an exaggerated gesture, as if she had made a mistake. 

“Oh my, I brought up such pointless words. Since the hunting grounds borders the North, I’m sure Duke Periot will also be invited as well…”

She acted like it was a mistake, yet her face was already filled with a malicious smile.

“I’ll pretend this proposal never happened then. I can’t possibly bring any trouble to Miss Lorella.”

Sure enough, that was what she meant to do. Since she wanted to see her embarrassed face as she brought up her ex-husband’s name while everyone was paying attention to her.

Commander Leonon was acting so sweetly that it seemed like he was unaware that she was a divorced duchess, so she also wanted to take this opportunity to make it clear to him.

Just like she had expected, the sound of whispering came from here and there as those that were in the know informed those who were unaware of what was happening.

It was when the woman lifted her wine glass gracefully with a satisfied expression on her face. 

“So when is it?!”

An urgent voice came from Lorella’s mouth.

“…Pardon?”

“I asked you when it would be. I really want to go!”

Two brightly sparkling eyes and a slightly flushed face.

Anyone could see that it was clear she had just been waiting for her to say those words. The young lady couldn’t comprehend her unexpected reaction, so she was unable to give her a response straight away.

“Are you going to send me an official invitation? I’ll be waiting for it, so please do me a favour. No, since we’re on the topic right now, please let me know the date of when it will be held.”

“No, that…”

“Don’t tell me, was all that talk about you inviting me just nonsense?”

“H-How could that be? If Miss Lorella wants to, then…”

The woman could only reply reluctantly, the furrow between her brow deepening. However, Lorella didn’t stop there and continued to ask when the exact date would be. After finding out that it would be three months later, she even expressed her deep disappointment.

Thanks to this, the woman couldn’t add anything else.

The dinner hall, which had quietened down for a while, soon returned to a pleasant atmosphere, as if it had always been that way.

Within that harmonious atmosphere, Marchioness Grace, who knew of Lorella’s situation, clicked her touch inwardly.

‘I had been worried since she seemed to feel intimidated, but contrary to my expectations, she seemed to be a lady that had a stronger mental fortitude than I imagined.’

In order to survive in high society, one had to know when to retaliate against the opponent at certain times. However, that was only possible after having years of experience.

‘She could even become the centre of high society in the future.’

With a faint smile on her face, she took a sip of her wine after nodding her head slightly.

It was a conclusion she could come to only because she remained unaware of the ‘inside story’ on Lorella’s situation.

Specifically the fact that she had to meet not only Leonon but also Periot at all costs… no, rather, it was her desperation and urgency in never missing an opportunity to sell her shares.

* * *

The enjoyable dinner banquet ended without any further incidents, with the attendees soon heading home.

Leonon and Lorella bid farewell once again to the Marchioness and climbed into the Holy Knights Headquarter’s carriage that had been waiting for them in front.

As soon as the wheels started moving, Lorella asked with her eyes shining, “Thank you for coming to escort me like this every time, Commander. In order to pay you back for the favour, there is a place I’d really like to take you. If you let me know when your earliest day off is, I’ll be able to send you an invitation just in time.”

Although she was planning on delivering that letter directly herself, she didn’t bother to mention such a fact to him.

At that, Leonon seemed to ponder over something for a moment before letting out a small sigh, “Now that I think about it, it might be difficult for me to see you for a while.”

“Pardon? W-Why?” Lorella asked back, unable to hide her astonishment at the news that was like a bolt from the blue to her.

“There have been reports of the corpse of a monster appearing near the border, so it seems like I’ll have to go and investigate it for myself.”

“What?!”

“I’ll definitely come and find you as soon as I get back. Oh, when that time comes, should the two of us… have a meal together?”

Unlike him, who spoke with a slight blush, Lorella’s complexion became increasingly pale.

“…When will you be coming back?”

“It’s hard to say. There’s some distance from here to the border, and there’s a lot of work for me to do, so I’ll probably be back in a month or so.”

As soon as he finished giving his reply, a loud voice suddenly rang out, “No way!”

Startled by the loud sound, Leonon stared at her. He couldn’t even ask her what was wrong. Since his vision was filled with a tearful face and eyes that seemed to leak falling dewdrops. 

“To think that I won’t be able to see you for so long…”

At that moment, his heart started to beat in a way that couldn’t be described with words.

‘Are you that sad at the thought of not being able to see me for a month…?’

As soon as that thought popped into his head, the sound of his heart grew louder, as if it had only been waiting, and continued to thud loudly in his ear.

“Please don’t be too upset. I will keep consistently writing back to you.”

Although he was sorry to see such a sorrowful and tear-filled face, on the other hand, he was rather happy and as a result, couldn’t keep his joyous smile off his face.

“If you look at it like that, then a month will fly by before you know it.”

He continued to comfort and soothe her, but only one thought lingered in his mind.

‘I really… don’t want to go.’

* * *

Late at night, when everyone was already in bed.

“No. It can’t go like this!”

The desperate cries of someone who still couldn’t sleep continued to echo in the study of the Mayred Mansion.

It was Lorella who was shouting to the point where her clenched fists were trembling.

The timing couldn’t be more ironic. To think that in such a desperate situation, even Commander Leonon would be absent.

There were even a few times she even tore her hair out from the overwhelming despair.

“Okay, now that it’s come to this, there’s no helping it anymore.”

With her bloodshot eyes wide open, she shouted loudly, “Let’s go to the North!”

She never dreamed that she would return to the North, which she had left with her own two feet, like this. However, now was not the time to discuss such technicalities.

If she could just sell stocks, she’d be willing to even head into hell.

Rather, if we were to be honest, she even felt extremely fortunate to have Periot.

Lorella left the study with a stiff expression and headed in the direction of the bedroom.

‘As soon as the sun rises tomorrow, I must ask the butler to arrange for a carriage to the North at once.’

It was as if she could finally see the light on the horizon.

She lay in her bed, clutching her blanket tightly, her eyes wide open in the dark.

…But just half a day later.

Another heartbreaking cry came out of the mouth of her, who had just been full of hope not too long ago.

“No!”

It took only an instance for hope to quickly turn into despair. Even more so when faced with something completely unexpected.

“This won’t do. I have to go to the North!”

“Please calm down, my lady,” The butler was having a hard time trying to calm her down as she kept repeating the same thing over and over again, like someone who had just lost their mind.

“This is the first time in decades that such a major flood has occurred. It was so severe that the entire bridge that is used to head to the north was destroyed.”

“Ah…”

Lorella collapsed onto the sofa, letting out a groan of despair. But she soon raised her head and looked at the butler with sparkling eyes.

“Then what about the other routes going there? Since it doesn’t matter how far I have to travel!”

Has she ever wanted to meet Periot so desperately?

No, this has never happened before. She had never even had the thought of wanting to see him.

But now, it was different. She felt like she was going to die if she didn’t meet him – and maybe she really would die if she didn’t. So she had to go and see Periot; even if it meant having to ride on horseback herself!

Lorella clenched her molars to steel her resolve.

If she urged the horse on by reducing her time to eat and sleep, it would be possible for her to save some time.

So it was too early for her to fall into despair…

“In any case, I looked into it already, but all the other paths going there are in the same situation.”

The highly proficient butler casually smashed down even the smallest possibility without any hesitation.

“Since the largest bridge has collapsed, theres no way the smaller ones could have fared any better. Since it was deemed impossible to launch a boat into the river due to the strong currents, even the small ferries withdrew as well.”

Damn it. Just why is this guy’s life not going as planned!? Why?!

“Then can we at least send a letter somehow? To tell Periot that I really want to see him…!”

“The postman’s carriage would be the same as well, my lady. How could the post be delivered when all the roads have collapsed?”

“Uwahhhh…!”

In the end, Lorella buried her head in her lap, cradling her face.

“No, this can’t be happening…!”

The butler looked at her, who was almost beginning to wail, and let out a small sigh. He had no idea and couldn’t understand why she suddenly decided to go to the North.

“This can’t be happening, uhuhuhu!”

“My deepest apologies, my lady.”

But he couldn’t even ask what her reasoning was in front of Lorella, who was screaming as if the world was ending, so he just simply resigned to bowing his head as if it was all his fault.

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author’s note

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naver comments

happ***
damn… still, it would be better to find out how to sell stocks as the female lead alone. i was a little nervous about her selling stocks only when she was with the male lead (candidates)…

dead PC
there’s only one more person who hasn’t been introduced from the novel’s synopsis! you should get entangled with him and sell his shares too!!! isn’t it time for the ‘reckless head of the guild’ to slowly appear so we can find out who he is?!!!

whether it’s the new face or it’s revealed that the guide npc winnard was actually a capture target as well HAHAHFESKL

oh, of course, i was investing in leonon, but as soon as the sarella stock appeared on the market, i immediately withdrew and went all in lol sable, you’re the best of the best & lorella, i’ll protect you forever! i really can’t see either of them disappearing…

damn idk why this chapter was all in third person but i hope the author goes back to first person, just bc it just feels way more natural to tl

also poor lorella HAHAAH neither of her ml candidates will be here after the life changing rule change but like the korean comments said, def means new faces and our final ml candidate !! (or is it HEHEHEH)

also, for those that are feeling sorry for the ml candidates who lorella isn’t rlly placing her feelings on (tbh it can feel like she’s treating them like they’re not ppl which is understandable since her life is at stake here, it isn’t as if she’s doing this of her own free will) our girl does grow and she does grow less callous abt this. we see this change in her with both leonon and periot with her exploring her relationships with them as a result of selling shares, but she does come to understand them more. these few chapters may be a short reprieve and regression of her treating them more like mere share sellers tho just bc the fact that she could disappear if she doesn’t sell more shares is once again emphasised to her.

this chapter is brought to you by mio
as translator, proofreader and editor!

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Another sunny morning dawned as I woke up early like I usually did.

“Miss, you must be tired, so why don’t you sleep a little longer?”

Joy, who was helping me out in the morning, cautiously suggested to me, but I shook my head in refusal. It was because I had a lot of things to do.

First, I had to write thank you letters to Countess Lewen, who had spoken kindly to me and introduced me to so many people, as well as Marchioness Grace Erne, who had extended an invitation to me to attend her banquet.

Of course, it went without saying that Commander Leonon, who accompanied me that night, would receive one as well.

Although I was sending one out with sincere feelings of gratitude, even if that wasn’t the case, I still knew that it would be basic courtesy in high society to do so.

Despite being locked away, that didn’t mean that I hadn’t seen or learned anything from the Duke’s residence in those two years. I talked to a maid and prepared a small gift as well.

After painstakingly writing so many letters, the morning had already quickly passed.

But I still had no time to rest.

After having a quick lunch, I headed straight to Leah’s store.

Since I hadn’t been able to show my face there much due to preparations for the victory banquet and all.

“Miss Lorella!”

As soon as I opened the door, Leah, who was standing in the hall, came running to my side with joy.

“I’ve been craning my neck everyday to see when you’d finally come and visit.”

Although she had always warmly welcomed me, she seemed to be particularly excited today.

What is it? Why was she doing this?

However, my curiosity was quickly satisfied. It was thanks to Leah, whose questions had started to pour out as if she had only been waiting to ask as she led me to sit down on a chair.

“I heard you went to the banquet at the imperial palace! Apparently Commander Leonon even asked you for a dance!”

“Pardon…?”

The other staff gathered behind Leah before I knew it, who was stamping her feet with her eyes shining brightly.

“Please tell us quickly, okay?”

“N-No, that’s…”

I was embarrassed for a moment and ended up stuttering over my words.

Since Leah’s store was frequented by so many customers, it was normal for her to overhear many things.

But just how long had it been for this story to have spread out so far already? No wonder they say bad news travels fast.

Even though I was internally sweating, I still briefly and plainly explained the facts to them.

Nevertheless, Leah kept her hands pressed to her chest.

“So you didn’t just part ways with Commander Leonon after dancing with him, right? Gosh, is there really anything we need to hide between the two of us? Hurry up and tell me.”

We had just danced, taken a walk together, and then parted ways. Did I perhaps remember wrongly…?

I became embarrassed for no reason and began to think about how to gloss over this situation.

At that moment, a welcome sound suddenly rang out. It was the sound of the bell hanging over the door ringing.

“Oh my, looks like another customer has come in,” I said as I turned around quickly. And then…

“Welcome… huh?”

I froze before I could even finish greeting the customer.

That brown hair and green eyes that shone like emeralds; a sight that I’ve seen many times from somewhere before. Luxurious looking clothes.

The person who had strode in with his long legs was none other than Winnard.

No, why are you here?

I almost blurted it out loud, but I hurriedly bit my lip. However, that wasn’t the only shocking event.

“Welcome!”

Leah hurriedly walked over in his direction, unlike me, who was frozen and just staring blankly.

Wait. Was Winnard visible to Leah as well now?! I alternated my eyes between the two of them.

“Is this perhaps your first time visiting our store?”

“Yes. I’d like to drink some tea, so would I be able to order that?”

“Of course. I’ll bring you a menu so just wait there for a moment please. Please have a seat over here.”

…Seems like he really was very visible now.

While I covered my mouth in embarrassment, Winnard sat down in the seat designated by Leah, rested his chin on his hand gracefully and turned to look in my direction.

Just what in the world was this situation? My mind was in chaos.

When I was by myself, Winnard had always appeared and disappeared like he was a ghost. As if the person had never existed from the beginning. Today was the first time he had suddenly shown up like this. 

As if I was possessed, I walked over to the table that Winnard was sitting at. As soon as I got closer, he smiled brightly, as if he had just been waiting for me.

“It’s been a while, Lorella.”

“Why did you suddenly… D-Did something happen?”

“I just wanted to see your face. Since you never come and find me, I had no choice but to come and find you like this.”

I heard the sound of something falling when he said that and turned around. Leah, who had approached us at some time, had dropped the menu. Judging from her wide eyes, it seemed like she had just overheard our conversation.

It was a perfect situation for people who didn’t know to misunderstand.

Quickly pushing Leah into the kitchen, I picked up the fallen menu and put it on the table before sitting down across from Winnard.

“Just what in the world are you plotting now?”

“What plot? By the way, what sort of tea is good here?”

He just looked nonchalant, disregarding my furrowed brows. But somehow… I sensed a strange sense of incompatibility.

Although there was no change in his extravagant attire or brazen smile, he seemed a bit different than usual.

I lowered my voice and said to him, “Is it really true that nothing happened? Since it’s strange for you to suddenly appear in front of people like this. Moreover, here…”

When I looked around, I found that it wasn’t only the store employees that were looking over in my direction but other customers as well.

“What I’m saying is that most of the people here are people who know me. Didn’t you say that the guide couldn’t influence the candidate’s situation at all?”

Although Leah was a trustworthy person, I couldn’t say for sure about the rest of the employees.

If someone added fire to what happened today and spread another annoying rumour, it would be my responsibility to clean up that mess.

“Well, something did happen.”

However, rather than giving me a clear answer, Winnard just muttered in a low voice.

The moment his soft words fell into my ears, an unknown anxiety welled up in my heart. It was clear that something was going on. However, Winnard still showed no sign of saying anything.

I got up with a frown and asked Leah who was in the kitchen for some top-notch black tea.

“Miss Lorella! Who’s that handsome gentleman over there now? Is it someone you met at the ball?”

“Goodness, just look at that luxurious outfit! Is he perhaps someone from the imperial family?”

When I realised that I couldn’t see any staff who were meant to be serving in the main hall, they had already crowded into the kitchen. The staff, including Leah, all made a fuss while they prepared the tea, their eyes bright with curiosity.

“No, he’s just an acquaintance.”

I responded with an awkward smile and left as if I was fleeing, holding the tray with two teacups and a teapot in my hands. And immediately placed it in front of Winnard.

With a clattering sound, both mine and his teacup were soon filled with a dark amber coloured black tea.

Winard savoured a sip of tea in a very elegant and dignified motion. Then, in a stoic and dull voice, he asked, “The ball must have been enjoyable, right? Judging from your face, you seem to have enjoyed it.”

A calm gaze stared straight at me.

It was a strange feeling. Like I was slowly walking into the middle of a swamp where my feet were sinking.

As I bit my lip and stared at him, Winnard let out a small sigh.

“Alright, it’s something you need to know anyway, so there’s no need for me to drag it out any longer.”

Winnard put down his cup as if he had made up his mind. Seeing that, I unconsciously swallowed dryly.

“The rules have changed, Lorella.”

What came out of his mouth was something completely unexpected.

“Rules? What rule?” I asked quickly, but there was only one answer I could think of.

“Is it perhaps… the share system you’re talking about?”

Sure enough, Winnard nodded his head silently.

Looking at his cold face that was devoid of a smile, and frighteningly hard green eyes, the news definitely didn’t seem to be good. I stuttered and moved my lips, “H-How has it changed?”

“You’ll find out soon enough.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the store bell rang out again.

The door opened as three to four young women all dressed up beautifully came rushing into the store. They were the most common type of demographic and customer that could be seen in our store.

* * *

pls do not share this anywhere or u will always stub ur toe when u walk past a door frame !! this translation has been stolen from mioscorner.com, pls only read there i’m begging u :kneels:

“I really wanted to come to this store.”

“Me too. The atmosphere really is very nice.”

They sat across from our table, chatting cordially as if they were very close friends.

Leah, who skilfully took their order with a kind smile, glanced toward Winnard and I before heading back into the kitchen. But this time, it was neither embarrassing nor bothersome. It was because Winnard had gestured with his eyes toward that table.

I just listened to their conversation. Winnard also remained silent, crossing his arms and saying nothing.

“I was really surprised. To think that wooden Count Logan would be the first one to ask Claire to dance!”

“I know right? No matter how you look at it, it’s clear that the Count likes Claire.”

Although the store was a little chaotic since other customers kept coming in, it wasn’t difficult to overhear the conversation nearby.

Judging from the story, it seemed like they were noble ladies who had attended the banquet at the imperial palace, just like me.

“Claire, why don’t you confess now?”

When someone spoke in an excited voice, a woman who had been listening quietly for a while covered her mouth and laughed quietly.

Although she was dressed modestly, she stood out among them due to her beautiful and pure countenance.

“The Count and I are just childhood friends,” she waved her hand as if it were nothing. “Besides, for the Count, there will soon be… a partner that has been predestined by fate will soon appear.”

My ears perked up at those words.

A partner predestined by fate? She spoke as if she knew the future.

‘Don’t tell me…’

At that time, I suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu as I listened a little more closely to their conversation.

Then suddenly, something unbelievable started to happen.

The woman named Claire began to slowly fade away, starting from the top of her head.

“W-What?”

I quickly rubbed my eyes, wondering if I had perhaps mistaken it for something else, but a cluster of twinkling lights suddenly appeared before my eyes…

She had vanished into thin air.

“Heok!”

I couldn’t even swallow my exclamation and just froze.

It had happened in a literal instant.

I turned my head around and looked everywhere, to the extent that my neck started to ache, but I still couldn’t see even a single strand of her hair.

She had really disappeared.

She had clearly been fine sitting there, chatting naturally with other people, but suddenly disappeared like grains of sand. 

…No, it was as if she had only been an illusion from the beginning!

My hands started to tremble at the unbelievable sight I had just witnessed. A rattling sound came from the teacup that had cooled down as the table shook.

However, the shock didn’t end there.

I lowered my head and clutched my teacup tightly in an effort to try and hide my emotional turmoil, but the words that followed made those efforts pointless.

“What should we do about the tea party next week? We couldn’t even send out all the invitations…”

“We’d better hurry up and send them quickly while there’s still time. Haa, why are we always so anxious to make things that we can’t handle to fret over? Starting from next time, let’s not hold any gathering unless it’s a simple get-together. Let’s all promise each other first.”

“I apologise if I’m spoiling something, but didn’t we already make the exact same promise last time…?”

A round of jubilant laughter rang out among them.

Even though the person who had even been their friend, with whom they had been happily talking to just a moment ago, had disappeared, they seemed happy as if they had been alone from the beginning.

All that was left in my empty head was a single sentence.

I had read and reread it hundreds of times now, so I could now memorise it without making a single mistake.

<All candidates except for the main character will be annihilated, and will be completely erased from everyone’s memory in order to prevent confusion.>

But how come…?

No way, don’t tell me… has the main character already been decided?

So would I now disappear as well?

“This is the rule that has changed, Lorella. From now on, the candidates who have sold the least shares will disappear in their respective order.”

“B-But it hasn’t even been that long since I became a candidate…!”

Without realising it, my voice cracked and rose to a higher pitch.

The young ladies who completely forgot that they had been laughing and chatting with another friend just moments ago glanced over at me.

The only thing left in my mind that was empty due to panic was one thought.

‘How unreasonable.’

Although I didn’t know who the top ranked candidate was, the important thing was that I definitely wasn’t the top ranked candidate.

I had only been selling shares for a few months, but what if there was someone who had been selling them for ten years?

“It has nothing to do with the cumulative number of sales. After counting the shares that have been sold by candidates over a certain period of time, the candidate with the least amount will be the target for annihilation.”

“A certain period of time…? How long is that exactly?”

“It should be different every time. It depends on ‘their’ feelings. So even I don’t know. It could be a month, or even a week when the day of judgement finally comes.”

Winnard’s calm and placid voice was so chilly it gave me goosebumps.

“Although you might think it’s impossible, it’s something that can’t be helped. It’s an added penalty since there are a lot of people who are already getting bored.”

Clang!

At the same time, the teacup that I couldn’t hold on to fell and broke into pieces with a loud shattering sound.

The dark tea water soaked into my pink high heels.

My head hung on the table as if I had fallen apart. I couldn’t find any strength in my body. My whole body had started to shake like an aspen tree.

I could vaguely hear the sound of people murmuring. However, the noise seemed far away, as if my ears had been plugged.

“Miss Lorella, are you alright?”

At that time, Leah rushed over to take care of me with a clean cloth. However, my fear didn’t go away.

She must have clearly seen that customer disappear right in front of her eyes, but she paid no attention to the table over there and only paid attention to me.

Extending his hand toward Leah, Winnard said, “Give it to me. I’ll do it.”

“But…”

“It’s alright.”

And with a smile, he took the cloth from her.

Perhaps sensing the unusual atmosphere, Leah hesitated and shuffled her feet. She disappeared into the kitchen after Winnard gave her a look that seemed to say it was alright.

“I’ll give you a quiz.”

Winnard stood up and came closer, kneeling down on one knee next to me as he whispered softly, “Who will receive the penalty next time?”

I couldn’t even blink, as if I was an animal that had been stung by something poisonous and had turned stiff, slowly dying.

“Well, it’s alright, even if you don’t answer. Just that… if you had sold even a little bit less, just know that it could have been her that would have watched you disappear.”

“I-I…”

I struggled desperately to continue speaking. But even my squeezed out voice stopped coming out after a while.

“The guide of the candidate who disappeared chose to abandon her. They probably wanted to avoid their annihilation together. But I won’t do that. Because…”

Winnard dropped the white cloth on the wet puddle on the floor and spoke in a suppressed tone, “I already promised that I would never leave you, and my own pride won’t allow me to go back on my word. Of course, if you want to enjoy your life, now matter how short it is, I won’t stop you either since that’s also your fate. But before you decide to do that, I just want to ask you one thing.”

Far from getting angry, an infinitely calm voice quietly penetrated my ears.

“Do you really understand what kind of situation you’re in right now, and are you really going to be this easy going about it?”

It felt as if every word of his had become a sharp dagger, piercing my heart.

As I looked down, I noticed my fist that was clenched so tightly that the bones on the back of my hand were protruding. When I slowly opened my fist, I saw a red crescent-shaped mark on my palm where my fingernails had dug into it.

But I couldn’t feel anything at all.

The hem of my dress, which was already wet with tea, the feeling of cold drops of sweat running down my temples, and the pain I felt from my lips that I had clenched until they turned completely white.

It was as if all my senses had completely disappeared.

Just like she had a little while ago when she disappeared before my eyes.

---

naver comments

LUNA
winnard’s description is no joke… his backstory must be insane…

rebe****
lorella is the candidate that sold the second least amount of stock..? i thought she sold a lot though. to be fair, it is a bit too passive and relies too much on love, so it would be difficult to sell a lot

it’s getting real yawl !!!