# Chapter 34. Preparations for Enrollment (1)
“Did you really pull off something flashy, eh? What about our apprentice?”
“Where did you hear that from…?”
The day after my debut dance.
I visited my mentor for the usual magic training session, only to find myself unable to hold back a grin at my mentor’s teasing words.
“Where else, the talk of the town is all about Mr. Apprentice. Your antics were rather amusing, even if you seemed to take it all in stride.”
“…”
Well, considering the grand spectacle I staged at another person’s estate, and that too at a marquis’ mansion, it would be odd if no rumors spread.
After I returned home, my parents also scolded me for my rather reckless behavior, though they understood the situation.
Still, I overheard that the marquis decided not to pursue the matter further, since Lady Ria had been subjected to insults and the marquis’ daughter seemed particularly fond of the ruby and sapphire diamond necklace I prepared secretly.
“Ah, so that’s why you asked me to arrange the diamond. I thought it was going to be a gift for the future daughter-in-law.”
For my debut dance, what I had prepared was the aforementioned ruby and sapphire diamond necklace for the marquis’ daughter.
Since both the red and blue diamonds are exceptionally rare and naturally colored, their value is beyond comprehension.
It seems my father thought it was meant as a gift for Lady Ria but, in fact, it was a bribe I planned to offer.
I had anticipated that Lady Ria would face open hostility during the debut dance, so I intended to create a diversion to shift public focus by causing a minor disturbance, then offer the necklace to the marquis as a bribe.
This way, the attention would be drawn more to my reckless reputation than to Lady Ria individually, and it might enhance her standing among the people who know her plight. Also, showcasing the wealth of our family after pulling off the stunt would strengthen our influence.
“And as expected, things turned out fine according to my prediction.”
Had it not gone this way, there surely would have been talk from the side of Lady Enbi, but it also became clear that she had led the humiliation of a noble in public.
The marquis, known for his strictness, decided not to push the issue, effectively admitting Lady Enbi’s mistake and choosing to end the matter there. As a highly esteemed family in the empire, the marquis’ family couldn’t afford to escalate the situation any further.
Thus, her family likely agreed to end the incident, considering the minimal physical damage Lady Enbi suffered—merely some hair pulled out and a slightly broken nose, both easily treatable with a few days of rest.
Her embarrassment in front of everyone and the psychological impact can’t be fixed, but when I reflect on her behavior, I consider this a deserved punishment.
“So I hear that our apprentice got mad because the betrothed was disrespected. Didn’t go to the dance and stir things up without thought, now, did you?”
“It’s only natural to feel anger when someone important to you is harmed. Failing to react would make me undeserving as a man.”
“Oi~ I may have to reassess you?”
My mentor chuckled, seeing a more manly side to me.
“Still, be careful. People who have nothing to lose can become more dangerous. That young lady’s family seems to have suffered quite a blow from this incident; they might seek revenge against you.”
“That’s unlikely. Most of their business ventures are subcontracted to our house. If they don’t want to end up on the street, they’ll keep quiet.”
“Did you plan that too?”
“I’m not clever enough for all that…”
Indeed, there was no elaborate calculation in my plans. Most families present at the banquet have ties with our business ventures, and we hold the dominant position. Thus, I acted confidently, but I’m no genius who could foresee and calculate all variables to set up a perfect situation.
“It was lucky. Thanks to the opening those ladies made, everything fell into place.”
“…”
As someone who used to suffer from the antics of the capital’s nobles during his time at the mage tower, my mentor found some satisfaction in how this played out.
“… Speaking of which, that necklace you gave the marquis’ daughter, how much would its value be in money?”
“Hmm… judging by its rarity, probably…”
Murmuring, the amount was calculated, causing my mentor to gawk and absentmindedly digress into numbers before pulling out a dog collar from his pocket, (I have no idea why he carries it) placing it around his neck, and extending the leash towards me.
“Master… no, Master Apprentice~ Would you happen to need a stress-relief slave? Beating, frying, or any kind of punishment is fine~ Just one necklace should cover the settlement fee, wouldn’t it?”
You’re insane, go away.
—
“Can you believe how surprised I was when I heard that?! Seriously, Na Won, ugly girls should at least have good hearts, and when their hearts are also ugly, that’s truly repulsive!”
“Ahaha…”
Cecilia sat having her hair styled by her personal maid, Bell.
Despite the rapid return of Rab and Cecilia last night, Bell, who learned of the events at the marquis’ residence through her secret network, had noticed Cecilia’s apparent indifference to the insults hurled at her. Instead, Cecilia seemed cheerful, with a blush brightening her cheeks.
“Still… a waltz with a lover in a flower garden…”
“When… when did you see that?!”
“Our guild motto is, ‘to exist everywhere yet nowhere.’ Finding one duchess in a mansion is easy, you know.”
The tender dance, though observed, must remain a private matter.
“Still, sister, how long do you plan to work here?”
“Maybe until you enroll in the academy next year? Why do you ask?”
“I have a favor to ask of you.”
“A favor?”
“Yes. Another request, just like before when you gave me the information about the nobles.”
“Hold on, Cecilia…”
Bell interrupted Cecilia, with a hint of guilt in her tone.
“Ria, as you know, I lead a guild. I hold great care for you as a sister, but I also have responsibilities to my guild members.”
“Understood.”
“Even though I admire you for identifying my true identity and treating our injured guild members, our information is like our lives. No one gives away his own life, right?”
“What’s your point?”
“Tell me the compensation you can offer us.”
Bell spoke firmly.
Although Bell cherished Ria like a real sister and wished to protect her without any obligation, as the leader of the guild, she couldn’t act on mere whim.
Although she knew Cecilia currently had nothing in terms of resources or prestige, she still had to broach this deal.
“Of course, I know you don’t have capital or reputation right now. But as a guild leader, I can’t freely distribute information based on my mood.”
“…”
“If it’s not an immediate pay-out, that’s fine. Just let me know what you can give us in the future…”
“Sister.”
“Eh?”
Bell had spoken while looking away so as not to see Cecilia potentially saddened, but upon hearing her low voice, found herself turning toward her.
“Sister, I love the young master. No one else concerns me.”
“Huh… I know.”
She’s well aware of Cecilia’s attachment to Lord Rab—it’s something that even surprises her occasionally.
“And I will marry him. While now it’s just an engagement, I’ll definitely make him my husband.”
“Y-you will, huh…”
“Then what of my family?”
“…”
Then it dawned on her: if Cecilia marries into the Netorie house, what will happen to the Boich duchy?
‘There is only one noble daughter born to the married couple…’
“My parents wouldn’t intend for me to continue the duke’s lineage. They’ll likely seek the most luxurious life they can, leveraging my connection to the Netorie house, and adopt a child in their later years to place in the duke’s seat. Their interest lies more in current luxury than the future.”
“Hmm…”
“I don’t care about maintaining this superficial duchy. I don’t wish to continue the lineage. I simply want to live as Cecilia Netorie.”
“What about the Boich family though-”
“Sister, think about it.”
Cecilia gently seized Bell’s hand, startling her with the chilling gaze despite the warmth in her touch.
“Sister, help me drag my parents down from their high perch… ruin them as payback. Once the revenge is completed…”
She tightened her grip.
“I’ll give you the Boich duchy.”
