Lord Baby Runs A Romance Fantasy With Cash [EN]: Chapter 221

☆ Chapter 221 ☆

* * *

Charlea Square, the heart of the upscale shopping district, buzzed with activity.

Fussen Street, which connected to the square, was particularly known for its concentration of high-end jewelry shops.

Nobles who bumped into each other on the street exchanged polite smiles and greetings.

“Oh my, it’s been ages since our last tea party. Are you shopping for accessories today?”

“I had a new dress made, but I’m struggling to find anything that complements it.”

“Oh, really? Then let’s shop together! Ah, are you perhaps heading to 〈Passis〉?”

“Yes? Yes, it’s my usual haunt.”

“Ah, yes… Well, see you next time.”

The sisters smiled at the young lady they met and continued on their way.

Once they were a short distance away, the sisters began to whisper amongst themselves.

“Isn’t 〈Passis〉 a bit… outdated? I didn’t want to be rude, but…”

“〈Idium〉 is where it’s at now. There’s a reason they’re a traditional powerhouse, you know? I adore their uniquely classic style.”

“I was completely smitten with the earrings that 〈Bullea〉 released recently.”

“Oh, you mean the ones with the bi-color stones? I saw Princess Paeraton wearing them and thought they were so exquisite that I had to look them up.”

“Shall we go to 〈Bullea〉 first, then?”

“Certainly, 〈Bullea〉 and 〈Idium〉 are conveniently located next to each other anyway. 〈Passis〉 is the only one off on its own.”

The sisters linked arms and headed towards 〈Bullea〉, their hearts filled with anticipation.

However.

“I am very sorry, but all of our private rooms are currently occupied.”

The staff’s words, delivered with a polite bow, quickly dampened their spirits.

“All occupied? How long will the wait be?”

“I sincerely apologize, but we have a considerable number of guests waiting, so we cannot provide an accurate estimate of the waiting time.”

The sisters, about to protest, glanced around the shop.

Indeed, as the staff had mentioned, the hall was bustling with nobles of all ages, both men and women.

Even the staff attending to customers in the open hall, not just the private rooms, seemed to be working at full capacity.

‘Waiting too long isn’t ideal… Oh my, isn’t that Lady Poshette over there?’

The sisters’ eyes widened as they spotted someone emerging from a private room.

‘Someone of Marchioness Poshette’s status is visiting in person…’

‘Normally, 〈Bullea〉 staff would have visited the Marquis’s residence to showcase their pieces.’

The sisters exchanged knowing glances.

Looking more closely, they recognized many of the people in the hall as prominent nobles.

People who would typically prefer the privacy and comfort of a private room for their shopping, rather than browsing in the open hall.

“…Then let’s simply wait our turn. A private room isn’t essential.”

The thought of suggesting they return another time, as they didn’t want to wait, quickly faded.

Instead, they were now determined to purchase earrings today, regardless of how long it took.

“Thank you very much for your understanding.”

“Would it be alright if we stepped out while we wait?”

“Of course. I will personally inform you when it is the Malone Ladies’ turn.”

The sisters were slightly surprised that the staff recognized them so readily, even though it was almost their first time visiting 〈Bullea〉.

It wasn’t that they particularly craved recognition, but it was a pleasant feeling nonetheless.

‘As expected, Princess Paeraton’s taste is impeccable.’

‘There’s a reason it’s a traditional and formal establishment.’

The sisters exchanged whispers and exited 〈Bullea〉.

“Let’s go to 〈Idium〉 for now.”

However, the situation at 〈Idium〉 was much the same.

The only real difference was that 〈Idium〉, being more classic in its style than the trendy 〈Bullea〉, had a larger number of older noblewomen among its clientele.

‘Wow, isn’t that Marchioness Sherodel?’

‘She’s shopping in person… Should we greet her?’

Just then, someone addressed the sisters, who were discreetly observing the scene.

“Ladies Malone.”

“Huh?”

It was the young lady they had encountered on the street earlier.

“Weren’t you on your way to 〈Passis〉?”

“…We did go, but the atmosphere at 〈Passis〉 was… strange. There wasn’t a single other customer. The staff were all over us, practically begging us to buy something.”

“Oh my…”

“We were also a bit concerned about what you might think of our choice. So, just in case, we decided to come to 〈Idium〉…”

“〈Passis〉 has really fallen that far, then.”

“It’s only natural, considering no one seems to go there anymore.”

The young lady tilted her head, looking puzzled at the sisters’ words.

“Um, is there something wrong with 〈Passis〉?”

“Oh, didn’t you know? Ah, that explains why you went there.”

“If you had seen their current offerings, you’d understand. The pieces at 〈Passis〉 these days simply aren’t what they used to be.”

“Really?”

The young lady tilted her head again. She had left because the store’s atmosphere felt off, but she hadn’t noticed anything particularly wrong with the jewelry itself.

“As proof, Princess Paeraton only wears jewelry from 〈Bullea〉 and 〈Idium〉 these days. Her hair ornament at the last gala was especially stunning.”

“Well, 〈Bullea〉 and 〈Idium〉 both offered to gift jewelry to the Princess, but she politely declined.”

“She said that such exquisite works of art should be properly compensated for.”

“Oh…”

The young lady covered her mouth in surprise, as if she had been unaware of this.

“It’s not just the Princess, either. The Empress Consort, of course, as well as Mrs. Sheruin and Duchess Iskamill…”

Now that the Empress is unable to attend public events due to the confinement order [likely referring to a period of mourning or seclusion], the Empress Consort is taking the lead in official imperial appearances.

The jewelry worn by the Empress Consort at these events is guaranteed to become a major topic of conversation.

“All the ladies with impeccable taste and high social standing are choosing 〈Idium〉 and 〈Bullea〉. Until recently, they were all loyal customers of 〈Passis〉.”

“Princess Paeraton was the one who started this trend. She truly has an exceptional eye for beauty.”

“Ah… Now that I think about it, I heard that 〈Passis〉 didn’t give a gift to the Princess this year, but to the Saintess instead.”

“〈Passis〉 must have completely lost their touch. This is the inevitable consequence.”

“But there’s also a rumor that there’s more to it than that.”

“More to it?”

“Well, the Princess actually buys her jewelry from 〈Idium〉 and 〈Bullea〉, right? So, the rumor is that 〈Passis〉 initially offered a gift to the Princess, but she rejected it because it simply wasn’t up to her standards…”

“Oh… That makes sense, doesn’t it?”

“Right? It’s much more plausible that the Princess threw away their gift because it was so awful. And that’s why people are avoiding them.”

The young lady nodded in agreement.

“I almost made a terrible mistake. I was slightly tempted because the Saintess wore their jewelry.”

“Come now, can you even compare the novice Saintess to the Princess?”

“Ultimately, 〈Passis〉 is failing, while 〈Idium〉 and 〈Bullea〉 are incredibly popular, so it’s quite clear who possesses the superior taste.”

“I should definitely buy something here as well.”

“Let’s shop together while we wait for our turn.”

“If we don’t buy something now, we might not be able to find anything during this entire social season.”

“Oh, thank you so much.”

The young lady smiled brightly at the sisters’ consideration.

“So, what was 〈Passis〉 like? Tell me everything.”

“Well, when I walked in…”

The girls launched into an animated conversation.

* * *

Meanwhile, in the CEO’s office of 〈Passis〉.

“This is absurd!”

Landwell, the CEO of 〈Passis〉, was once again erupting in anger.

He threw the sales report he had been reviewing across the room.

“How can sales plummet this drastically in a single month! At this rate, we’ll be forced to liquidate the main store!”

High jewelry is the epitome of luxury goods, commanding enormous prices per piece.

However, the costs associated with maintaining the quality of the materials and the brand’s reputation are equally substantial.

Sourcing the highest grade gems befitting high jewelry, employing expert gem cutters, designing the jewelry, employing skilled goldsmiths, and meticulously setting the gems.

The material costs are astronomical, but the expenses related to specialized personnel are also considerable.

Furthermore, they were required to occupy an entire detached building on Fussen Street, the most expensive real estate in the Charlea Square district, and maintain a large staff to attend to customers, regardless of the actual number of shoppers.

This was all to project the image that ‘They’re at least covering the basics,’ which was crucial for attracting their high-nosed clientele.

“Damn it, we’re already operating at a loss! At this rate, the deficit will only balloon next month!”

“I told you so. Didn’t I suggest that we should have gifted a piece to Princess Paeraton again this year?”

“Hey! Are you deliberately trying to jinx me?”

“I’m simply stating the facts.”

Landwell gritted his teeth at the frustrating words.

“Are you certain that Marquis Tarenka isn’t orchestrating some behind-the-scenes sabotage?”

“Haven’t we investigated that thoroughly? It’s simply… we have no customers. They’re saying that our pieces are awful.”

“Are you mocking me?!”

How dare they call these items, which cost so much to produce, awful!

“The payment deadlines for the gold and gems are also fast approaching. I purchased twice the usual amount, anticipating that this year would be exceptionally profitable…”

“I advised against that, as well.”

“Hey!”

He shouted, but the aide remained unfazed by the CEO’s anger and calmly sipped his coffee.

Landwell slumped onto the sofa and buried his face in his hands.

“Ugh, it’s all because Princess Paeraton started wearing jewelry from other brands. But why is this having such a devastating impact…”

Landwell slumped onto the sofa and covered his head.

“What is the Saintess even doing? The Empress may adore her, but she lacks the connections to promote our jewelry effectively. She’s just a pretty face with no substance.”

The aide, who had been about to offer a word of caution to Landwell, decided against it.

‘He’s still thinking along those lines, so there’s no point in trying to explain anything to him.’

The influence that Paeraton wields within the Empire is immense.

A veiled, feared, and enigmatic family.

And now, an unprecedented situation has arisen where a Paeraton is actively participating in the social scene.

Naturally, everything that Princess Paeraton wears is destined to become a sensation.

Even the princes and dukes are making appearances in society, following their youngest sister’s lead, so how could it not be?

‘Moreover, Princess Paeraton is remarkably sociable, unlike other members of the Paeraton family.’

The noblewomen adore Princess Paeraton, and the young ladies are eager to become her friends.

Delbartren, Iskamill, Sherodel, Michellion…

Would families with such immense political and social influence look favorably upon 〈Passis〉, which was secretly plotting against Princess Paeraton?

Princess Paeraton wouldn’t even need to take direct action.

“Have you contacted Princess Paeraton?”

“…I genuinely don’t believe you should do that. The Princess may seem amiable, but she’s rumored to be incredibly intimidating when angered.”

“What are you talking about? When have you ever witnessed her lose her temper? Besides, she’s still young. If you shower her with expensive gifts and flatter her, she’ll quickly forget her anger.”

“…”

“Why are you giving me that look? Contact Princess Paeraton immediately.”

The aide reluctantly began drafting a letter at Landwell’s insistence, thinking to himself.

‘…I wonder if they’re hiring for my position elsewhere?’

Office workers always harbor a resignation letter in their hearts, but now seemed like the opportune moment to actually use it.

* * *

A week later, in the reception room of the 〈Passis〉 main store.

Contrary to expectations that she would simply ignore the invitation, let alone send a rejection letter, Ruatisha had accepted the invitation.

“See! I knew she wanted something! Honestly, who doesn’t appreciate jewelry? If you give it to her for free and shower her with compliments, she’ll be delighted!”

Landwell exclaimed excitedly upon receiving her reply, but the aide remained apprehensive.

Landwell lavished all sorts of praise on Ruatisha, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.

“…So, this is a gift we’ve prepared especially for the Princess. Now, take a look at this. Beautiful, isn’t it? It’s all yours, Princess.”

The light reflecting off the hundreds of diamonds was dazzling.

“We understand that the Princess may be upset that we presented a gift to the Saintess.”

“…”

“But we absolutely did not intend to compare the Princess to the Saintess. How could the sun and the light of a mere lamp be compared? Please accept this and forgive our transgression…”

“I’m not angry.”

“Pardon?”

“I’m the type of person who only gets angry at individuals who are actually worth getting angry at.”

Landwell’s mouth fell open.

‘T, this isn’t going according to plan?’

“I don’t particularly care what 〈Passis〉 does. The reason I came here is because there’s something I’m interested in.”

“Yes? If you tell me what it is, I’ll gladly give it to you as a complimentary gift…”

“Well, it’s something you can’t simply give away as a gift.”

Ruatisha’s gaze shifted to the aide standing behind Landwell.

“Maurice.”

“Y, yes?”

The aide, Maurice, looked at Ruatisha in astonishment.

“You know my name?”

“Isn’t it only natural to remember someone who diligently performs their duties, rather than a mere figurehead?”

Maurice stared blankly at her.

“Do you happen to enjoy chicken?”

“Excuse me?”

“I’m offering you a job right now. It doesn’t seem logical for someone as capable as you to remain on a sinking ship.”

Maurice was struggling to comprehend what was happening.

But before he could fully process the situation, the words tumbled out of his mouth.

“I, I like it! No, I absolutely adore it!”

Maurice, belatedly realizing his blunder, added with a flushed face.

“C, chicken, I mean…”

“I understand. You’re an interesting individual.”

Ruatisha chuckled softly and rose from her seat.

“Then, I’ve acquired what I came for, so I’ll be taking my leave.”

“W, wait a moment, Princess!”

Landwell blocked the doorway and knelt down before her.

“You can’t simply leave like this! If you do, we’ll be forced into bankruptcy!”

“…”

“Please, don’t we share some history together? Please, consider our past relationship…”

If such a relationship truly existed, he wouldn’t have presented a gift to Liriel [the Saintess], thereby allowing Ruatisha and Liriel to be compared in the first place.

But Landwell was utterly shameless.

“Take this, alright? I’m giving it to you for free, you know? It’s worth a fortune!”

Landwell clutched the necklace and thrust it towards Ruatisha.

“Wear this and attend the upcoming party. There’s another social gathering soon, isn’t there? Wear this there—” Ruatisha simply glanced at him and walked away.

Complete and utter disregard.

Landwell slumped to the floor in despair.