Chapter 89
Chapter 89 . Asterope Franz, Part VI
Translator: Khan
Editor Group: Liber Reverie
Men did not incorporate women into their own society . Women had separate jobs to do, and there was no one to nurture them because they had no place to be used even if they learned, except for political reasons .
Everyone who rarely intended to provide academic support to women was all treated as a fool and ignored . The reason was that they put their energy into those who couldn’t even get into government posts, but Asher offered to do the stupid thing .
“I already know that you are quite intelligent . You seem to be keeping it a secret, but in the general store, you foreshadowed the collapse of the casino . I was surprised, to be honest, but I thought it was just a simple coincidence . I thought a young lady, who didn’t know anything, found out by chance . On the other hand, that’s what I thought . ”
“… thank you for saying that, but you are going to lose your reputation quite a bit . ”
“I’m thrilled you’re worried about my reputation . But my reputation is already low enough for you to not worry . ”
It was Asher who answered with a smile, but Aria could not easily believe his words . ‘I can’t believe you’ve already lost your reputation! Does that mean you are that influential?’ She couldn’t trust him because she couldn’t figure out his identity even though he said such a thing . Besides…
“This conversation started because you threatened me that you knew my secret, but I think it would be unreasonable for you to ask me for a positive answer . ”
“I’m recognizing it . It would be perfect if you could give me an answer quickly, but I’m sure you will consider it too . So I’ll send my servant later, so I don’t mind if you give me an answer then . ”
“…”
“And don’t worry, I don’t intend to reveal your secret . ”
He added an explanation before Aria could even say what she was worried about . Due to that, she could not refute or ask him any questions . After agonizing for such a while, Aria realized that it was already too late to turn over the hourglass, so she loosened her strength from her hands which tightly held the box .
He said he wouldn’t reveal her secret, and if he did, he would be a laughing stock . Presumably, no one would listen to the words of Asher, a nobleman of a low-class .
‘… I wonder what kind of meeting it is . ’
In addition, she was interested in the meeting he proposed . It was all the more so because she had never thought of stepping into a man’s society . Unlike ordinary women, it was a difficult opportunity for Aria who should build her own force in the future .
“Well, I’ll look forward to hearing from you . ”
Asher, who rose from his seat first, looked down at Aria for a moment, and then he immediately smiled and bent his upper body toward her . Aria, who was surprised by his face suddenly showing up in front of her, shook her hand, and he briefly apologized, holding a petal in his hand .
“I didn’t mean to surprise you, but you had a petal on your hair . A butterfly would misunderstand you for a flower if a petal is attached to you since it is hard to distinguish you from a flower now . ” After saying that, he put it in Aria’s hand .
He left with such meaningless words . Aria was a woman, who had played with countless men, but she stared at the place where he had left, dazed by his unacceptable act .
* * *
His servant did not show up until a few days after meeting with him .
How could he visit the mansion of the family of Count Roscent as a low-ranking aristocrat? It was clear that he would be refused admittance at the entrance .
‘Maybe I had such a useless expectation…’
Aria had almost given up on the meeting that Asher had proposed . It couldn’t have been so easy to get into a group of men in the first place . She didn’t know that and had waited for his letter with such a useless expectation without doing anything for a while .
‘I should have visited the casino . ’
But nevertheless, she couldn’t stop waiting even though she knew the letter wouldn’t come .
Then one day, Lane visited . He brought two bouquets of flowers as a gift and handed a bouquet of lilies to Mielle and a bouquet of tulips to Aria .
“Oh, my God! I’ve never seen such wonderful lilies! Where on earth can I get it?”
“It’s a bouquet of flowers from my master’s garden . The plants that grow there are all so beautiful . ”
“I really want to visit there, too!”
“I’m sure it will be done . ”
He gave Mielle the lily that represented the family . In contrast, the tulips used for formal greetings fell into Aria’s hands . Still seeing this discrimination, it seemed like he was still fond of Mielle . Foolishly, he had no eye to classify people .
“Ah, and… Maybe today will be my last visit . ”
“What’s the matter?”
At those sudden words from Lane, the count asked, unable to hide his surprised face . Aria also put down the fork and gave him a look .
“I’ve seen the end of what my master has been working on . There was a misunderstanding in the middle, so it took a long time . Now that things are going well, he said he’d like to focus on it . ”
“Oh, that’s too bad for me . It would be a good thing for your master . ”
The count ended up celebrating with an awkward face after failing to control the thrashing of his emotions . He would look dubious to anyone . Lane and his master had been so helpful in the count’s business, and he didn’t want to lose them .
Lane resumed his meal without any further effort although he confirmed the regret from his face . He also apparently intended to put an end to his relationship with the count .
‘I’m sure you’re done trying to recognize Mielle . ’
Contrary to what she had just expected, there seemed to be nothing more to be done to Mielle . So far, a mountain of gifts and the help he had given to the count must have been a bribe to dig up information .
So why did the count made such a mess of the situation by lying just to be found? If he had been a man of a little more thought, Lane and his master would not have left . They might have not been interested in it in the first place, but it would have been better . The count wouldn’t have had to repeat his useless expectation and disappointment .
‘Well, it’s like the count has benefited because he was given help with the tax matter . ’
Moreover, Mielle had gotten a mountain of presents . Whatever it might be, Lane wouldn’t help the count anymore . It was the price of hiding the truth in a dismal manner .
“You don’t like what I proposed before, do you?”
“Yes? Haha, no . It’s not that it will be done even if I want to do it . ”
“Hmm… so do you mean you can do that if Aria says yes?”
“… well . ”
Aria turned her eyes as her name was suddenly called . ‘What kind of deal did you make with him?’ They were talking about her intention . Moreover, judging by Lane’s increasingly cold look, it meant his clear refusal, no matter what her reaction was .
The count talked to Aria, “I think Lane actually likes you very much . I asked him to meet you before . I don’t think it’s bad… I wonder what you think, Aria . ”
“… Honey!”
At the count’s shocking remarks, the countess asked back, dropping the fork she held in her hand . He seemed to intend to sell his stepdaughter if it was something he could sell as a competent merchant .
‘It’s just Lane and not even his master… Lane’s identity is unclear, but there is no daughter to be introduced to his master, who is sure to be a high-ranking nobleman, so will the count give me to his servant, who is just a low-class aristocrat but will be helpful to him? How disappointing he is!’
She could see Mielle nodding with a smiling face from a distance .
“It doesn’t look bad . Lane is a good person, so I’m sure he’ll make you happy . ”
It was not a rise in status but a fall . If she married Lane, she would become Mrs . Pino from the lady of the family of the count . She didn’t know what kind of title would be attached to her, but it was obvious it would be a lower class .
Aria replied, twisting her lips, “Really? I’m happy enough as it is . Then why don’t you do that, Mielle?”
No Comments Yet
Post a new comment
Register or Login