Chapter 65
The Possessed Villainess Doesn’t Want a Divorce
“Ah, but are you really planning to name the strawberry jam ‘Orsay Strawberry Jam’?”
All the ladies responded in unison with a ‘yes,’ and Monica nodded one last time.
Low seemed to acknowledge that it wasn’t a big issue as he replied, placing a document on the table.
“Then let’s proceed that way. And could you take a look at this? We plan to register the strawberry jam as a product under the Orsay Ducal family in the Imperial Palace. Of course, distribution will be handled through the Riat Trading Company.”
“So, if we register it as a business belonging to the Orsay Ducal family, we would own the patent, right?”
“Yes, that’s correct. We just intend to specify that distribution will be through Riat Trading Company.”
“Then, does that mean the Orsay family cannot distribute it at all?”
“Not at all. If the Orsay family wishes, we can collaborate for distribution. Do you have any particular distribution channels in mind?”
“Well, I haven’t thought of any specific channels yet, but there could be some in the future.”
“If you have any ideas later, please let us know. We’ll make sure to collaborate without overlapping with Riat’s distribution.”
Monica picked up the document and reviewed it. At the same time, the ladies of the Orsay family’s eyes moved with interest as they reviewed the document together.
Everyone nodded after watching each other carefully, and Monica returned the document to Low.
“Then, if there are no objections, I’ll take my leave for today. On the way, I’ll stop by the Imperial Palace to submit the documents.”
Monica rose from her seat, following Low as he got up.
She walked alongside him toward the entrance as if casually escorting him out, and quietly asked,
“Is there anything you want to convey to me?”
Low tilted his head, puzzled, and asked her again,
“What do you mean?”
“I’m asking if the head of Riat Trading Company told you to pass on any messages.”
“Oh, ah! My apologies. I completely forgot while discussing the strawberry jam business. Actually, I was just impressed by the results of the strawberry jam business exceeding expectations.”
“And what did the head of Riat Trading Company say about it?”
“He told the Duchess to look forward to it.”
Monica repeated Low’s words with an unreadable expression.
Even last time, he had just told her to look forward to it, and now again, she couldn’t grasp Taylor’s intentions.
Low spoke again.
“And, he was impressed by the strawberry jam business. I also tried it; it had an incredibly addictive sweetness.”
Feeling that something was missing, Monica frowned slightly and asked again.
“…He didn’t say anything else?”
“No. Is there a message you’d like me to convey?”
“No, I’ll just look forward to it and wait.”
“Whatever it is, the head of the company sometimes has a playful side, so don’t worry. He’s reliable. You’ll hear news soon. Well then, I’ll take my leave.”
Low bowed neatly and left, getting into the Riat Trading Company carriage at the entrance.
Finally, a seed of anxiety sprouted in Monica’s heart. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Taylor, but by now, some news should have arrived.
A myriad of hypotheses flashed through her mind.
“Could it be that I can’t go to the Eastern Country? Or did he just tell me to prepare as a formality?”
Even at best, the idea of Monica, a duchess, joining a diplomatic envoy representing a major nation in the Eastern Country was practically impossible.
Moreover, she was a noble with no connections to Taylor.
“Then why did he say that?”
Since it didn’t seem like he had said it without reason, Monica continued to worry.
“Is there some kind of surprise? What exactly am I supposed to look forward to?”
As she wandered back to her room, lost in thought, Butler Peter approached briskly.
“Milady, the Duke has commanded that you be brought to his office.”
“Now?”
“Yes.”
Startled by Liam’s sudden summons, Monica hurried toward the office, thinking it might be about Taylor.
When she finally reached the office, Liam’s expression was quite serious, almost grim. Fear gripped her as she bluntly asked,
“What’s the matter?”
“Correction.”
Liam looked up at her, thinking carefully about how to start. Frustrated, he loosened two buttons on his shirt.
“You might be disappointed in me. I promised I wouldn’t impose unilaterally… I have my reasons, so I’ll explain, but even if you don’t understand or end up disliking me, I can’t help it.”
“Liam, why are you taking so long to say something?”
Looking troubled, he put his hands on his forehead, then spoke very cautiously. Monica stared at him in terror.
At that moment, a creeping sense of dread began to steal into her heart.
“Princess Taylor has decided to join the diplomatic mission to the Eastern Country.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Then why that expression? And why did you say I might be disappointed in you?”
“Princess Taylor suddenly appointed me as her escort. So I have to go with her.”
“Why would that make me disappointed in you?”
“Correction, I want you to come with me. Actually, we already decided you’d come. I know it sounds funny to ask now, but… I couldn’t help it. I’m sorry for deciding unilaterally. Still, let’s go to the Eastern Country together, okay?”
Liam, unaware of Monica’s conversation with Taylor, felt guilty for making a unilateral decision without consulting her.
Though he had vowed never to demand or impose on her, he ultimately broke that promise.
His trembling voice could be heard again. It was clear he had gone through much inner conflict before deciding.
“Please, I can’t leave you here alone.”
“So, you’re saying you’re coming with me?”
“Yes. The Princess also readily agreed.”
Finally realizing what Taylor meant by ‘look forward to it,’ Monica let out a short, amused laugh.
In the end, Taylor had cleverly orchestrated the outcome without directly intervening.
“Liam, you’ve been tricked by Princess Taylor.”
“What?”
“Tricked.”
“What do you mean?”
“Princess Taylor already asked me to go with her to the Eastern Country. When I asked how we’d go together, she just told me to look forward to it. I didn’t expect it would turn out like this. So, this wasn’t a unilateral decision by you.”
“Ha, so it was a test. No wonder she kept smiling.”
“A test?”
“Yes. She wanted to see my reaction.”
“So, did I pass the test? Oh! And why can’t I be left here alone?”
“Don’t you know?”
Somewhat mischievous or perhaps relieved, Liam ran a hand through his hair, looking tired.
“Because you’re going to help me? Or because you don’t want me to die?”
“Both. And more.”
“What more?”
“I promised to protect you as long as you’re here.”
Liam slowly approached, staring intently into her eyes. Monica’s face flushed without her realizing it.
His hand rested on her shoulder, smoothing the wrinkles in her dress.
“You smell sweet. Where have you been? Your dress is wrinkled.”
“I went to the annex. It was about the strawberry jam business.”
“During our trip to the Eastern Country, why don’t we leave the business to Count and Countess Pencil?”
“The other ladies have already joined. By the way, Liam, how will we get to the Eastern Country? By ship?”
“What?”
Liam tilted his head and awkwardly smiled.
“Why? Aren’t we crossing the sea?”
“Did I write that?”
“No. I told you several times I didn’t write specific details. So there’s more you don’t know than you do. Do you want me to engrave it in your memory?”
“No, I’ll pass.”
“Then tell me. How do we get to the Eastern Country? I get seasick badly, this is serious.”
“Correction.”
“Why?”
“We have to cross the desert to get to the Eastern Country.”
“What? A desert? Not the sea?”
“Yes.”
Monica burst out laughing. Even if the story was improbable or messy, she never expected that the journey would require crossing a desert.
Giggling, she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her chest. She placed her hand over it.
“Correction, are you okay?”
“Ugh.”
The pain intensified, as if a hammer kept pounding her heart.
Thump, thump, thump, thump.
Liam’s image blurred and spun around her.
“What is this?”
“Correction!”
Her name echoed in her ears, followed by a buzzing sound.
“I have to respond? Why is this happening? I was fine just a moment ago. I was having a pleasant conversation with Liam.”
Gradually, her reason scattered like grains of sand. A warning-like siren sounded in her head, and her body weakened.
Thump!
“Correction!”
In the dark, Monica sat motionless, unable to move even a finger as her body felt frozen.
“I almost died again.”
“Eva-so!”
“Yes.”
“What do you mean I almost died? I was talking with Liam. There was no danger around me.”
“No, you almost died.”
“I don’t understand. What are you talking about? Why did I almost die?”
“Listen carefully. All movement in this world follows one principle. Even if it seems like things take different paths, they ultimately follow the principle.”
“Is this principle related to the novel I wrote?”
“Yes. You are trying to destroy it, so the world is trying to kill you using the principle.”
“Using history? What do you mean?”
