The Villainess turns the Hourglass
Chapter 89: Asterope Franz, Part VI

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?”