Chapter 08
The child came running straight toward where I was hiding.
‘W-what?! Why here of all places?!’
While I froze in panic, the girl, clearly in a bad mood, started rummaging through the clothes.
“Sonya’s cold! I hate being cold!”
What am I supposed to do about that?!
It seemed she had gone out with her mother but came back because the castle was too cold.
Then, she suddenly grabbed a thick coat.
“Ooh? What’s this?”
Unfortunately… it was the very coat I was hiding in.
With all those frills and ribbons, I should’ve realized—it was a child’s coat.
“Sonya likes this!”
‘…Damn it.’
She pulled it out and wrapped it around herself.
And just like that, I became one with the merchant’s daughter, Sonya.
“Hehe, it’s pretty!”
Sonya spun around in front of a large mirror, admiring herself.
Then she went over to her father, who was still asleep, and plopped down on the sofa.
She began humming some random tune.
After a while, the merchant head suddenly jolted awake.
“N-not at that price…!!”
“Oh! Daddy’s awake!”
“…Huh? Sonya? Where’s your mother?”
“Sonya came back ‘cause it’s cold!”
Just then, his wife quietly opened the door like a secret agent and stepped inside.
Seeing her husband wiping drool from his mouth, she snapped,
“Honestly! I went out to gather information and you were napping?!”
“N-now, dear, that’s not—”
Knock knock.
It was the aide from earlier.
“The banquet is ready. We will escort you now.”
“……”
“……”
The merchant couple froze.
They swallowed nervously, exchanged glances, and nodded.
Soon, the couple and Sonya followed the aide out of the room.
Of course, I went along with them.
The ducal castle’s banquet hall.
I hid inside Sonya’s coat, peeking out to observe.
Around the enormous banquet table sat more than a dozen high-ranking retainers.
And—
‘…Whoa.’
My mouth watered as I scanned the incredible spread of food.
Compared to what Sion ate, this was on an entirely different level.
So they’ve been living this well all along?
Just then—
Grrr—
My stomach growled.
“Huh?”
Sonya tilted her head.
“What is it, Sonya?”
“…Nothing.”
She scratched her ear, confused.
I rubbed my traitorous stomach and quickly looked around, searching for a chance to slip away.
But—
“Her Grace the Grand Duchess arrives.”
At those words, silence fell over the hall.
Then she appeared.
A woman with long black hair and violet eyes, radiating cold beauty.
Grand Duchess Priscilla.
“……!!”
Seeing the villain from the original story in person, I was stunned.
She was far more beautiful—and far more terrifying—than I had imagined.
…Okay, I admit it. I was a little intimidated.
“Be seated.”
She took her place and raised her glass with an elegant smile.
“Merchant Head Jean Noel, his wife Amanda Noel, and their daughter Sonya Noel. On behalf of the Northern Duchy of Luxia, I welcome you.”
“The honor is ours, Your Grace.”
“We are deeply grateful for your hospitality.”
The merchant couple bowed submissively—completely different from earlier.
The Grand Duchess smiled faintly.
“You must be weary from your journey. I would not burden you on your first day. Let us enjoy tonight, and discuss this year’s trade… at a more leisurely pace.”
She emphasized “leisurely.”
The couple exchanged glances.
“About that—”
Just then, the Grand Duchess looked toward Sonya—toward me—and spoke.
“What a lovely child. Your name is Sonya, correct?”
“…Yes, Your Grace. Our only daughter.”
“I see. Such a precious child must not fall ill. While you are here, I will personally ensure her safety… so that no unfortunate incidents occur.”
“……!”
“……!”
It sounded kind—but it was clearly a threat.
The merchant head trembled slightly, then spoke.
“Actually… there is something.”
And then—
“We were attacked by bandits while crossing the northern mountains.”
“…Bandits?”
‘…Bandits?’
Seriously?
“That’s absurd.”
Clearly a lie.
“It happened so quickly that even our guards couldn’t respond.”
Silence fell.
“As a result… half the goods meant for the North were stolen. We deeply apologize.”
“What?!”
“That’s impossible!”
Murmurs spread.
“…It was unavoidable. But we risked everything to bring the remaining goods.”
Then—
BANG!
Someone slammed the table and stood.
A large knight with red hair and a scar across his cheek.
‘…That’s Ulric Surman.’
Deputy commander of the Northern Knights.
“Bandits? In this territory? Can you prove that?”
The merchant couple went pale—but stood firm.
“A-are you accusing us of lying?!”
“We are offended!”
A retainer spoke up.
“Who would rob caravans in this deadly northern land?”
“Isn’t it more likely you sold the goods elsewhere for profit?”
They had seen through it.
“D-do you have proof?!”
“This is insulting! We are appointed by the imperial court!”
“Enough.”
The Grand Duchess spoke.
Silence.
Her aide stepped forward.
“It is true—the delivered goods are roughly half of last year’s.”
“…What?”
Murmurs spread again.
Then the Grand Duchess smiled faintly.
“I understand your situation. Then this year’s trade will proceed… with half the agreed quantity.”
“…R-really?”
The merchant head blinked, stunned—then relieved.
“Thank you, Your Grace!”
“So be it.”
She sipped her wine, her eyes cold.
And with that—
The banquet came to an end.
