I Don't Want To Work! - Chapter 115
CHAPTER 115
‘It’s done.’
After confirming that someone would come to take care of the patients in my place, I returned to the palace.
“How about presenting this brooch at the charity event?”
Afterward, I held out the ruby brooch Lionel had mentioned to Liena and Betty.
“Oh my, this brooch. Why did I forget about it?”
Liena’s face brightened as she accepted the brooch.
“It’s beautifully crafted, and the main ruby is of high quality, perfect for donating at the charity event!”
“Um, Maid Liena.”
Betty, who was also examining the brooch beside her, blinked as if she didn’t quite understand.
“Isn’t the emerald ring we were considering together last time more expensive than this?”
“Right.”
Liena nodded.
“But if the nobles present something too expensive, it burdens the others.”
“I see.”
“So, we need to choose something that’s reasonably priced but still upholds Her Highness’ dignity.”
Betty furrowed her brows at that statement.
“It’s difficult, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
Betty started to whimper as she clung tightly to Liena’s hand.
“There’s so much I need to learn, ma’am.”
Betty, who used to know nothing about writing, was now growing rapidly as she learned about maid duties.
“Hoho.”
Liena, gently stroking Betty’s hair as if finding her cute, whispered.
“But this is just the beginning, Betty.”
“…!”
Betty swallowed nervously, and even I, who was writing a letter to Ringo, turned around in surprise.
But Liena, as usual, just smiled gently without a hint of what had just happened.
“Next time, I’ll teach you how to manage the accounts.”
“Yes…”
Trembling, Betty nodded her head.
“But why did I forget about this brooch?”
Putting the brooch in an appropriate box, Liena chuckled.
“Right.”
I finished writing the letter.
Pressing a red seal firmly on the envelope asking for a place to stay for the patients and suitable work, I spoke.
“Was it because it didn’t suit me? I wore it once and felt it wasn’t me, so I just put it away inside.”
“Right, that’s what happened.”
Liena nodded.
Since I had put that brooch in the jewelry storage box, a series of jewelry gifts had arrived.
Thanks to that, the brooch had gone all the way to the bottom, the very innermost compartment.
“The jewels are pretty and all, but they didn’t really match Your Highness’ clothes, so you just put them away deep inside.”
Liena nodded, now remembering more clearly.
“Oh, Your Highness.”
“Yeah, what is it?”
“While I was organizing the jewelry box again this time, I found this.”
Saying so, Liena handed over a small earring box.
“It’s been so long since I’ve seen this!”
“Is it something you know?”
“Of course!”
Betty chuckled.
“It’s something Your Highness used to wear a lot.”
Back when I hadn’t regained memories from my past life.
“You needed earrings at the time but didn’t have anything suitable, so you bought this one according to the budget.”
Betty’s eyes, looking at the plain pearl earrings, were lost in memories.
“At that time, the budget was too tight… So, you had to buy earrings with the money Baron Dean gave you.”
Betty seemed irritated, as if still resentful of Baron Dean, who embezzled money meant for me.
It’s scary when she smiles like that.
“At the time, there wasn’t anything else within the budget. Still, both Your Highness and I were happy with the purchase…”
Smiling cautiously, Betty closed the box.
“It brings back memories!”
Betty laughed as she held onto the box tightly.
“Hmm.”
After blinking a couple of times at Betty’s demeanor, Liena spoke up.
“In that case, instead of getting rid of it, shall we also present these earrings at the charity event?”
“This one?”
I chuckled at Liena’s suggestion.
Nobody seems interested in buying it anyway.
“Yes, I heard from Marquise Exton recently that there will be another auction.”
“Another auction? Are there so many items?”
“Oh, the second auction allows commoners to participate. Maybe we can find a good owner there?”
“I’m okay with that!”
Betty jumped with excitement.
“I’d rather it went to someone in need than just being disposed of.”
“I agree.”
Betty and Liena looked at me.
After a moment of contemplation, I nodded.
“All right, let’s do that. But let’s present them anonymously.”
Because if it’s known to be something from the nobility, the price might inflate, and those who truly need it might not be able to buy it.
“That’s a good idea, Your Highness!”
“Yes, then I’ll be the one to deliver both the brooch and these earrings to Marquise Exton.”
Alright.
I stretched my arms lazily as I sat down.
‘I’ve obtained the fruit from the World Tree, treated the patients, and even decided on what to donate for the recent charity event.’
Nothing major should happen from now on, right?
I smiled to myself.
“It’s been a while since we’ve met, hasn’t it?”
To think she’d be the first person I’d meet as soon as I arrived at the charity auction.
‘Why is she greeting me though.’
I looked at Lady Floyd, who was enthusiastically fanning herself, with a determined expression, blocking my way.
She still carries herself with dignity, despite being severely reprimanded at Miller’s store at that time.
“Princess Lottie is coming this way…”
“I-I’ll go ahead!! Yikes!”
“Lady Floyd! Are you alright?”
“I’m fine! I’m fine!!”
“Wait a moment, my legs! … Oh my, she just went ahead.”
Since then, didn’t she desperately try to avoid me?
Ah.
Is she scheming something?
‘Look at her face, look at her expression. It’s like she’s just written in ink and is walking around.’
Maybe I should just turn back.
I briefly thought about it but soon gave up.
I was the only royalty attending the charity auction after all.
The Empress had something to attend to as well, so I was the only royalty attending the charity event.
The Emperor, Leonard, Stella, and Arkin decided to participate in the hunting competition themselves.
Grandmother is an exception among exceptions.
Nobody could catch her even if she suddenly ran away during the event.
‘Envious.’
Lady Floyd smiled confidently as if she knew I couldn’t leave.
“As far as I remember, we met at the last royal ball, right?”
“No.”
I shook my head.
“The last time we met was at a tea party.”
I smiled broadly, slightly raising my voice so everyone could hear.
“You hurriedly left then and tripped, didn’t you?”
“…!”
“Are your knees okay now? I was worried because of the loud bang.”
“I’m f-fine.”
Each word of the reply seemed forced.
Don’t go too far.
You’ll have a hard time when you get older.
“I see!”
Contrary to Lady Floyd’s contorted expression, I smiled brightly.
Very brightly!
“It’s a relief Lady Floyd’s knees are fine!”
Though her dignity doesn’t seem intact!
Even though I didn’t raise my voice, everyone seemed to hear.
“Pfft.”
A small laugh erupted from somewhere.
“…Heh.”
Lady Floyd’s face turned red as she glanced around, but it was futile.
There were more than a few people gathered around here.
Unable to find anyone to mock, Lady Floyd glared at me again.
So what? I don’t know what plans you have, but am I just supposed to take it?
‘You’re a foolish child.’
I smiled innocently, pretending not to know anything.
Lady Floyd’s throat seemed to gulp as if she wanted to spew fire, but…
“T-thank you for your generosity, Your Highness.”
It went smoother than expected.
She still seems to be biting back, though.
“By the way…”
Fluttering. Lady Floyd blinked as she elegantly unfolded her fan with bright feathers at the end.
“What did Your Highness bring this time? I brought an early work by the painter McCreepy.”
An early work by a famous artist.
It’ll probably sell for a high price.
“It might fetch the highest price at this auction. I’m looking forward to it.”
“I see.”
I nodded vaguely in response.
“I brought a ruby brooch.”
“Ah.”
One corner of Lady Floyd’s mouth quirked up smugly.
“It better be something good.”
If I say one more thing, she’ll pretend to be concerned and then mock me.
“Yes, it’s a fine piece.”
Then ignore her.
I smiled broadly before passing Lady Floyd by.
No, I intended to.
“A servant with no taste and selecting good items…”.
Giggle.
The words were spoken so softly that only I and Liena, who was following me, could hear them, followed by a sneer.
As I turned my head abruptly, Lady Floyd chuckled again and quickly left.
Where did she pick a fight?
“Your Highness.”
As I tried to follow her immediately, Liena stopped me.
“I’m fine.”
Liena’s face as she said so looked familiar.
“…Did she keep bothering you?”
“It wasn’t even ticklish.”
Liena suppressed a gentle smile as usual.
“Honestly, it was all so childish that it was rather cute.”
Yeah, I get that sentiment too.
But she crossed the line.
And this was the second time.
“Liena.”
“Yes?”
“Have you already given the items to Marquise Exton?”
“No, not yet. They’re still here.”
Liena tilted her head and looked at me with a questioning gaze.
“Then, let’s hold off on the brooch.”
“The brooch?”
“Yes.”
I nodded as Liena picked up the earring box she offered among the boxes.
“I’ll try to sell this for the highest price at today’s auction.”
Shall we go give her a little poke on the nose?