Chapter 6: Former Japanese People Love Baths

When my fever subsided and I met the red-haired siblings again, they had completely transformed into glossy, radiant beauties.

Jibril beamed as she held the hem of my old dress, and Michaelis watched her with gentle eyes.
As I grinned at the sight for eye candy, our gazes met.
Unlike the wary look he had before, he blushed faintly and offered a perfectly polished bow befitting a count’s son.

When I had Julius investigate, it turned out they had indeed been terribly bullied by their uncle and aunt.
Their mother, shielding her bedridden husband, could not always protect her children.
Jibril had her dresses and accessories taken one after another by cousins close in age.

Through the countess’s quick thinking, they managed to secure the protection of the Lattiche ducal house.
She wished to accompany them, but the count’s illness worsened, and she resolved to remain in the countryside by his side, prepared to see him through to the end.

And now, the problem is that uncle and aunt.

Expelled from the Dimitrias house by Demon King Father, they could not forget the taste of authority.
Despised by the rightful head couple and banned from meeting them, they turned their attention to the very children they had recently tormented.

Their logic seemed to be that since their daughter was close in age, marrying the future count would effectively make them the count family.
They began persistently following Michaelis.

Of course, they could not enter Lattiche Manor, Father’s castle.
He would never allow poisonous insects near me.

But unlike me, the shut-in lady, Michaelis diligently studies as the future count.
Once a week he visits the church to pray for his father’s recovery.
Whenever he leaves the estate, they trail him relentlessly.
Kishutaria reported this to me.

The self-proclaimed fiancée brazenly approaches Michaelis, cooing sweetly, “Because I am your fiancée!”
Yet she looks down on and mistreats Jibril.

Kishutaria advised, “You should not look at such vulgar things,” but insulting adorable Jibril takes nerve.
Let me see that face.
Jibril is adorable.
Extremely adorable.
I polished her thoroughly with Rose brand and ducal funds.

I recall the time I was obsessed with dressing her up.
Brooches and necklaces worth more than a servant’s annual income made her squeal with delight, while Michaelis panicked behind her.

“This will not do, Lady Albertina.”

“Why ever not?
This rose-colored peridot and garnet brooch would suit Jibril beautifully.”

“It is not a matter of suitability.
It is far too expensive.”

How humble.
Unlike Dora, whose only asset is seniority yet acts grand.
Still, one Dora is more than enough.
Does this hidden siscon not know that cute is justice?

So I thought of a way to give adorable Jibril gifts that her strict brother would not reject.

Instead of gemstones, use colored glass, high-transparency glass like certain luxury brands, or process so-called scrap stones to look convincing.
Cluster small stones to appear larger.
Add trace metals to color the glass.

Off to the workshop.
Negotiations were left to Julius, and the capable servant promptly arranged artisans—no, he bought the workshop and started a business.
Is that not excessive?
When I looked to Kishutaria, he silently shook his head.

“The moment Albertina showed interest, this outcome was inevitable.”

He no longer calls me Sister lately.
Is he at that age?
Though I was born slightly earlier, he is more mature.

Eventually, the imitation luxury jewelry using clustered scrap stones was completed.
We struggled with the base designs, experimenting with reflective materials to enhance brilliance.
High-quality glass rivaling gemstones was developed.
It sold explosively to lower and middle nobles seeking flashy fashion without large gemstone budgets.
When Mother promoted colored glass accessories as a way to wear a lover’s or spouse’s color, sales soared.
Glass embellishments became a trend, and we developed sequins and bead accessories as well.
Rose brand now has years-long waiting lists.

Civilization here is advancing at forced march pace, but I regret nothing.

I will build a grand bathhouse with this money.

I heard that in Dimitrias territory, there is a mountain that smells strange where hot water springs forth—meaning hot springs.
I desperately appealed to Michaelis about the wonders of hot springs, asking to build a spa resort there.

Once thin, Michaelis and Jibril have regained healthy plumpness.
Thanks to my gluttonous whims, Lattiche is called not only the kingdom’s but the continent’s finest gourmet haven.
Apparently paradise was here all along.
Forgive me for being a foodie lady.

Eventually, Michaelis relented.

“As it is Lady Albertina’s wish, I shall consult the Duke.”

He was severely scolded by Father.

“Albertina wishes it.
Why would you not do it!?”

Father is the type to stake his life on granting my requests.

With my single word, louder than a crane’s cry, development began.
Father enthusiastically dragged Michaelis off to develop the hot spring region.

Later I learned Father secured development rights from the barely-alive count and built a grand spa resort with money.
I acted cute and secured a free pass for myself.
I also requested proper road paving to avoid sore backsides in carriages.

Even the ducal carriage is uncomfortable for long travel.
I tested it and my backside hurt terribly.
I ordered padding, springs, shock absorption—
We lack rubber, so I asked Julius to find rubber trees, animals, or minerals with similar properties.

When I apologized for overworking him, he said he enjoys it.
What a corporate slave.

While spinning cheerfully with excitement, I grew dizzy and was carried to bed by Kishutaria.

Then one day, an ill-fated letter arrived.

“Young Lady, the royal family is hosting a party—”

“I refuse.”

I will not march toward a death flag willingly.

I was admiring organza fabric when this news soured my mood.
Kishutaria smiled wryly and had Julius take the invitation away.

In society, Albertina von Lattiche is known as the tragic lady kidnapped in childhood and scarred.
The disgrace of injury became a flaw used against her.
The incident occurred at a royal-hosted party, leaving the royal family deeply indebted and criticized.
Father’s tone toward the royal family remains venomous.

According to Kishutaria, the royal family wishes to regain Father’s favor.
And I, the witch who can control the Demon King with a word and smile, am their easiest path.

Even from my perspective, there is no simpler way to influence Father.

“By the way, Albert.
Father sent word that the spa in Dimitrias is complete and invites us.”

“Truly?
How delightful.
Let us all go together.”

“Preparations are complete.
We plan to depart next week if weather permits.”

So fast.
Had this been arranged earlier?
This super servant is formidable.

Thus, Kishutaria, Lady Latine, Jibril, and I are going on a hot spring trip.
Julius is indispensable.

Soon Michaelis will leave for the royal academy and live in dormitories.
We may not see him for some time.