A Sweet Girl Won't Be Fooled By The Villainess - [Vol. 4] Chapter 11
[Vol. 4] Chapter 11: My Goodness!
Lady Chekov’s tea party was held in grand style, and if it weren’t for space constraints, it could hardly be called a tea party but rather a sizable banquet. The servants meticulously arranged the backyard, setting up tables, chairs, and a variety of desserts neatly.
Some guests arrived early, forming small groups to silently admire Lady Chekov’s garden, captivated by the countless vibrant flowers competing in beauty. However, some among them were preoccupied, with furrowed brows.
“Kazf, are you sure that commoner named Ifia will come?”
“Of course.”
Kazf raised her folding fan to fan herself, her golden hair gently swaying with the breeze. Her blue eyes were filled with confidence.
Then, sensing that her answer lacked conviction, she added, “You know, Isabella is my niece. She’s the most obedient and follows the rules. After I, in the name of the Keogh family, forced her to invite Ifia, she wouldn’t dare deceive me in this matter.”
Regarding Lady Chekov’s tea party, various factions were keeping a close eye, and the Keogh family couldn’t resist wanting a piece of the action.
Although the Keogh family recently secured the trading rights for a new trade route, seemingly in line with the Barlen family’s interests, even within the same family, there were differing opinions.
Some supported forming an alliance with the Barlen family, endorsing Amelia Barlen as a candidate for the throne. Meanwhile, others did not support placing their bets on the Duke’s daughter.
The Rosward royal family has ruled the Sith Empire for centuries, boasting significant influence, while the Barlen family only began to emerge about a dozen years ago.
Despite rapid development during this period, it’s hard to catch up with centuries of establishment. However, the saying “a camel is still bigger than a horse even when it’s skinny” holds some truth.
Therefore, those opposition faction like Kazf Keogh was eager to bet against the royal family, gambling that Prince Carloy will have the last laugh. To increase their chances of winning, Kazf must take some proactive steps.
After finding other nobles with similar ideas, they discussed and decided to start by targeting the only friend publicly announced by Amelia Barlen.
Although the information suggests that this only friend is just an ordinary commoner, clever individuals like Amelia Barlen wouldn’t make a losing deal without some hidden benefit.
Regardless of what secrets this commoner may hide, it seems like a swift and promising entry point, a potential way to discover Amelia Barlen’s vulnerabilities.
“It’s better to do it this way.”
Kelly impatiently tapped the back of her other hand with the folding fan in her hand. After all, the person they were about to deal with was Amelia Barlen, a remarkable figure among the younger generation of the Sith Empire.
Unlike the narrow-minded Kazf, Kelly knew this was a high-stakes gamble. Losing meant facing a dire consequence.
Those who could ascend to the throne in the past might present a gentle image, but it was often just a facade. Their true nature was ruthless and cruel, wielding sharp blades as they advanced through seas of blood and mountains of corpses.
Anyone hindering their progress, even if they managed to survive temporarily, would eventually face a harsh settlement.
Prince Carloy, the candidate presented by the royal family, was undoubtedly a talented individual compared to others. However, when compared to Amelia Barlen, his brilliance instantly paled.
The Linstead family, to which Kelly belonged, had conflicts with the Barlen family. Before Duke Barlen opened the new trade route, the Linstead family controlled maritime trade rights with neighboring countries.
However, as the Barlen family’s fleet gained prominence, those countries switched allegiance. They refused to renew contracts with the Linstead family and instead sought agreements with the Barlen family.
Losing the profits from maritime trade left the Linstead family like a body with half of it severed, painfully gasping for survival and gradually declining. Therefore, the irreconcilable conflict between the Linstead family and the Barlen family was a matter of life and death.
Finding any possible method to threaten Amelia Barlen, no matter what, is worth a try. Maybe we’ll stumble upon something unexpectedly!
“Kelly, Kazf, you’re here so early!”
Just as Kelly was anxiously waiting, a clear voice rang out. She looked up to see Marilyn Grant walking towards them.
The Grant family monopolized the majority of the jewelry business in the Sith Empire, ranking only below the Barlen family in terms of wealth. They maintained a neutral stance in the candidate voting, making them a potential powerful ally that could be swayed.
If the Grant family could be brought into their camp, it would provide more confidence in facing off against the Barlen family. Marilyn, a woman with a round face and figure, always wore a cheerful expression, appearing approachable but in reality was a slippery character.
Despite knowing that this invitation to Lady Chekov’s tea party was an opportunity to choose sides, Marilyn continued to play dumb.
As the designated successor to the next family head, Marilyn seemed to lean towards supporting Prince Carloy for the throne.
Her support for Prince Carloy was not complicated – he had actively contacted them, offering future tax reductions for the Grant family. Meanwhile, the Barlen family remained arrogant and unresponsive.
“Marilyn, long time no see. Where have you been recently for gemstone acquisitions?”
Although Kelly’s family was gradually declining, it had once been glorious, giving them some involvement in jewelry and a friendly relationship with the Grant family. As for Kazf and Marilyn, they were not well-acquainted, merely having a friends-of-friends connection.
“Sigh, don’t even mention it. I just acquired a batch of excellent jade with beautiful color. It looks fantastic when set in jewelry. However, recently, customers who come to purchase jewelry always pose challenges, insisting on buying Xero Blood Diamonds.”
As the three gathered to chat, Marilyn’s mood immediately turned sour when she mentioned those customers. If she had Xero Blood Diamonds, she would barely have time to keep them for herself, let alone sell them to others.
Did these people think Xero Blood Diamonds were just readily available like common vegetables? What a preposterous idea!
“They are really unrealistic. Xero Blood Diamonds, such precious gems, are imported in extremely limited quantities from the Xero country. There’s only one per year, and sometimes, there isn’t even one.”
“Yes, noble ladies take pride in owning a Xero Blood Diamond, but they are so rare.”
Listening to Kelly and the others echoing her sentiments, Marilyn let out a helpless smile. If she could secure a channel to purchase Xero Blood Diamonds, she would spare no expense. Unfortunately, for now, it remained just a wishful thought and was practically impossible to achieve.
It might be more practical to wait for Prince Carloy to ascend the throne and grant tax reductions. Kelly knew that trying to hook the slippery Marilyn would be challenging, but the timing was right. It was worth a try, and if Marilyn happened to open up, it would be a perfect opportunity.
“Marilyn, Dalwa City has been bustling lately, with a constant flow of various rumors. The most shocking one is Amelia Barlen declaring herself as a candidate for the next throne competition. It’s…”
Kelly’s probing words were cut short by the sudden commotion in the garden. Making a ruckus at a tea party hosted by noble ladies was undignified, and it piqued Marilyn’s curiosity as she turned to look.
Everyone’s attention focused on a particular spot, and Marilyn shifted her gaze accordingly. Then…
“Oh my goodness, what is that? A complete set of Xero Blood Diamond jewelry!!!”