The Noble Lady Without Magic Aims to Become an Adventurer! - Chapter 86

“My Lady, what kind of dress are you looking for?”

Anna was unusually cheerful, her excitement palpable even inside the carriage.

“Hmm, I’m not sure. I don’t really follow trends, so something simple and easy to move in would be nice. I’ll leave the selection to you, Anna.”

“Understood. I must say, I’m surprised you know about the Gombot Trading Company, my lady.”

“Am I?”

“Of course! The Gombot Trading Company is famously managed by none other than the dashing Count Kuccola Berelmar! Many young ladies long to get close to him and purchase numerous expensive dresses for that reason.”

“Why would anyone need to buy so many dresses?”
“My lady, not knowing this would be embarrassing! The young ladies who spend the most money are granted an audience with Count Kuccola Berelmar. They can have tea or even go on dates with him. It’s rumored they pour fortunes into his shop just for his attention.

“And another thing, all the shop attendants are orphans he has employed. They’re said to be strikingly beautiful and impeccably polite. Isn’t it wonderful that he prioritizes hiring orphans? I hope you’ll get to meet him, my lady.”

From Anna’s enthusiastic explanation, the count appeared to be an admirable man who not only managed a successful trading company but also supported orphan welfare through its proceeds.

However, I couldn’t shake the suspicion that perhaps the man himself, rather than the company, was hiding something shady. I’d have to see for myself. I mentally noted to include Anna’s observations in my report.

As Anna continued her lively explanation, our carriage pulled up to the Gombot Trading Company.

We disembarked in front of the shop, and Anna eagerly opened the door.

“Welcome!” several voices chimed in unison.
Inside, at least ten young men and women greeted us. Each of them was strikingly handsome or beautiful, their synchronized welcome leaving Anna visibly starstruck despite her closed mouth.

It wasn’t surprising—being greeted by such a group would leave anyone in awe.

One of the male attendants approached and gracefully offered to escort me into the shop.
“What sort of dress are you looking for today?”
“I’m looking for a dress to wear to a tea party. I don’t often attend such events, so I’m not very familiar with dresses.”

“I see. May I ask for your name?”

“Marloa Efsee.”

I couldn’t help but wonder how they perceived me. Given that their primary clientele was nobles, surely they knew my family name.

After providing a brief explanation of the shop’s offerings, the attendant guided me to a sofa in a private salon.

“Lady Efsee, we’ll summon our tea party dress specialist shortly. Please make yourself comfortable in the meantime.”

With that, I sipped the tea that had been served while waiting. Normally, Anna would stand behind me as a maid, but since this involved dress selection, she sat beside me.

Anna didn’t touch her tea; instead, she seemed lost in thought, her expression revealing that she was mentally piecing together dress ideas.

Before long, a man emerged from the back of the shop. As he entered, the other customers let out delighted squeals.

“My lady, that’s Count Kuccola Berelmar,” Anna whispered excitedly, having returned to reality from her daydreams.
So that’s him.

Count Kuccola Berelmar had chestnut-colored hair, sharp double-lidded eyes, a tall and slender build, and wore a perfectly tailored suit. It was easy to see why he was so popular among young ladies.

He was undeniably handsome, but something about him struck me as suspicious.
To my shock, the count approached us directly. Anna was practically vibrating with excitement, while I, uncertain if my cover had been blown, felt my heart clench in anxiety.

“Welcome to my establishment. I am Kuccola Berelmar, the owner. I will personally assist you today,” he said with a charming smile.

“Oh my, Count Berelmar himself will assist me? How flattering! I’ll surely be the envy of other young ladies,” I said with a polite laugh.
“Not at all. It would be my honor to assist you, Lady Marloa. Please allow me the privilege of selecting the perfect attire for you.”

“Thank you. I’m looking forward to it,” I replied warmly.

The count retrieved a sheet of paper from an attendant and began sketching dresses based on my description and measurements.

“What sort of tea party will you be attending?”
“I’ve been invited to Lady Eleanor Nois’s tea party.”

“The future crown princess’s tea party? That’s splendid. Are you close with Lady Nois?”

“Indeed. Prince Sherman, Lady Eleanor, and I were classmates. They’ve always been kind to me,” I said with a smile.
The count seemed particularly intrigued.
But how should I proceed from here?

Though my primary mission was to meet Elman, I had to gather information according to the methods drilled into me during my Zero Division training.

As we chatted, the count swiftly sketched a few designs. Anna and I reviewed the sketches and decided on the general outline of the dress. Then, with a flourish, the count took my hand and kissed it lightly.

“Lady Marloa, may I invite you to my private salon sometime?”

“Oh my, to be invited to Count Berelmar’s salon? How delightful! I’ve heard it’s quite exclusive.”
“My salon is only open to a select few. I’d be honored if you could attend. I’ll send you an invitation along with your dress.”
With a smile, the count bowed and disappeared into the back of the store.

Why would he extend such an invitation to me, a first-time customer?

After selecting accessories to match the dress, I called for the cashier.
The cashier, though equally handsome, caught my attention because of the ear cuff he wore—identical to mine.
…He must be Elman.

When I looked at him, he gave me a subtle nod, confirming my suspicion.

“Lady Efsee, how will you be paying?”
“Charge it to my family.”

“Understood.”

With that, I left the shop. At least the primary objective had been accomplished.

I let out a small sigh of relief as I headed home. The return trip in the carriage was filled with Anna’s chatter, which, needless to say, made it quite the challenge to calm her down.

That night, as I prepared for bed, a tapping sound came from my window.

A bird? At this hour?
Curious, I opened the window, and the bird entered my room. To my surprise, it could speak.
“Roa, you’ve caught the count’s attention. Ensure your safety,” it said before transforming into a small ring.

A magical bird turning into a ring—it was remarkable.
The ring, embedded with a magic stone, turned out to be a sophisticated magical tool capable of copying documents.

Channeling magic through it, I projected the contents onto the wall. The projection revealed detailed internal records of the trading company. It appeared that the count had been exploiting orphans for labor to maximize profits, paying them minimal wages.

More alarmingly, there was evidence suggesting the company’s involvement in the abduction of powerless yet attractive children from the slums, nearby villages, and even the royal capital.
So, that’s it. I’m masquerading as a powerless noblewoman, but would they dare kidnap a marquis’s daughter?

While attacks on carriages in the capital were rare, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something might happen during my visit to the count’s estate.

With unease lingering in my heart, I transcribed the projection onto paper before retiring for the night.

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