The Villainous Noblewoman Is About to Be Forced into Love, Isn't This Wrong?

Chapter 22

Loraviel hesitated for a long moment before finally accepting the dagger. "Thank you for your generosity, Lady Liana."

"It's just a dagger, isn't it? I can get you a much better one," Olivia said.

"Could you stop stuffing my maid with weird things?" Liana shot Olivia a displeased look.

"No need, Lady Olivia. This dagger is already good enough," Loraviel declined.

"The training is over for today, right?" Liana asked.

"More or less. Why?"

"Loraviel, go take a bath and change into your usual casual clothes. We're going out."

"Huh? Oh." Loraviel was a little puzzled but didn't question it.

"You really won't even give Loraviel a single second to rest, huh?" Olivia spoke up on her behalf.

"If I didn’t let her rest, do you think she’d even last a week under your training intensity?" Liana grabbed Loraviel’s hand. "Let’s go."

After a quick bath, Loraviel sat across from Liana in the carriage. "Lady Liana, where exactly are we going?"

Because of the bath, combined with the confined space of the carriage, a faint, fresh fragrance lingered around Loraviel.

Liana rested her face on one hand, looking out the window with a hint of frustration.

For some time now, she had been thinking about one thing.

Since arriving in this world, she had no one loyal or trustworthy. In front of everyone, she had to keep up an act.

Eirina had Nabet. Mepeilu had most of the Royal Knights under her command.

She was alone.

As for Loraviel, she was part of the protagonist’s group. Liana was just an NPC villain. She had no interest in forming any deep connections with her.

What she needed was a dog—one that would obey only her commands.

And there was only one place to get such a thing quickly and easily.

"The Slave Market."

At those four words, Loraviel’s face instantly went pale.

"L-Lady Liana..."

Her hands trembled as she reached into her pocket, pulling out the key to Liana’s room. "I didn’t lose your key... I’ll work even harder... Please, I beg you, don’t sell me..."

“?”

Liana glanced at her. "I’ve already told you—I’m tired of forced obedience. I’m not going to do anything to you. Whether you believe me or not is your problem. If you really think I brought you here to sell you, you’re free to stay behind."

Loraviel followed behind Liana, making her choice.

Liana seemed satisfied. She reached into her clothes, pulling out a small, adorable pouch and tossed it to Loraviel. "That’s seven gold coins—your pay for the month. It was supposed to be five, but I’m in a good mood today, so I’ll give you a little extra."

Loraviel cradled the pouch in her hands. Two extra gold coins, given away just like that.

To Liana, money was probably nothing more than numbers.

"Thank you, Lady Liana."

She honestly no longer knew what to think of Liana anymore.

Every time she started to change her opinion, Liana would shatter it again.

Liana stepped into the slave market, and almost immediately, someone came forward to greet her.

"Miss Liana? Now that’s a rare guest," the woman said with a smooth, practiced voice. "I’m Tali. How may I assist you today?"

She didn’t seem particularly intimidated by Liana’s name. After all, this slave market wasn’t actually in Venus territory. It belonged to the Saous Merchant Guild in the neighboring Angus territory.

Tali glanced at Loraviel, who was well-dressed and well-groomed. "Here to sell a slave? She looks quite nice."

Loraviel flinched.

Liana shook her head. "She’s my maid. Don’t get any ideas. I’m here to buy one."

"Pardon the question, but Miss Liana, have you reached the legal age to purchase slaves?" Tali tilted her head slightly, her black cat ears twitching in curiosity.

In this world, adulthood was at sixteen, but buying slaves was allowed from the age of fourteen.

"I turned fourteen last month."

"I see," Tali confirmed after checking Liana’s identity. "Welcome to Saous Merchant Guild. Please, follow me."

They were led into a reception room.

A red magic stone controlled the temperature, keeping the room comfortably warm. A servant entered, carrying tea and refreshments. However, a chain around her neck made it clear—she was a slave.

"Please, enjoy."

Tali sat down across from Liana.

Liana, however, kept staring at Tali’s cat ears.

It was the first time she had ever seen a real cat-girl.

"What is it, Miss Liana?" Tali chuckled knowingly. "One gold coin per touch."