TVWRL Chapter 13
In the empire, noblemen often take advantage of the divorce system.
“The Madam should also love and be loved.”
She shed tears at my words. Then, with a trembling voice, she cautiously repeated a single word.
“How… how… how…?”
Though it was the same word, somehow I knew it contained many questions: How did I know? What should she do?
I used my dazzling skills to shuffle the cards and then spread the tarot cards in a fan shape in front of her.
“Please think of the question you’re curious about and draw a card.”
Cordelia carefully drew a card.
I flipped over the card she chose.
The Wheel of Fortune.
Although I had only briefly learned about it from a tarot master for a broadcast, it didn’t matter. The answer was predetermined, no matter which card was drawn.
‘Coincidentally, it’s the Wheel of Fortune.’
The corners of my mouth lifted upwards.
“This card represents the Wheel of Fortune. A significant change that will impact your life is approaching soon.”
“A change for me?”
“Would you like to draw another card?”
Cordelia silently drew another card.
The second card she drew represented determination and belief.
“You can overcome adversity and achieve what you truly desire.”
I saw hope flicker in Cordelia’s eyes.
“Is it really possible?”
“It is possible.”
At my words, without a hint of hesitation, Cordelia’s eyes sparkled.
“Are you confident you can endure being called a divorcee, Madam Cordelia?”
“If it means I can leave my husband, I can endure anything.”
I paused for a moment to add tension before slowly looking at her.
“But it won’t be easy. Would you consider working with me?”
Cordelia nodded vigorously.
“Very well. Our contract is now established. However, since I will be handling this personally, there will be external costs involved. And please keep in mind that I will receive a success bonus once we reach the conclusion you desire.”
At the mention of money, a shadow crossed Cordelia’s face.
Her family was wealthy, but they wouldn’t accept a daughter who had become a divorcee. Additionally, there were no property division laws in the Kinsteria Empire. But there was no law preventing property division either.
I planned to exploit this loophole.
‘The Empire’s first alimony claim lawsuit!’
No one had thought of this before; it wasn’t that they were told not to.
As I pondered deeply, a desperate voice interrupted my thoughts.
“I’ll pay, no matter how long it takes. Please, help me.”
I looked at her and smiled brightly.
“It won’t take long. Bring me five paintings of your lover. That will be enough to cover the costs.”
Cordelia looked at me with a puzzled expression.
Her lover, Antonio, would have his paintings displayed in the temple within a year.
In the Kinsteria Empire, being chosen by the temple meant a shortcut to success.
He was Leona’s favorite painter and would soon sweep through the empire’s art scene.
I decided to slightly accelerate that timing for quick wealth accumulation.
“The saintess coronation ceremony will be held soon. Please paint a portrait of Saint Leona during the ceremony and present it as an offering.”
Regardless of the type, Cordelia’s beloved artist excelled in everything he painted, but especially in portraits, he was unrivaled.
Moreover, if the narcissistic Leona received a sacred portrait during her coronation, it was certain that the unknown painter’s rise to fame would be swift.
“I will require two paintings as a down payment. Please send them within two months. I will begin as soon as the paintings arrive.”
I allowed ample time for preliminary work.
Of course, with the information I currently had, it was already sufficient to work against Cordelia’s husband and his mistress.
But if my abilities gained more reputation, it would make the process even easier.
Surprisingly, my reputation had already spread.
The matching system for marriage partners based on compatibility, which had never existed in the empire, had created a significant stir in the aristocratic society that preferred arranged marriages.
As it became evident that matches were leading to successful unions, families with eligible daughters and sons flocked to me.
Furthermore, families with established businesses always sought me out before making important decisions.
As a result, the social scene was buzzing with the saying, “Pray at the temple, but decide with Lady Adeline.”
These days, the social circle is filled with talk about me.
So, it seemed starting the work wouldn’t take long.
“Madam.”
“Yes, Lady Adeline.”
“The reason you sought me today is likely due to your contemplation of providing continuous support to a certain artist.”
Cordelia was sponsoring several artists. Supporting artists was the sole joy in her life.
For a long time, she had waited for her husband to come to his senses, but aside from a few times during their honeymoon, he had not touched her.
So, instead of having children, she nurtured artists.
“Stop sponsoring the musician in the southwest.”
That musician had discovered Cordelia and her lover by chance and told her husband, receiving money in return.
It was best to cut ties quickly and get rid of him.
“Yes, I will do that, Lady Adeline.”
“I will see you after the divorce, Madam.”
Before leaving, Cordelia took out some gold coins and put them in the safe. Just giving her paintings would have been enough, but she was indeed a person of manners.
After that, the shop was bustling, and people from the marketplace would come to me with their questions.
I would inform merchants about the next trending products, recommend spices or teas to stock up on, share winning tips with those preparing for employment, and advise those worried about real estate on areas likely to appreciate.
Word of mouth spread, and each day became busier than the last.
By afternoon, people began lining up outside the shop.
With the rapid growth, I felt like I was soaring.
So, I didn’t stop at consultations; I sought ways to expand the business.
I created dreamcatchers as astrology merchandise to sell to those plagued by nightmares.
I also made talismans myself. This felt a bit fraudulent, so I infused them with divine energy every time I made one.
Every night, I would fill a bowl with water and pray to all the gods in the world for the well-being of the talisman’s owner without fail.
I believed and followed the advice I had once heard on air: that there was no better effect than sincere prayer.
Anyway, the bold red letters on this yellow paper instantly captured the hearts of the people of the Kinsteria Empire.
Talismans are items that are typically placed in front of homes or shops, so orders surged.
Moreover, customers were even more excited when I personally went to apply the talismans and infused them with sacred energy.
With this level of dedication, it felt like it wasn’t a scam.
Of course, I charged nobles a high price, while merchants and commoners paid a reasonable amount.
Thus, my business thrived in various directions day by day.
As I watched the money pouring in daily, I contemplated making another voodoo doll as merchandise.
I sought ways to use the voodoo doll for positive meanings instead of curses.
☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓 ☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓
As I busily went about my days, ten days had passed since Cordelia’s visit.
Just as I was about to go out to do some groundwork, I noticed a young noble lady lingering in front of the shop.
With her dark blue hair and silver eyes, it was undoubtedly Lady Grinia of the Marquis Beizen family.
As I tried to pass by, unable to think of a valid reason for Grinia, who seemed to lack nothing, to seek me out, she called out.
“Lady Adeline.”
“Have you come to see me?”
“I would like to have a conversation.”
Entering the shop, Grinia looked around, unable to hide her curiosity.
“What brings you here, Milady?”
“I heard that you provide clear solutions to any problem, so I stopped by.”
“What kind of issue does the lady need an answer for?”
It was difficult to guess why Grinia had come, as she appeared to have no visible hardships or struggles.
‘No, why would you, a member of a noble family, with loving parents and brothers, and soon to be married to the heir of a dukedom, come to see me? If you had a special story, it would have been in the novel.’
Grinia’s confident gaze was firmly directed at me.
“Can you guarantee confidentiality?”
“Of course, milady.”
“Well, it’s strange. Everyone who has met Lady Adeline seems to be the first to bring up their own issues. It’s the first time I’ve seen people spreading rumors about themselves.”
The customers who visited me did so because it was beneficial to them, and it was a good thing for me. They had nothing to hide.
“I’m just grateful. Thanks to those who speak well of me, the shop is still thriving.”
“Is Lady Adeline’s ability due to divine power?”
I raised the corners of my mouth slightly.
“Milady, that’s a trade secret.”
Grinia laughed lightly.
“I apologize for the intrusion.”
She then returned to a serious expression and pondered.
Even though she had come this far, it didn’t seem easy for her to bring up the subject with me.
‘Hmm… What could it be? Seeing her struggle to speak even after coming to me, it must not be an easy matter.’
Perhaps having made up her mind, Grinia finally parted her tightly pressed lips.
“Should I consider Lady Adeline a former saintess candidate, part of the Myaria Church or should I see her as a member of the anti-temple faction since she left the church?”
The fact that Grinia was trying to confirm my identity made her concerns seem complex and risky.
A foreboding feeling arose, as if something risky was about to get entangled, so I decided to take a strong stance.
“If you have even the smallest doubt, please don’t say anything to me and just go back. Then, our meeting will be as if it never happened.”
Grinia gazed at me intently.
She was a significant figure, but I secretly hoped she would leave.
I didn’t want to get involved in dangerous matters when I wasn’t entirely sure I had preserved my life.
At that moment, as Grinia moved, I felt relieved, thinking she was about to stand up. However, her action was not to get up but to adjust her posture.
Looking directly into my eyes, Grinia spoke in a low voice.
“Not long ago, I received a proposal from a colleague at the academy. It carries a lot of risks, but it’s also my only chance to obtain what I desire, so I’m contemplating it.”
I didn’t want to disrupt the serious tone, so I responded by listening attentively.
“You know there are factions in the empire: the imperial faction and the temple faction, right?”
It seemed she didn’t expect a response, as she continued speaking.
“And our family has maintained a neutral stance, not aligning with either side.”
Although there was a strong political undertone, I couldn’t intervene now and felt perplexed internally.
While the temple faction was overwhelmingly dominant, getting involved in such matters in a politically sensitive country was extremely dangerous.
“My colleague at the academy, the first prince, said that if he had my support, he would enact the laws I desire. What should I do?”
