The Perks of Being a Villainess

"I'm going out today. Call for the carriage."

I packed a few items into my bag and got up.

"Yes, my lady."

To the attendant who was about to prepare my dress, I ordered them to bring a hooded robe that could cover my face, and I pulled the hood deep over my head. Stepping outside for the first time in a while, the cold air slapped against my cheeks.

It was the transitional season from winter to spring, so the temperature was low, but inside the carriage, it was pleasantly warm thanks to magic. Since both magic stones and mages were rare, such conveniences were a luxury only high-ranking nobles could afford.

'Money always feels thrilling and fresh.'

Feeling once again the sweet power of wealth, I cast my gaze out the carriage window.

The carriage quickly passed through the estate, went through the bustling streets, and soon turned onto an unpaved, snow-covered road. That was because the Artra district, where the jewelry shop was located, lay on the outskirts of the capital.

'It's farther than I thought.'

Still, it wasn't particularly uncomfortable. The shock-absorbing enchantment made the ride exceptionally smooth.

After about three or four hours, I saw a completely unfamiliar cityscape through the window—something that didn't exist in Deborah's memory. Judging from the many buildings that were still skeletal frames, it seemed like this district was under active development.

'It's neatly laid out. Once it's finished, it'll look amazing.'

It looked like a great place for real estate investment. If Yones was like Bundang, then this place felt like Pangyo still under development.

'I should remember this. Artra District.'

Analyzing the exotic cityscape through the lens of someone with an architectural background, I clenched the large leather bag on my lap the moment the carriage came to a stop.

"We've arrived, my lady."

The coachman dropped me off in front of a jewelry store with the name "Daiyena" displayed.

Since this store didn't appear in Deborah's extensive memory of high-end jewelers, it likely wasn't a well-known place yet. However, it was the very store that had first introduced the pink diamond that stirred up high society. It was only a matter of time before it became the most famous store in the capital.

'It may look quiet now, but there's no doubt this place will explode in popularity soon.'

After cautiously surveying the surroundings, I instructed the guard to stay posted outside and stepped into Daiyena.

"Welcome, and thank you for visiting Daiyena."

The staff greeted me politely and led me toward the display case.

"A necklace set with a sapphire drop just came in two days ago—would you like to take a look?"

Behind the immaculately maintained glass, a variety of jewelry designs were on display. But I hadn't come to shop idly. I quickly pulled out the pink diamond case from my leather bag.

Seeing the ultra-luxurious box, the staff members immediately stiffened. A heavy silence fell over the store.

I slowly lowered the hood that had been hiding my face and opened my mouth deliberately.

"Looks like you all know who I am."

"...."

"Bring me the manager."

Exactly eleven seconds later, the manager appeared in front of me. It was enough proof of how notoriously troublesome Deborah was known to be as a customer.

"Lady Deborah… Thank you… for gracing… Daiyena with your presence…"

The manager struggled to speak, trying hard to control his breath that had risen up to his throat.

"You're the manager of Daiyena?"

"Yes, my lady."

"I have questions about the pink diamond. Dismiss the staff."

With Deborah's signature icy expression, I crossed my arms. Life had taught me too many times that being underestimated led nowhere good.

At my command, the staff quickly vanished from sight. Now that I was alone with the manager, everything was in place.

"M-my lady, please don't just stand there. Would you like to sit? I'll have tea and refreshments prepared…"

"Um…"

I licked my lips, which had gone dry. Saying that code phrase made me want to curl up and disappear.

"Go-golden…"

"Pardon, my lady?"

"I've come to do business with the Seventh Fang of the Golden Dragon."

If I was wrong, I'd planned to flip my hood back up and bolt immediately.

Fortunately, instead of looking at me like I'd lost my mind, the manager quietly repeated "Golden Dragon" under his breath. The sales smile that had been barely hanging onto his face disappeared completely.

"Please follow me, Lady."

Yes! It worked!

I clenched my fist in a silent cheer of triumph.

The manager unlocked a back door behind the jewelry shop and walked down a dark hallway, then began feeling around the wall. A hidden panel rotated like a secret door, revealing a staircase made of stone that led downward.

"We'll use a teleportation magic circle to take you directly to the Golden Dragon."

In the middle of the damp, prison-like basement was an intricately drawn magic circle. As I stepped beside the informant, the circle and the surrounding mana stones flared with intense light. My body lifted off the ground, and a blur of colorful light swept past my vision.

When my feet finally landed again, the surroundings had completely changed. I tensed and quickly looked around.

"Master, the client has arrived."

The informant lightly shook a bell string installed at the entrance. Looking up at the tall arched door, I tugged my hood back down tightly.

My heart was pounding so hard it hurt my ears.

"A client, you say?"

The rough voice echoed from all directions before suddenly cutting off. The ten seconds of silence that followed felt like ten hours to me.

"...Let her in."

As soon as permission was granted, the eerie sound of creaking hinges rang out as the massive door swung open.

Kwa-ang!

No sooner had I stepped into the dimly lit office than a powerful gust of wind swept over my body, and the arched door slammed shut behind me with a thunderous boom. The hood I had pulled down tightly was blown back by the force.

While fixing my now messy hair, I slowly looked around the room, cloaked in a hazy mist.

"I never imagined Lady Deborah would come here."

A silhouette hidden in the faint fog spoke in a gruff, low voice.

With each step I took forward, the area where the man sat gradually brightened. As the eerie darkness—so ominous it seemed a ghost might leap out—lifted, and the man's face came into full view, I felt a strange unease, like I was facing a wax figure.

When our eyes met—eyes that gleamed lifelessly like polished stone—tension and fear squeezed my chest tightly.

Grrrr...

Then, from somewhere, came the sound of a beast's growl. The moment I saw a massive creature emerge from the darkness, I bit down hard on the inside of my cheek to stop myself from screaming.

The beast slowly approached me, its golden eyes gleaming. It sniffed the air, exhaling through its nose, and began circling me lazily. Suddenly, its yellow pupils became damp, and it let out a low, pained whine.

Then, right in front of me, it suddenly flopped onto its back and rolled over on the floor—like it was showing off or trying to be cute.

Seeing the massive creature look so content, the tension choking me began to ease. On impulse, I extended my hand, and the beast started licking my palm with its rough tongue. It rubbed its large head against my hand obsessively, then lay back down and whimpered again.

"Ha!"

The sight was so absurd that cracks finally appeared on the man's mask-like expression. He let out a laugh that defied interpretation and tapped the table with a gloved hand.

"Please, take a seat, Lady Deborah."

With a flick of the master's finger, a chair floated through the air and landed gently behind my legs.

"Cookie, come here."

In the middle of such a serious moment, I nearly bit my lip to keep from laughing—Cookie was a surprisingly adorable name.

"Kkiing..."

"Hey!"