The Regret Novel Female Lead with Unbreakable Mentality Chapter 42

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“Come, take a look around!”

 

“Have you seen the research items this time? It’s the best work our family has ever produced.”

 

The ‘Aurum Market’ is where each noble family presents their research findings, engages in academic discussions, and attracts various investments. Created by the former emperor, who was renowned for his research fanaticism, the Aurum Market is held annually during the current emperor’s reign, showcasing numerous impressive items.

 

This year’s market drew a large crowd. Among the groups engaged in discussions, there was a heated topic.

 

“The top hit of this Aurum Market is undoubtedly that, right?”

 

“Yes, Count Ronus’s video magic artifact!”

 

“What a remarkable invention.”

 

The courtier quietly murmured as he looked around. “Well, even His Majesty seems interested in this magic artifact.”

 

In the Aurum Market, when a work or invention that could cause a stir in the empire emerges, it is inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ and personally recognized by the emperor.

 

Count Ronus couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. Today, everyone was eager to flatter him. As he basked in the feeling of being like a king, he spoke up. “It feels like I’m finally being rewarded for my efforts.”

 

“Recording what you see and playing it back. Such a method has never… existed before.”

 

“Yes, that’s right.”

 

“How did you come up with such an invention? It’s truly groundbreaking.”

 

“I gathered all the top talents who graduated at the top of their class from the academy. The researchers in our family worked incredibly hard, that’s what I’m saying.”

 

After Count Ronus’s turn, it was the Kalinos Family’s turn. Senator Agnis stood in front of their booth, trembling as she held up a beautiful potion shaped like a goblin. It was as if a bandit who had just beheaded a goblin was proudly showing off his catch.

 

“L-Look at this!” His stomach churned. Unfortunately, Agnis was the best presenter in the family.

 

S-So scary. Giving a presentation in front of people.

 

Agnis’s mind went blank as he stood at the booth, awkwardly explaining potions like <Goblin’s Phlegm> and <Troll’s Snot>

 

“So, the <Goblin’s Phlegm> is qu-quite an extraordinary potion, you see. It has remarkable healing properties and de-detoxifications… e-effects.”

 

As his voice gradually faded, the audience that had gathered began to lose interest visibly.

 

I promised the other senators I’d promote this properly. Though he was hot-tempered and had a rough disposition, when it came to explaining the potions he had poured his heart into, Agnis’s nerves got the better of him, and his spirit seemed to deflate.

 

“Well, o-once upon a time, there was a very handsome goblin. That troll, no, goblin was…”

 

After mumbling through the story and promotion tied to the potion, hearing the obligatory applause from the crowd made him feel even worse. Especially with Duke Kalinos seated nearby, everyone seemed half-terrified, not really listening to what he was saying.

 

I prepared ambitiously, but no one seems interested. Despite his diligent preparation for the presentation, the mere mention of the word ‘troll’ seemed to send everyone into a panic.

 

After a brief presentation and the customary applause, all attention shifted to Count Ronus beside him.

 

“So, you created a recording magic artifact?”

 

“Really fascinating. A recording function, and it doesn’t even require mana?”

 

“Though it’s in black and white, it’s incredibly groundbreaking!”

 

Count Ronus raised his chin with a proud expression and nodded. “Yes, that’s right. Ahem, ahem. Unfortunately, since the stock might run out early, we’re planning to supply it only to families deemed necessary.”

 

His gaze was fixed on Duke Kalinos. With a nonchalant yet arrogant look, a rebellious feeling arose within him. He pursed his lips and thought to himself. There’s no way I’m giving it to the Kalinos family. They’ll regret it, right?

 

“Oh, come on.”

 

“Are you going to give it to us, huh?”

 

“Which merchant group will you supply it through, Count Ronus? I know one quite well…”

 

Duke Kalinos said as he loosened the tie around his neck. “Everyone’s gathered already, I see.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“I have something to say.”

 

Count Ronus held back a sneer as he stared directly at Duke Kalinos. He must be wanting this magic artifact too.

 

Count Ronus was well aware of Duke Kalinos’s obsession with research. However, he was determined not to easily hand over such a precious invention, and he looked at Duke Kalinos with a provocative gaze. But what Duke Kalinos said next was something completely unexpected; moreover, the face of the duke seemed oddly pleased.

 

“I got married. With His Majesty’s approval.”

 

At the sudden announcement, everyone present was visibly shocked. Duke Kalinos continued as if it were no big deal.

 

“There will be no wedding ceremony. I don’t plan on inviting anyone.”

 

“T-That’s…”

 

“I intend to introduce my lady on the Feast of Saint Gladius, so you can join us then.” Having said all he wanted, he left lightly.

 

Count Ronus, left behind, gaped like a dog that had lost its prey. A-All of a sudden?!

 

Others were equally stunned.

 

“S-so, does that mean the duke’s household will have a mistress?”

 

“Who could it be that he kept hidden until now…?”

 

“I have no idea what’s going on. Who could it be? It can’t be the princess, right?!”

 

The Aurum Market, created for families to showcase all their inventions and boast their achievements to other families, ended its grand first day with a huge piece of gossip.

 

* * *

“I’ve become the protagonist of a romance of the century?”

 

[<Breaking News> Who is the new mistress of the mage noble house ‘Kalinos’?]

[<Breaking News> The protagonist of the romance scandal of the century that never surfaced until now?]

[<Special Report> Announced at Aurum Market! Who is the fated lady to appear on the Feast of Saint Gladius?]

 

Wow, Duke Kalinos. He’s really something else.

 

Senate Chairman Hennessy nodded as he handed over the newspaper. “A romance of the century, huh? That’s truly impressive. It’s like you’re secretly hiding your true power!”

 

Feeling the distinct character of Senate Chairman Hennessy, who prefers to keep his strength hidden, I nodded absentmindedly.

 

“Oh, and about this Aurum Market. They unveiled the < Goblin’s Phlegm>…”

 

It must have flopped.

 

“Surprisingly, no one is interested.”

 

“Surprisingly? That can’t be right.”

 

“What did you say?”

 

Now he doesn’t even listen to me, this old man.

 

“In any case, sadly, it looks like even if we sell it, it’ll be a loss. Even though he offered 20% of the profits when you provided Hallones Grass. It’s quite embarrassing.”

 

I didn’t really plan to offer any consolation. Comforting someone in such a tough spot? That doesn’t fit my troublesome persona. I simply nodded, feigning sympathy.

 

“Well, try to sell it as best as you can. Just don’t sell your research results to other families without my permission.”

 

“Understood…”

 

Though his gloomy expression was pitiful, I couldn’t openly help him due to my character. How can I secretly assist with marketing?

 

Watching Hennessy walk away with slumped shoulders, I picked up the <Goblin’s Phlegm> potion. Ugh, gross. This is bad. I furrowed my brow slightly. Just holding the potion bottle was unpleasant.

 

“Give me a few bottles. You said it’s an antidote, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

As I read the description claiming it’s a universal antidote for all poisons, I pondered deeply. If I could cleverly exploit the original story, there might be a way to sell it… For now, no brilliant ideas came to mind.

 

With a few potion bottles tucked into my pocket, I headed back inside the Kalinos Mansion. Outside the annex, in the garden, my father-in-law didn’t look particularly happy either.

 

“No one seems to be buying our family’s inventions. It was the same five years ago, and it’s still the same now.”

 

“You’re right. Everyone in the family seems to be under a lot of stress. Especially this time, they say an incredible invention was released on the market.”

 

“Huh? What kind of amazing invention came out this time?”

 

“A recording magic artifact. They say it’s in black and white.”

 

I looked at him intently and said, “But, we have something better at home!”

 

“At home… you say?”

 

“Yes! Giselle saw it, didn’t she? A recording magic artifact! In full color!”