Liana opened her eyes and glanced at the clock on the wall. It was already past nine.

“Loraviel... why didn’t you wake me up.” Liana squinted, seemingly not fully awake yet.

About ten minutes passed before Liana’s brain reconnected.

She suddenly sat up in bed. “Overslept...”

Well, this is actually suitable for her current persona. Besides, others were waiting for her, others who needed her help, so naturally she couldn’t rush over early in the morning.

Liana sat on the bed, waiting for her brain to reboot. The training during this period had left her exhausted. If no one came to wake her up, she would definitely have slept in.

Because Loraviel had asked for leave this morning to go out, Liana had woken up late. She had just been too tired from training lately. Normally, Liana woke up very early—she absolutely never slept in!

Liana looked at the neatly folded clothes on the table. Loraviel had prepared them for her to change into first thing in the morning.

“Princess Liana, if you don’t get up soon, even with magic maintaining its freshness, your breakfast will become unappetizing.” Minoga was somehow sitting on Liana’s bed without Liana noticing when she had arrived.

“You really don’t make any noise when you come in, do you?” Liana was now used to Minoga’s sudden appearances.

“Isn’t that what Princess Liana asked for? You wanted me to remain undetected by others. If I made noise, wouldn’t I risk being discovered?” Minoga laughed.

“...” Liana had found someone even more fluent in sophistry than herself. Now she understood how Oliphia felt.

“So, does Princess Liana want me to make some noise when I enter her room?” Minoga asked.

“...I didn’t say that.” Liana sighed. She was beginning to regret borrowing Minoga from Mephilia.

“Don’t look at me with such a disdainful expression.” Minoga smiled. “I’ve been seriously completing the tasks Princess Liana assigned to me.”

“Have you made any progress?” Liana asked.

“Countess Rose is likely to make her move in the next few days,” Minoga said.

This was exactly why Liana had borrowed Minoga from Mephilia.

Although Countess Rose had previously told her that she would act in one month, it definitely wouldn’t happen at that time. A fixed time would only bring her more danger. Only an uncertain time could ensure her safety.

“In the next few days?” A jade stone appeared in Liana’s hand. This was used to notify Sibyl, the healer specializing in the drug used on her, which was necessary to legitimately catch Countess Rose.

“Can I get reimbursed?” Liana suddenly asked.

Getting someone of Sibyl’s caliber involved would cost a certain price.

“Princess Liana is really quite the penny-pincher.” Minoga hadn’t expected Princess Liana to fret over such things. “Don’t worry, Princess Mephilia will cover all expenses for you. Besides, given how Princess Mephilia dotes on Princess Liana, she’ll definitely support you fully.”

“Moreover, this is being done for the Lisat Royal Capital, and Miss Sibyl is also Lady Ambis’ student, so she naturally won’t charge Princess Liana any fees.”

That was more like it. When Liana last saw the cost that made even Second Prince Oester wince in pain, she thought she’d have to spend a fortune.

“That’s good.” Liana picked up her clothes.

“Where is Princess Liana going now? Those clothes aren’t for training, are they?” Minoga asked.

“I’m going to discuss some matters with Miss Tari from the Angus Commerce Guild,” Liana said.

“Wait a moment.” Minoga called out to Liana.

“What now?” There was indeed another sky above the sky, Liana now felt the same helplessness that Oliphia felt around her.

Plop!

Minoga’s hands landed on Liana’s cheeks, cupping her face. “Princess Liana, are you short on money? If you need money, you can tell us anytime. Don’t make any strange deals.”

“...” Liana was speechless and gave Minoga a sidelong glance. “It’s about those two cosmetic products. It’s a legitimate deal.”

“Is that so? Don’t do anything that would worry Princess Mephilia.”

“I won’t.” Liana patted Minoga’s face. “You really like pinching my face, don’t you?”

Minoga reluctantly let go of Liana’s cheeks. “Because Princess Liana is truly adorable, and pinching your face feels so nice—soft and a bit chubby.”

“I’m not fat!” Liana protested.

After these days of training, Liana, who wasn’t heavy to begin with, had lost even more weight. How could she still be chubby?

“Chubby doesn’t mean Princess Liana is fat.”

Liana’s face was soft. With just a slight touch, small mounds of flesh would appear on both sides, which was extremely cute.

This was why Minoga loved pinching Liana’s cheeks—it was truly comfortable and adorable.

“Are you done pinching?” Liana asked.

“Mmm, after all, Princess Liana has matters to attend to. Naturally, I can’t delay Princess Liana too much.” Minoga said.

“One minute of pinching, two minutes of touching, three minutes total. That will cost you one senior apprentice magic spell. When will Miss Minoga pay up?” Liana asked.

“Oh my?” Minoga pinched Liana’s little cheek with one hand. “That’s quite an expensive price, Princess Liana.”

“Of course, I am Liana after all.” Liana pouted.

“Then let’s deduct it from the creation-type magic I gave Princess Liana before. Calculating that way, Princess Liana’s cheeks can be pinched by me for a very long time,” Minoga said.

“Eh! That counts too?!” Liana never imagined Minoga would say such a thing.

Liana was absolutely no match for Minoga!

“Alright, Princess Liana, I also need to prepare some things.” This time, Minoga truly left Liana’s room.

Liana rubbed her face. What a strange person.

But... what she said was indeed correct—soft to the touch, truly comfortable.

After a simple wash-up, Liana stood in front of the mirror.

She pinched the lace edge of her white pantyhose and pulled them up. The stockings gradually wrapped around her calf lines, making a rustling sound.

The diamond-patterned wool skirt overlaid the pleated skirt and fell down. Liana played with her feet, gently tapping the toe of her shoe.

Looking at the elegant waves of the dress hem in the mirror, she couldn’t help but admire Loraviel’s excellent taste in clothes.

Liana walked out of her room. During this time, she had also learned where Tari was staying.

She headed toward Tari’s room, but at this moment, a person dressed as a maid appeared in front of Liana, blocking her way.

“Hmm?” Liana was puzzled. In Venus Manor, aside from Naibert, no maid should dare to act this way toward her.

“Princess Liana,” the servant said. “Countess Rose has something to discuss with you and hopes you’ll go to the back garden.”

Now, with Oliphia and Loraviel gone from Venus Manor, it was the perfect time to give Liana the antidote.

“Tell her I’m busy right now. I’m going to see my guest. If it’s not urgent, wait until tomorrow.” Liana waved her hand. Perhaps this was why Minoga had just said she needed to start preparing.

“Countess Rose sounded quite urgent. It seems to be something very important,” the servant added.

“Something very important? Then tell her to wait for me. I need to see someone first, which is also very important.” Liana wasn’t fully prepared yet and needed to buy time for Minoga and Sibyl.

“Countess Rose wants Princess Liana to come right away,” the servant said again.

“If it were truly urgent, Countess Rose wouldn’t have sent a servant to tell me but would have come to see me directly. Let’s say the afternoon. I should be able to finish my business by the morning,” Liana said.

“Princess Liana...”

“If you still want to stay at Venus Manor, shut your mouth.” Liana’s temper flared up. No, this was how she was supposed to be. There was no need to say those previous few sentences.

The servant hesitated for a moment but eventually closed her mouth obediently. “I understand. I’ll inform Countess Rose right away.”

Liana glanced toward the back garden. Had she specifically chosen a time when Oliphia wasn’t around?

Without Oliphia, even if someone in Venus Manor saw them, there would be ways to handle it.

Minoga probably already knew about this. Now, they just needed to wait for Sibyl to arrive at Venus Manor.

Liana hummed a little tune and continued walking toward Tari’s residence.

Upon arriving at Tari’s place, Liana didn’t rush. Instead, she chose to sit down in a pavilion outside the residence. She extended her hand, beckoning to a servant in the distance. “Hey, you, come here.”

“...” The maid’s expression changed slightly when she saw that it was Liana, but the principles of being a servant forced her to smile while greeting her master. “What is it, Princess Liana? How can I help you?”

“A cup of red tea, extra sweet, and some snacks. Then, help me call over that little kitten staying at our Venus Manor,” Liana said.

“I understand. Is there anything else?” the maid continued to ask.

Liana waved her hand, dismissing the servant.

She took out two bottles of cosmetics from her bag. Actually, Liana could create some other cosmetic products, but there was no need. These two items alone were sufficient to make those noble ladies scramble for them for quite some time.

It was better to keep some tricks up her sleeve. Later, if these were reverse-engineered, she would have other ways to bring those nobles back to her.

Besides, Liana didn’t have extra energy to research these now. She could barely handle Oliphia’s retaliatory torture.

Soon, the tea and snacks were brought over. Liana asked curiously, “What about the little kitten? I don’t want to wait for her too long. If she doesn’t come soon, I’ll leave.”

“Princess Liana, you’re referring to Miss Tari, right?” the maid said.

“Yes.”

“Miss Tari will be here shortly. However, she mentioned wanting to give Princess Liana a surprise, so she’s preparing a little,” the maid said.

“I don’t care if it’s a surprise or a shock. In ten minutes—no, five minutes—if I don’t see her, I’m leaving.” Liana naturally wouldn’t give Tari too much face.

After all, their relationship was now different from before. Now, they had a transactional relationship that required negotiation. Plus, given that Liana’s status was much nobler than Tari’s, it would be impossible for her to wait for Tari.

“I apologize, Princess Liana.” Tari came running over.

The servant, seeing that Tari had arrived, seemed to grab onto a lifeline. “Since Miss Tari has arrived, I’ll take my leave now.”

Liana nodded.

“What’s the matter, Miss Tari? Didn’t you say you had something important to discuss with me? Why do I have to wait for you?” Liana asked.

Tari was too aggrieved to speak. Who knew you’d suddenly come over? I wasn’t prepared, and I only found out when the maid called me.

These past few days, Tari had been worried to death. Staying at Venus Manor, she had no chance to receive any orders. If she couldn’t settle things with Liana, she might be treated as a sacrificial pawn.

After all, people like Tari were a dime a dozen in the Angus Commerce Guild, but goods like what Liana could provide were only available from her.

So, no matter what, regardless of the cost, Tari had to secure Liana’s batch of goods to achieve monopoly conditions.

“I apologize, Princess Liana. I prepared some gifts for you, which took some time. Please forgive me.” Tari’s tone was extremely humble.

Previously, she had addressed Liana as “Miss Liana,” but now it had changed to “Princess Liana.”

“Oh? What gift?” Liana asked.

Tari took out a very beautiful necklace. “This is a necklace crafted by the most famous jewelry store of the Angus Commerce Guild. I hope Princess Liana will like it.”

Liana took a quick look. The style was excellent, and the material seemed to be made of the highest grade gems. It was very beautiful, and the price was likely extremely expensive. Tari must have spent a fortune.

Liana held it in her hand. It felt cool to the touch and pleasant. “Not bad.”

Tari breathed a sigh of relief, but Liana’s next words made Tari’s heart leap into her throat. “However, I’m not particularly interested in this. I don’t lack beautiful jewelry.”

Jewelry that was very difficult for others to obtain was plentiful for Liana. She didn’t need others to gift them to her. If she wanted something, she could simply ask and receive it.

“I overlooked that...” How could Tari not have thought of this? But this was all she could do. Liana was the daughter of Duke Venus. Whatever she offered, the other party could easily obtain.

This was just a gesture of her attitude. Liana should also be well aware of the difficulty in obtaining such a necklace.

“I acknowledge your gesture.” Liana put the necklace back in the box. “Take it back.”

Tari hadn’t done anything to harm her, and Liana still had some matters to trouble Tari with later. At this point, it was better not to accept such an expensive gift and instead return the favor.

“Princess Liana...”

“Now, let’s talk about our cooperation. I believe this is why you’ve been waiting at Venus Manor for so long, right?” Liana said.

“Princess Liana, your makeup remover and lotion have become bestsellers!” Tari exclaimed excitedly.

Originally, these nobles were skeptical about the prices of these two cosmetics. Although they had money, °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° they wouldn’t willingly be swindled.

But the start of the ceremony accelerated their purchases. After all, this amount was nothing to them. With an attitude of giving it a try, some people bought these two products.

After using them and discovering their special qualities, they became an instant hit. But the products Liana had given previously were only ten sets, which were quickly bought up by the nobles. The price of the last set reached as high as twenty gold coins, so even those who wanted to buy them, the Angus Commerce Guild couldn’t provide more.

But price wasn’t the most crucial factor. The Angus Commerce Guild had many items even more expensive than this.

What the Angus Commerce Guild feared was these products flowing to other guilds, thereby creating competitors. This was something the Angus Commerce Guild didn’t want to see.

Therefore, at any cost, even if it meant making these two products disappear, they would not want to see them appear on someone else’s shelves.

“Yes, I already know that.” Liana nodded. Becoming a bestseller was inevitable. “The matter you want to discuss with me is also about these cosmetics, right?”

“Yes, yes!” Tari nodded repeatedly. “Our Angus Commerce Guild highly values Princess Liana’s two products and hopes to establish a long-term partnership.”

“What can you offer me? Although these aren’t particularly valuable items, you should be very clear about the market value of these goods. Your Angus Commerce Guild should value this the most,” Liana smiled.

“Of course, we understand the importance of these goods, which is why we’re here to discuss with Princess Liana now, isn’t it? Princess Liana, you haven’t told anyone else about these products, have you?” Tari cautiously asked, fearing that she might upset Liana.

“That depends on your sincerity.” Liana smiled, looking at her.