Second Life's Revenge

"Here is this week's progress report," Said Lester as he handed a paper to Laura who was sitting on the chair. She thanked Lester and rubbed her chin, bringing her into deep thoughts. With the help of the Duchess and Viscountess Andrea the sales of nobles buying increased. While for the men, it remained the same.

But what can she do when men were not that picky about their own clothes? Laura had been forcing Erwin to advertise for her store but he always made an excuse for being busy. Because of that, she decided not to push it any further, it's not like she can continue to force him to wear it anyway.

"What about Tine? Her shop opened one week after ours," Asked Laura as she lowered the paper she was reading. She waited for him to speak but he didn't answer. When she looked at him he seemed hesitant. Raising a brow she asked, "Is there a problem?"

The troubled expression he made interested Laura. It seems like the competition between them is finally heating up. A restaurant or a tailor shop who will win? But that doesn't depend on sales it includes customer service. How can a store keep old customers if the employees aren't welcoming?

Not only that but recently Laura and her team decided to add a suggestion box and their suggestions really helped them to further improve the store. It's just hard to obtain some of the materials they requested since some were quite pricey.

"Tell me."

"If the commoners are on your side. Most of the nobles are on Tine's side since she is the Crowned Prince's fiancé. Lady Tine's sales are much higher and to add the customers are happy with her food," Lester reported but had a face that shows defeat.

"We're not going to lose. It is true that most of the nobles support Tine while only a few support us. But let's not be impatient. We still have one month left and we don't need to rush," Laura gave him a smile then stood up to stretch her arms up.

The assuring words made the worry in Lester drift away. He almost had forgotten who he was serving. But it had been one month since the test and nothing much was happening. He felt that maybe a storm is coming even though it is sunny right now.

On the other hand, Laura didn't feel worried about her losing. But what she was more worried about was the day Tine will fake her accident. This time the cards will be reversed. Laura deiced to be the one who faked the accident. As this will be attempted murder. But that's only possible if there are other proofs that Tine tried killing her.

There was one incident where Tine tried poisoning her but instead, Helga was the one who died. Not to mention Tine didn't plead to Count Harrison to spare her life. The one and only maid that would do anything for her died in her stead. Such a pity. If Helga were to be alive it would be great. Since she will be the key.

"Miss Laura? Is there a problem?" Asked Lester stood in front of her desk. She shook her, assuring there wasn't anything. "Then I will take my leave now."

"Thank you for today," Laura thanked as she watched the door close. She sat back on the chair and leaned back. It was fine to act like this since no one was here. She looked at her hands as she remembered something about the journal.

There weren't any events at all. It's just like the mana in the journal suddenly filled her. Not to mention since that last meeting with Septus not once she had heard his voice. If he is a god then why would he grow weak? Do the gods have mana too? But he did mention that his mana drained a lot since he rolled back time.

Her eyes widened as she thought of something. What if Septus is gone? Laura once remembered a book she read. It said that the gods are immortal; however, once their mana drains they go into a deep slumber. And it could take at least 1000 years until they will wake up. That is what she had thought but there may be other reasons.

"If that's the case then that means, that could be our last meeting," She muttered.

Laura was startled when a knock suddenly came through her door. Fiona entered the room with a huge smile. She then spoke, "There is a guest, wanting to see you." A guest? Was there anyone who had asked for her? Laura was confused at first but then realized who it was.

"Let him in," Laura smiled as she moved to the couch. Erwin entered her room with a smile and followed Fiona who gave Laura a wink and walked away. Laura was about to say a word to Fiona but she dashed away instantly before Laura could say a word.

Laura giggled as she remembered the wink given by Fiona. She almost had forgotten that Fiona was the maid who treated her bad back then. But now she's so devoted to her. Does one's heart change that fast?

She felt a pair of eyes looking in her direction and when she turned to look who it was she asked, "What are you doing here?

"What? You don't want me here?" Erwin asked as he slightly frowned.

"It's not that I don't want you to be here. I'm just angry with you" Laura feigned being upset.

Angry? 'There was a reason why she could be angry.' he thought. But he didn't know that she wasn't actually angry, she only did it in a teasing angry way. There was a reason why though and it was because he wouldn't wear the clothes designed by her shop. To add, it was specifically made for him yet he doesn't want to wear it. And it's just a suit.

Erwin furrowed his brow and thought hard about it. What is making her angry? But she doesn't look angry. It means that it isn't a big deal but she brought the topic up. He continued to play clueless by asking, "What did I do wrong?" Laura was in disbelief and crossed her arms like a child. Making him chuckle.

"I'm just kidding. Is it because I'm not wearing your shop's designs?" Erwin asked as he moved to sit beside Laura who moved to the other seat. If he knew about it he shouldn't be teasing her then.

"I'm sorry. It's just that I'm just shy," Erwin rubbed the back of his neck while his ear flushed red.

Laura laughed out loud then moved back where she sat then asked, "So? That is your reason? The great Duke is shy?"

"I am a human too, Laura."

"So answer my question now. Why are you here?" Asked Laura while the fun expression on his face turned serious out of nowhere. So now the conversation would be serious?

But it looked serious since there was a hint of hesitation coming from him. What's with today? Why are the people hesitating so much lately, Laura wondered. Erwin wasn't usually like this either. 'Is he worried that what he'll say will hurt her?' she thought.

"Take your time," Laura said.

"Do you remember when you said to me about finding evidence? Well, I think I may have found you the best evidence, and to add she may be our best witness." The best evidence and witness. But there isn't anything about Tine at all. Zero. So how did he find that evidence? Perhaps someone gave it to him?

"I do not want to spoil it but there is one man who could expose Tine."

"Man? Don't tell me it's His Highness. He's risking his and the royal family's reputation just to expose Tine?"

"Laura, we do not have any other choice. It is against the law that she is threatening a Prince. Also, Elijah allowed it."

"His Highness did?" Laura stood up and was shocked. She then asked, "He is allowing it?" Erwin sighed out loud and nodded his head.

"He eventually found out that Winston was doing something behind hid back. It's a funny story because Winston got scolded badly by him." The bond between the brothers was strong. It's not like any other ordinary string.

Though Laura felt troubled with Prince Elijah's decisions. If the people were to find out about his lost mana they will be in an uproar, wanting Prince Winston to be the Crowned Prince instead.

"And Prince Winston is alright with it?"

"Of course he isn't. Elijah has been working hard as the Crowned Prince. He was the one who led to exposing Marquess Rogen. If he had not asked me to do so I don't even know what we will be right now."

Erwin had a point. If this kind of quest wasn't conducted from the beginning then they wouldn't be living this kind of life. Not only that but they might not even cross paths anymore.