NOVEL NEXT Chapter 27 - Missed Connection
Scene 027: Missed Connection
I found myself in Groble, a magic tool workshop located in a hidden corner of the luxury section of the department store. This place is where VIP customers bring their high-end items for repair-a luxury repair centre, in short.
The reason I came to the department store this weekend wasn’t for repairs, though. I was looking for someone.
“Mm is a problem. He retired not long ago,” Arthur Ruelberta told me.
“He used to run this workshop. But when I took over and remodeled the place, he didn’t take it well and decided to quit. I kept the shop’s name, though.”
“I see,” I replied, silently wishing I had come sooner.
But there was still hope. The man I was searching for was a friend of Arthur’s from his hometown.
“So, why the sudden interest in Albert? Even if he was great back in the day, he’s probably too old to swing a hammer now.”
“An older craftsman may lack the strength of a younger one, but experience goes a long way.”
Albert Groble—an extraordinary master craftsman who had invented countless magical tools. I needed to find him.
“Hm… Well, I haven’t heard of him in a long time, but don’t worry. I can introduce you to him. It won’t be a problem.
“Thank you.”
“Thank me? I’m your guardian, aren’t I? A favor like this is nothing.”
Arthur gave my shoulder a reassuring pat.
After William passed away and young Tristan became head of the family, Arthur had stepped in as his guardian. He was incredibly capable, managing the family’s wealth and business expansion. Without him, the Ruelberta family would not have grown as much as it had.
‘Tsk… Looks like you came for nothing today. Since you’re here, why don’t you relax a bit?”
“Yes.”
“And don’t forget to take good care of that pretty assistant of yours.”
“… I’ll handle that myself.”
Arthur chuckled, amused by my reaction.
He looked at me the way a father would look at his son, making me feel oddly embarrassed. If not for my pride, he probably would’ve seen right through my emotions.
“Well, I’m sure you’ll figure it out. Take care.” he added.
With that, I left the shop. The department store was still bustling with people, and now I needed to find Wendy. I had no idea where she was or what she was doing.
I decided to take a walk around. Knowing her, she’d be easy to spot.
I hadn’t been walking for long when—
“Don’t move.”
A sharp object pressed against my stomach, the threat clear. A hand slipped into my coat pocket. I started to turn to see who it was.
“Hold my waist. Make it look natural.”
“…”
The pressure increased slightly, enough to cause a small sting.
I did as I was told, wrapping my arm around their waist. To my surprise, it was slim.
“Head to the rooftop. Quietly. I have questions, and if you try anything funny…”
Finally, I got a good look at my bold assailant.
“…I’ll peel the skin off your stomach while you’re still alive.”
A woman with a black ponytail glared at me, and unfortunately, I recognized her face.
She was a key character in several scenarios in the game where Tristan dies.
I muttered her name.
“Blanche…”
“Yes. You missed me, Tristan?”
******
“Wh-whoa…”
Wendy’s mouth hung open, refusing to close.
Surrounding her were clothes, bags, and accessories that looked unbelievably expensive.
And to make matters worse, everyone browsing the store looked like nobles.
For them, this place must be part of their everyday life.
The thought of that made Wendy feel even more nervous.
‘The Count didn’t seem to care about the price, but…’
As his maid, she couldn’t just spend his money recklessly.
No, she wouldn’t.
‘Not even a single Kael can go to waste!’
Wendy scanned her surroundings, almost frantically. Every shop seemed to carry only luxury goods, but she finally found one that appeared slightly more affordable and stepped inside.
“Welcome.”
“Th-thank you…”
The employee at the entrance greeted her with a big smile, and Wendy awkwardly nodded in response.
Was she doing this right?
Anxiety crept in.
‘Stay calm, Wendy. You’re the Count’s personal maid, remember?’
Trying to act like she belonged, she browsed the store’s clothes. They were undeniably high-quality. Even though she didn’t know much about luxury brands, the soft, elegant fabrics were enough to make that clear.
“Huh…?”
A black fur cloak on a mannequin caught Wendy’s eye. It sparkled under the lights.
‘It looks just like the coat the Count lent me before…’
The design was quite similar, except for the fur detail around the neck, which gave it a more feminine touch. But when she checked the price tag, her eyes went wide.
‘2.22 million Kael?!’
She froze in shock, and before she could gather her thoughts, an employee appeared beside her.
“Miss, you’ve got great taste. This piece is from the latest season. The original price is 3.99 million Kael, but today, it’s on sale for a reduced price.”
“3,39 million Kael…?”
“Yes. The fur around the collar is from the rare Seryang fox, which makes it highly valuable. At this price, it’s quite a bargain.”
Wendy felt lightheaded.
When she first started working for the Count’s household, her salary was barely 1 million Kael. Most of it went to her family in the countryside, leaving her with almost nothing for herself. Thankfully, room and board were provided.
She didn’t even own any new clothes; her maid uniform was her only outfit. Until recently, she spent nights mending her torn socks and apron.
‘3.99 million Kael… That’s about 4.00 million…’
It was almost four times her first salary.
Even though her position had improved as the Count’s personal maid, 4 million Kael was still a fortune.
‘It’s beautiful, but it’s way too expensive…’
Yet, if she wore it, she wouldn’t look out of place beside the Count.
Summoning her courage, Wendy reached for the cloak on the mannequin. It felt so light in her hands.
She loved it.
Maybe the Count would even praise her for choosing it?
But just as Wendy was considering this, two figures passed by the store’s window. One of them was someone she knew very well—the man she had just been thinking about.
“The Count…?”
He was walking somewhere, but that wasn’t what shocked her.
What truly startled Wendy was the woman beside him, someone she had never seen before.
A stunning woman in a sleek black dress, with long, slender legs. She was tall, elegant, and mature—nothing like Wendy.
Tristan walked past, his hand resting gently on the woman’s waist. They passed right in front of the store, looking perfect together.
At least, that’s how Wendy saw it.
Sniff.
Wendy’s hand, which had been holding the cloak, slowly lowered.
Her strength vanished. She didn’t know what to think anymore.
And just as she was about to let go—
“Excuse me.”
“Y-yes?!”
Wendy jumped, startled by the voice behind her.
A beautiful silver-haired woman stood there, exuding elegance and nobility.
It didn’t take long for Wendy to remember who she was.
“Oh… Lady Bella?”
“Hmm. I knew I wasn’t mistaken. We’ve met before, haven’t we? Your name was…?”
“It’s W-Wendy…”
“Ah, yes. I remember now. You were with the Count last time, weren’t you?”
“Y-yes…”
Bella smiled and chuckled softly as she addressed Wendy.
“Shopping for clothes? You’ve got quite an eye. This is Luelcia, the most prestigious brand in the department store. They’ve been supplying the Imperial family for generations.”
“W-what?!”
Wendy had no idea. No wonder the prices seemed so outrageous!
‘’You need to leave. Wendy, this is not where you belong…’
But just as Wendy tried to back away, Bella gently caught her arm.
“L-Lady Bella…?”
“Let me guess, the Count sent you to buy clothes, didn’t he? Let me help. I’m quite good at picking outfits.”
“N-no, I’m fine! I’m sure you’re busy, and I can do it myself!”
“Nonsense. My companion wandered off somewhere, so I’ve got plenty of time.”
“R-really, it’s okay…”
But Bella’s grip didn’t loosen.
“No need to be shy. Come on, let this Unnie help you find something that suits you.”
“U-unnie? L-Lady Bella, please! Eek?! Y-your eyes… they’re scaring me!”