The Villainess Enjoys Her Seventh Life as a Free-Spirited Bride (hostage) in a Former Enemy Country

Tully bowed audaciously and gave the distinguished guest and her servants a sidelong glance.

“Well, then, Rishe-sama, let’s continue with our usual business meeting.”

“…Chairman, I’ve always asked you to stop humbling yourself so much.”

“Hahaha…”

With an amused smile, Tully brought out some papers.

“Don’t be so hard on me. I’ve been in a good mood lately. I’ve been able to get into some interesting business, and my sister’s condition has stabilized.”

It was a relief to hear that.

“Thank God. Aria-chan is getting better, isn’t she?”

“It’s all thanks to you…That’s how it is, My Lady, I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done, but I would be more than glad to deliver the items you requested.”

She was presented with a theatrical reverence and accepted the documents in disgruntlement.

Looking at what was written there, Rishe put a finger over her mouth.

“…Incredible. I didn’t expect you could collect them with such accuracy.”

“Did you like it?”

“See the right column for freshness? The oldest was six months ago, and the most recent was last month?”

“Yes, we can identify them based on the numbers. Do you see why the west is so far behind?”

“Yes. Would you like me to use the third one to determine the source of the information?”

“That’s it for the official stuff. There’s some other information that I’m not privy to, but I’ll share with you to help you make a decision.”

There was no need to go over the details, and the conversation proceeded at a brisk pace. When we had finished reviewing the third document, Tully chuckled and cleared her throat.

“What is it, Chairman?”

“It’s nothing. I just think there’s hardly anything you can’t negotiate. It’s like talking to my men.”

…That’s because I used to be one of your men.

Rishe’s way of analyzing something was what Tully had trained her to do in her first life.

It’s always reassuring to have the Chairman on my side.

Some of the information that Tully compiled was cryptic in order to prevent information leakage. However, it was also visually readable for someone who knew the rules.

“We will use your information carefully. We will never misuse it.”

“I trust you in that. But don’t use it in the wrong way, okay?”

When Rishe nodded cryptically, Tully smiled in satisfaction.

“Well, we accepted additional orders for your wedding. My business with you is over now.”

After speaking, he looked around the corner of the reception room.

“――So, do you mind if I go do something over there?”

“…………”

Tully pointed with his chin to Harriet, who was overwhelmed by the large amount of merchandise, and the head maid, who was standing there like an ogre.

“Come on, I’ve already told you Harriet-sama! His Majesty has ordered you to shop freely in Garkhain! It would be embarrassing to be frugal here. Garkhain has even provided us with gold coins, so we can’t allow you to make such a paltry purchase!”

“I-I’m sorry…!!”

Harriet shrank more and more under the head maid’s mocking.

Seeing this, Tully shrugged in disappointment.

“Ah-what a shame. That head maid would be a dignified woman if she talked less.”

“Chairman Tully.”

“Whoa~ don’t be suspicious of me. Moreover, that princess over there, she’s hiding her face with her long hair. The dress she’s wearing is fine, but it’s out of season and outdated.”

Stroking his own shaven chin, Tully’s eyes glazed over.

“Isn’t that the same fabric that the country that produced it stopped exporting ten years ago?”

“…Do you think so too, Chairman?”

“You’re quite the connoisseur. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with using old things…”

Rishe looked at Harriet and muttered in a whisper.

“Could it be that hiding her face was a shield to protect herself?”

Then Tully stretched his neck and said.

“If anything, it looks like a cage to me.”

“…”

Rishe guessed that meant that Harriet herself was locked away.

“Chairman, excuse me, but may I please speak with my maid, Elise, later? And then, can you ask for the head maid for a moment?”

“Alright. My Lady, if you don’t mind, why don’t you come and take a look at the goods?”

“What? No, I’m fine.”

The head maid was wary of Tully’s sudden arrival.

Tully told her smilingly.

“It seems that the items I brought today were not to Her Highness’ liking. I’ll be back tomorrow, so may I ask for your advice on what might be suitable for Her Highness?”

“…W-Well, if that’s the case…”

When Tully gave Rishe a look, she thanked him with a gesture and walked to Harriet.

“Harriet-sama, is there anything that is even remotely interesting to you?”

“U …”

Harriet clammed up, and then looked up as if in a panic.

“Ah! It’s di-different! They’re all so nice, too nice. It’s not that I’m dissatisfied with the items or anything. It’s just…”

Rishe’s eyes widened when she heard the tremor in Harriet’s voice.

Are you scared of something?

She had been reprimanded by the head maid earlier.

Maybe that was why, but Rishe couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable.

Are you afraid of shopping, or…no way.

“In terms of jewelry and dresses…I feel like they don’t want to be here.”

Harriet quailed more and more in front of Rishe, expressing her outlandish imagination.

“No matter how human I am. If I think I’m in the position of choosing a dress, that’s a big mistake…”

“Ha-Harriet-sama?”

“In fact, I’m not the one choosing the dress, I’m the one letting the dress-san choose me…Just because I happen to be born human doesn’t mean I’m entitled to say, ‘I don’t want it…I’m really sorry. I’m sorry…”

As she sank, Harriet muttered one last time.