THE VILLAINESS TURNS THE HOURGLASS

Chapter 43. The Secret Of The Hourglass, Part IV

"Miss! I've got the new book!"

"Really? It came in sooner than I thought."

Aria's face brightened as she accepted the new economics book. There were numerous books on economics in the mansion, but they didn't match Aria's standards.

She had tried to understand them somehow in the meantime, but it was impossible for her to comprehend even one page. So, through Jessie, she ordered the bookstore to find a new, easier book, and fortunately, she was able to order a basic economics book that was ready by very young noblemen.

"Miss, would you like some tea?"

"Please."

Since it had been a while since a new book had arrived for her, Aria soon became absorbed in her reading. The reason why she had gotten hold of the economics book was very simple. She needed background knowledge to talk to the count about his business in the future.

There would be a limit to her simply releasing information without any knowledge. He might doubt the source of the information, and her credibility would also drop.

Knowledge of economics and politics was essential because she intended to build her own business in addition to releasing information. That was because there was a limit to sticking to someone's sweet honey. If she were to be discarded, she would lose her head again.

'If they compare a woman to a flower, they treat her like an ornament, but if she has the power to impose herself like any other male aristocrat, she will be treated differently.'

She had heard of such a female aristocrat in the past. She remembered sneering at one, saying, "She doesn't know herself," but it was Aria who hadn't known herself.

'So, now, I have to figure out who I am and build up knowledge.'

Aria was preoccupied herself with reading the new book for a while. No matter how basic the book was, it took her tens of minutes or even hours to turn a page in the absence of a teacher.

Aria, however, did not give up, reading the same page for several days as she tried to understand the contents.

'I wish I had changed my gender when I returned to the past.'

If that had happened, she would have gone to the academy like her half-brother and received education on various topics because it was essential for a male aristocrat to complete his studies there.

Having been born as a pretty woman, she thought there would be nothing to be envious of, but now, she thought that having a pretty face was poison. She hadn't gotten a proper grasp of reality thanks to those who had praised her beauty. She hadn't known that the praise was fleeting, like petals falling off a flower.

She had been looking at what she didn't know for a long time, so Aria, who had started getting a headache, touched her head. Jessie, who brought her a new cup of tea and some dried fruit, waited in the corner and glanced at her.

When Aria noticed that she had something to say and looked at her, Jessie asked what she had been thinking lately.

"Well... miss. I'm sorry to bother your reading, but can I ask you a question?"

"Tell me."

It wouldn't be a bad idea to have a quick chat to cool off her head. Aria lifted her cup and answered after taking a sip of the warm green tea.

"Do we really need to simplify your birthday party? I think we can make it a little bigger..."

On her first birthday after her entry into Count Roscent's family, they had invited musicians and entertainers from various fields and had a splendid day.

In particular, when Jessie recalled the screaming and cheering from her master during the magic show when the magician took pigeons out of a hat, she asked again, "Why don't you invite a magician?"

She seemed worried that she might be scolded after making that simple suggestion.

"No. Just invite a few acquaintances as scheduled, and I'll have a quiet lunch."

Birthday parties were also a showcase of wealth, power and personal connections, so most aristocrats prepared colorful and splendid parties, but the present Aria did not feel the need for that.

It was clear that she, who was a Roscent only in name, would be a laughing stock if she held a big party that was not within her means. Even if it was a place to show off wealth, an excessive display that did not match her level would be laughed at.

"Just be careful about the food. Prepare sweets that would be loved by young ladies of my age."

"Yes..."

She remembered having parties that were grander and more colorful than Mielle's in the past. Even though she had known that she had been criticized from behind for being the blood-sucking parasite on the Roscents, she had had no choice but to do so because she had had nothing.

In those days, she couldn't have borne her jealousy if she hadn't dressed herself up and shown herself that everything was all right. Unlike Mielle, who had grouped herself with great people, there had been nothing for Aria to put forth.