“Later, I won’t be clinging to Philip’s coattails, will I?”

That would never do. The thought alone was horrifying.

Even if I managed to dodge the death flag, my life would still be filled with pain.

After all, Philip was set to marry a new spouse named ‘Dalina’.

Dalina, who appears in the latter half of the original work, wins Philip’s love with her graceful beauty, calm demeanor, kind heart, and mature actions.

“It’s such a relief that I’ve already stamped the divorce confirmation.”

I thought of the saying, ‘Out of sight, out of mind.’

Since there was not much time left for reflection, if I didn’t see him, the excitement from our temporary engagement would quickly fade.

“I have plenty to do anyway… I must avoid Philip.”

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“Madam, how are you feeling?”

Mild, who had been waiting at the entrance of the mansion, bowed respectfully.

My face flushed slightly at his question about my condition, but I feigned calmness.

“I’m fine. What about Mr. Polter and the others?”

“There’s a vacant servant’s cottage in the forest. The Master has allowed them to stay there for a while.”

Mild pointed to the forest behind the mansion. Several plumes of smoke were rising into the sky.

“There’s a spacious area in front of the cottage where we’ve set up several temporary tents. It’s like camping, but there’s a clear stream nearby, and we have provisions.”

According to Mild, it was a decent environment to stay in. I felt relieved but also suspicious of Philip once again.

It seemed like everything was prepared in advance.

“I should have asked earlier….”

But it seemed awkward to ask now that I had decided to avoid Philip.

“Ah, as long as they’re getting along, it’s fine.”

I gave up on asking Philip. After all, everything was already taken care of.

“I’m going to town. Prepare for my departure.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

I immediately began inspecting the state of my buildings with Mild.

By remodeling four buildings appropriately, it seemed possible to accommodate forty people.

I decided to use the largest building as a workshop for the Teaper women and sell the remaining five small houses.

By my calculations, selling the five houses would allow me to rent a building on Main Street 5th Avenue for a year.

Of course, the interior costs would have to be arranged separately.

Anyway, since the calculations were made, I went to the real estate agent, who showed reluctance upon hearing my plan.

“Madam Countess, I’m sorry, but the owner of the building on 5th Avenue wants to sell.”

“I know, I want to buy the building in a year. I just want to rent it temporarily…”

“Several inquiries have been made for renting it, but the owner has refused them all. He wants to sell.”

“…….”

The real estate agent, sweating profusely, forced a smile while looking at my expression.

“How about another building?”

I considered his suggestion for a moment but wasn’t thrilled.

“Where does the owner live?”

“Usually, they live in the capital, but occasionally come down to a villa here.”

The real estate agent cautiously pointed out.

“It seemed like they were at the villa recently.”

Perfect timing. I’ll have to negotiate in person.

I crossed my arms and lifted my chin. It was to ensure that the real estate agent couldn’t refuse.

“Okay, then call them.”

“Excuse me?”

“The owner of the building on 5th Avenue. Tell them the Countess is calling, so they must come.”

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While Mild and I were leisurely drinking tea, the real estate agent who had gone to call the owner of the building on 5th Avenue returned.

But he was alone.

“Why did you come alone? Where’s the building owner?”

“Um… um, they said they had something to do.”

The real estate agent stammered before finally replying, avoiding eye contact.

It seemed like he was beating around the bush.

I would have let it go if it was anything else, but this was important.

“A thing to do? What are they doing now?”

“That, that… they just said they weren’t coming…”

“Isn’t the villa a place to relax?”

“…….”

“What was the building owner doing when you went there?”

The real estate agent was sweating profusely. It didn’t seem like a big deal, but he was hesitant to answer, which was frustrating.
I was about to schedule the next agenda when I remembered that I was Ellen.

‘Sometimes, it’s okay to be loyal to the villain role, isn’t it? It’s not like I’m dealing with a nonexistent person.’

Having reached that conclusion, I leaned on the sofa and arrogantly propped up my chin.

“Hmm, from your point of view, that person seems to be a more important guest than me?”

“No, I was really working… Well, arranging flowers.”

“……”

The Countess was pushed by the flower arrangement? I was a bit annoyed.

After all, in this territory, Count Morris is like a king.

“Tell them that Ellen, the Countess Morris, calls. If they don’t come right away……”

I deliberately raised one corner of my mouth and made a rotten smile, making the real estate broker flinch.

“The real estate transaction tax law might change very interestingly.”

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