« Lesser grade Magic Crystal = 148 SP »

« Lesser grade Magic Crystal = 181 SP »

« Common grade Magic Crystal = 302 SP………

By the time I used half of the Magic Crystals I swiped from Robert's stash, I had 2658 SPs in the System.

"Shopping Time!"

To be honest, I had many items I had my eye on and now I can finally put something together with them.

Still, a girl needs to be smart with money. If I went around wearing something not to the liking of society, my Father would strangle me and the whole world would say I went mad. That's why I need to come up with my own fashion.

I'll mix up things from here and there until I get what I want. Thankfully, fashion in this world is not as bad as the previous one during this period of civilization. If it was the previous world, then wearing anything other than gowns and habits would bring a lot of bad attention. However, this world has considered the female wear that helps in combat for female Knights and Mages which used long coats and large mantles.

I will just mix that style.

For the base, a slender Light Grey Shirt and slender Indigo Pants.

Above them, I added a formal-looking Dark Grey Vest.

Above the vest, I added an Indigo Hooded Coat Dress and to break the dark theme, I added a Wine secondary color to the sides and ends of the dress.

I was purchasing the items from the Shop and lining them together on the bed as if I was bringing them out from my Storage Purse because Esmeralda was around.

"Something is… still lacking. I need this to pass."

"My Lady, you may consider adding a mantle as well. It looks quite…"

"A mantle! Right. You are good at this, Esmeralda."

With a few commands to Sir System, I bought a wine-colored Side Cape. The mix came up together to look really nice.

"Esmeralda, help me get into that outfit."

A few minutes later, I was in that thing.

It looked marvelous on me. Adding some Dark Leather High Boots and Gloves to the mix, it was all complete.

"It looks nice, my lady, but it may be a bit controversial."

"Then it will serve its purpose. Hmmm, with that hood on my face, it will be hard to recognize me."

I tried looking at myself with and without the hood in the mirror. Looked pretty decent.

==========

« Shopping Cart »

* Plain Grey Shirt

* Plain Indigo Pants

* Plain Black Vest

* Plain Indigo/Wine Hooded Coat Dress

* Plain Dark Leather Boots

* Plain Dark Leather Gloves

- Total Cost: 740 SP

==========

[A/n: Check the outfit image in the gallery at Discord. #-tvrws-gallery.]

Wasteful! Too Wasteful!

No matter how exciting shopping is, it is still necessary to keep my own independent theme. Right now, I am the black sheep of the Noble Society and I need to become controversial. The best way to slap everyone and everything back is to walk through the storm unfazed.

Still, my main complaint is the style of the outfit itself being Plain. In my opinion as Nadia, Plain is good but in my opinion as Vivian, what Nobles wear must befit their status.

In any case, Plain will do for now.

« Do you wish to save the current dress sittings as an Outfit? Y/N »

"Wait! I can do that?"

Right, this was also an option from the game, at least one can customize the Character and save certain sittings into the store's outfit slots.

Fascinating! It's a dream come true. I chose Yes without thinking.

==========

« Outfit Slots »

…

..

.

==========

My God! This is just beautiful… I saved the current outfit in the first Slot and renamed it "Plain". I directly opened the next Slots and added the sports and the sleeping outfits as "Sport" and "Sleep".

And for the moment of grace!

"Esmeralda! Turn around!"

I made Esmeralda look away then selected the Sleeping outfit.

*Swoosh!*

"… Mamma Mia!"

***

After experiencing my amazing automatic dressing system, I returned to my usual clothes and started studying. Things like History and Management were really interesting, Diplomacy was an interesting subject as well and I wasn't this bad at Mathematics or Philosophy. Law was the only cumbersome part of Diplomacy as I was never able to get on its good side but I made it through anyway.

By the time I was done, it was the afternoon and my time to head out to the auction but right before heading out, I dropped by the Gun Range.

"Miss Jane."

"Lady Vivian, you are here. I was just about to come to you."

"From that, I understand that my gun is ready?"

"... Yes." Jane replied with an awkward tone. "My father brought a gun and… he put it together for you."

She brought an expensive-looking box and handed it to me. Esmeralda carried it and I opened it to see the gun but…

"What in the tarnation is this?"

What I saw made me feel like cursing around. I am sure I was glaring at Jane, who started to shrink instantly.

In the box, there were three items. Bullets which were metal pellets and that was okay, an ornate gunpowder container made of metal which was also okay, and the gun… a small Ornamental Wheellock Gun, the muzzle was too soft and thin while the appearance looked white and flashy.

I held the gun up in front of Jane.

"What am I supposed to do with that? Your father said he will make me a gun by the next day? Is that what he meant?" I spoke genuinely angry.

"I am sorry, my Lady. It is…"

"It is a toy gun. If I put too much gunpowder in the pod, it will blow up in my hand."

Basically, this kind of gun is used to start horse races, get hanged on a wall, be gifted to a friend, and similar things.

"It is my father, my Lady, he didn't listen at all." Jane said in a panic.

"What are you talking about?"

"He thought that Lady Vivian just wanted a gun for show. No matter what I told him about your skill, my Lady, he just didn't believe me. I begged him to make a proper gun for you but he said his guns are not…" Jane halted her words weighing what to say next.

"Are not for women?" I continued the words for her and she ultimately nodded.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Damn him! I just needed a single gun, any average-looking thing would do as long as it shoots right.

I felt disturbed by the fact that I wasn't being taken seriously by a mere gunsmith. I would go and complain to my father but I doubt my father would do anything… he may think that it is safer to have this toy gun than a real one.

"My Lady, if I may speak." Jane spoke up.

"What is it?"

"Maybe I can make you a better gun… a proper one." She said.

"You?" I almost laughed from anger but something stopped me.

"Yes, my Lady, I am a student at the Third Academy. I studied Technology and Engineering… in secret."

"Wait! Is it like… you applied to the Third Academy without the knowledge of your father?"

"Yes… I… it is embarrassing but I wanted to be a gunsmith too. Father wanted me to be some management worker in the Moore Conglomerate and marry his successor but I want to be his successor."

"So… you changed your Major in secret."

"Yes. I train in the Academy and here in the Workshop as well. Gunsmithing and Engineering are my passions." Jane said.

"Heh! That's interesting… How good are you?" I asked.

"I am good… very good, my Lady." Jane bowed.

"Truly? What can you do?"

"Tiny Fabrications from small pocket watches, clocks, and most machines with gears as well as guns, of course. I'm better at guns than anything else"

"Is that so? I doubt that even your father would claim that with the same level of your confidence."

"It is true. I shall prove it by making you a gun my father can't ever make… but it will take time." She said.

Well well well, she looks determined about it. However, if what she said is true, then I have found a big catch, a true hidden gem.

"I see. I shall accept your service but I have a different thing in mind this time." I said.

"A different thing?"

"A custom gun with custom ammunition. Something that no one ever created before." I couldn't help but grin and let my evil intentions surface, "Are you game?"

***

Making a deal with that Jane girl may be very worth it if her talent is the real deal. This is the beginning of the Industrial Era in this world and having the lead in the knowledge of machines will be vital. Soon enough, large engines will appear and machines will dominate the world.

Now, regarding my personal safety, the toy gun I acquired will be enough to scare people with. I'll keep it loaded on safety until needed.

All that aside, someone was looking at me with dissatisfied eyes.

“What’s wrong, Sir Knight?” I asked.

“Nothing, Princess. Just what are you wearing?” Logan asked.

Obviously, we were in a carriage driven through the city to the De Clare Auction House and sitting facing each other. I took my liberty inside my carriage and sat with my legs crossed. My knight, however, kept having certain remarks about my style.

"This is the latest trend in fashion, Logan. Don't be tacky when it comes to women's clothing. "

"But that doesn't look like something someone of your status should wear, Princess." He said keeping a strong head.

This guy just saw my thighs yesterday, do I need to remind h… maybe I shouldn't.

"So what do you think I should wear? An oversized gown with an extravagant appearance and sick-looking decorations that make other people say 'oh, lady this' and 'oh, lady that'?"

"Princess, right now you are at the center of attention…"

"That's enough, Logan. I have my own standards of doing things and sometimes I become a brat who does the opposite of whatever she is told. I like your reserved, old-fashioned way of thinking, but telling me what to do ends up in a disaster."

I said my piece in a manner of authority and power but I didn't realize the bullets that I just shot at poor Logan.

"Reserved? Old-fashioned?" Logan was sitting over there receiving serious emotional damage.

Shoot! That was Nadia completely taking the wheel just now.

To the current day and age, Logan is not too reserved or old-fashioned, he just was worried about me. But the Gun situation from an hour ago seemed to have got to the inner Nadia really bad.

I just have to pretend I didn't say anything, make a solemn face, and never apologize. That's it, you are not in the wrong, the entire world is.

Still, in the eyes of society, I am the former fiancée to the Prince who went out on her fifth day after the break-up of the engagement while wearing something strange in an auction house. The only reason my father didn't oppose this was to test what I do and I really don't care about the Prince at the moment. What I am after are guns and power as well as political and financial backing.

And look, I just kept brooding until we arrived at the Auction House run by the De Clare House.

If today is a big Auction, then he is bound to be present.

"Welcome, my Lady. May I see your token?" A neatly suited old man received me as my carriage stopped in front of the building.

"Are the De Clares really that heartless to make an old man such as yourself receive guests with nothing but minor security, Butler Reuben?" I couldn't help but remark.

The old man furrowed his brows and looked at me closely. I was putting the hood on naturally so I removed it.

Butler Reuben stared at me for a moment realizing who I was and sighed.

"So you still remember this old man, Lady Vivian."

"De Clare and Moore are neighbors, partners, and friends. I am the one who was offended that you didn't send flowers when I was feeling under the weather those past few days."

"Excuse me, my Lady, it is not my place to act that freely but I would if I could."

"I know, where is that idiot? Tell him his old pal came to play."

"If this was eight years ago, I would have believed that."

"Don't worry, I won't go rough on him. Just a few words and you know… a gift."

The old man shook his head with a sigh. "He is in there but I am afraid your blunt appearance here, my Lady, will cause a lot of attention. I shall prepare an exchange room."

"No need, I came to auction on behalf of my father." I said while handing the auction plate.

"This is… I understand. This way."

Butler Reuben is the butler of the De Clare family but not only that, he is an important figure in the life of the old Vivian. The Moores and the De Clares had years of partnership and friendship, it is by far the oldest alliance in the Noble Society between two houses of Trade and Business. In the game, this alliance is intended to be broken in the route of De Clare's son Valentine because of a certain bad habit between him and Vivian. The Heroine shall expose that and end with Vivian's destruction too.

It was never revealed what sort of a bad habit it was but through it, Vivan could pry on many state secrets that only the entourage of the Crown Prince would know. Now that I have reincarnated and found out the truth, I face-palmed so hard. To make it simple, none of the game targets are as good eggs as they seemed despite their reversed reputations.

And I arrived at my family's booth in the main hall. These booths are the rooms above the normal auction seats and Nobles occupy them. Today, it strangely seemed that every booth was occupied which is not really a big deal but kinda rare.

"What's the deal with the big gathering?" I asked.

"It seems that Lord Julian hasn't informed you, Lady Vivian. Today we are auctioning a very rare treasure that has arrived from Avalon." Butler Reuben said.

"Is it the first time you auctioned something from Avalon?"

"No, my Lady, but this time it is very special. You will know when it comes."

"I am looking forward to it then?"

Butler Reuben retreated back to his post and I took my time looking around the place from above. This auction house is absolutely gorgeous as the ladies of De Clare have high standards when it comes to appearances. The normal buyers came to sit in the common seats while the richest of Nobles appeared in their booths. I saw faces I recognized, many acquaintances and classmates as well as enemies and rivals. The auction house is really the place where friends and enemies gather.

In the game, the De Clare Auction event was one of the Seasonal Events where players can get valuable materials, potions, and magic by auctioning online. It was a sort of a mini-game for fun but it wasn't the only Seasonal Event.

I'll make sure to pick up beneficial things and gain some merits in my Father's book.

"Esmeralda, pour some tea for me and Logan."

"Yes, my Lady."

Looking down there, the Auctioneer seemed to have finally arrived and the hall settled down.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a great honor for us, the De Clare Family, and the De Clare Auction House to have you all here today. All the seats and the booths are filled with our dear guests. This is a rare situation but indeed a welcome one. I know you are all eager for today's special auction so I will get right into it." A man, with quite a small stature, spoke and stood aside for servants to ascend the platform with an item covered under a piece of high-quality cloth.

The Auctioneer stood behind a lectern and arranged his papers.

"For tonight's first item, we have the Sword of Embers, crafted by a Duergar Blacksmith from Novark Empire. The starting price is 8,000 Pounds."

The first item was flashy but shabby. Even I, who knew nothing about magic, wasn't impressed. Weapons crafted by Dwarves are indeed good but that's after adding Magic to them and Humans are the best race in Magic, if the Dwarf joined hands with a Human Mage to enchant the blade then it would have turned out to be a marvel. Alas…

"And the sword is sold for 13,000 Pounds to the Knight in blue with the lovely lady."

To spend 13 Gold Coins on such a thing, this Knight seemed to be desperately trying to impress the woman next to him.

"Next item is the Notes of Sir Gregoire of Kain on his trip to Sauran, it is said that they contain the location of a secret treasure…"

"... The Staff of Moonlight…"

"... The Amulet of Tranquility…"

"... The Saber of Admiral Cruz…"

"… The Blue Dragon Leaf, a herb of immense rarity that grows in the far eastern land of Longdi and is said to be a sacred herb to the Draconian Kings, the bidding starts at 18,000 Pounds."

At that moment, a voice that made my blood boil came from a certain booth.

"20,000 Pounds."

"The lady from the Royal Booth… oh! It is Lady Matilda accompanied by His Highness Prince Liam himself. Greetings, my Lady." The Auctioneer recognized her right away.

The Royal Booth… that girl! And him!

I seemed to have not spotted them before as the Royal Booth is in my blind spot but if I walked near the balcony rail of my booth, I would see.

And I did.

I felt like the blood rushing to my head… the commoner girl I was forced to kneel in front of and the one that betrayed me for her.

They looked so happy together as if I was no longer part of this equation.

Acting so comfortable and shit… it makes me want to puke.

If I just pulled my gun and shot them both… no use of it.

The Heroine is a Holy Arts User, an Apprentice Holy Mage if I remember correctly and she is very powerful for her age. She'll deflect a bullet from this trash toy gun easily. Prince Liam is also beside her, his level is unknown but I assume he is a Knight Graduate.

Aside from that, that bastard Richard Marshall is there as well. The feeling of his grip holding my shoulder and forcing me to my knees is still vividly painful.

Robert is also there sitting behind the Prince while eyeing Matilda with a longing face.

The fucking hypocrites!

So they are taking their little commoner around for a walk. Figured as much!

She is even buying rare herbs for her magic training or probably to enhance her appeal. Like those wide green eyes or that silky blonde hair would need more beauty.

Damn you all!

See how I play you around now.