Chapter 32: Are You Telling Me What to Do?
Ella recognized Carol primarily because her mother had worked at her shop for a long time. Carol’s family lived in the nearby slums, and Ella had encountered her on occasion.
The girl’s striking white hair and red eyes had left a lasting impression.
After Carol’s mother had died from overwork, Ella had provided some funds for her burial but hadn’t inquired further.
She hadn’t seen the girl since then. To think that she would reappear, transformed into a completely different person.
It was as if she had ascended to a higher social class, a Cinderella story come to life.
But if she had truly risen above her circumstances, why was she back in this chaotic place?
A sense of unease settled over Ella.
“Are you the shopkeeper?”
While Ella pondered, the young man holding Carol’s hand approached her directly.
“Yes, I am. How may I assist you?”
Ella offered a practiced smile, brighter than the one she usually reserved for customers.
Her captivating beauty mesmerized everyone in the shop.
She had long pink hair and wore a black cheongsam with a high slit. Although the slit didn’t reveal any skin, it offered tantalizing glimpses of flesh-toned stockings beneath.
Her perfect curves drew every eye. Despite the suggestive outfit, not an inch of skin was exposed.
Ella, a shrewd businesswoman, immediately recognized Kailun’s status. As someone in the fashion industry, she could tell how expensive his and Carol’s clothes were.
A single garment they wore could easily equal her annual income.
Were they insane? Such extravagance! This was the kind of treatment reserved for favored princes and princesses!
Ella felt a pang of envy, a stark reminder of the world’s inequality.
Kailun fixed a serious gaze on the future business mogul. “I have a question. Carol’s mother used to work at your shop, correct?”
“Um, are you referring to Valerie?”
Ella’s expression changed instantly. She sensed trouble.
Her charming smile vanished, replaced by a wary glint in her eyes.
Paul’s aunt possessed an undeniable allure, a mature charm that drew men to her like moths to a flame.
It was a talent called “Natural Charm.”
Kailun glanced at her attributes. She was a capable Rank 3 mage, but her talents were what truly intrigued him.
[Natural Charm: She is the embodiment of temptation. Once you remove her clothes, you will experience divine pleasure. Each union will grant you a certain number of free attribute points.]
[Swaying Grace: As a true enchantress, it’s only natural for her to weaken the resolve of men she interacts with. (The effectiveness of this talent varies based on the difference in strength between her and the target.)]
Impressive talents, both practical and… enticing. Kailun, who had already been interested in her, was now even more so.
He hoped she wouldn’t disappoint.
“Indeed. Because as far as I know, your shop not only exploits cheap labor by suppressing wages but also engages in worker abuse. Am I wrong?”
His gaze was sharp and accusatory as he leaned closer, towering over her. They were less than half a meter apart.
An invisible pressure forced Ella to step back, but she knew that yielding now would weaken her position in the upcoming negotiation. She stood her ground, meeting his gaze unflinchingly.
Even though her ample bosom was practically pressed against his chest, she refused to look away.
She understood now. This young man had grand ambitions.
“Your accusations are baseless. Firstly, there is no worker abuse at my shop. Secondly, the wages we offer are in line with the local average. If you don’t retract your slanderous remarks, I will report this to the Royal City Enforcement Squad. Even nobles face consequences for such actions.”
She glanced at Captain Loston, seeking his support.
She knew how to leverage power.
In fact, if not for the carefully crafted illusion of a powerful backer, she wouldn’t have been able to maintain her “purity” in this chaotic place.
Trapped by her gaze, Loston reluctantly approached.
“Indeed, Miss Ella is correct. Slandering others is a punishable offense under the kingdom’s laws.”
Torn between avoiding conflict and playing the hero, he chuckled nervously. “Why don’t we just forget about this, Young Master Kailun? You have a good relationship with Princess Hilna, don’t you?”
Hilna had issued new orders last night. Everyone was to treat Kailun with respect and avoid provoking him.
Facing someone even the princess was trying to appease, Loston felt a headache coming on.
However, abandoning Ella wasn’t an option either. He had spent a considerable amount of money on her, and they hadn’t even held hands yet. Ending things now would make him a fool.
Kailun raised an eyebrow. “Are you telling me what to do?”
“No! Absolutely not! I wouldn’t dare!” Loston waved his hands frantically. “I simply agree with your assessment, Young Master. Such egregious violations should be punished severely!”
As the captain of the Royal City Enforcement Squad, Loston had dealt with his fair share of nobles. He had climbed to his current position through his exceptional “work ethic.”
He knew who the kingdom’s laws truly served.
“Since you’re so eager to uphold justice, Captain, why don’t you accompany me to the back and see for yourself? If Miss Ella is innocent, I’ll apologize. But if these accusations are true, I expect you to inform me of the appropriate punishment.” Kailun’s voice turned cold.
“Of course! Of course!” Loston forced a smile, his face pale.
Kailun led Carol towards the back of the shop. “Come on, Carol. It’s time to seek retribution for those who wronged your family.”
Only when facing Carol did his smile seem genuine and relaxed.
“Okay.”
She nodded obediently.
“Wait! You can’t go in there! That’s my private residence! You’re violating the law!”
Ella panicked, trying to stop them, but someone intercepted her.
“Miss Ella, would you care to join us and uncover the truth?” Roden inquired politely, his demeanor as refined as ever.
“I… I will.”
Feeling the cold, sharp claws digging into her neck, Ella almost burst into tears.
Looks like those related to the protagonist are also people who the readers will like to see being enslaved.