It was clearly an intentional remark by anyone's standards, but it was laughable that she apologized without sincerity and sought forgiveness. No longer wanting to exchange words with Countess Baliman, Liliana stood up.
"If you have nothing more to say, I'll be going now."
"This."
Just as Liliana was about to turn away, the Countess placed a book on the coffee table. The title seemed familiar, and it was a novel Liliana had translated half a year ago.
"You translated this, didn't you?"
"...If you already knew, why are you asking?"
"Oh, is that so? I was just trying to confirm, don't mind it."
Wouldn't it be better not to say things that are bothersome from the start?
Liliana swallowed her irritation and looked down at the book. The original version of that novel was written in 'Garta language' used in the Herta Kingdom, and she still vividly remembered enjoying the translation work because the content was excellent, befitting a kingdom that loves culture and art.
However, the good memories faded just because Countess Baliman brought that book. Suppressing a sigh, Liliana asked the Countess.
"Was there something wrong with my translation of that book?"
"Oh, not at all! Rather, the translation is so well done that I'd like to get your help."
"...My help?"
What does she mean now? As Liliana asked back with a skeptical look, the Countess nodded with a smile.
"You know our family is in the iron mining business, right?"
"Yes."
How could she not know? That was the very reason Fredrick had rolled in bed with that woman instead of her on their wedding night.
"We're trying to expand our business to the Herta Kingdom this time, but it's very difficult to find someone who can speak Garta language fluently. So, I was wondering if you could help us?"
"I decline."
Helping her husband's affair partner was out of the question. When Liliana firmly refused, the Countess smiled meaningfully.
"Would you still refuse if I offer 1 gold per page?"
"...!"
Currently, Liliana was paid 10 shillings per page for translating novels. Offering ten times that amount surprised Liliana, but she was also suspicious. There's no way they would pay such a large sum just for translation. Could they be trying to assign her some strange task...?
"I'm not trying to give you any strange tasks, so don't worry."
As if seeing through Liliana's mind, the Countess continued.
"All you have to do is translate documents sent from the Herta Kingdom into the Imperial language, and translate our documents into Garta language to send to them. There might be a lot to translate at first as we need to coordinate many things, but even if you do it all, it will be less volume than this novel, so don't worry."
It would be a lie to say she wasn't tempted. How could she not be swayed when offered more money for the same work? She had been concerned about relying on Fredrick for everything, including her mother's hospital bills, so her ears perked up even more at the Countess's offer.
"If you don't want to live as a parasite to Viscount Benjamin forever, it would be good for you to accept my offer and build your career. Having work experience with the Baliman Count family will be well-received elsewhere too."
"..."
Every word made sense, but... still, she didn't want to do it.
Working with a woman who had been intimate with Fredrick was something her last shred of pride wouldn't allow. And the Countess's sudden proposal made her uneasy.
"It would be better to discard useless pride, even for your mother's sake."
Recalling Fredrick's words for a moment, Liliana swallowed a bitter smile.
As he said, it might be useless pride. Even if she didn't accept Countess Baliman's offer, she had a way to make a living, so she couldn't argue if someone pointed out that she could afford to maintain this kind of pride.
Still, she had to keep her pride.
"I decline."
Knowing that if she lost this too, she would fall into deep despair, struggle, and eventually make an extreme choice, Liliana refused to the end.
"This is troublesome."
The Countess muttered about it being troublesome with a face that didn't look troubled at all, then shrugged and stood up.
"It's not good to be too persistent, so I'll withdraw for today. After all, the Viscountess will have no choice but to accept my request eventually."
Search "lover" on redcatty(.)com to read ahead up to chapter 70.