Chapter 153: Looking Down on Ciel

Looking Down on Ciel

In the following time, Ciel visited Avena’s clinic and Amy’s home.

Adele indeed wasn’t at home, but stayed in the laboratory at Avena’s clinic. Amy also happened not to be visiting friends, so Ciel didn’t make a wasted trip.

Both expressed surprise upon knowing they could freely find Ciel later. However, Adele was still not entirely reassured, insisting on giving Ciel a comprehensive check-up. Only after confirming there were truly no major issues did she let Ciel leave the laboratory.

What surprised Ciel slightly was that not only herself, but Amy also received Avena’s banquet invitation—though saying it like that wasn’t quite appropriate.

This invitation letter was addressed to Baron Hastings, but the Baron would bring Amy along.

However, Baron Hastings was very happy about this, even feeling he benefited from his daughter Amy knowing Avena. When Ciel went over, he even arranged many desserts she had never seen before, but Ciel was too full, so didn’t eat much.

After all, previously, for banquets hosted by the Roswell family, emerging minor nobles like Hastings, who were marginal and landless, basically had little chance to participate; the two were not in the same social stratum.

By the time she left Amy’s house and walked towards Avena’s manor, it was already one in the afternoon. At this time, Ciel remembered something.

Avena... didn’t she say she would take me to buy clothes?

She said she had nothing much to do today, could accompany me for a while, why did she find an excuse and leave in a hurry after I finished visiting the church?

Did something happen?

Thinking of this, Ciel’s pace quickened slightly.

Avena’s home wasn’t very far from Amy’s. After walking briskly for less than ten minutes, Ciel arrived at the entrance of Avena’s manor.

At this time, Ciel could already see many expensive carriages parked inside the manor. The servants within the manor were orderly guiding the coachmen to let the nobles and wealthy merchants step down at the mansion entrance, then leading the carriages to the stables.

This scene, for some reason, reminded Ciel of scenes from her previous life where presidents of certain European countries hosted banquets for others; luxury cars also drove into the garden in sequence, dropped people off, and circled around.

Although there were only carriages here, the scale was no smaller than the scenes on TV.

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Ciel, who had only seen such scenes in videos before, couldn’t help feeling somewhat novel seeing this scene in reality.

“Miss Ciel? You’ve arrived?”

A maid waiting at the entrance had already noticed Ciel walking alone from afar. When Ciel reached the entrance, she quickly went up to greet her, “Lady Avena is busy, I’ll take you inside first.”

“Okay.”

Ciel nodded, then followed behind the maid, but didn’t take the crowded main path, instead detouring to the garden, preparing to enter the mansion from the back garden.

This scene happened to be seen by someone in a carriage.

“Father, who is that?”

The young girl peeking out from the carriage pointed at the plainly dressed young girl walking towards the distance, turned back and asked curiously, “Why doesn’t she need an invitation?”

“Don’t know, probably a maid who hasn’t changed clothes yet.”

The golden-haired man just glanced at the red-haired figure’s back, then lost all interest. This wasn’t any noble he knew, nor did he remember anyone’s daughter having red hair. Thanks for reading on ManaNovel!

“She’s not a maid, didn’t you see the maid being very respectful towards her? Her status must not be low, and she’s very familiar with Avena, I bet you.”

The young girl seemed somewhat unconvinced, grumbling.

“You have time to think about this, better think about how to talk more with Lady Avena later,” the man raised his hand and rubbed his brow, saying, “Sit properly, deportment!”

“Hmph.”

The young girl sat down obediently, somewhat unconvinced, just couldn’t help muttering, “I told you, building connections with Avena is useless, she’s not the kind of person who can be flattered...”

“Then your allowance next week also...”

“No!!!”

“Quiet!”

Meanwhile, Ciel, walking towards the back garden, turned back towards a certain carriage, blinking somewhat puzzledly.

What was that noise? Air raid siren?

However, after realizing it wasn’t a commotion, Ciel didn’t pay much attention, instead entering Avena’s manor from the back garden, walking to the second-floor study, and directly entering.

Judging by Avena’s appearance, she probably wouldn’t be free so soon. Might as well use this time to read a book—after all, there were no other forms of entertainment here.

And the maid who guided Ciel, after helping Ciel close the study door, quietly slipped beside Avena, whispering in her ear that Miss Ciel had arrived.

Avena glanced at the time shown on her stopwatch. The important guest had arrived early. So she temporarily handed matters over to the butler and walked towards the study.

Gently opening the study door, Avena saw Ciel standing beside the bookshelf, holding a book and reading. She seemed not to notice the sound of the door opening, still engrossed in the book in her hands.

Avena quietly closed the door, stepped onto the soft carpet, deliberately maintaining a silent state, approaching Ciel.

What she didn’t know was that, actually, from the moment she opened the door, Ciel’s attention had already withdrawn from the book, just pretending to turn pages and read, without turning back.

3 meters... 1 meter...

When Avena’s footsteps were almost directly behind her, Ciel turned around directly and asked, “Avena? When did you arrive?”

Avena, who just raised her hand, put it down without leaving a trace, her gaze shifting directly to the book in Ciel’s hand, nodding, “So you understand Pharosian?”

Although Avena tried hard to pretend nothing happened, her method of changing the subject was still somewhat naive, like a kitten caught about to play a prank, pretending nonchalantly to be busy grooming and washing its face.

“I just remembered something, didn’t you say you’d take me to buy clothes? Why did you leave early?” Ciel suppressed her laughter and asked.

“A guest arrived early, Nia came back to pick them up.” Avena shook her head and said, “I’ll make it up next time.”

“If you don’t mind, for the banquet’s formal dress, just wear my old clothes first... Although they are old clothes, they’ve basically only been worn once or twice.”

Wearing a set of clothes only once or twice...

Avena’s extravagance exceeded Ciel’s expectations. She even felt she didn’t need to buy clothes anymore, just pick up Avena’s unwanted clothes to wear.

Anyway, she didn’t mind wearing Avena’s clothes; perhaps Avena herself would mind a little.

“I have no objection.” Ciel seemed to think of something, asking further, “A very important guest?”

Even the prince’s son came to visit Avena upon arriving in Berren City, not even requiring Avena to visit personally... Is the person coming of very high status?

Avena took a deep breath, then slowly said, “It’s someone from the family, came without notice, probably has some important information... Originally this was just an ordinary banquet I use for regular information exchange.”

Ciel nodded, couldn’t help but envy Avena’s network slightly.

Avena just disliked and wouldn’t actively engage in conversation, nor liked interacting too deeply with people, but this didn’t mean her emotional intelligence was low.

From her attitude towards Hastings, it could be seen, even just the relative of Ciel’s friend, Avena would give enough face and respect, wouldn’t show displeasure.

“Exchanging information...” Ciel thought for a moment, then asked, “Are those coming all transcendents?”

“No, almost no transcendents.” Avena shook her head, “Just business.”

“Business...” Ciel nodded, instantly feeling a sense of high class.

Ciel knew almost nothing about any business, but indeed wanted to understand a bit.

After all, judging from Avena’s food, clothing, and expenses, doing business brought in money much faster than Ciel robbing people, and safer too.

Suddenly, Ciel realized something, asking, “Your money... did you earn it all yourself?”

Hearing Ciel’s words, Avena asked back somewhat puzzledly, “Otherwise?”

Huh? Not given by the family?

-

“Although I did indeed use the Roswell family name and initial capital, every penny I spend is earned by myself,” Avena realized she hadn’t told Ciel these things, explaining, “The largest shares in the company, mines, and factories are in my hands.”

“Then you’re super rich now?” Ciel asked somewhat surprisedly. She previously always thought Avena spent money given by the family, about one or two thousand pounds per month, but now it seemed Avena was even richer than she imagined.

“If you ask me to directly take out over ten thousand to help you buy a title, it’s indeed possible.” Avena shook her head, saying, “But doing so, the company would go bankrupt.”

“What I do is just small business. The real big businesses are in the hands of Ansu and the overseas companies.”

“Is that so...” Ciel nodded, having a judgment of Avena’s approximate wealth.

Her assets definitely started from twenty or thirty thousand pounds, but the actual funds she could directly access probably wouldn’t exceed seven thousand pounds; more, and the capital chain might not turn.

“Are you short of money?” Avena looked at Ciel’s thoughtful expression and asked.

“Me? Not short, the organization will give me money.” Ciel shook her head.

Even for the “Musician” potion, unless absolutely necessary, Ciel wouldn’t borrow money from Avena. After all, she had too many ways to obtain potions, didn’t necessarily need money.

Even letting Tara gather cultists in the simulation to charge the Ansu royal city, then stealing a bottle of “Musician” potion and the Reconstitution Ritual amidst the chaos before directly committing suicide would be fine, but that felt somewhat like using a cannon to shoot a mosquito.

“You’ve finished reporting safety?” Avena looked at Ciel and asked, “You seem to have a lot of free time.”

“Yeah.” Ciel nodded, raised her hand to touch her stomach, saying, “Ate too much snacks and desserts.”

“Then I’ll pick a set of clothes for you?” Avena’s gaze very naturally shifted from Ciel’s face to the bookshelf, seemingly distracted looking at book titles.

“Alright.”

“Go to my room.” After hearing Ciel’s reply, Avena turned directly and walked towards the door. Ciel also followed, one behind the other, walking out of the study.

Just walking out of the study, Ciel saw a young girl with a golden curly ponytail, standing in the gallery admiring paintings. The girl, hearing the two come out, lowered her head slightly in surprise and greeted them.

“Good afternoon, Lady Avena, and this beautiful young lady.”

“Good afternoon, Isabella.” Avena also nodded slightly, greeting the girl.

Ciel, passing by, also followed Avena’s example, nodding lightly, smiling, “Good afternoon.”

Soon, Avena led Ciel past the ponytail girl, walking straight upstairs. The girl left behind watched their backs, nodded slightly, seemingly lost in thought.

Just as I thought... that red-haired girl’s identity isn’t simple.

Hard to make breakthroughs with Avena to build a good relationship, but the girl beside her seems simpler. Perhaps start with her...

While Isabella was still deep in thought, Ciel had already followed Avena back to her room. After turning around and closing the door, Avena led Ciel straight towards the dressing room.

Opening the dressing room door, the space inside was twice as large as the living room of the house Ciel rented. Clothes hung inside dazzlingly, usually maintained by dedicated maids.

There were even two dedicated glass cabinets for storing various jewelry. The various gems inside glittered under the light, instantly attracting Ciel’s eyes.

Noticing Ciel’s gaze, Avena said, “The raw materials for these jewelry basically cost nothing, just the processing fee is relatively expensive. Whichever you like, you can choose directly.”

“No... just looking...” Ciel withdrew her gaze.

In her eyes, those glittering things weren’t jewelry, but stacks upon stacks of gold pounds.

Avena walked to one of the cabinets, took out a new slip from inside, handed it to Ciel, saying, “Take off your clothes, I’ll help you match.”

Avena had seen her naked body many times already. Ciel felt no shyness, hearing Avena’s words, she consciously took off all her clothes, changing into the new slip.

At this moment, Avena, picking and choosing at the wardrobe over there, heard the rustling sound of Ciel changing clothes, strongly resisted the urge to turn her head, but her hands already started shaking slightly.

Her heart was in turmoil.

Previously, Avena had changed clothes for the unconscious Ciel before. But back then, Avena was more “gentlemanly,” avoiding looking if possible, just normally helping Ciel change clothes.

Moreover, the unconscious Ciel, even completely naked, didn’t evoke any special feeling in Avena’s heart. But with Ciel awake, Avena found it somewhat hard to control her gaze, even when Ciel was dressed.

“What color do you like?” Seeming to alleviate her gradually accelerating heartbeat, Avena asked casually.

“Black, I guess.” Ciel tugged at her slip and replied.

Not that she really liked black, mainly felt this color was relatively low-key, should suit her better.

Black...

Is the color of my hair...

Avena couldn’t help letting her thoughts wander. Closing the wardrobe before her, she opened another wardrobe full of black formal dresses, picking out a relatively simple one from the dazzling array of clothes.

This was a style with a white pleated shirt paired with a black puffy skirt. The collar and sleeves were adorned with fluffy lace ruffles. Paired with a black short cloak to further break up the overall color, it was considered a relatively popular style recently.

Ciel seemed not to like fancy decorations and lace. This one should be suitable as a formal dress, just need to pair with some accessories...

However... when did I buy this dress? Why don’t I have any impression?

Avena handed the set of clothes in her hand to Ciel, saying, “Try this one.”

After handing the clothes to Ciel, Avena walked past Ciel, went to the accessory cabinet, and started picking accessories for Ciel.

When she finished picking a ruby pendant to match Ciel’s red hair, she looked back. Ciel had already changed into the new clothes, standing in place, tugging at the ruffles on the sleeves, seemingly somewhat unaccustomed.

“These clothes are too light... feels like they’ll let the wind in.” The light clothes rubbed against the silk slip, making Ciel feel somewhat uncomfortable. Used to wearing rough, thick clothes before, she felt unaccustomed to such clothes.

Felt like in a fight, just a couple of pulls and the clothes would rip, very impractical.

“It will be paired with a cloak... don’t move around.” Avena was already holding the pendant, walking before Ciel.

Hearing Avena’s words, Ciel also lowered her hands, obediently standing in place like a “dressing doll.”

Avena opened the pendant’s clasp, held both ends of the chain, used the back of her hand to sweep all of Ciel’s long hair behind her back, her hands circling around Ciel’s neck.

“You... how much height do these boots add?” Ciel slowly looked up, looking at Avena’s nose tip, couldn’t help but complain slightly.

Previously, she didn’t feel Avena was this much taller than her, wasn’t it just a little bit taller?

Hearing Ciel’s words, Avena subconsciously lowered her head. Their noses touched. They could feel each other’s breath.

This action made both pause for three or four seconds. Only after Avena felt Ciel’s hands slowly wrap around her slender waist did Avena take a deep breath, slowly turn her face sideways, and lower her head.

The pendant had long slipped from Avena’s hand, hanging on the lace in front of Ciel. This feeling of looking down on Ciel, taking the initiative, gave Avena unprecedented pleasure. Just as she hooked Ciel’s neck with one hand, wanting to press the back of Ciel’s head with the other, she felt herself being gently pushed.

Avena, whose strength couldn’t compare to Ciel’s, instantly retreated step by step. Her footing unstable, she almost fell backwards.

But Ciel’s hands were very strong, steadily supporting Avena’s waist, gently lowering her, letting Avena sit on the stool behind her.

In an instant, the situation completely reversed. The person looking down became Ciel.

A sense of defeat enveloped Avena. She seemed about to counterattack, lightly opening her mouth about to bite Ciel’s lips, but this action, instead, made her the one completely defeated.