Villain Transmigration: Author Transformation

'Father seemed like he assimilated a lot better these days, I wonder what he's up to and how he had been up to…'

In her mind, she thought about the times where and what he was up to— for she was away from him, despite being in the Western Territory for almost two months.

Although she believed in him since he wasn't in a predicament or whatever harmed him.

For now, she wanted to mingle and grab their good graces so she could build at least a foundation of reputation within the Western Territory.

What better way to start other than using connections and achievements for a simple networking technique, spreading allure to the audience within the centerpiece of the place: where the Grand Duke of Salvatore resided.

Before anything else, a banquet held today for a successful investigation and escort of the prisoners of war to the Imperial Capital; the incident waved so many issues but only put the foreign countries' reputations and standing at stake for blatant trespassing.

Not one of them turned out to be common soldiers as fodders.

With the big plan, they had immediately shattered, for different conspiracies against them.

Now, they are trying to justify their actions, only to find out how the empire acted like the bigger person, sending some invitations via envoys to all of them for the said date of rendezvous.

Nathalie couldn't wait for their next move to be but right now, it was better to influence those locals before she exposed her worth to the foreign lands.

The gathering had begun about several minutes ago but Nathalie had no qualms of coming in so late; after all, she wasn't that much welcome with the majority of them around her. 

Although their animosity wasn't as evident as it was then, she didn't bother as she found their gazes hint with deep curiosity and wariness.

They couldn't take their eyes off of Keith and Nathalie's outfit, a show-stopper for today.

"You've come at last, Mysti."

Nathalie gestured a curt bow to him and to the rest of them. [I sincerely apologize because I encountered some… Mishaps, yes, along the way.] 

Though her gaze landed at Athan and Sylvester, then the rest of them suggested something else. 

Neither of them could look her in the eyes.

'I will let you all watch me shine and all of you drown in shame.' Inwardly, she smirked with their faces getting all embarrassed like no other.

If they went further, then those who weren't involved would make a fuss.

However, the old geezers, more or less the same age as Arnold, who was with him chiming with whatever they talked about, now shifted the conversation the moment they could never peel away from her alluring outfit.

An elven man in a silk robe on an embroidered tunic muttered from the left side of her ear.

"Oh, look what we have here."

Turning to the side, his lime eyes gleamed with interest, scouring to the tiniest details of her dress. She couldn't help but think about her assessment. '... With the jewels he had alongside his presence was no joke.'

Although she knew this man, Leigh Ronald Monsoon, a marquis hailing within the Western Territory.

Also a conspirator under Arnold's secret regime of schemes.

"I must say, that outfit is remarkable, for all its worth." 

[Thank you for such compliments—]

"I suppose this is a new group of apparel you brought?"

Nathalie then acted a glint of surprise as she covered her mouth from his queries. [Oh my, I didn't expect it to be that much of a big deal!]

"Who wouldn't with this man right here." He pointed at Arnold in subtlety. "Had never spared his chances promoting your business with such exaggeration. Even if we knew it beforehand."

[I couldn't believe you've spoiled the fun for me, father…]

"Ahh! No— No! I— I didn't—"

"Here we have His Grace, getting all tongue-tied from all he'd done," Leigh added, then he went back to mention her clothing once more. "That is an impressive presentation. Perhaps everyone could agree as it lived up to the exaggeration."

With her light demeanor, she gathered them to build up a conversation amongst them, and she didn't break a sweat volleying inquiries on her way.

This time it wasn't only one man talking to her.

"I've heard of a new business this young lady had in the Northern Territory; pretty popular and scattering across the lands for its finest quality."

"Right, my wife had been nagging me to purchase a particular outfit, suited to a perfect tailoring to her body at all cost!"

"Only your wife?" Another person scoffed out loud. "Aside from that, how much would it be a hassle to think about having three daughters, wanting the same?"

They all sighed in defeat, especially those with noblewomen in their household like they wanted to get a piece of her glamour.

She couldn't help but giggle inside.

Leigh mused at her, "Although with this outfit, isn't this the one that shouldn't be worn in the North?"

[Oh, I actually presented these for everyone to see; I do hope on launching my brand within the Western Territory. I also have a few styles and patterns for men's clothing too.]

Her bold statements caused some raging murmurs while in awe of her decision.

Subtle enough, Arnold and Leigh looked at each other for a second, before the former cleared his throat.

"Indeed, I also had a spare outfit but Mysti thought that she may need some time to prepare with Keith while I entertain the guest on her behalf."

They nodded regardless, then ogled at the outfit of Keith; it didn't drip with many jewels but the elaborate details in a seamlessly comfortable outfit caught their eye; matching so well with the accessories they had.

Their visage held no different from women who also wanted to get a hold of it.

"Should you need further assistance, I shall provide you with resources to start your business here!"

"I'd love to contribute with a plot of land; a good location for trading as well!"

'Bingo.'

"Hey, I declared it first!"

"Stop being a greedy bastard."

Before it became too heated, she clapped her hands, grabbing their attention.

[We can settle things out after this gathering, esteemed gentlemen. I accept any form of help that would prosper the business for everyone's benefit.]

The elation went at its peak, and Athan couldn't bear it, which he decided to walk away while seemingly excused herself.

But Nathalie won't let it have his way.