Chapter 90
After finishing her work in Tyren, Lucy finally made her way up to the capital.
While she was busy managing her hectic days upon arriving at Magnus, a report and accompanying documents arrived from the Icarus Guild confirming the completion of her mission.
The report detailed the current status of Count Sinom and how his assets had been distributed among the victims. It also included meticulous records of related documents and the expenses incurred during the process.
“It cost quite a bit, but this place really knows how to get things done!”
Lucy read through the report slowly.
The report stated that after being expelled from his mansion, Count Sinom sought help from the nobles he used to associate with closely. However, by that time, rumors of his bankruptcy had already spread throughout Tyren, and none of the nobles, who already had a poor opinion of him, were willing to help.
Abandoned by everyone, he even approached the city guards to search for his suddenly missing wife and son and tried to gather information from those around him. At one point, he caused a scene claiming that he went bankrupt because of Silvia and tried to sue her for fraud.
But, now penniless and a noble in name only, even the city guards paid him no attention.
Eventually, he became known as a lunatic and secluded himself in a shabby inn, squandering what little money remained on alcohol and gambling.
“Once he spends all his money, he might even sell off his noble title. But I wonder if he’ll ever be able to let go of his pride and give up the countship.”
Though curious about the aftermath, Lucy knew he was already walking the path of his own destruction.
Silvia, who played the greatest role in all of this, was given Count Sinom’s mansion and part of his fortune, but she had no desire to return to that house. She sold the mansion, used the money to establish a new identity with Aiden, and left for a place where no one could find them.
Of course, the wounds inflicted on the countless women who suffered irreparable harm could not be undone. But at least those who remained could now live without financial worries for the rest of their lives.
“I hope this can bring them even a little comfort…”
Lucy muttered to herself as she set the report down.
“Miss, a letter has arrived for Duke Miller. Would you like to read it now?”
After a couple of knocks, Anna entered, holding the letter respectfully.
Lucy’s life in the capital was seeing some new changes.
First, thanks to Lucas’s recommendation, she now had an aide.
The aide, named Nils Ernst, was a young and talented individual, just as Lucas had described in his recommendation. Lucy decided to entrust him with tasks related to the operation of the Pablo Trading Company.
The biggest change, however, was that Anna was finally going to live with her in the townhouse.
This happened shortly after Lucy had arrived and was busy preparing the interior of the townhouse.
One morning, Anna appeared with a notice seeking staff for the townhouse.
“Miss, I’m the only one who can be your personal maid!”
Holding a large suitcase and smiling brightly, Anna surprised Lucy.
“Anna! What about the shop…? How did you even get here without telling me?”
“I came secretly to surprise you, Miss. Don’t worry about the shop; our staff will take care of everything. Now I can be freely by your side!”
Apparently, Anna had expanded the shop, hired staff, and left everything in their hands so she could come here.
“Anna… I was actually planning to come for you once the townhouse was ready, but I’m really grateful you came first.”
“Miss! I’ll never leave your side again!”
Anna threw down her suitcase and, with a look of joy, ran into Lucy’s arms. Just knowing Anna was there gave Lucy an immense sense of reassurance.
“Okay, I’ll read it now.”
Lucy skillfully opened the letter. It was an invitation arranging a meeting with the Emperor.
“So they’ve finished verifying OPS, huh? Hoo… meeting the Emperor himself is nerve-wracking.”
Despite taking a deep breath, Lucy’s face betrayed her excitement.
The carriage slowly stopped in front of the Sun Palace where the Emperor resided.
Disguised as Valencia, Lucy stepped out of the carriage marked with the Navid Trading Company emblem, a little tense.
Guided by a steward, she arrived at the audience chamber, where Duke Miller was waiting.
“Welcome. If you make a mistake before His Majesty, it could be troublesome. I could speak on your behalf—would that be alright?”
Duke Miller still wondered if she had other motives for meeting the Emperor. Lucy, sensing his thoughts, nodded willingly.
“Of course. I’ll leave everything to you, Your Grace.”
Soon after, the steward announced their arrival, and the doors of the audience chamber opened.
“I come to meet His Majesty, the Sun of the Empire. I am Valencia Donis, head of the Navid Trading Company.”
Lucy bowed before the Emperor.
“Ah, I’ve heard from the Chancellor. You’ve accomplished something remarkable, haven’t you?”
“You flatter me, Your Majesty.”
The Emperor stared intently at Valencia, seemingly intrigued by the masked figure.
Duke Miller cleared his throat and began the discussion.
“Your Majesty, as I mentioned, I have verified the quality of OPS proposed by Navid Trading Company. Therefore…”
Duke Miller spoke convincingly about OPS as a solution to the empire’s food shortage, far more enthusiastically than Lucy had expected. She was surprised by his proactive stance.
‘So he does trust OPS after all…’
Fortunately, the Emperor seemed to place great trust in Duke Miller.
“If the Chancellor says so, proceed immediately! I will leave this entirely in your hands.”
Finally, the Emperor’s approval was granted. Lucy silently celebrated.
As she exchanged formal thanks with the Emperor and prepared to leave, he asked, unable to hide his curiosity:
“You are still young. Why do you wear a mask? I hear your face has severe scars?”
Duke Miller cleared his throat awkwardly, glancing at her.
“Yes. I suffered severe burns in a fire at home when I was young. That’s why I wear this mask,” Lucy replied calmly.
“I see. That’s unfortunate. Judging by your eyes and posture, you must have been a beauty… hmm, would you like to remove the mask?”
“Yes… what?”
Startled, Lucy looked up sharply.
‘This is bad. He probably won’t recognize me, but there’s no need for him to see my face!’
Perhaps wearing a mask that revealed her mouth and jaw had been a mistake. Hesitating, she bit her lip, unsure how to respond. Duke Miller quickly intervened.
“Your Majesty, today is a joyous day with the meaningful contract with Navid Trading Company. There is no need to embarrass the company head by exposing her flaws.”
The Emperor reluctantly agreed.
“Indeed, you are right.”
Lucy seized the moment, bowed, and hurriedly left the audience chamber.
“I apologize. I will convey my apologies on your behalf…”
Duke Miller followed, apologizing for her.
“No, I am truly grateful that Your Majesty took the time to hear about OPS today.”
“Not at all. I merely stated the facts. You truly developed an incredible crop! You’ve saved countless lives!”
Lucy thanked him, and Duke Miller patted her shoulder in admiration.
“All thanks to your wise judgment, Duke. Should you need Navid Trading Company’s assistance, please do not hesitate to ask!”
“Haha, just hearing that is enough! Once this contract is successfully completed, I will request that His Majesty reward Navid Trading Company handsomely!”
Even Duke Miller, who had been wary of her at the start, now laughed heartily and praised her accomplishments.
