Chapter 3.
The Predator’s Domain
The three followed Leon toward the entrance.
As the golden-trimmed glass doors quietly opened, an even more dazzling space unfolded before them.
The marble floors gleamed like glass, and a grand chandelier hung from the high ceiling.
Even the movements of the neatly uniformed staff were extremely systematic.
Leon paused briefly while guiding the three up the staircase to the second floor and said,
“Miss Applin von Hafen and the lawyer only. The maid, please wait in the client lounge for a moment.”
Applin smiled faintly and reassured Lorel, who pouted.
She then passed through a discreet corridor and arrived in front of a mahogany door.
Leon opened the door first, and a strong scent of musk drifted out.
The radiant light illuminated the room, revealing bookshelves that reached the ceiling and expensive sculptures.
Exotic carpets and a large desk added to the grandeur.
Through the large window, the city of Rount spread out below.
Finally, she saw the master of this place: Lucent Blackcarson.
He rose from his seat at once upon seeing Applin, straightened his attire, and walked over to kiss the back of her hand.
“It is an honor, Miss Applin von Hafen. I am Lucent Blackcarson.”
“Pleased to meet you. I am Applin von Hafen.”
Lucent then greeted Edmond as well.
The greeting was flawless.
Applin was greatly taken aback by Lucent.
Despite his notorious reputation, he appeared impeccably neat.
She had imagined a man with a harsh expression marked by scars, constantly smoking, but her expectations were completely off.
Every strand of his blonde hair was perfectly combed, and his blue-diamond eyes sparkled sharply.
His tall and sturdy frame, a suit that fit him perfectly, and immaculate handmade shoes—just seeing them indicated he only walked on carpets or marble floors, a true magnate.
His demeanor and movements carried an elegance that could rival royalty.
Most of all, she had not expected such a young and strikingly handsome man.
His long fingers, revealed as he lowered his hands, were delicate yet powerful at the tips.
He was the most sophisticated gentleman she had seen in recent memory.
“This way.”
Lucent guided Applin to a plush sofa, his gaze sharply scanning her from head to toe even as he did so.
‘The Empire’s Golden Apple…’
Finally, he faced the daughter of the von Hafen family.
A noble born of a distinguished lineage stretching back to the medieval era, with a father from the ancient count family and a mother who was a princess of Monas Kingdom.
Not only that—she was known for her erudition and admirable character.
‘How fortunate, that I can pluck the golden apple.’
He smiled faintly, but the smile quickly vanished like vapor.
Part of him hoped her fame was exaggerated.
Yet Applin approached like spring mist, surpassing all expectations.
Her crimson hair and forest-green eyes gave her a mysterious, almost elfin air.
Her posture was elegant, her steps serene.
Her sky-blue skirt, cream lace blouse, wide-brimmed hat, and matching ribbon completed the image of a noble lady.
Lucent was surprised to see that was not all.
She radiated freshness, transparency, and an oddly sensual aura. There was no doubt she was an exquisite beauty.
Yet she did not seem strong, which made Lucent secretly annoyed.
‘I wonder how she’ll act. Acting like a highborn lady despite being bankrupt, trying to intimidate me?’
Nevertheless, he was willing to tolerate the vanity of the Applin before him.
But even that patience was brief.
A sudden impulse to jab at a perfectly ripe apple and mar it overcame him.
It was only a matter of time… for now, his prey gave him some satisfaction.
“Please have some. This is Solarian Blue, imported from the New World.”
By now, the finest tea set had been placed between them.
One sip brought the freshness of the forest, as if the breeze wandering through thick leaves had been captured.
The soft yet deep aroma caressed the tongue, calming Applin’s unease, even if just for a moment.
“The tea is exquisite.”
“I am glad it suits your taste.”
Lucent scrutinized Applin with a keen gaze.
She held the cup elegantly with small white hands, savoring the taste and aroma silently, her poise like a rose blooming out of place in the cold room, yet not unpleasant to see.
Applin knew this was no time to leisurely enjoy tea.
She put the cup down and got straight to the point.
She explained her father’s current situation in Senebaron and requested an additional loan of 3 billion Sallings.
“Every bank has refused me. You may think it shameful or troubling that I request such a sum without additional collateral.
But I believe the bank suffers no loss if it rescues a client in danger.”
He crossed his long legs, rested his chin on one hand, and listened to her words.
“Everything Miss Applin von Hafen says is correct.”
“Yes?”
For a moment, Applin felt encouraged.
“But you seem completely detached from reality.”
“How so, when I said everything you said was correct?”
“Do you think paying 3 billion Sallings to the rebels will save Count von Hafen?”
Lucent shook his head, dismissing her assumption as absurd.
Edmond immediately countered him.
“I am not assuming otherwise, but if the bank manager assists, my client will return safely.
And I am certain that Count von Hafen will repay his debts immediately upon returning.
Considering Count von Hafen’s character, borrowing and blindly…”
Applin interrupted her lawyer’s words.
Now was not the time to argue with Lucent.
“I would like to hear more from the bank manager.”
Lucent’s eyes flickered at her words.
He signaled to Leon, who brought a document and placed it on the table.
“I do not make losing deals. Therefore, I have already hired capable mercenaries in Senebaron.
Of course, executing the plan will incur costs.”
Lucent’s blue eyes flashed sharply, and Applin realized the truth.
“Edmond, could you step out for a moment?”
“Of course, Miss.”
He left politely, and Applin carefully examined the documents on the table.
‘Regarding collateral equivalent to 3 billion Sallings?’
She was particularly impressed by the last line, which mentioned that “intangible value” would also be recognized.
‘As expected.’
On the way to the bank, she had already heard some intriguing information.
‘The bank manager of Lucent Credit Bank is still unmarried. He is known to be very discerning when it comes to women.’
‘Discerning…?’
‘He wishes to marry a noblewoman. Bloodline, beauty, character, and social reputation—he wants perfection.’
Applin understood Edmond’s intention in providing her with this information. It was also her last resort.
“Bank manager, do I qualify as an intangible value?”
“Indeed.”
Lucent smiled gently, unlike before.
He appreciated that she clung only to her noble pride and did not flounder in vain illusions.
“First, thank you for quickly preparing a plan to save my father. But since you say nothing is free, perhaps we can reach an agreement satisfactory to both parties?”
“Exactly what I hoped, Miss.”
“I am worth more than 3 billion Sallings.”
Applin’s resolute words sent shivers down Lucent’s spine.
This tense, invisible battle—calculating strategy for victory—was exhilarating.
Years ago, when Lucent had opened his bank, he had clashed fiercely with the chairman of the Rount Chamber of Commerce.
‘A bank’s reputation is vital. Marcus Blackcarson, notorious as he was, wanted his son to run a bank… I need a guarantor. Even better if backed by nobility or royalty…’
He had fought hard and won by showing concrete results. Since then, business had been dull, but now, such an exciting event had arisen.
“What value do you think Miss Applin possesses?”
Lucent asked, and Applin turned her gaze away, wearing an empty expression before meeting his eyes again.
“Do you want me?”
