Chapter 87
“The Empire will soon be struck by a severe famine. In fact, even now the situation isn’t good, though it hasn’t been outwardly exposed yet. Surely you’re well aware of this, sir?”
Just as she said, the situation was worsening. Reports were already coming in that, due to consecutive years of poor harvests, the grain reserves of each territory had been steadily declining.
On top of that, the surrounding nations were suffering the same plight, making grain imports scarce and unreliable.
It hadn’t yet become widely known outside, but the number of imperial citizens starving to death was steadily increasing.
At this rate, not only the capital but even among the nobles, rumors would soon spread, bringing inevitable chaos.
“Some nobles with quick access to information have already begun hoarding wheat and barley. Such behavior will only grow worse. Then the price of grain will skyrocket, and ultimately, the people’s resentment will be directed at His Majesty the Emperor, won’t it?”
“Watch your tongue when speaking of His Majesty!”
Duke Miller barked furiously at her words.
But what she said was not wrong.
As if noticing the duke’s thoughts, Valencia softened her tone a little.
“I am a merchant. If all I wanted was money, I could make a deal with neighboring countries facing the same crisis under far better terms. But I am also a citizen of the Fujis Empire. That is why I wish to present this proposal to the Imperial Family first.”
Her eyes, visible through the mask, fixed unflinchingly upon the duke.
“If verification is needed, you may call in as many experts as you like to confirm it. But please understand—I cannot wait indefinitely.”
Lucy inclined her head slightly toward the duke and spoke.
“I will personally hire experts to test again whether this crop called Ops is harmless to the human body and truly efficient for consumption. Only then will I consider your request.”
At his words, a smile finally appeared on her lips.
“That is more than enough! Thank you for giving me the chance. I shall ensure you are safely escorted back to your estate.”
Valencia bowed deeply to the duke.
A week later, after all preparations were complete, Lucy—who was about to head to the capital—received a letter from the Master of Icarus.
We are writing to inform you of the progress of your commission. The matter is now in its final stages.
Regarding the confiscation of Count Sinom’s assets, most of the paperwork has already been completed.
Also, regarding the victims you asked us to locate: we have contacted either the individuals themselves or their surviving families, and we are in the process of conveying your request to them.
Please inform us of the final schedule for completing this commission, so that we may carry out the last stage of the plan accordingly.
If you wish to be personally present on the chosen date, kindly notify us.
Lucy was astonished at how swiftly everything she had entrusted to them was proceeding.
“But… contacting the families of the victims? Does that mean some of them are already dead?”
What Lucy had asked of the Icarus Master was to investigate the whereabouts of the women Count Sinom had wronged, and to find among them one who matched the conditions she required.
And the woman who perfectly fit every one of those conditions was Sylvia Lane.
A noblewoman once renowned for her beauty, who had even been favored for a time by Count Sinom—yet no one harbored a deeper grudge against him than she.
Sylvia Lane had entered Sinom’s manor as a maid by chance, only to be subjected to his vile deeds and then cast aside.
Soon after leaving his estate, she found love with another man. But when news of what had happened to her in Sinom’s manor spread, their relationship fell apart.
“She was pregnant with her son Aiden at that time, wasn’t she… Sylvia’s story really is tragic.”
Living alone, raising Aiden by herself, Sylvia matched all of Lucy’s requirements.
Lucy had sent the Icarus Master as an intermediary to present Sylvia with an offer of revenge.
“If you simply play the role I’ve asked of you, not only will you gain the chance to take vengeance on Count Sinom, but once it is over, I’ll grant you his entire estate.”
It may have sounded outrageous, but upon receiving a heavy purse as an advance, Sylvia did not hesitate to sign the contract.
From the regular letters Lucy received, it seemed Sylvia had steeled her heart and was determined to carry out her revenge.
“It’s almost over. Soon, everyone will be free of this burden.”
Lucy sent a reply: in three days, she herself would come to Tyren, and on that day, they would put the final plan into motion.
She was elated by the thought of witnessing Count Sinom’s downfall with her own eyes before heading to the capital.
Three days later.
Lucy arrived in Tyren with more anticipation than ever.
She had taken extra care with her appearance, putting on fine makeup and wearing a luxurious gown. To any onlooker, she looked every bit the high-born noble lady.
Before confronting Count Sinom, she intended to first visit Icarus and meet with the Master.
“Are you heading somewhere special today, my lady?”
Unable to suppress his curiosity at her humming a cheerful tune, Shan asked.
“Yes, something like that. I think something very entertaining is going to happen today. Shan, you’re always diligent, but be especially alert in guarding me today.”
If Count Sinom realized she was the one orchestrating all this, it would be troublesome should he come at her directly.
“Of course, my lady.”
Reassured by Shan’s firm answer, she began humming again.
But just as they turned the corner of an alley and the Icarus building came into view—
“My lady! It’s her!”
Shan suddenly stepped in front of her, voice tense.
“Sh-Shan? What is it? Who is it you mean by ‘her’?”
Startled by his urgency, Lucy froze and looked up at him. If need be, she was ready to run.
“The ostrich… that crazy woman.”
“Ostrich?”
Lucy blinked, trying to make sense of his words, when a graceful female voice came from ahead.
“Welcome, dear customer! I’ve come in person to escort you for your appointment.”
“Ah… Ostrich! Wait, the Master?”
Finally understanding Shan’s warning, Lucy peeked out from behind his back and looked at the woman before them.
She wore a crimson robe with her hood drawn low, hiding most of her face—but she was clearly a woman.
Slowly, she pulled back her hood.
“Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Alexia, Guild Master of Icarus.”
The girl before them smiled brightly as she spoke.
“Y-you’re the… Master?”
Lucy was stunned at her appearance.
Though she had assumed the Master was a woman, Alexia looked barely in her late teens.
“Wearing a mask outside only makes one look suspicious, so I had little choice but to take it off. I do look rather young, don’t I?”
Smiling sweetly, the Master stepped toward Lucy.
“I’ve revealed my true face only to you, Lady Lucy Rayford, our esteemed VIP client. Naturally, I trust you’ll keep it secret. For anyone who earns the Master’s enmity is hunted down by our guild to the ends of the earth.”
She smiled again, but there was a dangerous gleam in her words.
“You… mind your words before the young lady!”
Shan glared sharply at her.
“Shan, long time no see. You’ve grown stronger. It makes me want you even more…”
The Master’s eyes half-lidded as she addressed him.
At that, Shan went pale and stumbled backward.
Lucy was curious about their relationship, but for now, there were more pressing matters.
“Lady Alexia, it’s an honor that you’ve come personally to greet me. I never imagined the Master of Icarus would be such a beauty.”
Lucy bowed with more respect than before.
“Haha, I wear a mask only because I feared my looks would cause a stir. Here—this is the file regarding your recent commission.”
From within her robes, the Master drew out a rolled-up paper and handed it over.
“This is…”
“The man’s atrocities are beyond count. Many women were kidnapped and dragged into Count Sinom’s manor after catching his eye…”
As Lucy read the contents, her face twisted in anger.
“Women like Sylvia Lane, who survived and escaped the manor, were considered lucky. Few ever made it out alive. And those who did often escaped with nothing but their lives.”
The Master shook her head in disgust, as if she too could hardly stand the memories.
“Had I not escaped at that time, I’d surely have ended up the same as them…”
Lucy bit her lip and muttered under her breath.
