Chapter 49
“Lady Edel, are you all right?”
Marine looked calm. Her complexion was pale, but there was no trace of anxiety. In fact, she seemed almost serene.
“I’m fine. Lady Marine, you weren’t hurt either, were you?”
“Thanks to His Highness the Prince and Lady Edel’s quick actions, no.”
While we were gauging the atmosphere, Lelia set down dessert and tea on the table. Then she stepped back a few paces to stand behind us — a signal for us to talk comfortably.
As I was choosing where to begin explaining, Marine spoke first.
“This morning, I met with Sir Lucas and His Highness Prince Licht.”
Ah, so she had been briefed on the situation to some extent? As if to answer the question mark that flashed across my face, Marine nodded.
“I thought… it could be handled quietly. I’m sorry.”
“No, no. Please don’t say such a thing, Lady Edel.”
Marine’s eyes sank sadly. My name on her trembling voice carried a hint of tears.
“If not for you, Lady Edel, I would have ended up branded a traitor, without knowing anything… pushed to it by my own father.”
“Marine…”
“But His Highness Prince Licht said he believes in my innocence. That’s all thanks to you seeking me out first, Lady Edel. You not only solved the problem, you saved my life.”
As if overwhelmed, Marine quickly pulled out a handkerchief and covered her face. Only then did I notice her trembling hands. It was clear how much she had been holding back, soothing her own emotions alone.
The scenario I had imagined was to present the Bastille Mine’s mana stones to Licht and then say to her, ‘Now, live in the capital — I’ll even give you funds for independence!’ A beautiful picture. But in the end, chaos had erupted.
Still, the fact that Marine’s life was spared was something to be thankful for. Seeing the young girl, breathing raggedly while trying not to sob aloud, made my chest ache.
“His Highness has bestowed me with another grace as well.”
Marine steadied her voice and continued.
While the truth was being confirmed by exposing the Count of Bastille and the loan sharks, Marine had apparently decided to stay in the imperial palace. She said she would use that time to step out of the Bastille family’s shadow and prepare for independence, her tearful eyes glimmering with light.
Marine is a strong person.
“You’ll do wonderfully. I’ll be cheering for you too!”
“Yes, thank you.”
When I raised both fists in encouragement, Marine gave a small laugh, amused.
If I thought positively, things weren’t so bad even now. My plan had been knocked off course by quite a bit, but the funds Marine needed for independence were still safely in my hands — and hers.
To change the mood, I clapped my hands together and smiled brightly. It was the perfect time to bring up something cheerful.
“Of course, just words of support would be a little lacking.”
“Yes?”
“I didn’t expect it to come to this, but I prepared something in advance.”
Marine blinked in surprise, tilting her head. Even Lelia, who had been quietly comforting Marine ever since she started crying, looked curious.
“And that is…!”
I walked over to the bedside drawer and pulled out the magic contract stored in the top compartment.
“Independence funds!”
“?!”
Marine’s pupils widened as she stared at the contract I handed her. Only then did she notice it — the part where her shares in the Bastille mana stones were written.
“Twenty percent of the transaction fees isn’t a huge share, but considering the price of mana stones, the profits will be beyond what you can imagine. Enough not just for independence, but to try new ventures too. What do you think?”
I had originally considered giving her a direct share in the mine itself, but decided against it. Someone like the Count of Bastille could try to seize it later. Safer to arrange for Zen to directly pay her a percentage of the trading fees.
Marine’s hands began trembling again.
“Heavens… Lady Edel, this isn’t a dream, is it?”
“Of course not. Honestly, if not for the Count, I would have given you part of the mine itself. But let’s talk about that later, once things settle.”
“Thank you, thank you so much…”
Marine bowed her head and began sobbing openly. She had resolved to do her best, but having lived all her life as the count’s daughter, the idea of independence must have felt daunting. I could only gently pat her shaking shoulders as she cried, understanding all too well what was in her heart.
After crying for quite a while, Marine finally calmed down. We moved to the terrace overlooking the gardens. The cool breeze and sweet desserts lifted our spirits.
“Now then, let me explain my plan.”
“Yes, Lady Edel.”
With sparkling eyes, both Marine and Lelia nodded eagerly. Since I had announced that I would share something important, they were fully attentive. I cleared my throat, sipping the last of my tea.
“Ahem.”
The important matter was, of course, the Bastille mine’s mana stones. In the original story, it was only mentioned that “a good-quality mana stone was discovered,” but judging from what I had seen, their value was far beyond that.
I knew from experience — the same item could fetch wildly different prices depending on how it was presented and marketed.
I’ve been around long enough. Selling it plainly would be a waste.
And these were no ordinary stones. Prince Licht himself had praised their quality in front of everyone. A man unmoved by piles of gold and jewels had reacted for the first time when he saw these stones.
These mana stones, which captivated the male lead of this world — the prince of the empire — couldn’t just be sold off casually, could they?
That’s right. I intended to brand them as a premium line. Mana stones that only the “special few” could own, not just anyone with money.
People everywhere were the same. Why did ordinary folks in a democracy line up at dawn for luxury watches and designer goods? To wear the value those items symbolized.
If even regular people craved such things, how much more would nobles — who lived for honor and power? If owning one of these mana stones granted them prestige itself, they would surely scramble for the chance.
Of course, not all mana stones could be sold as premium.
Not every stone mined at Bastille would be of the same quality as the one presented to Licht. The rest would be released at more modest prices, raising awareness of “Bastille-grade” mana stones in the market.
Plain stones would be made into artifacts.
I already had plenty of artifacts on hand, and I’d noticed countless flaws in their design and function. It was only natural for my mind to wander toward improvements.
Whether it was feasible would need to be checked with Zen, but since Bastille stones were said to have higher purity and amplification, the potential was enormous.
And across from me sat two reliable, capable women. One, a mid-level mage; the other, a noble lady who had long been active in high society as the daughter of the Bastille count.
Lelia could contribute her expertise in mana stones and artifacts, while Marine could shape designs and promote them to match society’s tastes.
They’re perfect. Absolutely perfect.
If I wanted to carry out my grand plan, Zen and I wouldn’t be enough. That was why Marine’s current residence in the imperial palace was a blessing.
So I laid out the roadmap in detail. As I spoke, I saw a new fire light up in their eyes.
By the time I finished, Marine’s gloom had completely vanished. Her gaze now brimmed only with wonder and excitement.
“Lady Edel, to have thought of all that already… you’re truly remarkable.”
“No, it just… came to me.”
“I want to see the Bastille stones with my own eyes soon. When will we be able to?”
Even Lelia looked intrigued. Mages naturally enjoyed research. If things went as I hoped, a whole new tier of artifact market would emerge.
“Well, I’ll have to check with Zen, but there should already be mined stones waiting.”
Marine murmured shyly.
“Do you think… I’ll be able to find my own path?”
“Of course. Until now, you just never had the chance.”
I meant it sincerely. Unless blessed with innate power like Lelia, independence for a woman — especially a noble daughter — was nearly impossible in this country. Earning her own financial means was even further out of reach.
But this contract clearly recorded Marine’s stake, and I fully intended to share the profits of our future ventures with her. After all, I already had more than enough for my own retirement.
“I’ll do my very best!”
Marine clenched her fists with bright determination. The tension she had carried earlier melted away, replaced by hopeful resolve. Perhaps her calm demeanor had been nothing more than a restraint to keep herself from crumbling.
Now, freed of those burdens, Marine looked simply like the young girl she was — her innocent excitement shining in her eyes and on her face.
