Chapter : 71
The Marquess of Quind let out a deep sigh at my words.
“The Martap Tower withdrew its involvement a long time ago. Everything’s going to fall on that brat alone. Up to this point, it’s as I expected, so it’s fine… but the problem is Martap’s investment.”
“Hmm.”
“Honestly, the Quind Hotel relies heavily on Martap’s investment. Almost all of the hotel’s amenities operate on magical energy. But with this incident, it seems our hotel has fallen out of favor.”
“Has Martap indicated that they’ll pull their investment?”
“Not directly, but the spy I planted at Martap told me. They’re currently reviewing their magical energy investment plans for the Quind Hotel.”
The Marquess pressed her fingers to her forehead as if troubled.
“They won’t cancel immediately. That would make it too obvious that this divorce is linked to Martap. Some sharp journalists are already digging for a mastermind, saying no husband could have orchestrated something this big alone.”
“That must be a difficult position for you as well.”
Having nearly been blindsided by Martap, it was only natural she felt bitter toward them. She’d probably like nothing more than to expose Martap’s dirty schemes. But that’s personal emotion. Acting on it without a concrete plan would only cause huge business losses.
“And of course, you can’t keep cooperating with Martap either, not after they tried to betray you once.”
“That’s why I want to make a deal with you.”
“With me?”
“Can you, for a while, mislead Martap…?”
“?”
I narrowed my eyes at the sudden proposal.
“How exactly am I supposed to mislead Martap?”
“…I’ve never told anyone this before. But since I’m asking you for such an unreasonable favor, I’ll reveal all the cards I hold.”
With that, the Marquess of Quind sprang from the sofa, grabbed a stack of documents from her desk, and handed them to me.
“Since my grandfather’s generation, the Quind family has been secretly conducting various studies and experiments.”
As I examined the documents page by page, my eyes widened. The contents were astonishing.
“It’s about discovering a new form of ‘energy’ that could replace magic, one that could be generated purely by human power! Especially since establishing and running the Quind Hotel, I’ve felt the urgent need for this new energy. Relying on Martap indefinitely has clear limits…!”
“Oh my.”
“That’s why my generation has invested boldly in this experiment, and after over a hundred years of research, it’s finally showing remarkable results. But…! It’s still premature to commercialize it. It needs a little more time… just a bit more!”
The Marquess looked at me with desperate eyes.
“Originally, I was ready to set this aside for the sake of my children’s custody. But now that I realize everything can return to how it should, my greed grows. This result could completely reshape the empire. I’m willing to stake everything except my children on this possibility!”
Even as I listened to her passionate plea, I couldn’t take my eyes off the documents. My voice trembled slightly as I asked:
“Marquess… have you given this new energy a name?”
“Electricity…!”
Her gaze shone proudly.
“This energy will be called ‘Electricity.’”
“Ah…!”
I shivered at that single word, completely unexpected.
‘Electricity!’ I never imagined hearing that word in this world, from someone else’s mouth!
Her words were true. This invention would gift a new civilization not just to the empire, but to the entire continent. Witnessing such a monumental moment firsthand made my lips curl into an uncontrollable smile.
‘The Quind family has been secretly plotting something this incredible!’
I gently set the documents aside. Even a cursory glance made it clear that the commercialization of electricity was imminent.
‘At this pace, a large-scale power plant could be established in just a few years.’
So what should I do?
“How can I help you, Marquess?”
“You’re willing to make a deal with me?”
“Hmm, well… think of this less as a deal and more as…”
I smiled at her more warmly than ever.
“Consider it a gift to make a good impression on the future key player~.”
‘I have to make sure I claim my stake in a game that’s already set…!’
People currently view the Quind Hotel as a fading empire, with our Tadivna Resort on the rise. This trend will likely hold for the next decade.
‘But once the Marquess establishes power plants and electricity distribution becomes widespread…!’
The balance will swing back to the Quind family. A much bigger stage will open, far beyond the hospitality business.
‘I won’t miss my chance to get in on it!’
“Are you really helping me? Without expecting anything in return?”
“Of course~.”
When I answered so readily, the Marquess looked startled and spoke:
“I may have bragged to you, but objectively, this electricity project could be a ridiculous venture. To trust my word so easily—”
“Marquess, don’t underestimate me.”
I stared at her firmly.
“There won’t be many who can match my investment insight.”
Back in the modern world, the family who strangled me and the people who mocked me—I had brought them all to their knees.
‘All thanks to my investment acumen and the fortune it earned.’
Seeing me speak with confidence beyond her own, the Marquess gradually fell silent, then muttered in a softer voice:
“Can electricity really succeed?”
“I’m willing to stake my entire fortune on a ‘yes,’ except for Harten’s portion.”
Well, Harten probably has more wealth than I do anyway.
She bit her lip and lowered her head slightly at my words, clearly touched. I gave a small nod.
‘After all, she said she never told anyone about electricity before.’
Hearing positive words from someone outside the inner circle must be a first. I understood her reaction perfectly.
‘No matter how confident you are, people fear an uncertain future.’
A completely natural human emotion—I’ve experienced it countless times.
‘In such times, a third party’s certainty can be a great comfort.’
I let the Marquess compose herself for a moment. Soon, she regained calm and spoke:
“Thank you. Judging by your actions so far, you rarely make false statements… I can trust you.”
“I’m naturally bad at lying~.”
By the way, that was a lie. I can lie whenever necessary.
The Marquess gave a small smile at my response. Sensing the lighter mood, I smoothly continued the conversation.
“So, what should I do for you, Marquess? Do you have a secret plan in mind?”
“Ah… yes. I want you to contact Martap separately.”
The Marquess stood and walked to a large map on the wall of her office. The map detailed the entire empire, with each Quind Hotel branch marked. She pointed to several key locations.
“Here, here, and here. Aside from the capital branch, these three generate the most revenue. Especially the Weyna branch in the south—during major holidays like Founding Day, it even surpasses the main branch in sales.”
I nodded. I knew these places well.
The Weyna branch is closest to Tadivna, making it a prime rival target of mine.
“What if the Tadivna Resort took over these three branches?”
“Hmm?”
