CHAPTER 34
Ruelian shrugged slightly toward me and my father.
“In fact, the purification itself is simple. It’s just that I have to recite a prayer at the beginning and end, which makes it a bit tricky during a vow of silence.”
“I understand. That’s why I was hesitant to ask…”
“But come now, who are you, Duke? You’re a VIP of our Order.”
Ruelian looked at the Duke with a gaze that hid all his inner thoughts.
“Schedules can be adjusted. If it’s something essential for the Duke’s family, I can certainly offer this level of accommodation.”
“Oh…”
Duke Canel was easily swayed by the beast’s unexpected kindness.
Who wouldn’t be? When those violet eyes soften and he speaks so graciously, it really feels like you’re receiving an extraordinary favor.
The Duke may be sharp in his own way, but he hadn’t even begun to suspect that Ruelian had another agenda.
He’s the kind of man who hides his secrets thoroughly while behaving like he’s untouchable.
To lure someone like that, you have to make them believe they’re moving of their own volition.
Like the protagonist in a fairy tale being led to the witch’s house, one cookie crumb at a time.
‘Ruelian still sees me as a person of interest. Now he must be curious—what secret mission have I been given by the imperial family?’
He’ll probably find the lead soon enough.
— The lady, the Crown Prince, and the Second Prince are plotting a secret operation.
Once he hears that, his curiosity will deepen.
I looked at the Duke, who was still expressing his gratitude.
“You’re even adjusting your schedule to accommodate us. I’m sure the preparations for the ritual were already completed. I’m truly grateful.”
“It’s no trouble. I’ll contact you as soon as the purification is complete.”
“Ah, better to contact my daughter directly.”
“Understood.”
Ruelian smiled and gave his answer, then looked at me again.
I quickly jumped in.
“Turns out your schedule is quite full, huh? I’m not exactly free either, so I suppose I’ll have to visit you once your silent prayer period ends.”
He didn’t reply—just stared silently at me. His gaze seemed to say, “You won’t be able to slip away anyway.”
But that’s my line. You’re the one who’ll get caught.
Thinking that to myself, I smiled sweetly at him.
“What? Not satisfied? You seem very interested in me.”
He answered coolly.
“Of course I’m interested.”
“I am rather addictive.”
“Addictive, my foot!”
Duke Canel clicked his tongue.
“With deepest respect for His Eminence’s effort to rescue a lost lamb, once your prayer period ends, I’ll make sure to tie this child up and deliver her to the Order myself. Let’s go. We’ve taken up enough of his precious time.”
As the Duke got up, taking me with him, it became an awkward moment to delay further. Ruelian gave a reluctant farewell.
“Farewell.”
“Goodbye.”
We exchanged polite parting words and stepped outside.
“Whew…”
Once we were out of earshot, the Duke dropped his earlier composure and gave me a puzzled look.
“So what is this official business? What’s the Second Prince doing that even His Eminence can’t know about?”
It was clear he’d left quickly because of this question burning in his mind. I began explaining.
“Well, actually…”
I’d successfully taken the first step, and now it was too late to undo it—so the Duke needed to know as well.
“His Highness the Crown Prince and the Second Prince plan to borrow the Ice Crown to lure out that thief—what’s he called? ‘Black Phantom’ or something like that.”
“What?!”
The Duke was visibly shocked.
I quickly added, “Don’t worry. Those two are more than capable. The treasure will return safely to our house.”
“No, that’s not the point…”
The Duke frowned deeply.
“Why are you involved? If this is to work, you shouldn’t be.”
Oh, that was what he was more worried about?
“I only made a suggestion after seeing how troubled the Second Prince looked. I proposed holding a treasure exhibition to celebrate the department store’s grand opening—that way, the thief would naturally be drawn in. It’s not a bad idea, right?”
“Hmm…”
“He said I just need to lend my name to it. And it’d be nice to earn a few points through the treasure lending fee.”
I rattled off the explanation to put him at ease—while also reminding him of something important.
“And since a surprise reveal would make more of an impression, please keep it a secret that the treasure is already prepared. Even in front of the Second Prince tomorrow.”
“Ah, right.”
The Duke suddenly remembered something, raising his eyebrows.
“Come to think of it, the Second Prince said he’d visit us tomorrow, didn’t he?”
“Yes. At 3 PM.”
That’s right. I mentally reviewed my schedule.
‘Catching the thief is important, but this is equally critical.’
My new business venture was progressing steadily.
Once I secured the contract, what came next? Supply, of course.
To recover quickly from his health issues, Aldensis wanted me to get to work promptly.
So tomorrow, I planned to visit the mine connected to the World Tree’s roots to collect The World Tree’s Lullaby.
In other words, it would be the historic first collection day for the Black Rose Trading Company.
“I know your royal aunt sent you a detailed guide, but since it’s the first transaction, someone from our side should accompany you. Like, say… Nara. Or Nara. Yeah.”
I remembered Zikren’s somewhat incoherent words as I fell into thought. Then I noticed the Duke looking at me intently.
“Our family’s troublemaker has suddenly taken on an important role that’s far beyond her place. I can’t tell if this is a good thing or a disaster. If you’re going to do something so significant, you’ll need people at your command… If you need my aides, just say the word. I’d rather avoid a scandal if I can.”
“…”
I looked him in the eye.
“Yes, Father. I’ll let you know if I need them.”
We returned to the mansion by carriage.
Though we sat across from each other, not a word passed between us. Yet the Duke’s words kept echoing in my head.
‘As head of the household, he really does know what he’s doing. He pinpointed exactly what I need right now—people I can use as extensions of myself.’
Granted, he made his point with barbed insults like “family disgrace” and “beyond your station,” but…
‘Even so, he offered me his trusted aides. That cold-blooded Duke…!’
It was truly a generous offer. Who knew if I’d get such a chance again?
Unfortunately, it was out of reach.
If I borrowed the Duke’s people, everything I did would be reported straight back to him.
And the work I was about to undertake had to remain absolutely secret.
So, I needed workers who would keep their mouths shut and swear loyalty to me alone.
‘In terms of skill and access… the maids are perfect.’
It was time to start rebuilding those relationships. I needed to recruit at least one of them.
And I’d already made my move.
‘I can’t win hearts, but I do have money.’
First, I reviewed all the interview files to find the maid in the most financially desperate situation.
The result: a maid named Sophie was chosen as my first target.
Name: Sophie Linden
Position Applied: Lady’s makeup attendant
Motivation: To repay loan interest (100 million won)
There were a few maids working because of debt, but Sophie had the largest loan by far.
‘What could’ve caused her to borrow that much?’
For an ordinary maid, that’s an enormous sum. There had to be a story.
But if I asked her directly, she wouldn’t tell me. And if I asked the estate’s gossipmongers…
‘There’s a good chance it’d reach Eunice’s ears.’
In that case, it was better to hire an outsider.
Thankfully, I’d recently gained someone trustworthy.
None other than… our trading company’s only employee: Benjamin.
I decided to assign him this task. During a visit to the company office, I casually mentioned it alongside other work.
“Understood, Lady President.”
Benjamin answered cheerfully. And as expected, he took care of it swiftly, alongside his other tasks.
After receiving a message that the investigation was complete, I headed to our meeting place.
“Lady President, you’re here.”
True to his diligent nature, he had arrived early and was already waiting.
Wearing a round beret, he looked a bit like a hardworking hamster.
“Benjamin.”
I pulled down the brim of my wide-brimmed hat and approached him.
“Why so early? You must’ve waited a while.”
“Not at all. I just arrived.”
He looked around and added,
“By the way, it’s an unusual choice of location for a noble lady. Right in the middle of a park.”
“I like places like this. Open, crowded, and constantly patrolled. Just my style.”
“I see. Preferences are important.”
Benjamin nodded understandingly and handed me a folder.
“Anyway, here’s the report you requested.”
“Oh, great.”
I quickly took it and opened it.
Who does my maid owe 100 million won to? I was dying to know.
“Let’s see…”
As I skimmed through the file, my eyes froze.
“…What is this?”
The name Benjamin had written down as the creditor was completely unexpected.
