Chapter 110
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Chapter 110
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Not long after an article appeared stating that the Emperor had dispatched an investigation team to the Monster Forest, news broke that a considerable quantity of mana stones had been buried beneath it.
Thanks to Lucian's purification of all the malevolent energy in the forest, the investigation—which had taken quite a long time in the original story—concluded swiftly.
Upon hearing this joyous news, the Emperor immediately dispatched experts and laborers to the Monster Forest to begin mining the mana stones.
Given the circumstances, people's attention naturally turned toward me, Lucian, and Claude. We were the only three who had received a portion of the Monster Forest as a gift from the Emperor.
"These are invitations addressed to Miss Lucella and Young Master Lucian."
"Very well. Leave them there."
I sat at my desk and unfolded the invitation the attendant had left behind. On one side of the desk lay a mountain of invitations I had yet to review.
"All this contact just because we've acquired some mana stones."
I clicked my tongue as I looked over the invitations addressed to Lucian and myself.
The social gatherings were merely pretexts. Most of those who had sent invitations were proprietors of enterprises that required mana stones.
"If we're receiving this many, I wonder how many Claude must be getting?"
I had barely finished muttering to myself when I realized I had unconsciously thought of Claude, and I shook my head firmly.
'Why does my mind keep drifting toward Claude?'
Lately, I found myself thinking of Claude whenever a moment presented itself.
It was not merely because I had acknowledged my affection for him.
Ever since Claude learned that I harbored feelings for him, he had begun pursuing me relentlessly, like a runaway engine with no destination.
The flower gifts were comparatively mild.
He sent me letters written in his own hand along with his gifts, and not long ago, he had sent me an expensive jewel worth the price of an entire mansion, which I returned.
With the carriage of House of Agris coming and going from the Duke's Mansion daily, no one was unaware that Claude was courting me.
By this point, even the young ladies I encountered at social gatherings had begun to offer their own remarks.
'Don't you think it's time to accept his courtship?'
'His devotion is remarkable. Do you know how difficult it is to find a man like that?'
This was something I myself understood.
To be honest, I too wished to accept Claude's courtship. I wanted to openly declare my affection for him and spend happy days by his side.
Yet there existed no one more important to me than Lucian.
Having resolved to prevent Lucian from becoming the hidden mastermind, I had to remain by his side no matter what.
Above all, I had to protect Lucian from the Duke of Bellomen's interference.
'That's right. I am Lucian's aunt.'
I clenched my fists and shook my head vigorously to dispel the encroaching thoughts.
What I needed to concern myself with was not my own emotions. For now, I had to act solely for Lucian's future.
"First, let me go meet with Count Ollender."
After news of the mana stones' discovery in the Monster Forest spread, I had immediately sent word to Count Ollender. It was both to invest in his business and to introduce him to Ahin and Melissa.
The café near the Bellomen Mansion was where I had arranged to meet Ahin, Melissa, and Count Ollender.
After making simple preparations and leaving my room, I boarded the carriage I had waiting in front of the mansion.
'Where should I invest the profits earned from the cold wind magical devices?'
To solidify Lucian's position, it seemed best to increase my wealth through strategic investments.
"We've arrived."
Lost in such thoughts, the carriage had diligently carried me to my destination.
I gathered the various documents I had prepared for today and stepped down from the carriage.
"Lucella, this way."
As I entered the café, a familiar voice greeted me. It was Ahin.
Melissa sat beside Ahin, and Count Ollender sat across from them. It appeared I had arrived last.
"I wish I'd come earlier."
"Not at all. We simply arrived early, but you came before the appointed time as well, Lucella."
At my words, Melissa waved her hand dismissively.
I smiled and took the empty seat. Then Count Ollender greeted me politely.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Rilprey. I'm Roy Ollender. This is our first meeting in person, not through correspondence."
"Thank you for accepting today's meeting so readily. I'm Lucella Rilprey. As for the others..."
"I've already exchanged greetings with the two mages who arrived earlier."
"I see. Then shall we get down to business?"
I promptly took out the prepared documents and handed them to the three of them.
"As I mentioned in my letter, I wish to invest in the Ollender Furniture Company's cold-wind magical tool business. I'll invest mana stones and capital, and receive a portion of the profits generated."
The three of them carefully examined the documents.
"Ahin and Melissa will provide wind magic support for the magical tools to the Count. Of course, the compensation for their labor will be determined by the two of them, not by me."
At my words, Count Ollender nodded with a solemn expression.
Given the scarcity of mages, their market value was quite high. For Count Ollender, who was facing financial difficulties, this would inevitably be a burden.
Moreover, Ahin and Melissa were mages of the Imperial Court. As among the most skilled mages, it was no wonder they commanded premium rates.
"However, we owe a debt to Lucella. For that reason, we've agreed to provide unconditional assistance whenever Lucella needs us."
Melissa spoke while looking at me.
"I understand that paying wages immediately would be burdensome for you. So, like Lucella, we wish to receive a portion of the profits earned after the magical tools are released as our compensation."
The ratio Melissa proposed was extremely modest—the kind that only novice mages just starting out would accept.
However, considering Count Ollender's business would flourish, it wasn't such a bad deal either. The more magical tools sold, the more substantial earnings Melissa and Ahin would accumulate.
"I have no reason to refuse such a proposal."
A faint smile finally appeared on the Count's face, which had been visibly tense.
"However, if the business succeeds, I would like us to have exclusive rights to all wind magic transactions going forward."
"Agreed. Working with capable mages is beneficial for me as well."
Count Ollender filled in the contract terms in the blank spaces of the documents.
After carefully reviewing the completed contract, Ahin and Melissa affixed their seals. Count Ollender and I also finished signing the contract I had prepared in advance.
"Let's all work hard with the goal of launching in the second half of next year."
"Yes. I will repay your trust in investing with certain results."
Count Ollender, who answered with gleaming eyes, promptly rose from his seat.
"Now that the important contract is concluded, I'll head straight to the factory."
"Already?"
"By moving diligently, I can deliver results more quickly, can I not? I also need to share this good news with my employees."
"I understand. Please go ahead."
"Thank you for your understanding."
Count Ollender bowed respectfully and left the café, clutching the contract and documents to his chest. His departing footsteps were remarkably swift.
"He seems quite delighted to have found an investor."
"Yes. He's been struggling for months without the capital to get started."
"What made Lucella decide to invest in Count Ollender's business venture?"
Ahin directed the question toward me.
"There was no particular plan behind it."
I spoke as though it were nothing of consequence.
"For the past while, Lucian's been complaining about the heat, singing about it constantly. He said he'd buy up anything that could create a cool breeze and hang it from the ceiling."
I needed to redirect credit to Lucian to hint that he possessed an instinct for business.
"I thought about it, and it didn't seem like the sort of childish prattle to dismiss. It struck me as genuinely sound advice, and then I happened upon an article about Count Ollender in the newspaper."
I'd already been considering investment when I heard the rumor about mana stones buried in the Monster Forest.
"I always notice how deeply Lucella cares for Lucian."
"Indeed. To invest in a business venture simply because of your nephew's words—remarkable."
Melissa and Ahin spoke with voices tinged with admiration.
At this, I waved my hand dismissively.
"I didn't make the decision based solely on Lucian's suggestion. I also recognized considerable value in Count Ollender's enterprise."
"Lucian is bound to grow into an upright child, receiving such abundant affection from his aunt."
"Do you truly see our Lucian as an upright child, Melissa?"
"Of course."
Melissa nodded with certainty when I asked in a worried tone.
"But in my eyes, Lucian is still very much a child."
"A child need not be mature and dignified to be upright."
This time, it was Ahin who spoke.
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Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org
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