During the carriage ride back, the person didn’t say a word.
Genia, being observant, cautiously asked, “Lady, was there something going on at the Information Guild?”
“Why?”
“You seem upset.”
“I found out I fell into an old fox’s trap.”
“Who’s the old fox?”
“Duke Luteous.”
“Wow!”
Genia, who was chattering away, fell silent as the carriage became quiet.
The person stared out the window until the carriage arrived at Duke Luteous’ mansion. As soon as the carriage stopped, they headed straight to the Duke’s study.
Without even knocking, they opened the door, and Duke Luteous raised an eyebrow.
“Seems like I demanded too much. Is it so hard to act with dignity?”
“I had an interesting experience outside. I didn’t have time to knock because I wanted to tell you right away. Your Grace, would you like to hear it?”
“Do I look idle enough to chit-chat with you right now?”
“No, but please listen anyway.”
Without waiting for permission, the person sat down in a chair.
Only then did Duke Luteous set aside some documents and rubbed his tired eyes.
“What’s the matter? Spit it out.”
“I went to sign a contract for a house today. But every single agent rejected me right before signing, as if they received some kind of order.”
It was a subtle change, but I saw it in his eyes. Duke Luteous’ expression briefly faltered before returning to normal.
“…Really? That’s strange.”
“I thought it was because of me. I’m notorious, and I’m a hunter. If I paid them and then suddenly turned against them and destroyed their homes, it would be a big problem, wouldn’t it?”
“It’s a reasonable deduction.”
“But who gave you the tip-off? The noble with the most houses in the capital is Duke Luteous.”
“…”
“Now that I think about it, it seems like the Duke gave orders to the agents, telling them to reject me when I come to sign the contract. What do you think?”
Duke Luteous responded nonchalantly, “Isn’t it natural for me to choose who lives in my house?”
“But didn’t you have no intention of letting me become independent from the beginning?”
“Didn’t I tell you? If you can find a house, you’re free to be independent, no matter the cost.”
“Who would rent a house to me? Do you think the agents would show me houses while keeping an eye on you, Your Grace?”
“I’m not the only noble with houses in the capital. You can negotiate directly with them.”
“For an unmarried young lady to become independent is akin to causing a scandal and being disowned by her family! What noble would rent a house to such a young lady? If they did, who knows what kind of investigation I might get caught up in?”
“There might be a noble who doesn’t care about investigations. Giving up without even trying is what weak individuals do.”
“Wow… That logic is out of this world.”
Duke Luteous was truly audacious.
He blocked the way and yet told me to go if I could. It was such an absurd situation.
While we engaged in a staring contest, he suddenly pulled out some documents from his desk and extended them towards me.
“What’s this?”
“Take another look. It seems independence will be difficult for a while.”
It was the first contract he had proposed to me.
It stated that Duke Luteous would take responsibility for all the funds needed to enter the guild.
“Why do you still have this?”
I was about to refuse instantly but hesitated.
I doubted the reason behind Duke Luteous offering me the first contract again.
“Did you plan this from the beginning?”
“I no longer need any more power.”
That statement was true. The Luteous family was the only noble family that had received privileges from the founding emperor as a reward for their extraordinary contributions.
“The Luteous family is a friend of the Emperor’s family. The emperor will heed his friend’s advice and will not harm his friend.”
Unless there was a rebellion, it meant that no matter what happened, he wouldn’t harm the Luteous family.
The reason Duke Luteous could return unharmed even after hearing the news of his wife’s death during the war was also thanks to this privilege.
With that, it was inevitable that rumors would spread, saying that the Duke lacked nothing but status compared to the Emperor.
“Then will you make money through the guild?”
“I don’t need to make money. I have more than enough. Besides, the guild you’re planning to establish is not highly profitable.”
“Then why are you doing this? Didn’t I clearly tell you to consult with me regarding matters related to me? It’s difficult when you act so unilaterally.”
“… “
“Your Grace, I don’t necessarily need a house to become independent. If I have the determination, I can live in a tiny room.”
The orphanage director in my previous life was a madman. He disregarded the appropriate number of staff and accepted any orphan just to receive government support.
“I guarantee you, if you live there for just one year, any small room will feel like heaven.”
How could I live anywhere after sleeping crammed with dozens of children?
“I heard you’re meeting with Archmage tomorrow?”
“Why suddenly bring up Kyle?”
I was about to furrow my brow, but I remembered Duke Luteous’s words and managed to control my expression.
“Yes, that’s right. But why?”
“You’ll find out when you meet him. And if your mind hasn’t changed, I won’t mention this contract again. Not only that, I’ll personally ensure your independence.”
“What’s he up to?”
I doubted Duke Luteous’s intentions, but that doubt didn’t last long.
The fact that he promised to ensure my independence with his own words was more important.
For that, enduring for another day was nothing.
“Are you sure about this?”
“If you want, I can write up the document right now.”
“Alright. I’ll endure a little longer this time. Please write up the document now.”
Duke Luteous elegantly wrote the document on a fancy piece of paper.
After thoroughly checking the document, I carefully placed it alongside the first contract and left the reception room.
It was the first time I felt so excited for the next day.
—
The next day, when noon arrived, Kyle visited.
I led him to the dining room.
“Please have a seat.”
“Yes.”
He sat in the seat Genia had already prepared.
There were no gestures of pulling out chairs for me or waiting until I sat down first.
‘Indeed, he has a practical personality.’
I acted nonchalant, but Genia narrowed her eyes at me instead.
Of course, Kyle didn’t even bat an eyelash.
I gestured to Genia with my eyes and took a seat.
“Have you had a meal?”
“Not yet… but I believe you mentioned providing tea.”
“To get closer to someone, you should bathe or dine together. Since Archmage and I cannot bathe together, I chose to have a meal.”
Kyle smirked and unfolded the napkin. He didn’t seem displeased.
“Does the Lady wish to become close to me?”
“Aren’t you referring to Archmage?”
“Call me Kyle.”
“Do you not want to become close with me, Kyle?”
“When personal relations intertwine with official matters, various problems can arise.”
“I agree. However, Kyle, you and I will likely clash in the future. Wouldn’t it be better to maintain a suitable level of friendship in preparation for that?”
Kyle declined the wine and took a sip of water.
I also chose water instead of wine.
“Well, I’m not the type to choose my words based on familiarity.”
“I like that about you, Kyle. I don’t censor my words or actions based on familiarity either. We could become quite good business partners.”
“Do you think so?”
It was a peculiar response, hinting that the contract could fall through.
Come to think of it, Kyle seemed excessively relaxed. There was no sense of urgency at all.
“Wasn’t I the one in the position of power?”
Kyle must absolutely join forces with me. I would have exclusive control over the cores obtained by guild-affiliated hunters in the future.
Crucially, the formula for the bond was in my possession.
In other words, to create a bond from Archmage to the cores, there was no other choice but to collaborate with me.
“But why is he so nonchalant? Does he have some trust in me?”
That’s what I was thinking at that moment.
It was a fleeting memory of the conversation I had with Duke Luteous not long ago.
“Let me ask you one thing. What do you know about the guild?”
“You asked the wrong question.”
“Pardon?”
“You shouldn’t ask me how I know, but rather who knows more.”
And just yesterday as well.
“You will find out when you meet him. And if your feelings remain unchanged, I will never mention this contract again. Furthermore, I will personally grant you independence.”
My eyes widened.
“What did you just say?”
“What are you referring to?”
“There’s someone else besides me who wants to establish a hunter guild. Did they contact you? Isn’t that right?”
Someone else with the same plan was moving secretly.
Kyle’s expression twitched slightly.
“You’re quite perceptive. Yes, that’s correct.”
