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Chapter 43

"This will be my first time meeting him in person."

"...Pardon?"

"Usually, I send others."

"Ah."

Of course—there was no need for someone as busy as him to show up to every contract negotiation.

Realizing that, she naturally grew curious.

"Then why are you meeting him in person this time?"

Kayden's gaze lingered on her innocent face for a moment.

"...Because a large sum of money is involved this time."

"Ah, then that would certainly warrant your attention."

Emilia nodded in understanding.

In such cases, it was better for the principal to handle things directly rather than leave it to subordinates.

Just then, Kayden asked abruptly.

"Do you find it uncomfortable that I came along?"

"Huh?"

"You kept prying."

"Not at all—I was just curious."

Emilia continued.

"And actually, I'm glad to have you with me."

At that, Kayden paused for a moment.

"Did you just say you're glad?"

"Huh? Yes."

"With me?"

"No, I meant about coming together with you."

From Emilia's perspective, it was only natural.

Unlike document work, this task required coordination and negotiation.

It might be a bit mercenary, but having the Duke himself accompany her could help secure more favorable terms with the trading company.

But somehow, judging by his reaction, she felt like she'd said something strange.

Just as Emilia lowered her gaze, a dissatisfied voice came from across her.

"You're making me lose my bearings."

At the puzzling remark, Emilia looked up.

But Kayden simply turned his head, as if he had no intention of explaining further.

---

The office of the head of the Farizian Trading Company.

Bang!

A woman slammed her fist on the table.

"You ruined our deal again this time!"

"Here you go again, making baseless accusations."

The head of the Farizian Company glanced at the fuming woman before him, then made a show of picking his ear.

At the sight, the woman, Kaliana, seethed with rage.

"You unscrupulous bastards! Do you think I don't know you're colluding and pulling strings?!"

"Goodness, what a racket you're making just because you're falling behind."

The company head, Maurice, shook his head.

"And here I thought you'd finally come with news of handing over your territory."

"How could I trust a wretch like you with my territory?! Who knows what you'd do to my people!"

At that, Maurice, as if he'd had enough, called for the guards.

Soon, sturdy men entered the room.

Maurice nodded toward the woman, indicating she should be dragged out.

"Hey! Let go of me!"

Kaliana kicked and struggled as the men grabbed her arms.

Just then, an employee hurriedly entered.

"What is it."

Maurice's expression was plainly annoyed, and the employee flinched.

"Spit it out."

Urged by his boss, the employee approached Maurice and whispered about Kayden's visit.

"What? The Duke himself?"

His eyes wide, Maurice heaved his heavy frame out of the chair.

He glanced at the woman still shouting and struggling by the door, then snorted.

"Get that nuisance out of here."

"What? Nuisance?! That's what I'd call a scumbag like you!"

Kaliana glared and hurled insults at Maurice.

But Maurice merely shook his head and leisurely left the office.

"Tsk, tsk."

The head of the Farizian Company quickened his pace and clicked his tongue.

What an annoying little chit—barely dry behind the ears—coming all this way to cause a scene.

She should just hand over the territory already.

Thinking of that persistent woman, he clicked his tongue again.

Maurice, head of the Farizian Trading Company, was the third son of an earl.

The title would naturally go to his eldest brother, and the remaining family businesses were all claimed by his second brother.

As the youngest, nothing was left for him.

The relative deprivation he'd felt since childhood only made him more miserable.

But fortunately, he had one outstanding trait.

The sharpness he'd naturally developed while trying to secure whatever he could amid the scraps left by his brothers.

And Maurice had used that sharpness and his skill at flattery to build up his trading company.

Finally arriving at the reception room, he cleared his throat and adjusted his attire.

As an employee standing by the door moved to open it, Maurice stopped him with a hand.

"No need. I'll go in myself."

---

Knock, knock.

After knocking, Maurice turned the handle and entered.

"Oh, Your Grace! My apologies for keeping you waiting."

He bowed and scraped, greeting them with a fawning smile.

His expression was completely different from when he'd dealt with Kaliana.

But his inner thoughts were much the same.

What's he anyway—just a pampered noble.

Though they'd had ongoing dealings with the House of Valen, this was his first time meeting the Duke in person.

Hmm.

The Duke had a rather delicate, pretty-boy appearance.

He looked like an easy mark at a glance.

Just another man born with a silver spoon, inheriting his parents' title and wealth.

Not even worth comparing to someone like me, who built a trading company from nothing.

He usually found those who acted high and mighty on inherited status insufferable, but most of them were clueless, which actually made them easy to exploit.

"Never in my dreams did I imagine Your Grace would visit in person! If you'd sent word ahead, I would have prepared a more fitting reception."

He clicked his tongue with genuine regret.

By "more fitting reception," Maurice meant one with women and alcohol.

Rich young gentlemen like him usually lost their heads once they tasted that sort of pleasure.

But just then, Maurice's gaze fell upon a woman.

A brown-haired woman seated beside the Duke.

What's this?

Maurice looked her up and down.

Her face was quite pretty, but her attire was shabby for a companion of the Duke.

Not only her dress—she wore not a single piece of jewelry.

He quickly sized her up.

Probably a mistress he keeps around.

A rough estimate formed in his mind.

She didn't even seem like a particularly valued mistress.

Look at how he lets her appear like that.

But bringing a woman to a business meeting?

Well, that wasn't unheard of.

Some men like to show off their wealth and power to impress women.

I know all about this type.

If so, the business investment he planned to propose was as good as secured.

All he had to do was flatter him enough and play to his ego.

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