Chapter 25: Cracks in Empires

“Well… it says it’d be thrilled with more praise.

It loves being complimented.”

Fine leaned close to Hawk’s ear, whispering softly.

“I see.

To finish the work so quickly—truly remarkable, Spirit-sama.

Your power far surpasses human strength.

We’re deeply grateful for your help.”

Hawk knelt, offering thanks to Val.

Though he couldn’t see the spirit, his actions were so natural it seemed as if he could.

“Aw, shucks, all this praise is makin’ me blush!”

Val scratched his head, cheeks reddening.

He was clearly delighted, loving the attention.

“You’re a good guy, givin’ me proper thanks.

I’ll help again!”

“He says he’ll help again because you thanked and praised him.”

Fine whispered to Hawk once more.

“To receive such gracious words is beyond gratitude.

The spirit is our savior.”

“Savior?

Me?”

“Congrats, Val.”

Val’s fidgety, excited reaction was so cute that Fine couldn’t help but smile.

“You’re a good one.

I like you.”

Val looked up at Hawk, grinning broadly.

Meanwhile, in a room at the Diner Dukedom in the capital, angry shouts echoed.

“What’s the meaning of this?

Gold output has dropped the past few months—twenty percent less than three months ago!”

Banaji, the dukedom’s heir, slammed the desk in fury.

Across from him sat Robert Curie, the gold mine manager.

“I understand, but mining depends heavily on luck.

Missing veins happens, and maintaining this output—”

“No excuses!

You’re just incompetent!”

Banaji cut off Robert’s defense with a shout.

“Just find and dig more gold!”

“But where exactly should we—”

“That’s your job to figure out!”

Banaji exploded.

Robert shrugged.

“Then, shall we schedule a meeting with Lady Fine?”

“Why bring her up?

She’s not the future duchess anymore.”

“What?

But she’s the most knowledgeable about this.”

“Knowledgeable?

Don’t be ridiculous.

A woman pretending to work like she’s capable.

I dumped that boastful, useless liar.”

Banaji scoffed, throwing his hands up as if it were a joke.

Robert was speechless.

“You drove Lady Fine out of the Diner Dukedom?”

“So what?

A mere employee like you has no right to question me.”

Robert was at a loss for words, stunned by the revelation.

‘No wonder I haven’t seen her lately.’

For years, Fine visited Robert every few months to check on mining operations.

But a few months ago, she stopped coming.

He’d assumed she was busy with wedding preparations, not this.

“Forget that and focus on finding gold.

Damn it, I started a business banking on gold output—”

“A new business?”

“Resort development.

Find a new gold mine fast, or you’re fired.”

“…Understood.”

Robert bowed and left.

‘Does he really think gold is that easy to find?’

Locating gold veins required meticulous surveys, often following traces like alluvial gold.

The Diner Dukedom’s flawless record of hitting veins was solely due to Fine’s Divine Blessing.

“What a foolish move…

If only the Duke were still healthy.”

A sigh escaped Robert.

The Duke of Diner’s condition was worsening.

The dukedom’s vast wealth had fueled its splendor, but Robert sensed its foundation crumbling.

[Villa Year 421, December]

Winter had arrived, and Rosaider’s mountains were blanketed in snow.

As Fine gazed at the snow-covered slopes from her room, a knock sounded.

“My lady, it’s the master.”

Hearing Anna’s voice, Fine turned.

“My lord, what brings you?”

“We’ve started excavating a new site, and as you predicted, diamond ore was found.

I thought you’d want to know.”

“How wonderful!”

Fine smiled.

Unlike the iron mine, the diamond mine Val indicated was far from the mansion, too distant for a day trip.

With no nearby towns or lodging, Fine stayed behind.

Without her to consult Val, she’d worried about the dig’s success, so this was a relief.

“Here’s the diamond ore—the first mined in Rosaider.”

Hawk handed her a stone the size of a thumbnail.

Fine wasn’t an expert, but it seemed much larger than typical diamond gems.