Chapter 30: Seeds of Ambition

While Hawk was at the royal palace, Fine visited a certain merchant guild in the capital.

“Lady Fine, it’s been a while.

You look well.”

“Thank you, Robert.

It really has been a long time.”

Fine gazed at Robert, the head of the Diner Dukedom’s gold mining operations, narrowing her eyes.

They used to meet every few months, but since marrying into Rosaider, she hadn’t seen him.

After six months, he looked thinner, his cheeks hollowed.

“Have you lost weight?

Are you eating properly?”

“Yes, I’m eating.

It’s just… work’s been hectic lately—”

Robert faltered.

His weary demeanor was evident.

“What’s going on?

Tell me.”

“Well…”

Robert hesitated.

Fine, no longer Banaji’s fiancée, was an outsider, making him reluctant to share internal matters.

“I’m the Rosaider Margravine now, but also Reina’s sister, the mistress of the Diner Dukedom.

I might be able to help.”

“My apologies.

You’re right.

…The truth is, the Lilit gold mine’s output has been dropping lately.

I fear it may soon be exhausted—”

Robert fidgeted, nervously clasping and unclasping his hands on the table.

“I see.

That’s serious.”

Fine nodded.

“The master demands we find a new gold mine immediately…”

Robert looked utterly lost.

It seemed they had no prospects for a new mine.

“I understand.”

Fine sighed thoughtfully.

“Finding a new gold mine isn’t something done overnight.

You’re in a tough spot.”

She glanced at Robert.

“In fact, we’ve found multiple mines in Rosaider—iron ore and diamonds.”

“Iron ore and diamond mines?

Is that true?”

Robert’s eyes widened in shock.

“Yes, it’s true.

We’re looking for someone to manage them, but since it’s Rosaider’s first time with mines, finding the right person is challenging.”

“Indeed, mining expertise is rare in our country.”

Fine nodded.

“Exactly.

So, here’s a proposal: why not leave here and come to Rosaider?

We’ll pay generously.”

She watched Robert closely.

His eyes widened, but he seemed intrigued.

“This is a diamond ore from Rosaider.”

Fine handed him a single piece.

Robert examined it closely, murmuring, “This is genuine diamond ore.”

“Let’s build Vittore’s top mining enterprise together.”

Fine smiled.

“But I owe a great debt to the Duke of Diner—”

Robert looked away.

“I understand.”

Fine nodded.

The bedridden Duke of Diner had recognized Robert’s talent, a commoner, and placed him at the helm of their main enterprise.

Fine knew Robert felt immense gratitude toward him.

She pulled a piece of paper from her bag and wrote on it.

“Here’s my contact information.

If you change your mind, please reach out.

I’ll be waiting.”

Handing him the note, Robert took it hesitantly, staring at it.

“Well, I should go.

It was great seeing you.

Take care.”

“Yes, you too, my lady.”

Robert looked up, startled, met Fine’s eyes, and bowed deeply.

Fine stood and left the office.

‘Not bad, I suppose?’

She hadn’t expected to convince him today.

Sparking his interest was enough for now.

Robert’s loyalty was to the Duke, not Banaji.

If something happened to the ailing Duke, would he stay?

A slow poison creeps, eroding the body.

By the time it’s noticed, it’s too late.