Chapter 44: Setting the Stage

After receiving Banaji’s invitation, Fine began preparations to make them regret their actions.

“Val, where in the Diner Dukedom are gold mines with low reserves?”

“Hmm, around here and here.”

Val crossed his arms, pointing at spots on the map Fine had spread out.

“And where are the high-reserve ones?”

“Right here.

No contest.”

Val pointed decisively to a spot.

It was a remote area in the Diner Dukedom, perfectly described as “nothingness.”

“What’re you planning, Fine?”

Val’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“Oh, Val, ‘planning’ sounds so devious.

I’m just preparing for their invitation to the mansion, expecting they’ll ask about gold veins.”

“Hmm.

Tell them this spot.

It’ll probably be exhausted in half a year.”

Val pointed to the low-reserve area he’d mentioned—midway between Lilit and Naruto gold mines.

“Thanks, that helps.”

Fine laughed merrily.

“You sound like you’re having fun.”

A low, calm voice came from behind, startling Fine.

Turning, she saw Hawk.

“Hawk-sama!

Taking a break?”

“Yeah.

Came to see you.”

Hawk leaned down, kissing Fine’s forehead as she sat.

She softened her expression.

“I was strategizing with Val about how to deal with Banaji and Reina.”

“Sounds like a fun meeting.

Can I join?”

“Of course.”

Fine nodded.

“My investigation shows they’ve been looking into land in a place called Sheet lately.”

“Land?”

“Sheet’s a rural town on Vittore’s west coast.

My men say it has clear seas and pristine white beaches.”

It clicked for Fine.

“Wait… when Robert came here, he mentioned Banaji was interested in resort development.

The gold mine profits were stretched thin covering expenses.

Sheet might be that resort site.”

“I see.”

Hawk crossed his arms.

“That could be useful.

Sheet’s in Viscount Riverze’s territory.

I’ll send someone immediately.”

Hawk grinned slyly.

*

[Villa Year 423, September]

A month after Banaji’s invitation, Fine and Hawk headed to the capital.

Arriving at the Diner Dukedom’s mansion in the evening, Fine stepped from the carriage and surveyed her surroundings.

‘The garden’s a mess.’

Vines tangled the shrubs, and weeds sprouted.

For a noble household, garden upkeep was the lady’s duty, meaning Reina’s neglect was evident.

“We’ve been expecting you.

This way.”

The Diner Dukedom’s steward, a middle-aged man Fine didn’t recognize, greeted them and led them to the dining room.

“Please wait here.”

The steward bowed and left.

A maid entered, serving welcome drinks.

‘The staff has changed a lot.’

The steward and now this maid were unfamiliar.

Despite only a few years since her engagement ended with Banaji, Fine recognized no one.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

The door burst open, and Banaji and Reina entered.

Banaji looked heavier, his face rounder.

Reina wore a flamboyant dress, as if headed to a gala.

“Long time, sister.

Is that dress the trend in Rosaider?

We don’t see it here.”

Reina eyed Fine, a smirk forming.

Fine met her gaze silently.

‘Opening with a jab about my dress being outdated?

Classic Reina.

But it’d be boring otherwise.’

In a way, Fine was relieved.

If Reina had tearfully apologized for past wrongs, Fine might’ve regretted coming.

This way, she could fight without hesitation.

“Thank you for the invitation, Lord Diner, Reina.”

Ignoring Reina’s jab, Fine smiled brightly.

Reina looked displeased at her lack of reaction, but Fine pretended not to notice.

“Sorry for dragging you so far.

I wanted to personally thank you for the gold vein.

As high-ranking nobles, let’s get along, shall we?”

Banaji sat heavily across from Fine and Hawk, with Reina beside him.