Chapter 45: A Game of Deceptions

The dinner with the four of them was dreadfully dull.

Banaji dominated the conversation, mostly boasting about himself.

“Fine, I’m planning to expand the gold mining business.

With your ability to hear the earth’s voice, I’d like your advice.”

Fine set down her cutlery and looked at Banaji.

“Of course, but… is my advice sufficient?”

“You’re a dear friend and Reina’s sister.

I insist.”

How shameless, Fine thought, her mood cooling.

Did they forget how they called her “useless” and smeared her as unfaithful?

‘Disgusting.’

Revulsion welled up.

“…From what I hear of the earth’s voice, I recommend digging around the mountain range between Lilit and Naruto gold mines.”

“Between Lilit and Naruto?

You, bring a map!”

Banaji ordered a servant to fetch a map and checked the location.

“I see, there’s a mountain range here.

Can you be more specific?”

“Yes.”

Fine nodded.

“There’s a waterfall, and nearby, six cedar trees grow in a hexagonal pattern.

Start digging three hundred meters west from there.”

“A waterfall with hexagonally arranged cedars?

Got it!”

Banaji nodded excitedly.

“Fine, you’re reliable in a pinch.”

“Oh, Banaji-sama, I’m honored by your words.”

Fine blushed, feigning flattery.

‘Fool.’

She shot him a cold glance.

The hexagonal cedar trees by the waterfall were her invention.

No matter how hard they searched, they wouldn’t find them.

Even if they miraculously found a gold vein, its reserves were minimal and would be exhausted quickly.

“Sister, I’d love to chat just the two of us.

Is that okay?”

Reina suddenly smiled at Fine.

“Of course.”

As Fine moved to stand, Hawk gently tugged her hand.

He leaned close to her ear.

“Be careful.”

Fine glanced at him, startled.

Hawk had told her about his Divine Blessing of the Demon Eye when they became true partners.

He likely saw Reina’s malice.

‘She’s planning something.’

Fine nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Reina led her to her private room, a lavish space befitting the Diner Dukedom’s lady.

“What do you think of the Diner Dukedom after so long?

Nostalgic?”

“Not really.”

“…Oh, sorry.

You’ve never been in this room, so it wouldn’t be, would it?”

Reina glanced at Fine, feigning remorse.

“As you know, since the late Duke passed and Banaji-sama took over, I’m the lady here.

It’s so big, managing it is tough, especially with constant noble visitors.”

Reina sighed, lowering her brows dramatically.

“You’re lucky in Rosaider.

Geographically, you don’t have to deal with noble socializing, do you?

I’m jealous.”

‘Is she trying to one-up me?’

Fine wasn’t jealous at all but decided flattery was the best approach.

“Being a duchess sounds tough.”

“Not that tough.

I unwind at concerts or tea parties.

Where do you go to relax, sister?”

“I’ve been learning to ride, so I take the horse for walks.”

“Horseback walks?

Very margravine-like.

Quite unique.”

Reina’s tone carried a hint of mockery.

A knock sounded, and a maid entered.

“I’ve brought drinks and snacks.”

The maid placed teacups before Fine and Reina.

‘Serving from cups instead of a pot?

Unusual.’

Fine glanced at the maid, who flinched and looked away when their eyes met.

‘So obvious.

Is something in it?’

Likely ordered by Reina or Banaji, it wasn’t poison—probably a sleeping drug or aphrodisiac to frame Fine for infidelity.

As the maid left, Fine deliberately knocked the fork, served with the snacks, to the floor.