Chapter 102: Boom and Bust (2)
Cruz, a merchant, had recently hit the jackpot. He had originally been just one of the many top merchants in the capital. Then one day, a bizarre business idea struck him as he watched monsters wandering outside the capital walls. The wealthy nobles of the capital were always in need of new forms of entertainment. For them—people who had no fear of ever being attacked by monsters—the idea of an arena where monsters fought each other could be thrilling. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
‘After all, only idiots live strictly by the law,’ he thought.
Whether the gambling den was illegal or carried many risks wasn’t Cruz’s concern. What was a little risk? People loved it, and their interest was his treasure. To him, it was a mutually beneficial arrangement.
‘Unfortunately, a few days ago, a monster escaped.’
Of course, that was quickly handled with a small bribe to the guards and a few threats. The monster’s body had been neatly disposed of. Recently, business had even started picking up, with more nobles coming in and out.
‘As expected, there’s no profit in obeying the law,’ he mused.
It was far more advantageous to stay in the good graces of those above him. For someone like Cruz, this was what winning in life looked like. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
While he grinned widely as he surveyed the growing crowd in the arena, his subordinate leaned in and whispered,
“That person has arrived.”
“Really? Why didn’t you tell me sooner!” Cruz snapped, annoyed for no reason, before quickly running off.
“Oh, Your Highness has finally arrived?” Cruz bowed deeply. “It is truly an honor to have you grace this humble place again.”
“Ha, you certainly know how to flatter,” the Crown Prince Enoch said, smiling as he entered, guided by Cruz’s men. He appreciated the merchant’s overly polite attitude.
‘Of course. Who am I? It’s only natural for people to behave this way around me,’ Enoch thought. Lately, he hadn’t felt particularly lucky, but things seemed to be turning around. Especially now, with Livya being so compliant and introducing him to this new form of entertainment to pass the time.
Cruz led Enoch deeper into the facility, to where the monsters were kept. The creatures, imprisoned in large iron cages, made eerie noises. Their thin, lizard-like pupils glared at the humans who had trapped them.
Enoch chuckled and kicked one of the cages, relishing the power he now had over something he once feared. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Is this the only kind? What did you mention last time?”
Cruz’s expression darkened. “I apologize, but it’s still—”
“So slow,” Enoch interrupted, unimpressed.
He was referring to a higher-level monster. He had told Cruz to prepare an advanced one. After all, wouldn’t it be more entertaining to watch stronger monsters tear each other apart rather than these weaker, intermediate ones?
Seeing the crown prince’s displeasure, Cruz quickly lowered his head, silently cursing himself.
‘You idiot, do you think it’s easy to capture one of those?’
Advanced monsters were much harder to catch, even with a team of veteran mercenaries. Naturally, it would take time.
‘But at least I’m lucky the crown prince likes my arena.’
When Cruz first learned the crown prince had visited, he had trembled, thinking Enoch had come to arrest him. But to his surprise, Enoch had wanted to support him. That day, Cruz had grinned wider than ever before in his life. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
The only drawback to his business was that it was illegal. However, with the crown prince’s approval, it wasn’t just a jackpot—it came with a guarantee of protection.
‘Trying to please me, huh?’ Enoch had his own reasons. This illegal gambling den wasn’t just fun—it was also highly profitable. Instead of shutting it down, he had turned a blind eye and even offered help.
‘Who cares about legality when I, the crown prince, enjoy it?’
Besides, it wasn’t that serious of a crime. They were just capturing some wild animals and putting them on display. If anything, it was efficient.
“Prepare them as soon as possible,” Enoch ordered.
“Yes, Your Highness. I’ll see to it immediately,” Cruz replied obediently. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
***
The business had certainly grown much larger by attracting the crown prince. I hadn’t considered this possibility, which was a mistake. But, of course, mistakes can be corrected. So, I decided to lure a noble to that gambling den as well.
I made the decision quickly. After eliminating the impossible candidates, only one family remained. I sighed. It really had to be him. I wrote a brief note and sent it off.
Fortunately—or unfortunately—the reply came swiftly. He requested a meeting. And that’s how I found myself sitting across from him now.
“It’s quite surprising that Lady Fiona would call on me,” Arrendt Clovis said, eyeing me with interest.
Well, I was surprised too.
“I have an intriguing proposition for the Marquis,” I replied.
“Just so you know, I have no intention of siding with the prince,” he cut in, very direct.
Ah, straightforward indeed. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
I flashed him my well-practiced social smile, one I hadn’t used in quite some time.
“I didn’t come here with that kind of intention.”
Arrendt glanced at his watch. “I hope this will be interesting.”
That was his way of saying he didn’t want to waste time.
Dealing with someone like him was annoying and a bit unlucky, but I’d rather face his coldness than fake kindness. So, I pressed on.
First things first, I sipped my tea while maintaining an air of elegance. Alright, I was ready to play the perfect negotiator. If Abel or Sigren, who knew how I usually acted, saw me now, they’d definitely be laughing. But I was in luck—they weren’t here.
“Managing the finances must be difficult these days, isn’t it?” I began.
The emperor and empress were quite extravagant. If Arrendt didn’t keep the palace’s budget in check, things could spiral out of control.
“Nothing in this world is easy,” Arrendt replied calmly. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“You’re right. But it seems lately, some people are making things even more exhausting for you, Marquis.”
“Lady Fiona…” Arrendt suddenly stared at me with a strange expression, as if he deeply regretted something.
“What is it?” I asked.
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