Chapter 103: Boom and Bust (2)
“What is it?”
“This is my first time meeting a noble lady who doesn’t speak like one from high society as much as Lady Fiona does.”
Whoops, I almost spit my tea out at that very straightforward remark. Arrendt pretended not to notice my reaction. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“You really are a person with the surname Heilon.”
He meant that Abel and I shared a certain elegance in our demeanor.
Suddenly, I remembered Abel bickering with the empress at that ball.
No, no way.
“The people of Heilon have always been known for showing their actions rather than their words; after all, they’re constantly on the battlefield. So there’s nothing we can do about it,” Arrendt continued.
I was nothing like that!
But Arrendt kept talking, unaware of my irritation.
“It’s so awkward; I recommend that you just get to the point.”
“…”
“I think it’s a waste of time to speak in circles.”
“Then, I hope there are no complaints later.”
“I’m not that kind of person.”
So, let’s get to the point. I handed him the papers I had brought with me. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“What is this?” Arrendt asked, curiosity evident in his voice.
As the head of the finance department, he found those accumulating wealth through illegal activities to be a real headache. This was exactly what I aimed for.
I grinned. “Do you want to team up to catch those who don’t pay their taxes?”
This was it. If the wealth had been accumulated illegally, it could be confiscated without mercy. While people not paying taxes was a headache, when they were caught, it was called ‘hooray’.
Arrendt widened his eyes in surprise and then smiled briefly. “Lady Fiona.”
“Yes?”
“I’ve received many offers from noble ladies—suggestions to ‘play together’ or ‘have tea together’…”
Of course he would.
“However…” Suddenly, Arrendt’s expression turned serious.
Had I done something wrong?
“So far, of all the proposals to collaborate, this is the one I like the most. I’m quite excited.”
It seemed he had been struggling to run the finance department lately, especially during this expensive social season. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Ah, yes…”
Arrendt smiled with satisfaction as he skimmed through the documents, seemingly unconcerned about my awkwardness.
“I accept that offer.”
***
Arrendt Clovis promised to cooperate. I immediately went to Sigren to share this good news. Since it was a secret matter, I called him to the Heilon mansion. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
After hearing about my success, Sigren wore a genuinely disapproving expression. “How the hell did you convince Marquis Arrendt Clovis?”
I grinned. “A negotiation that makes my opponent flutter?”
“How did you do it?”
Sigren’s discontented look intrigued me. He must have imagined something frivolous when he heard the word “flutter.” He was jealous.
A flash of mischief crossed my mind. I smiled and leaned against him, feeling his solid body stiffen in response. I whispered softly, deliberately.
“Are you really curious about that?”
“Fiona.”
Wow, his low voice. I kept my voice soft, barely holding back a giggle. “Do you want me to tell you how I did it?”
I wanted to replicate what Livya had done to the crown prince last time, but I didn’t think I could pull off that sweet tone that melted the other person’s ears. Instead, I grinned and stroked Sigren’s cheek, slowly letting my fingers glide down to his neckline. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Like this.”
Sigren’s eyes grew darker.
So scary.
“Fiona, get your hands off me.”
“….”
I whispered while tracing my fingers along his collarbone as if I were drawing a picture, completely ignoring him.
“Also like this….”
By then, Sigren’s patience had reached its limit. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Fiona, you—”
I laughed. “Of course I didn’t! I just said—”
I placed my finger on his chin and grinned, “Would you like to go catch people who don’t pay taxes?”
“….”
Sigren’s expression was truly spectacular after hearing my words. When my eyes met his, I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. I immediately pulled away and wrapped my arms around my stomach.
“Ahahaha, your face is sooo….”
Only then did Sigren realize I was teasing him, and he ground his teeth.
“Are you having fun with this?”
“Yeah, so much fun!”
Oh my god. I was really annoying, wasn’t I?
“You put me in the palm of your hand and play with me.”
“Well, because your reaction was so obvious… ahahaha!” I laughed again at Sigren’s expression. As my laughter continued, Sigren ruffled his hair wildly. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Stop laughing.”
“I’m trying…”
Sigren raised an eyebrow while looking at me. “Since you’re having so much fun, should I show you something more obvious?”
He quickly closed the distance between us. In the blink of an eye, he stood right in front of me. I opened my eyes wide and unconsciously stepped back until my back touched the wall. Sigren’s hands pressed against the wall on either side of me.
Oh my god! I was stuck between him and the wall! I swear I didn’t expect this dramatic situation to happen. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“This posture is more convenient than I thought. First of all, because you can’t run away.”
I quickly adopted a docile attitude. “Okay, I won’t tease you anymore.”
Sigren smirked. “Don’t you think it’s already too late?”
Yeah… I know. But isn’t regretting after committing a crime part of human nature? Well, in my defense, his reaction was just too funny!
Then Sigren slowly lowered his head. As his lips approached, only two options came to mind: should I close my eyes or slap his face? But I didn’t think either option was bad! Unsure of what to choose, I closed my eyes and gently raised one hand, ready to slap him on the cheek.
But Sigren, quicker than I expected, grabbed my wrist.
Ah!
The soft touch of his lips was not on my lips but on my cheek. I slowly opened my eyes. When our gazes met, Sigren released my wrist.
I felt oddly resentful.
“Uh—”
That kiss—I shouldn’t count my chickens before they hatch. I felt so embarrassed.
Sigren grinned and poked my cheek. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Your face is blushing, Fiona.”
“…”
He really threw my own words back at me.
I pushed his chest and tossed a cushion at him.
Sigren laughed out loud as he easily caught the cushion.
“Hahaha… so stop playing around.”
He must have been pleased to see my reaction.
“Okay, I know!”
Seeing him smile made my heart flutter. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
I sighed.
Damn.
***
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