Chapter 96: Boom and Bust (1)
When I found out that the monster came to the Capital not through an accidentally damaged gate, but was brought in by humans, all my doubts were resolved. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
This was a story that I wrote, but I was human too. I couldn’t help but forget many details that should have occurred in the story, especially when the main plots I remembered did not align with the original narrative. Nothing had followed the main track so far. Everything was acting on its own. The protagonists had their own way of acting, and even the Darkness, the mass of disaster, was also acting independently. I was so preoccupied with Sigren and the Darkness that I had forgotten almost all of the smaller events in the story.
Now that this incident had occurred, I somehow remembered a certain minor plot. Unfortunately, if I had recalled it earlier, I could have taken precautions. However, at least I remembered now, and there had been no victims yet. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
The monster was brought in by humans for one specific event: illegal gambling. Simply put, people bet money on a monster. After making the monsters fight each other, people would get paid based on the winnings. It was similar to racetrack betting. Perhaps what happened today was that the mid-level demon escaped at dawn from the arena due to poor management. In the original story, Sigren and Eunice discovered this illegal gambling den and apprehended all those involved. Many of the customers were commoners, but there were also quite a few nobles. Gambling dens were essentially entertainment venues for everyone.
In the story, the incident was about Sigren and Eunice handling the situation smoothly and enhancing their reputation. But now, with no Eunice by Sigren’s side, did this mean Sigren had to deal with it alone? Wasn’t that overworking him, handling the work of two people by himself?
For a bit, I felt like a business owner who hired not enough employees for the amount of work required.
So why did he confess to me… Just thinking about Sigren made me upset. I sighed quietly.
Anyway, how could I use this? As far as I remember, there were quite a few nobles caught in this gambling den. It was illegal, so if they were caught, they would have a tarnished reputation in society. Should I use this to threaten those nobles before the case was closed? Was it too insidious?
Gosh, now I feel like I shouldn’t talk about personality with Abel. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
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The news that Livya had officially received the prince’s proposal had spread throughout noble society. This was because Enoch, the crown prince, had been proudly and openly declaring that he would soon win over the most beautiful woman in society.
The more the rumors spread, the harder it was for Livya to refuse. She was becoming increasingly frustrated, especially when people came to offer their congratulatory greetings. Her feelings of resentment deepened with every encounter.
“Lady Livya, are you okay?”
Fiona, who had been observing Livya’s expression, asked with concern. If Fiona had been a typical noble girl, Livya would have simply said she was fine. It wasn’t advisable to show any negative reaction to the crown prince’s proposal. However, Livya knew that Fiona understood her discomfort. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“I’m… not okay.”
Fiona nodded in understanding.
Livya looked at the young woman before her with a soft gaze. Fiona Heilon was strikingly pretty. Along with her somewhat mysterious aura, she exuded a sense of innocence that evoked protective instincts in those who looked at her. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com. She was like a flower in a greenhouse—a delicate beauty unaware of the harshness of the world. She might have been more popular if not for Prince Sigren and Duke Abel Heilon’s aggressive defense of her from potential suitors.
However, due to her appearance, no one in the social circle believed she was a formidable presence on the battlefield. In fact, even Livya hadn’t believed it until she conducted a thorough background investigation into Fiona Heilon using the resources of her house.
“Lady Fiona.”
“Yes?”
“What should I do to make my opponent fall into the abyss?”
“Yes?!”
Fiona coughed involuntarily, clearly taken aback.
“Who—who are you referring to?”
“It’s obvious who it is.”
Fiona Heilon was the opposite of the crown prince, so this revelation was not a major concern. Additionally, Fiona was quick-witted, making a lengthy explanation unnecessary.
“Ah… you want to decline the marriage proposal?”
“Definitely.”
For some reason, Fiona seemed to sigh in relief. Livya wondered what she might have been mistaken for. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“….”
Fiona seemed to be pondering something for a moment. Livya hadn’t had high expectations, but Fiona then blinked and adopted a serious expression.
“If there’s a way?”
“What?”
Fiona leaned in close and whispered, “How to drop him into the abyss.”
This time, it was Livya’s turn to look at Fiona in surprise.
“…”
After whispering her idea, Fiona smiled softly as usual. Livya couldn’t believe what Fiona had just said.
‘They say you can’t judge a person by their appearance, and honestly, Lady Fiona is the perfect example of that.’
Livya’s reason for wanting to get closer to Fiona was simple: she believed Fiona would be a formidable opponent if she became her enemy. Fiona Heilon had been a leading mage on the battlefield since she was thirteen. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com. From a young age, she had led soldiers and defeated numerous monsters. Just reading about her accomplishments was enough to instill fear. How could a thirteen-year-old girl make such strategic judgments? It made sense that Abel Heilon took Fiona under his wing, adopted her, and named her his successor. Fiona was a child of extraordinary abilities. Therefore, Livya didn’t want to make the mistake of underestimating her.
“Lady Livya?” Fiona asked curiously when Livya remained silent.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I was just surprised for a moment.”
“Well, are you interested in what I said?”
“Of course.”
Livya didn’t believe in love or dating, but she had no desire to marry a prince who treated her as a trophy.
“Then I need a little help from Lady Livya.”
“If I can do it, I will.”
Livya looked at Fiona’s softly smiling face. It was flawless, and there was a slight, innocent charm to it. A few young men passing by had lost their gaze at that smile. But luckily, Livya had a keen eye for people. She knew that Fiona’s appearance did not match her true nature. After reading about Fiona’s past, Livya was thoroughly convinced. Now, seeing Fiona’s expression as she discussed dropping the crown prince into the abyss, Livya was even more certain. Fiona’s gentle demeanor while contemplating such a serious matter was similar to her casual consideration of what dessert to eat. Livya vowed not to make Fiona her enemy. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
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