WSRN 17

Chapter 17

It looked like I’d have to go find him myself. And when I did, I’d give him a piece of my mind.
Is that really all the perseverance you’ve got?

I had tried my best, but I hadn’t even eaten a quarter of it. There was nothing I could do about it, but still, I felt guilty for wasting so much food.

I really should eat with Sian next time.

I reaffirmed my goals once more, as if engraving them in my mind.

First, get close to Sian before he starts finding me scary. Close enough to meddle in his love life.
Second, find out why Aria and I died last time, and survive for real this time.
Lastly, …well, life is all about money, so earn a lot of it.

Just as I clenched my fist and started climbing the stairs, a dry, emotionless voice reached my ears.

“You seem quite relaxed for someone so late. How admirable.”

Late? For what?

Startled, I lifted my head and spotted a man standing near my room.

He had neatly tied, long white hair that looked as soft as a fox’s fur. His eyes were a cold shade of blue that gave him a sharp, intellectual air.

But overall, he looked rather irritable. The small mole under his eye and his frowning, dissatisfied expression only added to that impression.

…Who is this guy?

I hadn’t been at the duke’s estate long, but I was pretty sure I hadn’t made any appointments with someone like him.

Maybe he’s talking to someone else?

No, his gaze was fixed squarely on me. There was no mistaking it.

Unable to hide my confusion, I asked,

“Am I… late?”
“At this hour, you could have built an entire new trading company by now.”

The rebuke was so sharp it felt like I could hear his tongue clicking.

Trading company? Wait—don’t tell me…

As I narrowed my eyes to size him up, the man spoke again.

“Ah, I forgot to introduce myself. My apologies. I assumed you already knew who I was…”

He said “apologies,” but he didn’t look the least bit sorry. If anything, he sounded faintly sarcastic.

His rudeness was absurd—but understandable, if he was who I thought he was.

He then straightened his posture and gave a flawlessly polite bow, completely opposite to his earlier tone.

“Havel Decius. I’ve been assigned to assist you with managing the trading division.”

I knew it.

I smiled brightly and returned the gesture.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Though, since I didn’t know we had an appointment, I suppose I made you wait…”

At that, one of his eyebrows twitched. Oh, really now?—that kind of look.

Still, compared to Blair, this level of irritation was almost cute.

He may be here to help me, but…

If I acted too submissive from the start, it’d only make things harder later. Especially if we had to see each other often.

“I didn’t expect you to arrive so soon. Your loyalty to His Grace is truly admirable.”

Which, of course, actually meant: Since you came running so fast, I guess you’re also someone who can’t refuse orders, huh?

Havel Decius—the third son of the Marquess of Decius, a family famous for their mines.

He wasn’t his family’s heir, but thanks to his keen business acumen, he was well-known in merchant circles.

And in a few years, he’ll become famous.

His overseas dealings would be so successful that he’d even open the door to foreign diplomacy.

But they also say his personality is as sharp as his eye for profit—and I can see that’s true.

Still, it was impressive how obediently he followed the Duke’s commands, even when he clearly didn’t like the task.

I couldn’t tell if that said more about the Duke’s power—or Havel’s self-control.

He squinted at me, as if weighing something, then gestured toward my room.

It wasn’t a bad suggestion, so we went inside. As soon as we sat down, he spoke bluntly.

“I don’t like beating around the bush.”

Oh, but you had no problem being snarky to a kid earlier?

He didn’t even wait for Marian to bring tea before continuing. The man’s personality was crystal clear.

“I recommend you find someone else to work with.”
“Why?”
“…Why?”

He looked at me as if I’d just said something incredibly stupid.

You saw my personality just now, didn’t you?—his eyes practically screamed it. At least he knew he was difficult.

He clearly wasn’t trying to hide it either. Obviously, he wanted me to withdraw the request myself.

Truthfully, even if I did choose someone else, I wouldn’t lose anything. Everyone on the list was talented.

But—

That would make him happy, wouldn’t it?

And after such a rude first impression, there was no way I was giving him that satisfaction.

So I decided we’d both suffer a little.
That’s why people should be nice.

“I’m sorry, but I’m not quite sure what the problem is…”

I widened my eyes and feigned innocence. Havel’s expression twisted in visible disgust.

“If you work with someone like me—”
“That’d be perfect!”

I smiled so sweetly it hurt to look at. His expression darkened further.

Oh, this is fun.

For someone with such a prickly face, he wasn’t used to being teased.

Finally, pressing his temple, he muttered bluntly,

“As you can see, my personality is… awful. You’ll find me exhausting.”
“Really? I didn’t notice.”
“…Damn it.”

A soft curse slipped from his mouth before he could stop it. He even looked a bit embarrassed by it.

Then, seeing my slightly startled face, he suddenly brightened.

“Sometimes I get a bit foul-mouthed too. Not very suitable, is it?”
“Not at all! I find it… endearing!”

He groaned again, clearly suffering. After dealing only with the Duke’s cold subordinates, he must’ve found my cheerful attitude disorienting.

But why is he so desperate to refuse?

Maybe he really did have circumstances he couldn’t talk about.

“Are you really that busy?”

I asked gently, and he quickly changed tactics, frowning like a man with a headache.

“Yes. Lately, I’ve been sleeping only seven hours a day. I’m far too tired for extra work.”

Seven hours? That’s more than enough!

I was dumbfounded by his shameless excuse. He even said the word “bothersome” out loud! Clearly, he had no intention of accepting.

Too bad. I’m not changing my mind.

I furrowed my brows with mock sympathy.

“Oh dear… Then maybe you should take this chance to rest.”
“You understand, then?”
“Of course! You can rest plenty while working with me!”
“…What’s wrong with your personality?”

He muttered in disbelief, looking utterly drained.

How did this fragile man ever close a business deal?

My pitying stare made him flinch. He closed his eyes tightly, exhaled, and said,

“Fine. This is more tiring than just agreeing. I’ll do it.”
“Great! I’m counting on you.”
“Just be prepared. I like things to be done properly.”
“Same here! I think we’ll get along great!”

He waved his hand tiredly, then rattled off a list of instructions at impressive speed—like someone reading out insurance terms.

“…Then we’ll finish the training within a week. I’ll come every day until then.”
“Ah! Except tomorrow.”
“You can’t lose motivation this early.”
“No, I’m still motivated! I just already have an appointment with Lord Blair.”

At that name, Havel, who’d been listening with folded arms, suddenly straightened.

“Blair? Blair Hilberk?”
“Yes.”

His reaction puzzled me. I tilted my head, and he gave a knowing, vaguely unpleasant smile.

“That explains it… I’d better stay far away tomorrow. I’ll come the day after.”

Then, as if afraid I might stop him, he quickly left the room—moving with almost comical urgency.

And just like that, I was left alone.

It’s like a storm just passed through.

Only then did I lift the cup Marian had placed before me. The gentle scent of jasmine soothed my nerves.

Yes. This is the kind of tea worth drinking.

The Duke really was a strange man, sending me someone like that.

Now that I thought about it, I’d been planning to do something before Havel interrupted me…

Ah, Sian!

I jumped up and started searching the room—the corners, under the sheets, the bathroom, behind the curtains, even outside the window…

He was nowhere to be found.

All the more reason to complain later.

When I finally stopped rummaging around, Marian asked,

“Are you looking for something, my lady?”
“Ah, a person, actually…”
“If you tell me who, I’ll help you find them.”

She didn’t seem fazed by my suspicious answer. But when I replied, she did blink in surprise.

“Then please tell me—where is Sian’s room?”