83. The Contract with the Kameira Merchant Group

Larael had never even considered it before. No, it was something she had tried not to think about. In the end, it was guilt over the fact that she, too, was trying to use the Krauf disease in the same way as Herwen. Larael shook her head vigorously.

‘Still, if I distribute the cure quickly, it will be fine. I’m nothing. Who am I to think about or worry about the people of the empire? I should just think about Edward.’

She repeated to herself, like a mantra, that she should think only of Edward. As she did, the turmoil in her heart began to settle a bit.

That evening, Larael prepared herself and headed to the main palace for dinner with Edward.

Edward’s face visibly brightened when he saw Larael, but his gaze naturally fell to her lips, which were slightly swollen and wounded. His brow furrowed. Larael noticed his eyes lingering on her lips, but she couldn’t bring herself to admit she had bitten them herself.

“I was distracted and bumped into the corner of a desk.”

At those words, Edward tilted his head. It was hard to believe—she wasn’t a child, after all.

“If you say so. Why didn’t you call a priest for treatment?”

“It wasn’t a serious wound. I didn’t want to make a fuss.”

After dinner, Edward and Larael returned together to Larael’s bedroom in Abella Palace.

The next morning, Larael woke and moved carefully so as not to wake Edward. At her movements, Edward shifted slightly in his sleep. Larael paused all movement and looked up at him. His tousled hair partially covered his eyes. Larael gently brushed aside his messy golden hair.

Edward’s eyelids fluttered slightly, then closed again. A playful smile appeared on his lips. With his eyes still closed, he pulled Larael tightly into his arms once more. Larael, who had just barely escaped his embrace, was pulled right back into it. Edward buried his face in her collarbone. When his warm breath touched her skin, Larael flinched and pulled back. A wave of excitement washed over her, almost unbearable. Where their bodies touched, it felt as if she had been burned. Larael squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head quickly. It was already close to lunchtime. She couldn’t afford to waste any more time.

Pulling the blanket with her, Larael sat up. At the same time, Edward’s sculpted, muscular torso was revealed. After blinking his drowsy eyes a few times, Edward also sat up with her. He gently stroked Larael’s swollen lips.

“Of all places, your lips had to get hurt…”

His hand, which had been caressing her lips, moved to her slender shoulder.

“So, where are you going?”

Edward held her shoulders and tried to lay her back down. But Larael shook her head with an awkward expression and sat up again. Before Edward could catch her, Larael quickly turned and swung her legs off the bed. Still, she felt a little disappointed that Edward didn’t try to stop her. She turned to look at him lying there. Edward, as if he’d expected it, was smiling at her. As she pulled the blanket, revealing Edward’s whole body, Larael’s face instantly turned red. She still wasn’t used to seeing him n*ked in broad daylight. Reading her gaze, Edward grinned mischievously and struck a pose worthy of a painting.

“I’m seducing you right now.”

Succumbing to Edward’s deadly charm, Larael ended up having lunch much later than planned.

After lunch, as scheduled, she visited the Marquis of Argen’s residence to meet Beatrice and had a brief conversation before heading to her office. She had originally planned to visit earlier and spend more time with Beatrice, but unexpectedly pressed for time, she had to settle for just seeing her and exchanging a few words.

She barely made it to her office at the appointed time with Kali.

“Let’s get going.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Sasha and Joanna watched them anxiously.

Larael and Kali, cloaked, tore the magic scroll they had prepared in advance. Arriving near the Kameira merchant group’s office, they went straight inside. A man in his mid-fifties greeted them.

“This is unexpected. I didn’t expect women.”

“Hello.”

When Larael greeted him, he returned the greeting a bit belatedly. Larael and Kali sat in the chairs he offered.

“We all seem busy, so I’ll get right to the point. May I ask why you wanted to see me?”

Adam, the head of the Kameira merchant group, had heard from his assistant Bryce that someone wanted to purchase the group. He had absolutely no intention of selling and had vehemently protested, but Bryce had pleaded with him to at least meet, so here he was.

“I have absolutely no intention of selling the group. I hope you understand that first.”

At those words, Kali looked at Larael. Although her expression was hidden by the cloak, Larael could guess what Kali was thinking. She had already told Kali it was fine if they didn’t acquire the group.

Hoping the conversation would go well, Larael spoke.

“I heard that the Kameira group used to manufacture and distribute a variety of medicines. Is that correct?”

“That’s right. We’ve stopped production for now due to financial difficulties…”

Adam rested his chin on his clasped hands on the table. He listened intently to the calm voice coming from within the cloak, focusing on her slow yet elegant tone.

“I understand the group is struggling financially. I also understand your position.”

“…”

“At first, I considered acquiring the group, but my real goal is to have you produce a cure. If you agree to manufacture the cure, it will be sold under the Kameira group’s name, and a portion of the profits from its distribution and sale will go to your group. Of course, you will also receive a separate fee for the production itself.”

“What?”

Adam looked at her suspiciously. Merchants never make deals at a loss. He couldn’t understand why this mysterious woman would propose such terms.

“Furthermore, we already have a buyer for the entire supply of the cure. We’ll meet all your conditions. All I ask in return is absolute secrecy regarding the production. If you can guarantee that, you may add any other conditions you wish. If you agree, we can sign the contract and pay you in advance right now.”

A heavy silence filled the room. Kali took a magical contract from her bag and placed it on the table. Adam and Bryce stared intently at the document, swallowing nervously. Bryce whispered quietly into Adam’s ear. The wrinkles on Adam’s forehead deepened.

“Why would you offer such a one-sided deal?”

“It’s not a losing deal. Getting what you need can’t be called a loss, can it?”

Bryce, looking anxious, whispered to Adam again. Adam’s frown gradually eased, and finally, he nodded and let out a deep sigh.

“Very well. Let’s draw up the contract.”

Kali spread out the contract. After lengthy negotiations, Adam and Larael signed a contract for the production of the Krauf disease cure. Although the general terms had already been discussed with Hobbs and Larael, the details of manufacturing would require Hobbs’s input. For now, Kali planned to meet with Hobbs to finalize the specifics.

Adam was still dazed by how quickly the deal had progressed. He knew it would benefit the group, but he still found their motives suspicious. However, given the group’s dire circumstances, he had little choice but to accept, even with doubts.

Larael and Kali, seeing Adam and Bryce off, used a magic scroll to return to the office. Sasha and Joanna, who had been waiting for them, sighed in relief and welcomed them back.

Larael instructed Kali to meet with Hobbs and then returned to the palace. Kali put away Larael’s cloak and headed to the Magic Tower to meet Nora.