Chapter 18

“What does that mean?”

“Exactly as it sounds. Make me rich.”

Seeing the man’s puzzled expression in response to her request to make her rich, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. It seemed that he hadn’t expected her to make such a statement.

“You seem to have come to the wrong person. And I can’t make you rich.”

“No, you can.”

For someone who had made Aaron a crown prince, his voice was surprisingly weak. Could it be that he wasn’t the same person? Well, it didn’t matter. All the plans were in her mind, and she just needed this man to execute them.

“Are there any families in the empire as wealthy as the Siegfrieds?”

It was true. Raphael Lloyd Siegfried, that man, had an immense amount of wealth. Except that it wasn’t her money.

“Your Highness is already wealthy.”

“But that’s not my money, it’s my husband’s.”

Come to think of it, the man didn’t even ask her to sit down. Amelia brushed off her dusty skirt and sat on the sofa. There was no need for her to sit just because he told her to.

“This conversation seems like it will be lengthy. I don’t mind if you continue standing.”

Amelia couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the man silently taking his seat. It was better to have a clear view of the person who would become her business partner in the future.

“Unfortunately, I don’t have the ability to fulfill Your Highness’ request.”

“There’s no one else but you. You’re the only person in this empire who will listen to my request.”

If she doesn’t concentrate, she feels like she’ll forget about him. His blurry impression seems distant, even though he’s right in front of her.

“Actually, I hope you can help me become rich.”

In a capitalist society, becoming rich was the number one goal. Money was power and everything. It wasn’t much different here. Although social status was added to the equation, the underlying principle was the same. In fact, it could be even worse.

“I hope you become my business partner.”

A man with an unclear status. A person who had risen solely based on money in this empire. There was no one else in front of her who could help with her plans.

“I don’t understand what you mean by a business partner.”

“From now on, you don’t have to address me as Your Highness the Grand Duchess.”

Anyway, she would soon step down from the position of grand duchess. She might maintain a relationship with this man even after leaving Siegfried.

“Amelia. Just call me Amelia.”

She had been contemplating whether to continue using the name Seraphin. Viscount Seraphin might still be alive, and he might come to her and demand money.

“The Grand Duchess seems to be saying things that I can’t understand.”

“Really? Maybe I’m a bit strange.”

Amelia shrugged nonchalantly. Clearly, the man’s guard had softened compared to before.

“I’ve appointed you as my business partner, and now we will become business associates.”

“I never agreed to this.”

“You have no choice but to agree, right? You like money, don’t you?”

Why else would she bring her purse all the way here. She grumbled and placed a pile of gold coins on the table.

“It’s 2,000 gold. Consider it a commission and my contribution to the cause.”

She could feel his gaze scanning the table, perhaps questioning whether it was true that she liked money.

“I’m going to become the richest person in the empire from now on.”

Raphael also had to become a wealthy person that no one could touch. There was a reason why she had confidently asked Edward for cash. If she were at the Chester Merchantry, it would be possible to manipulate records regarding this amount.

“You say you want to become rich. Do you have a plan?”

“Are you finally interested? It’s not something I can reveal all at once.”

The key to negotiation was that the one who held out until the end had the advantage.

“I plan to make various investments in the future.”

To be precise, she was going to use Aaron’s ideas and information.

“I can’t invest or start a business under my name right now. So, I hope that you can be my representative, Master.”

“How can I trust you?”

Aaron also couldn’t do everything in his own name. To survive the power struggle within the imperial family, he had to become a worthless Third Prince.

“Of course, we need to write up a contract.”

Raphael was also wealthy, but this man was not someone to be underestimated in terms of wealth. Surprisingly, he had earned his money honestly.

“I will provide the capital. Of course, I will also give you the commission fee and share of the profits.”

“That sounds like a deal that’s too good for me.”

“It is, because I need you desperately.”

The Master didn’t touch the money placed on the table, ready to decline at any time.

“5% of the profits. And of course, the Master can also take part in joint investments.”

“I need to hear the exact plan before making a decision.”

As expected, she knew it wouldn’t come all at once. Neither Leonel nor Aaron had accepted the commission right away.

“I’m going to buy Marquis Cloud’s mines.”

The Cloud family was engaged in the gemstone business. Their numerous mines, passed down through generations, produced various minerals. Among them, the most famous was the diamond mine. The diamonds from the Cloud family were recognized by all as being of the highest quality.

“Are you thinking about buying a diamond mine?”

“More precisely, an abandoned mine where all the diamonds have already been extracted.”

Marquis Cloud had many mines, and among them were many empty mines with no use.

“Why would you do that… You can’t build anything on top of a mine.”

“Then how about this? Consider this a one-time commission where you carry out my request.”

“I won’t incur any losses if I don’t accept it.”

“But you must be curious.”

One thing was certain. This man had an interest and curiosity towards her.

“Think it over. Whether you will become my partner or not.”

“I will accept the first commission, but becoming a partner is out of the question.”

Anyway, he had no choice but to accept her proposal.

“Cloud Marquis is very suspicious. Even if it’s an abandoned mine, don’t buy it too cheaply. You should pay a little more.”

“You seem skilled at this.”

“It’s the closest mine to the Siegfried territory. Since we might arouse suspicion, it would be better to buy a few other mines as well.”

Even if she paid a high price for the abandoned mine, it would only amount to the money she had put on the table. After all, Aaron had bought that mine for a low price.

“I think I should be going now. Is there a way to leave?”

“If you open the door and go out, you’ll be back where you started.”

By now, the maids must be looking for her.

“Oh, and about the commission fee I gave you…”

“I’ll take care of it. The Grand Duchess broke some items in the guest room while you were drunk.”

There was no better option at the moment, but she felt bad somehow. If someone saw her, they might think she was an alcoholic.

“Wait, I don’t even know your name, Master.”

“Don’t worry, there won’t be any need to use each other’s names since we won’t be working together for long.”

“It’s not that… We should at least use our real names as business partners.”

It was strange to keep calling him Master, and it would be nice to know his name. But his response was cold when she returned.

“We can worry about that when we become business partners.”

Was this what they called a prickly response? There was no wall as high as this one. And his tone was formal yet informal at the same time.

“No, wait…!”

She belatedly tried to speak before opening the door, but the room had already been turned into the VIP room from earlier.

“Did you meet the Master well?”

“Ah… Yes. And the maids?”

“They’re doing well. They’ve blocked access to the guest room.”

It must have been kept secret because meeting the Master was strictly confidential, but it didn’t hurt her.

“The Master said he’ll contact you when the commission is complete.”

Just as she was about to ask how he would contact her, she let out a deep sigh at the sound of a commotion outside the door.

He’ll contact her without getting caught, of course.

If she delays any longer, she might arouse suspicion. She noticed that the room was filled with the smell of alcohol. Broken bottles and dishes were scattered everywhere. The Master was more meticulous than she had thought.

“Open the door…!”

“Your Highness…?”

As soon as the door opened, she saw maids fighting with the staff. She couldn’t tell if it was May or Raphael who was scarier.

“Ah…!”

As soon as the door opened, the maids frowned at the sudden smell of alcohol. It was strong enough for her to notice, so what about others?

“Oh, manager. Pay for what my maids have chosen.”

Pretending to be drunk when she hadn’t even had a drink was a ridiculous thing to do. The coachman rushed towards Siegfried while keeping an eye on her.

“We’ve arrived.”

She was wondering how to pretend to be drunk again when someone blocked her way.

“Leonel?” 

His cheeks were wet with tears.