News of diamonds being discovered in the Levi Mine sent shockwaves through the Union Empire.

Among the nobility, rumors spread that Kristin would soon become the wealthiest of all the count’s daughters.

But it wasn’t only the nobles who heard of this.

Elena, who had left her family, Vernon, imprisoned in the imperial prison, and Rose Veronica, all learned of the news as well.

Vernon, now separated from Rose, found his feelings for her beginning to fade.

He started reflecting on his late wife, Viscountess Elesia, who had genuinely loved him and began to regret the crimes he had committed.

Meanwhile, Rose Veronica, upon hearing about Kristin’s newfound status as a diamond mine owner from the overseers at the labor camp, lamented her failure to act more swiftly.

She also felt a pang of bitterness at the realization that her daughter, Elena, had not visited her even once.

Elena was deeply envious and resentful of her stepsister, who now seemed destined to live as a noblewoman of an entirely different caliber than before.

However, with no power of her own to do anything about it, she decided to visit the Edith family once again.

This time, she planned to humble herself before Kristin, hoping to receive even a small share of her wealth.

The perspectives of all three individuals toward Kristin had begun to shift.

The person they had once subtly looked down upon was now someone they desperately wanted help from.

Yet, this change of heart wasn’t limited to her family.

The news of the diamond mine discovery had become a major topic of interest among the noble ladies.

As a result, ladies such as Isabella, Venice, and Ellen, along with many others, sent letters to Kristin’s estate.

The letters expressed a desire to establish a closer relationship, vastly different from before. Kristin, in turn, replied to the ladies, expressing her willingness to connect with them.

In total, she responded positively to over 30 noble ladies, and when this news spread, not only ladies but also noblemen and high-ranking officials began sending letters to her.

Kristin’s reputation, once modest, was now soaring rapidly—not just because of her past achievements but due to the discovery of diamonds.

“Lady Kristin congratulations!”

“I’d love to see one of the diamonds myself.”

“You two seem quite curious,” Kristin said with a smile.

“Yes, my Lady. I’ve only ever heard of diamonds, but I’ve been told they’re incredibly beautiful. They say the more diamonds you own in this empire, the wealthier you are. Is that true?”

Even as Lenci and Cindy spoke with Kristin, letters from Oliver continued to arrive, reporting the steady discovery of more diamonds.

Upon learning this, Duke Raphael Rodney sent knights to guard the Levi Mine.

Managing a diamond mine alone would be difficult for Kristin, and trading such valuable minerals was already a key part of his business ventures. He had decided to take the lead in supporting her.

In one of his letters, he even added:

[Kristin, how did you ever think of acquiring the Levi Mine? I never imagined you could be such a brilliant businesswoman. I’m so proud of you.]

Kristin smiled as she read his words.

Unlike in the past, she had inherited her mother’s estate and was now positioned as the head of the Edith family, poised to revive its fortunes thanks to the diamond mine.

Content with her progress, she began preparing for the upcoming banquet.

“Lenci, Cindy, I’ll be hosting a banquet at the Edith estate next week. I’ll need to inform Alberto, the butler, and the head maid as well. Quite many noble ladies and gentlemen will be visiting our estate.”

“Oh my! That’s wonderful news, My Lady.”

“What would you like us to prepare?”

“Lenci, Cindy, could you both stay by my side during the banquet? Just in case anything unexpected happens. There are many servants, but I feel most comfortable with you two.”

Kristin had some apprehension about hosting the banquet.

To uncover the culprit responsible for her death in her past life, she had to invite and interact with various individuals. Even so, the process was nerve-wracking.

“Of course, My Lady. Lenci and I will stay right by your side.”

“Absolutely, My Lady.”

Kristin smiled warmly at the two, reassured by their support.

* * *

Finally, the day of the Edith family’s grand banquet had arrived.

To prepare for the event, Kristin hired additional staff and ensured there would be no shortage of food by employing skilled chefs.

She had also adorned the mansion’s gates and gardens with a variety of flowers.

It was her first time hosting a banquet of this scale.

While she had hosted tea parties for noble ladies before, she had never organized an event of such grandeur.

“All preparations are complete, My Lady,” said Alberto, the butler, bowing his head respectfully toward Kristin, who was now fully dressed and ready.

The head maid, standing beside him, also spoke.

“We’ve thoroughly cleaned every corner of the mansion to ensure there won’t be any inconvenience.”

“Thank you,” Kristin replied.

“However, My Lady…”

Alberto’s face was lined with concern.
Although dozens of guards sent by Duke Raphael were stationed both inside and outside the estate, he still seemed uneasy about the possibility of someone trying to harm his lady.

“The late Viscountess once entrusted me with a task—to protect you and this estate, ensuring nothing happens to you. Forgive me for saying this, but are you certain it’s wise to hold this banquet? My concern may be unnecessary, but I can’t help feeling anxious.”

Kristin slowly replied, addressing Alberto’s worries.

“Don’t worry, butler. With the mansion filled with nobles and surrounded by guards, nothing will happen.”

“I’m still afraid of what might occur. We haven’t even caught the perpetrator who’s been targeting you.”

Kristin’s gaze wavered for a moment, betraying her unease at his words.

She wasn’t entirely fearless herself, but she knew she had to overcome this moment no matter what.

Duke Raphael had also confirmed he would be attending today’s banquet, and Kristin decided she couldn’t afford to be afraid any longer.

She believed that showing fear or hesitation would only give the culprit a sense of superiority.

By hosting the banquet despite receiving threatening letters, she could demonstrate that she was not afraid.

“Butler, you’ve been loyal to me since I was a child, and I truly appreciate that. I know how much you care about me. But now, I must live my life on my terms. So, don’t worry anymore. The banquet will be fine.”

Looking at Kristin as she spoke, the butler nodded, though traces of fear lingered in his expression.

Still, since his lady insisted, he decided to respect her wishes.

“Well then, shall we begin welcoming the guests? It’s almost time for the banquet to start. Oh, and there’s one more thing.”

“Of course, My Lady. What is it?”

Kristin handed the butler a letter she had prepared in advance.

It was a letter meant for the imperial palace.

With news of the diamonds spreading far and wide, Emperor Lucas Aedon was surely aware of the banquet.

Kristin needed to send this letter to arrange an audience with the Emperor, as she intended to discuss Duke Raphael Rodney and Princess Rebella afterward.

She had not shared her intentions with Duke Raphael because she wanted to protect him without making it obvious.

“Please deliver this letter to the imperial palace.”

“This letter, My Lady?”

“Yes. I may need to meet with His Majesty the Emperor,” Kristin replied.

“My Lady, are you saying you’ll meet the Emperor?”

“Yes. Please take care of it for me.”

Just then, a servant, who had been guarding the mansion’s main gate, rushed in, holding a letter pierced by an arrow.

“Lady Kristin! I was standing guard at the gate, and this letter… it was shot through with an arrow! The knights on patrol are all alarmed and on high alert.”

“…As expected. Another letter…” the butler said, looking concerned. “My Lady, why don’t you cancel the banquet? It’s too dangerous.”

But Kristin, who had already decided to face whatever came, carefully removed the arrow from the letter and began reading its contents.