Chapter 13 – Part 2

A report from Gerard Durnell on the perfume and mining investments had arrived. It neatly summarized the investments’ progress.

– The perfume investment is yielding a significantly higher return than expected.

“Good,” Eliana thought as she continued reading the letter.

– I also wish to report on the mining investment, which has been a concern of mine. The issues we worried about have been resolved, and you will soon see a substantial profit. A significant return is highly likely. Large amounts of minerals have been discovered early on, and once we convert them into cash, your personal fortune will grow at an unprecedented rate in Moira.

“Excellent,” Eliana nodded.

She knew that when Gerard had initially suggested reconsidering the investment, it wasn’t out of rudeness. The mine had been stagnant for some time.

“People ignored it, but just because it hasn’t been touched doesn’t mean it’s without value.”

The Osar Mine held far more minerals and magic stones than any other place. Of course, only Eliana knew that.

Investors had hesitated because the mine entrance was difficult to access, and the initial costs were enormous. However, a landslide was about to change everything.

After Eliana had informed Gerard that she would invest, a significant landslide was scheduled to occur. The trees and rocks blocking the mine’s entrance would be swept away, making it much more accessible.

“The place thought to have no value will soon reverse its position with the place deemed valuable.”

Eliana already knew what was going to happen. She was fully aware of the untapped potential of the mine. So, there was no hesitation in investing a large sum.

“Everything is going according to plan.”

Just as she had seen in her previous life, the natural disaster—the landslide—swept away the rocks and trees blocking the entrance. There was no longer any need to spend money or time clearing the initial area, and with less time needed to clear the entrance, the project gained momentum.

– I never imagined such a favorable turn of events. Lady Eliana, your investment was extraordinary, as if you had the foresight to see the future. It’s the most remarkable decision I’ve seen since I started my firm. It’s an honor to be part of such an investment.

Gerard’s words were filled with amazement and admiration.

As she read the letter, Eliana smiled satisfiedly. Gerard had even calculated the expected profit and sent it to her.

“Oh… It’s an enormous sum.”

Eliana was a bit surprised. Although she had anticipated making a lot of money, the projected figure far exceeded her rough estimate.

“The profits from my gem investments seem like child’s play compared to this.”

She would no longer have to worry about financial issues with all that money combined. She had secured the development of the mine. Now, it was time to invest even more to solidify her position.

– Convert all the minerals into cash once extracted and deposit them into my account.

She wrote this in her reply to Gerard.

“My first goal after returning—making money.”

She no longer had any concerns about that.

“According to my original plan, the next step is to leave the Empire of Moira.”

Under normal circumstances, she should have been preparing a plan to buy a ticket out of the empire with a carefree heart, humming to herself without a second thought.

“But it seems that things don’t always go as planned in my second life.”

Though she had gathered the money, she wasn’t in a rush to leave. And the reason was Calix—the man who had stayed by her side, nursing her through the night until she woke from the brink of death. She thought they would remain just friends forever, but she had crossed the barrier of friendship with him.

“I wonder what Calix is doing right now.”

Even while handling business matters, she found herself thinking of him. Lately, she has been discovering a new side of herself.

“Oh my! A cat!”

Mila’s voice came from outside the door.

“Could it be that cat from before?”

Eliana opened the door and stepped outside.

“My Lady, a cat suddenly came in through the window. I’ll send it out right away.“

“Mila, don’t send it out. I know this cat.”

“You know the cat? Since when?”

Eliana approached the yellow-furred cat, which was looking at her. She gently scratched under its chin. The cat quietly accepted her touch and rubbed its face against her.

“Meow, do you remember me too? How adorable.”

Eliana petted the cat affectionately.

“But you…“ Eliana suddenly realized something.

‘You’ve changed.’

The scruffy, drooling cat differed from the last time she saw it. Its fur was shiny now, and it no longer drooled. Even its once-thin cheeks seemed to have filled out a bit.

Eliana glanced at her fingertips. The different sensation she felt wasn’t something to brush off lightly.

At first, she thought the cat’s weakened state might have been due to nearly drowning, but upon closer inspection, she understood.

‘It seems… my healing power has manifested.’

The cat couldn’t have recovered so dramatically without any medicine or treatment.

“Meow, are you not sick anymore?“ she asked.

As if in response, the cat purred contentedly. It rubbed its body against Eliana, as though expressing its gratitude.

“Oh my, what an affectionate cat,“ Mila said, reaching out to pet it as well.

“Wow, its fur is so soft. It’s like someone groomed it,“ Mila marveled.

“I wonder if we have anything to give it,“ Eliana mused.

She went to the kitchen and brought back some leftover chicken, which the cat eagerly began to eat. Watching it, Eliana sank into thought.

‘So, I’ve developed healing powers?’

There was a time when she had longed for the manifestation of her healing abilities every day. If this had happened back then, she would have been so overjoyed she might have screamed. She would have announced it to everyone and basked in their congratulations.

But now, Eliana felt strangely calm. She no longer yearned desperately for this power.

‘After all, I had already accepted that it might never come. Besides, even without it, I’m not incomplete.’

She understood things now that she hadn’t before.

‘But suddenly, here it is.’

Eliana clasped her hands together. As she concentrated and thought about healing, her hands grew warm again, just as they had when she touched the cat.

* * *

“My Lord, look at this!”

Oliver brought in a newspaper as Count Austin finished his meal and sat down to tea with Matilda and Sylvia.

“What is it, Oliver?“

“There’s a big article about Lady Eliana.”

At the mention of an “article,” Matilda’s nerves tensed. Ever since the incident with Eliana nearly drowning and the subsequent visit from the guards, Matilda had been on edge. The guards had asked if there had been any prior conflicts with Eliana, and it had felt like an interrogation.

“An article about Eliana?”

Worried it might be something negative, Count Austin took the newspaper.

– Eliana Leiberte achieves remarkable success by investing in a previously overlooked mine.

“Eliana made another investment so quickly?“

“Yes, she invested in perfume and mining, and it seems they’ve both succeeded enough to make the news.“

The article described how she had bet on investments others had deemed unworthy and had achieved outstanding results.

‘How did she manage to succeed while she was unwell?’

The count was deeply surprised.

‘I was amazed when she succeeded with the gem investment, but I thought it was just beginner’s luck.’

But now she has made two more successful investments, including in a risky and complex venture like mining. This was beyond ordinary investment sense.

‘Even Paul, who studied investments, hasn’t achieved even a fraction of what Eliana has managed.’

The count continued reading.

The article praised Eliana’s incredible investment foresight, almost like she could see the future.

– The Osar Mine, which had been severely undervalued, is expected to have a bright future.

During her broken engagement, every newspaper published articles criticizing Eliana. This was a drastic shift compared to that. The count put down the paper, feeling a mix of emotions.

Matilda skimmed through the article as well. She wasn’t interested in the details of the investments. That wasn’t important to her right now. What mattered was whether Paul’s name was mentioned concerning the incident at the National Foundation Day festival.

Her sensitivity to the guards’ questioning wasn’t just because they had been insistent. Matilda knew the truth.

‘I know who was behind pushing Eliana into the water that day.‘

“Matilda.”