Even after Ikael had departed, Helia did not return to her chambers. When the surroundings grew quiet once more, she slowly spoke.

“Miel.”

As if she had been by Helia’s side all along, Miel emerged from the darkness.

“You’re finally addressing me by my real name.”

“There’s no need for aliases anymore.”

Helia gestured for Miel to take a seat, and Miel complied without hesitation, settling onto the sofa.

“Do you have an assignment for me?“

“You pretend not to know, though you clearly do.”

Helia gave a deep smile, one more arrogant than any villain’s. Miel turned her head away, responding nonchalantly.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.“

“It’s a country that begins with just one small territory. Eventually, I plan to swallow all of Bailey, but it’s a fledgling nation for now.“

“And so?“

Miel’s sharp tone suggested she already had an inkling of what Helia was about to ask of her. Helia maintained her composure and continued speaking.

“In diplomacy, priorities must be controlled. That requires intelligence.“

“If you need intelligence, pay for it.“

“No, I intend to make you one of my retainers.“

Miel’s eyes narrowed sharply, her voice tinged with indignation as she retorted.

“I am the head of Devon. And you think about making someone like me a retainer for a nation that doesn’t even exist yet?“

“That’s right.”

“I don’t understand where you get your confidence.“

“You’ve answered my summons, which is all I need confirmation.”

Despite Miel’s continued objections, Helia remained confident. She knew Miel must be intrigued by her proposition.

When it came to the head of Devon, Helia had some knowledge. As the leader of an intelligence organization, Miel was naturally drawn to places where the most interesting information converged. Her continued observation of Helia must have been with this potential in mind.

Helia was prepared to give up on Miel if she didn’t answer the summons. The same applies if someone else shows up instead; that would signify they intended to deal with Helia strictly as a client.

But Miel herself had appeared. That was reason enough for Helia to persist.

“Devon operates across the entire continent. Do you really believe you can encompass it all?“

Miel’s sharp voice questioned Helia’s qualifications. But Helia wasn’t fazed. In fact, had Miel accepted without resistance, Helia would have been the one to grow suspicious.

“Of course. I can even embrace witches within my grasp.”

At that, Miel’s expression subtly changed. It lasted only a moment before she resumed her impassive demeanor, but Helia didn’t miss it.

“Aren’t you tired of working in the shadows? Follow me, and you’ll be able to live openly in the light.“

“Operating in the shadows is far more convenient. Besides, I’ve received similar offers from the Empire. Your proposal holds no merit.”

Miel didn’t bother hiding her disdain as she responded decisively. She was certainly not an easy opponent. But Helia had no intention of letting her go.

“How about this: as I suggested, you take on the role of intelligence director for the new nation. Devon, however, remains intact. Think of it as acquiring an additional identity. While your face might become more recognized, I’ll do my best to conceal it.“

Miel’s eyes sparked with interest. It was an intriguing proposal. Until now, every nation had arrogantly sought to subjugate the entirety of Devon under their rule. None, not even the Empire, could embrace an entity like Devon.

However, Helia’s proposal only sought Miel’s allegiance while allowing Devon to remain untouched. It acknowledged her continued role as its leader. The only change would be the addition of a “public identity“ for Miel.

But then, why would Helia go so far as to offer her a title?

“Why bother? You could just keep purchasing intelligence from Devon.“

“I need information exclusive to us. In other words, I want to monopolize some of Devon’s intelligence. Think of it as holding the head of Devon hostage to secure that.”

Helia spoke openly, her face unflinching as she declared her intent to use Miel as leverage against Devon. Miel let out a disbelieving laugh at her audacity.

“What do you say?“

“It’s worth considering.”

Miel evaluated Helia’s proposal without hesitation. Such an assessment was a minor detail to Helia, but the words made her face light up with joy.

“How much time do you need to think it over?“

“At least a month. Even if nothing changes, internal discussions will be necessary.”

Helia quickly nodded. Of course, that made sense. It wasn’t for nothing that Devon was among the top three intelligence guilds on the continent. Miel, in turn, observed Helia with an enigmatic gaze.

The truth was that no internal discussions were needed. Devon was a strictly hierarchical organization, and all decisions by its leader were treated as directives. While news of the leader taking on a new identity might raise some eyebrows, as long as it didn’t disrupt the organization’s stability, no one would care. That was the kind of unity the group shared.

Miel looked at Helia, who was radiating an innocent excitement. Helia met her gaze as well.

When Helia first met Miel, she had assumed the eyes of an intelligence guild leader would be murky, clouded by countless secrets. But to her surprise, Miel’s eyes were bright and clear, an odd contrast for someone who had no qualms about shedding blood or exploiting death for gain. That clarity had made Helia trust her instantly—at least enough to feel assured that Miel wouldn’t manipulate her with false information. Moreover, Miel had treated her far better than expected.

“Thank you.“

“Pardon?“

“I wouldn’t have made it this far without your help. I should have said this sooner, but I’m late expressing my gratitude.”

Miel stared at Helia with wide eyes, and Helia, somewhat flustered, averted her gaze.

It was the first time she had been thanked by royalty. Clients who paid for information typically took the benefits she provided for granted. Miel herself had always seen it that way as well. She didn’t think she had done anything deserving of thanks; she had simply done her job. Yet here was Helia, shyly expressing heartfelt gratitude.

Miel couldn’t help but recall the first time they had met. Looking younger and more naive than now, Helia approached her with a tense expression. One of Miel’s subordinates had informed her that a member of the royal family was seeking her, so Miel had decided to handle the matter personally. Protocol dictated that interactions with high-ranking clients, especially royalty, required Miel or her closest confidants to build trust. That day, with all her aides otherwise occupied, Miel had gone herself. Surprisingly, she found a young princess looking utterly out of place.

Miel had been irritated, wondering what a sheltered young princess thought she was doing in such a dangerous place. But the request Helia made was anything but frivolous.

“Save me.”

That was all she had said.

Miel had struggled to grasp what she was hearing. The princess did not repeat herself. Instead, she laid out all the treasures she had accumulated, a pitifully small amount for such a grave request. Helia even offered the entirety of her wardrobe, saying Miel could take whatever else she wanted. Miel was intrigued by her desperation.

After telling Helia she would consider it, Miel returned to investigate everything about Helia Bailey. Only then did she begin to understand. For someone so young to be forced to beg for her life—Miel was moved by her sheer desperation.

That desperation compelled Miel to take Helia on as her personal responsibility. Over the years, Miel stayed by Helia’s side, correcting her course whenever she strayed. While she didn’t intervene in Helia’s reckless self-poisonings, she would administer antidotes if things became dire. The princess would repay her with more treasures each time, fueling rumors of Helia’s extravagance. Miel knew of the criticism but still accepted every jewel Helia offered—because without them, she would have had no reason to remain by Helia’s side.

Miel also knew precisely who Helia reminded her of. Lowering her head, she felt an eerie sense of déjà vu. Once again, she told herself she needed time to think. But in her heart, she already knew she would follow Helia’s proposal.

Helia unknowingly held a card that was too tempting to refuse.

“I have a younger sister,“ Miel suddenly said, changing the subject.