Although this was our first time meeting face to face, Ginevra Gulbru and I sat across from each other, drinking tea like old friends.
Neither the Archduke nor Bonita accompanied me, as Ginevra did not allow undocumented visitors. However, I didn't feel any danger.
Anyway, getting here wasn't difficult – Golbru's side even sent a dedicated teleportation scroll for my convenience.
But…
I have no idea what you're thinking.
Averse to wasting time, she got straight to the point as soon as I sat down and explained the reason for my visit.
I also shared my opinion that establishing relationships with Ambrose Trading Company would be beneficial for Goalpro as well.
Contrary to my expectations, she did not give me an immediate answer. Rather, I asked a question.
“So, you are proposing that Golbru Trading Company provide escort personnel to Ambrose Trading Company?”
“Yes. Ideally, establishing a regular trade route would be beneficial to both sides.”
Thanks to Ambrose's wide distribution network covering the entire continent, the movement of employees will become much more efficient.
I was sure that the Goalbro team had been waiting for such an opportunity.
“Then why?”
Why was Ginevra fiddling with her teacup, looking a little uncomfortable?
I couldn't stand the awkward silence, so I spoke again.
“Is there anything else you would like in return?”
She framed my request as a personal favor, but if she viewed it as a formal business proposal, her reaction made some sense.
However, once again, Ginevra's response completely deviated from my expectations.
“It's not about the circumstances.”
"…pardon?"
“I'm... hurt.”
"...Cough! Cough!"
I drank the lukewarm tea I had just swallowed, and it went into my stomach, and I nearly choked.
Because I didn't want to embarrass myself in front of a new person I knew, I fought back a coughing fit and raised my head.
“You… injured?”
What was she talking about I wonder?
I could only express my confusion.
“Miss Salt.”
Ginevra stared at me with sadness in her light brown eyes, her flower-like face covered in disappointment.
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“Tell you...what?”
If I were a man, I might think this was a fight between two lovers. That's how her heartbroken voice sounded.
Then she finally revealed the reason.
“There is a widespread rumor that the book ‘Concerning Safety Rules for Writing Horror Stories’ has been published in the Duchy of Blair.”
“Well, that's true.”
“There is also rumor that the mastermind behind this exciting act is a woman.”
impossible.
I subconsciously glanced at the towering bookshelf behind her, and my throat went dry.
“From the beginning, I've felt your presence everywhere in this world of picture books, Miss Salt.”
"…Excuse me?"
Of course, she didn't mean that literally. It's not like I left my perfume on the books.
That means she was referring to something else – something far more serious.
“Lady Golbrow...”
“Do you have any idea how many letters I've exchanged with you? I know exactly how you preface your introductions before getting to the main point.”
Her sharp, knowing gaze shone with certainty.
“The way the story is developing...confirmed my suspicions more than ever.”
Ginevra was one of the few people who knew that I resided in the Duchy of Blair, having previously provided a workforce for a dam construction project.
Accordingly, it would have been strange if you had not suspected me in this matter.
“Well, the thing is… I didn't mean to hide it from you.”
Honestly, I was too busy with the chaos in my life to think about it. And Ginevra was very precise.
I was quick to offer an unconvincing excuse.
“Besides, my involvement in this business is supposed to be a secret...”
It's not that I made a special effort to maintain that.
However, it was better for the people in Salt to remain unaware – not only that I was alive and well, but also that I was running a business in Kletan, an enemy country.
“Ahem.”
I cleared my throat and leaned forward slightly, my eyes meeting Ginevra's frowning gaze.
"It was too dangerous for me to say anything in writing. Honestly… I didn't expect you to have such a deep interest in comics."
After my words calmed down, I took one last look at the towering bookshelf.
Now that I looked closer, it wasn't just the main volumes of On the Safety Rules for Writing Horror Stories – there were special editions, limited edition editions, and even hardcover collectibles neatly arranged in excellent condition.
That was all the proof I needed.
Her love for comic books was undeniable.
“I didn't really know.”
I softened my gaze slightly, showing a hint of remorse.
Fortunately, it seemed that Ginevra did not intend to hold in her displeasure for long. Her expression softened as she raised the teacup again.
“Well, now you know.”
She looked at me suddenly.
"right?"
Her words were an open invitation – she was waiting for me to make an offer.
Ginevra was not the type of person to be easily influenced by money or power.
The only reason she agreed to meet with me today is because she valued the trust we had built over time.
What does a woman like her want?
“She already has it all.”
She was so wealthy that the money was practically rotting in her hands, and she had already collected every comic-related item there was.
Even the Ghost Duke Edition mugs, which were limited to just 100 pieces, were displayed on their shelves – not one, but three mugs.
“If Baron Bavron saw this, he would lose his mind.”
In fact, it's not just him – anyone who was desperately searching for those mugs would be beating their chest in despair.
Anyway, this definitely confirms one thing.
Ginevra was absolutely obsessed with our comics.
“Lady Golbrow.”
I let a slow, confident smile spread across my lips.
It's time to use my trump card.
“It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you Her Majesty the Queen, Empress of the Cleta Empire.”
“Huh… I’m not particularly interested in having relationships beyond my means—”
“No.”
I interrupted her before she could refuse.
“Not as political acquaintances.”
I blinked.
“But as a fan like you, and a loyal reader of ‘Safety Rules for Writing Horror Stories’.
“Ah.”
“You must be aware of this, Lady Golbru. “How actively Her Majesty is promoting the Duke of Terror’s Palace.”
Ginevra's expression remained calm at first glance, but if I looked closely, I could see a slight twitch at the corner of her lips.
She knew.
She knew that the Empress of Kletan was the most ardent fan and the biggest contributor to the fan community.
“Gotcha.”
There was a kind of madness that only loyal fans could participate in.
I played my cards right, and I was sure I would win.
(Translator's Note: I think I should change “Safety Rules for Writing Horror Stories” to “Safety Rules for the Duke’s Haunted Mansion.” I’m a little confused, so please comment and let me know.)
* * *
“Hmm, Ms. Gulbru is a noble lady who is highly respected and trusted in her circle… Ah, no, that’s not true!”
April was writing her letter carefully, but suddenly she shook her head and crumpled the paper.
Whoosh!
Ian—no, Kayan, who was wearing his transformation ring—pretended not to notice the paper ball flying through the air and landing on the ground.
“Ugh, that cover letter sounds so corny.”
She muttered to herself, holding her head, and then suddenly turned around as if an idea had occurred to her.
Hmm.
Moments later, she quietly got up after seeing Bonita napping in the corner.
Because she did not want to disturb her maid, she picked up the thrown letter herself, threw it in the wastebasket, and returned to her seat without a word.
“How strange!”
This behavior was rare among members of the royal family, who are usually characterized by arrogance.
Of course, April spent years managing Limia's affairs and was never fully recognized as a princess, which set her apart from others.
Kaiyan watched her briefly, but reminded himself that scrutinizing the person he cared for in this way was not part of his duty as Ian. He turned his head away with deliberate disregard.
However, he couldn't help himself.
It had been about three months since he had unwittingly become April's bodyguard.
From what he saw of her 'knight', one thing was clear – she was someone to watch closely.
Not only was she constantly attracting trouble, but despite her complaints, she always ended up taking responsibility for things herself.
A typical example of someone whose actions contradict their words – feigns indecision while their body moves on its own.
If he had only assessed her as a “protection object”, that would have been the full assessment. But…
“It's not an unpleasant sight.”
What he didn't realize was that as his self-judgment crept in more and more, a slight, unfamiliar smile formed on his lips as he found his gaze drawn to the back of her round head.