Book 9: Chapter 21


    My appetite for the special dishes in the South was quite good. Melissa, in contrast, seemed more interested in me. Although I said I wouldnt drink alcohol, it was hard to refuse It tasted fantastic! After eating for a while, Melissa, who was next to me, inquired, So, Minister of Business, what did you want to investigate here in the South?


    What do you think I am here to investigate?


    You are asking for my opinion? asked Melissa, with a perplexing smile. In my opinion, you do not know me, and I doubt you know any businessmen in the South. Put another way, you are not here to forge a rtionship with us, promote Her Majestys policies or something nor are you here to ask for our donation. You appear to have a goal; logically speaking, then, you are not here to buy something or to do something. Following that flow of reasoning, you are not interested in products from the South, so you are interested in the shipyard everyone is talking about, correct?


    I nodded subtly then conveyed, That said, I dont n to buy the shipyards shares. Im just here to investigate it. Also, I have a question: do you know Albert?


    Oh, I expected that. I thought that you were after. Otherwise, you would not have mentioned the name of the individual with rtively more shares at the moment, remarked Melissa, ing her ss down and wiping her hands. Albert is a kid who inherited his family business just recently. He does not look too bad, likes to y and his personality is not bad. I never saw him as someone who had a knack for business. Surprisingly, he has disyed amazing determination and persistence this time. From the beginning, he has done everything in his power obtain lots of shares. While he only acquired a little over twenty percent of the shares, he is one of the two individuals with the most shares now.


    Previously, everyone was hesitant. After a small team of adventurers brought back a bag of gold mineral, all hunters have had their interest piqued. Everyone needs a boat to travel there. Therefore, the shipyards business is bound to explode. Moreover, whoever has control of the shipyard will have control over the lifeline of the newnd that has been discovered in the South.


    That was why I told what I told Albert when we met waspletely correct. If Albert didnt attack the subi, Achilles, Albert and I might be discussing how to do a better job rather than me being on a search and destroy mission.


    Since Albert almost had the majority of shares at this point, that meant I had to start with him. Albert couldnt possibly have enough funds to purchase the appreciating shares. His only option, therefore, was to take a loan.


    How much has Albert spent?


    I am not sure what the exact number is. In saying that, there is one thing I am sure of, which is Albert is a very cautious individual. I would assume it has to do with his pregnant wife. He cannot bet everything he has, after all. All he did was spend a portion of his assets to purchase the shares. In addition, due to the influence of time, he did not spend much. Fundamentally speaking, he has not spent enough to do himself any damage.


    Melissas expression hinted curiosity. I stayed silent, forcing her to speak up: However, you sound as though you want to harm Albert, or is it Queen Sisis idea?


    No. I was just asking. I have no designs for Albert. Im not here on Queen Sisis orders, either. Im just following up my personal interest to see if I can earn a share from it.


    There is no need for you to hide it.


    I hate, yet appreciate, smart women. That included Sisi and Melissa


    Was I too obvious? I only asked a few questions. How did she deduce that I was trying to hunt Albert? This isnt good. Its definitely not a good thing for me to have been discovered before having even made my move, I brooded.


    Melissaughed and then licked the butter on her finger: I do not n to concern myself with it. Rather, I do not n to concern myself with Alberts life. I cannot purchase shares due to starting toote. As a result, the shipyard has nothing to do with me. I will not reveal to anyone what your ns are. Offending you is not wise. Furthermore, those men look down on me in the first ce because of my origins. I am not interested in them, either. As such, you need not worry about me leaking anything.


    Let us do this: I shall tell you want I want. If I tell you what I want first, I would say that would make me more trustworthy. I shall go first, then. As I said, I started toote. Consequently, I cannot acquire shares. My focus is no longer on the shipyard. The reason I went to the North and recognised you was because I attended your exhibition. I saw the quality of the fabric you produced with your machines as well as production volume, both of which are very much to my satisfaction. I think that is where real money is to be made. ordingly, I wish to open a factory but require your experience and permission.


    I thought, Now I can exin all her actions. She wants to start a factory, I see. I can now assign a reason to why shes trying to get in my graces. That means that what were after doesnt conflict, so shell keep my secret. Additionally, she might even help me. Ive always wanted a source of information and trusted individual. It seems Ive effortlessly found myself both.


    Melissa smiled and raised her ss: This time, I am serving Her Majesty as the representative of my family. I will do my best to assist with your ns in the South. If your business goes smoothly, I hope you will allow me to start a factory in the South. What do you think?


    I understood what Melissa meant and wanted. The question was whether or not I could trust her. How was I supposed to provide a worthwhile evaluation of her trustworthiness when I barely knew her? Even though I knew it was a meaningless question on its own, I questioned, Can I trust you?


    Melissa giggled and then, switching to a solemn visage, answered, Of course you can.