Book 9: Chapter 27


    Melissa arrived at the imperial pce three days after setting out from the south. The reason she had the privilege of setting foot in the rear pce was thanks to the sky-blue cape Lin Dongqing lent. She had never seen the cape before, but she was surprised to find out it was so effective. Not a single soul dared to stop her at the doors despite eyeing her in a way that had her hike a brow up.


    A surpriseddy-in-waiting inquired, What is your rtionship with Count Lin Dongqing? He gave you the cape, correct? In that case, were you seeking an audience with Her Majesty?


    Yes He sent me to talk to Her Majesty about something.


    Despite being an incredibly confident woman, Melissa still felt afraid when she was about to meet the empires Queen even though they had yet to meet. Her reaction made it seem as if Queen Sisis imperial pce was a monster waiting to gobble up someone.


    Please wait here for a moment. I shall go notify Her Majesty.


    Not long after, Melissa entered the rear pce and up to the balcony on the second floor. The interior decoration of the imperial dazzled even Melissa, who had already seen some of the most artistic buildings around already.


    Sisi scattered bread crumbs on the tea table and watched the small birds energetically bouncing on her table. Though she only wore a in white dress, Melissa was swept off her feet at the beauty of the burgundy hair under the crown and subtle smile spread across Sisis lips.


    Queen Sisi turned to look at Melissa: Wee to my rear pce. Madam, how shall I address you?


    My name is Melissa, Your Majesty. C-C-C-Count Lin Dongqing introduced me I have something to discuss with you


    Sisi responded with a small nod: I, of course, knew that. There is only one copy of the sky-blue cape you have with you, and it belongs to Lin Dongqing. I granted you an audience thanks to the cape. Its been a long time since Ive granted anyone an audience. Go on. Is it your issue or Lin Dongqings?


    Umm it would be something we discussed together, answered Melissa. Nervous, she licked her lips. We n to join the purchase of the shipyard together, so we hoped you could financially support us and give us a loan.


    Oh? responded Sisi, hiding a ridiculing undertone beneath her smirk. Interesting. I have yet to chase him down for sneaking to the South as soon as he was appointed, yet hes here to ask for a loan? In saying that, since the minister of business has asked you toe, does that mean that you can provide me with a profit? If you cant, I wont agree.


    Melissa nervously passed on to Sisi what Lin Dongqing told her. During the time Sisi listened, she maintained her ridiculing smile. Melissa didnt have any idea what Sisis smile meant or if shed refuse. Queen Sisi wasnt a Queen who was easy to deceive. Sisi and Lin Dongqing were definitely on good terms, but Sisi might not have believed her.


    Sisi touched her face after Melissa finished and then picked up her teacup on the table, startling he birds off, some of which grouchily left as they didnt get to finish eating. Sisis eyes looked wider than usual, which indicated that she was deliberating. Melissa stood stiff, nervously observing Sisi maintain a rxed sitting posture.


    Having Sisi invest was the first step of the n. Only once Sisi made the investment would others follow suit, thereby allowing the loan to continue, subsequently allowing more garbage bonds to be offered. There wouldnt be anyone whod be willing to invest otherwise.


    Hehehe, normally, nobody would be willing to invest after that speech. It doesnt sound as though its a very reliable investment. Normally, Id kick you out now. Nobody would ept that request from you. It resembles a scam more than an investment.


    D-does it? Melissas heart skipped a beat. No investment from Sisi meant no investments from anyone else, and she would head to bankruptcy. Melissa brooded inwardly, How can I ept this ending? Ivee so far. Ive fought for so long. Is this really the end of the line for me?


    With that said, its Lin Dongqings proposition, and Im aware of what hes capable of, continued Sisi. Lin Dongqing often achieves what others cant. As such, I n to ept the proposal. Im also eager to see what return Lin Dongqing can give me. I know what youre thinking, and I support Lin Dongqing. I shall loan you twenty thousand gold coins from my personal ount. I shall also allow you to advertise your idea with my name. That will be my way of supporting Lin Dongqing. Also, youre aware that you have to repay loans. I want the right to the shipyard. I want to be a shareholder of the shipyard.


    Yes, Your Majesty.


    There was never any doubt that Queen Sisi would make that the condition, and Lin Dongqing already saw iting. Queen Sisi wasnt just prudent but also greedy. Either way, Lin Dongqing and Melissa could ept it.


    Melissa didnt need the shipyard nor did Lin Dongqing. It was better off exchanging it for Queen Sisis support. Thus far, the n wasing along smoothly. Once they had Queen Sisis gold coins, the nobles and banks would know what their job was.