Two-Faced Princess

New Embers (9)

Tanya growled.

“This business must be proposed directly to the upper shareholder himself. Count Aiter said that I can find her through you.”

At that, Tanya’s expression changed from wariness to wonder. She knew who Count Aiter was. He was a hard-nosed businessman who was logical when it came to money and a reliable partner of Idena company. He was also famous for his bluntness. A few years ago, Tanya went on an errand to Lansum at Apollonia’s request when there wasn’t enough manpower at the top. She remembered a servant who resembled a famous actor next to Count Aiter she had seen at that time.

“Count Aeter introduced you?”

If he told this man about Tanya, the man must not be dangerous.

“Yes. We were having tea at that time and he told me that your master prefers to meet people in person.”

Tanya’s eyes widened in shock. Very few people knew what he said because all Counts that were allied with Apollonia, Uriel, and Aiter were incredibly tight-lipped.

“Do you have proof?”

The man smiled and showed her a letter. “Look at the seal on the bottom.”

The Count’s seal was there. Tanya recognized the insignia that he used for important business documents. It was difficult to forge because the public didn’t know its exact shape from how complicated it looked.

“What do you think?”

“It’s true.” He told her not to look at the contents but Tanya saw what was written at first glance. The Count was asking her to meet him, basically guaranteeing the identity of the person who came with the document.

“You just have to pass this on to your master. Meeting him doesn’t matter to me.”

Tanya wanted to agree. There was nothing particularly strange about the man’s words. He didn’t reveal his face or identity, but the documents he held seemed enough to prove he was trustworthy. In addition, he seemed to know a good deal of information about Idena’s upper stock. The fact that he had told him that Tanya could contact Lady Idena directly, he must have been close to Count Aiter. It was impossible for him to know that information unless Count Aeter had introduced him to her.

“I understand that it’s difficult since it’s a sudden request. If you promise to deliver the letter, I’ll give you a reward now.”

He took a thick pocket from his sleeve and slightly opened it. Gold coins. Tanya’s heart beat faster. She was already in a difficult situation as soon as she came to the capital after she had been robbed of her fare to the Imperial Palace. There was a lot of work to take care of in Lishan so she couldn’t afford to be late. She finally nodded. The man seemed reliable, and even if he was suspicious, Apollonia would probably notice and refuse to meet him.

“I’m just delivering it, alright?” She said, snatching the pocket and the letter. Then she drank the remaining hot chocolate and got up from her seat. Now that she had the money, she could take a comfortable carriage to the Imperial Palace and meet Adrian.

“Thank you very much.” The man said with a chuckle but Tanya was already leaving the door.

“What a smart girl.” The man murmured in his seat. He reached into his arms and pulled something out. “It would be a problem if these aren’t enough.”

He smiled at the pocket in his hand. Just a moment ago, he had stolen her purse when she entered the bar.

* * *

As she sat in front of the mirror, Apollonia smiled and said. “Seta must be doing better than I thought.”

“She’s not well-educated but she’s ridiculously smart in some ways,” replied Adrian, who was combing her hair.

“If one can put Petra Ripper on edge then one isn’t an ordinary person. Did she like the present?”

“Yes. I felt like she was clearly aware of its value.” Apollonia nodded satisfactorily.

“Always keep in touch with Seta. Without doubts, destroying the trust between father and aunt would be difficult if it isn’t carried out carefully.”

“I know, Your Highness.”

Adrian was about to turn around after she finished combing Apollonia’s hair but when she suddenly thought of something, she took the letter out of her arms.

“By the way, Tanya delivered a letter as she came and went. Someone wants to meet Lady Idena in person, saying that he came under Count Aiter’s introduction.”

“Count Aeter’s introduction?”

“Yes. I don’t have a detailed description of him, but he’s just a merchant named Enoch Thean. It says that the person’s identity with this document can be guaranteed and that the business he says is essential to the top. You can also proceed directly, Your Highness.”