Chapter 65
About a week ago—
At the peak of a mountain that nearly touches the sky, snow lay eternally. The land was fertile, and its many mines produced high-quality resources. It was a blessed land: Montella.
At the center of it stood the Grand Duke’s estate, where Lancelot sat at a marble desk, reviewing documents bathed in sunlight streaming through tall windows.
His butler, standing before him, explained the paperwork.
“Lady Never’s mine has just discovered ceridium.”
Ceridium, the hardest known mineral to date, wasn’t only used in noble jewelry, but also had industrial value. Naturally, its worth was astronomical.
“The tax alone should bring in a significant amount of revenue.”
Lady Never. A foreign noblewoman who had sent a representative to say she’d invest a large sum into Montella. Her identity wasn’t public, but that wasn’t a concern—Montella welcomed the investment regardless.
She bought ownership of several remote mines, and strangely, within a month, rare and valuable minerals were being unearthed one after another.
“Even the so-called King of Mines never had such luck.”
Though the full yield belonged to her, Montella’s laws allowed for 30% of the profits to be taxed, so it was a win-win.
The news spread, attracting investments from multiple nations.
“With this income, we can resolve the current financial issues. What a relief, Your Grace.”
“Has there been no reply to the letter asking for a meeting?”
“She seems extremely secretive about her identity.”
“Nothing we can do, then.”
Lancelot frowned lightly and stared at the name on the document—written in a round and cute handwriting:
Never Cry Eti.
The butler added:
“She must be satisfied, though. She’s gained multiple times her initial investment.”
Lancelot suppressed his curiosity about this eccentric investor, signed the document, and handed it back.
That was a week ago.
Now, he was looking at those exact same documents—only this time, someone else was holding them.
“You’re saying… you’re Lady Never?”
Lancelot’s composed expression completely changed. These were the original official documents. Only the true Lady Never could have them.
“Nice to see you, Your Grace.”
I smiled, my mysterious violet eyes gleaming. Lancelot’s green eyes wavered.
He had just discovered that the savior of Montella’s economy, the mysterious investor, was none other than the infamous Katrin Ellemore.
As for how I picked such promising mines?
Simple. In Star of the Revolution, it was said the northwest of the Creril Mountains held Montella’s best mineral veins.
They were underdeveloped and undervalued—perfect for me to snatch up.
“Never Cry Eti, at your service.”
I greeted him again, lowering my eyes briefly, then meeting his gaze.
He was clearly rattled. But after my introduction, he gave a polite, if abbreviated, nod.
I had just proven that I was now a major player in Montella.
“As the sole owner of Elma Pharmaceuticals, I can provide you with the medicine you desire.”
No time for small talk—who knew when the Emperor would return? Lancelot’s lips parted in a whisper.
“…Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
The House of Obier, Montella’s ruling family, suffered from a hereditary condition known as Beast Peak.
At regular intervals, members would transform into animals and lose all human reason. It wasn’t a disease so much as a curse.
“From what I know, you completely lose your human mind during Beast Peak. Your instincts take over. Is that correct?”
Star of the Revolution had mentioned that some noble families inherited special abilities. Montella was one example.
“That’s true.”
Since it was uncontrollable, they had hidden it for generations. But seeing I already knew, Lancelot didn’t bother denying it.
“One ancestor turned into a bird and was eaten by an eagle. Another became a beast and slaughtered people. The worst was 200 years ago—a man turned into an elephant and collapsed the grand estate, killing many. He later took his own life in guilt.”
“Then… what do you turn into? It may affect the dosage.”
The book never specified Lancelot’s animal form.
“Half a regular adult dose should suffice.”
Clearly, he didn’t want to say.
“Anyway, my first condition in exchange for the medicine is this—help me sell the mines to His Majesty at a high price. As a mining expert, your opinion will carry weight.”
I smiled while eyeing the basil biscuits.
“There’s nothing sweeter than conning that vile Emperor.”
And it helped Aetius’s revolution, too—so win-win.
“Second condition…”
I leaned in.
“As soon as I receive payment for the mines, I’ll defect to Montella. I want you to help me escape the Empire safely—likely within the week.”
“As you know, I’ve become very influential here in Montella. These documents prove it, don’t they?”
My business had expanded employment and exports. It was helping Montella’s economy thrive.
Lancelot stared at me for a long while, his eyes full of confusion—and questions he couldn’t yet ask.
His first words weren’t an answer, but a question.
“Weren’t you a loyal servant of His Majesty? Didn’t you even return the northern lands he gave you?”
“Let’s just say I had my reasons.”
I glanced toward the mansion.
The Emperor had apparently calmed his allergies—he was stepping out now. He must be eager to secure the mines if they were as valuable as I claimed.
Before he got too close, I tucked the documents back into my bag and straightened my posture.
“I trust you’ll make the wise choice, Your Grace.”
Lancelot stared me down with a piercing gaze.
Don’t overthink it. This is a win-win.
He needed the medicine for Beast Peak. I wanted to offload worthless mines at a premium. He might be upright, but… I had to gamble.
With a bright smile, I turned to greet the Emperor.
“Your Majesty, I’m glad your allergy has settled. That must’ve been rough.”
“Damn it. Fire the chef who made those basil cookies! And the butler who served them!”
“Yes, of course.”
Fire them? More like reward them. I hid a smirk and bowed politely, awaiting his next move.
“We’ve delayed long enough. Shall we head to the mines?”
Lancelot responded in his usual calm voice.
“That’s fine.”
But even as he answered the Emperor, his gaze remained glued to me.
