Karl pulled his chin and stared at me. Somehow, I avoided his penetrating gaze, feeling as if he could see through me.

“First of all, is the content of the request guaranteed to be kept confidential?”

“Of course. There’s no place as perfect as our guild in ensuring complete confidentiality of the client’s request. That applies even if the client turns out to be my master.”

So, without unnecessary worries, as if urging me to spill it out, Karl’s face seemed to say, I hesitated for a moment but eventually opened my mouth. After all, there was no other place to request help.

“I might be heading to the First Prince’s palace soon.”

“Oh, really? That’s unfortunate. You ended up going to that crazy bastard who doesn’t even want to associate with beggars.”

What’s this sarcastic tone at the end?

As I glanced at him curiously, Karl continued to nod his chin, as if telling me to keep talking.

“But, as you know, the First Prince’s disposition is not typically pleasant. So, I want to know about him in advance. It might make palace life a bit more manageable, don’t you think?”

They say preparation is half the battle.

“What exactly do you want to know?”

Despite having made up my mind, it felt awkward to speak in front of this man. After a brief moment of hesitation, I finally spoke under the urging gaze.

“…I want to know what the First Prince’s preferences are.”

Floria mentioned that if I go to the First Prince’s palace, I might be able to work there not as a maid but as a court lady. However, even that required his approval.

It was obvious that he would ask for the reason when he suddenly came to me, expressing his intention to become a palace servant.

The First Prince had mentioned that his intellect was as exceptional as his physical abilities, and he couldn’t wield the royal authority as he pleased.

If I came here saying that I still hated Floria and came to stand on the opposite side of her, the probability of him believing me was low. In that case, there was only one excuse left.

‘That I’ve come to admire him.’

Since I had frequently encountered him lately, having come to see him, wouldn’t it be more convincing if I said that I had developed feelings?

There was no other reason behind my absurd actions as much as my feelings. Of course, suspicions of intentional approaches couldn’t be avoided, but there was no other option.

Hence, for now, I planned to align myself with his preferences. To avoid getting hit by Karl for confessing right away, it would be better if there were at least some aspects I found likable.

‘Though I can’t guarantee that I really find him likable.’

“Preferences… What kind of preferences are you talking about? Food? Weapons? Or hobbies?”

Karl asked, stretching his lips. Judging by his expression, he seemed to have understood what I wanted, and there was a clear hint of mockery.

“Wo…man…ly…preferences.”

I said each syllable, feeling uneasy about the heated expression on Karl’s face.

“You said you had no intention of meeting the prince before, right?”

“I mentioned that I might be going to the First Prince’s palace. To become a court lady, I need to please him.”

“You’re not interested in the First Prince?”

“Not at all.”

When I cut it off abruptly, Karl smirked. Then he clenched his fist and tilted his head.
“Why do you suddenly want to go to the First Prince’s palace?”

“That’s…”

I pondered how to answer. Even if this man claimed to be affiliated with Floria, I couldn’t openly disclose everything.

Moreover, telling the truth to Floria’s followers would likely raise suspicions. I chose my words carefully and replied, “I want to be of help to Lady Floria.”

“What do you mean?”

“Now that the succession battle for the throne is about to begin in earnest, if I’m in the First Prince’s palace, I might be able to extract some information, right?”

“You’re thinking of something dangerous.”

“For Lady Floria, I would do anything. She forgave me for being naive and mischievous. I must do something to repay her kindness. Of course, Lady Bea is unaware of this matter.”

Just in case, I added a clue at the end.

“That’s an unprecedented dedication.”

Karl cheerfully nodded his head.

“Okay. I’ll accept that request.”

“Really?”

“It’s for Lady Bea, and I can’t refuse. Investigating about the First Prince is not as simple as delivering catalogs, but considering we failed a mission in the past, I won’t charge additional fees.”

No, why is this guy suddenly showing a conscience?

In fact, since it was a request, I had prepared myself to empty my entire fortune, so hearing this during the conversation was a pleasant surprise.

As he nodded toward the back, Machi brought a contract. I signed it without further thought.

“Heh. It went smoother than I thought. Luckily.”

Just in case, I had asked Sylvia to send guards to the bookstore if there was no contact within two hours, but it seemed like unnecessary worry.

“Thinking about it, he doesn’t seem like such a bad guy.”