Late at night, Rafa was entertaining an important guest from abroad, with Maddox, the organization’s second-in-command, by his side.

“There are over a hundred Hamilton general stores throughout Galdencia. You definitely won’t regret it.”

Initially, Allen did not want to deal with Rafa. He disliked the idea of trading with a group known for its unsavory origins in the gypsy community and its delinquency.

However, he couldn’t refuse since Rafa had offered the highest bid.

“The name ‘Hamilton’ alone is worth a lot of money.”

Allen was irked by Rafa’s comment.

“Don’t use the name ‘Hamilton.’ As you know, the Hamilton family is branded as traitors. The customers wouldn’t want that.”

The mere presence of the Hamilton name in various parts of Galdencia was unpleasant to Allen. He wanted to erase all traces of the Hamiltons, hence his decision to sell the general stores.

“Aye! We have members in Galdencia, we know. Most people there believe Richard Hamilton was framed. The reputation of the Hamilton general stores is still good.”

Allen shook his head in frustration. He thought about dealing with this gangster organization after raising the price.

“We won’t use the name, so don’t worry. But, can you lower the price a bit more?”

Rafa quickly caught on to Allen’s intentions and tried to renegotiate the price.

“Lower the price…”

Allen pondered, fingers interlocked. When the sale of the general stores was announced, newspapers across Galdencia uniformly expressed concern.

Also, being labeled as a traitor, he faced numerous lowballers. So, he thought of finalizing the deal with them while in Lubec.

However, agreeing to lower the price further meant he had to benefit too. Suddenly, an idea flashed through Allen’s mind.

“What if you eliminate Duke Courtois? Do that, and I might sell at your desired price.”

Rafa and Maddox exchanged silent glances at Allen’s suggestion, then burst into loud laughter.

“Who do you want us to eliminate? Duke Courtois? He’s practically the second most powerful man in the Lubec Empire, and you’re asking us, mere gypsies, to take him out?”

“Why don’t you have the confidence?”

Allen honestly thought it a good strategy, as a death by the hands of lowly gangsters wouldn’t raise suspicion.

They were a breed known for their vile acts, like rats in a sewer, smuggling anything from opium to who-knows-what for money.

“He’s no easy target. We might end up shedding our own blood.”

Rafa shuddered at the thought of Duke Courtois. Originally, he was just known as a war hero. But he had once threatened to blow up an entire district just for a single potion.

Rafa had never encountered someone so extreme. Unyielding to negotiations or persuasion, the Duke also lacked any concept of groveling or appeasement.

“Let’s forget about this.”

Maddox urgently waved it off to Allen.

For Allen, the deal would end once he returned to his country, but an organization implicated in killing Lubec’s war hero would inevitably face arrest and execution.

Both Terrun and Allen were formidable, but Allen’s audacity was something else.

‘Selling a general store and asking to kill a duke. He’s gotten too bold.’

Or maybe, with newfound wealth, he’s become fearless and reckless.

‘Blinded by money. He doesn’t understand that not everything in the world goes his way just because he’s rich.’

As Rafa refused, Allen persisted.

“Then, let’s do this. I’ll lower the price, but no killing. Instead, do another job for me.”

“Another job?”
“Isn’t it your specialty to handle things without anyone knowing who did it?”

“Quit beating around the bush and speak.”

“Send the Duke’s fiancée to Galdencia.”

Allen was confident that once Grace was in his hands, he could make her forget about Terrun. No woman had ever resisted his advances.

It wasn’t just about desiring Grace. He was eager to witness Terrun’s madness upon seeing his betrothed’s betrayal.

After all, it was Terrun who had played mind games first. It was only fair for Allen to seek revenge.

Rafa and Maddox pondered the request. Kidnapping the fiancée was a relief compared to killing the Duke, but it was still a challenging task. However, kidnapping was their expertise.

Leah was profoundly disappointed. She had thought wearing the lace dress crafted by Chainer would be a smash hit, but it only tarnished her reputation.

“Maybe I was too ahead of my time.”

Polly, who heard about the event from Leah, also looked greatly disappointed.

“Was it too provocative?”

“No matter how pretty the dress, the noblewomen would have been jealous of you.”

It seemed the approach was all wrong. In their eyes, Leah’s daring attire was just a ploy to attract attention, not a fashion statement.

Then, there was a knock. Polly opened the door to find James.

“Miss, Duke Terrun is looking for you.”

“Where is he?”

“In the living room.”

“I’ll be right down.”

Leah checked her appearance. She had been avoiding Terrun since the day of the party. His sharp words about her failure were annoying and confusing.

“Polly, Terrun is a man, right?”