“Forget about sitting on a money cushion, isn’t it true that magical stones were discovered? It’s not like magical stones come out just by digging with a shovel, and if you want to start mining in earnest, how do you plan to secure miners and equipment?”
At those words, the surroundings instantly hushed as if cold water had been poured over them. Nevertheless, Count Asilwood, with a broad smile, casually responded.

“Yes, Count Gutez’s words are correct. So, I also had many concerns about that initially. Fortunately, someone decided to invest, so I could relieve a significant burden.”

That was fresh news. In fact, all the nobles gathered here were people who had perked up their ears upon hearing the news that a mine had been discovered on the land of Count Asilwood. It was inevitable that they couldn’t help but be interested.

“Count Asilwood, is this the first time we’ve heard such news?”

“Yes, the decision to invest was made not long ago.”

“Is it perhaps proceeding from the Hesera side?”

It was a very welcome question. Count Asilwood’s lips parted for a long time.

It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that half of the current magical stone supply came from the mines owned by the ducal residence. Therefore, the ducal residence was well aware of the news of magical stones being discovered in the capital.

In people’s minds, speculations like, ‘Could it be that they timed the event with the news?’ began to surface one by one.

“Oh, no, it’s not like that. But as you mentioned, it seems the news about my mine has already reached the Crystalga Duchy.”

The fact that news about Asilwood’s mine had reached the ducal residence! And on top of that, they suddenly opened an event.

In the perfectly fitting situation, everyone’s minds began to quickly churn.

Count Asilwood calmly continued without impatience.

“Since all the mines are gathered in Hesera, they had a firm grip on the magical stone supply so far. The mine I discovered is near the capital, isn’t it? So, I want to go to the event this time to talk about it. It seems they are interested in investing there, but now, I don’t need a large investment, so I think we can just discuss the business direction.”

Mining businesses required a significant initial capital. While the exact extent of Count Asilwood’s wealth was unknown, most people knew that he didn’t come from an extraordinarily wealthy family.

However, the fact that he didn’t need a large investment now meant that he had already secured the funds, right? One noble, harboring doubts, asked him.

“If you don’t need a large investment, does that mean all the funds have already been secured?”

“Oh, yes. Fortunately, the person I mentioned earlier also looked into my business prospects and decided to help me significantly.”

Within the Empire, there weren’t many wealthy individuals willing to invest such a huge sum. If they had moved, the news must have spread.

If it wasn’t them, did this mean that a giant new investor had appeared? This was indeed classified as top-tier information. One noble subtly prodded Asilwood.

“Which family is behind this, exactly?”
“Ah, that’s…,”

Up until now, he had been answering questions quite well, but he hesitated vaguely in his response. In the face of his ambiguous reaction, people’s curiosity could only grow.

“Tell us, who on earth provided such a large sum as an investment?”

“Yes, if it’s difficult to say, could you at least give us a hint?”

“Oh, this is quite tricky if you respond like that.”

Count Asilwood said, raising both of his hands. Seeing that he probably wouldn’t disclose it, people began to slowly shift the conversation elsewhere.

“So, everyone, have you thought about who your partners will be?”

Unmarried nobles started to discuss lightly about that.

Count Asilwood glanced around casually. Beyond his composed gaze, the figures of young ladies were reflected.

At that moment, Viscountess Belen asked Asilwood subtly,

“By the way, Count Asilwood, have you chosen a partner?”

“Oh, yes. I have.”

Count Asilwood took a sip of his drink, meeting the eyes of the youngest-looking lady among the young ladies.

“I see. Who is your partner?”

“It’s Lady Hwangbi.”

“Oh my, really? Did you already have a close friendship?”

“Yes, we’ve met several times for business reasons before. She’s been a grateful person who has helped me.”

Count Asilwood’s answer was unexpected.

While it was uncommon, in cases where one of the couple unavoidably had circumstances preventing them from attending the event, there were instances of taking another person as a partner to attend the event instead. However, such a case was only possible if the two families had no conflicting relationships.

In other words, Count Asilwood was subtly boasting about his connection with the imperial family. People who caught onto this relationship began to change their perspectives on Asilwood.

Initially disappointed faces of the young ladies, who had been disappointed by the news of Asilwood having a partner, began to show hope again.

Meanwhile, some observant nobles immediately focused on two facts: Count Asilwood’s investment source and his connection with Lady Hwangbi.

Having an undisclosed investment source but receiving support from Lady Hwangbi…

“By the way, Count Asilwood, from what I heard earlier, it seems that while the funds are secured, the recruitment of investors hasn’t been finalized yet, hasn’t it?”

“Yes, we haven’t concluded the recruitment of investors. If anyone wishes to join and share the same intention, I will welcome them with open arms at any time.”