Aware of his sister’s presence, Gaizen hurriedly took Fabian out of the room, leaving Viare looking curiously at the door they had exited through.

‘What’s with that key?’

Seeing Gaizen’s effort to hide it, she thought it must be something she shouldn’t know about and resolved to uncover its secret soon.

The time for the afternoon negotiation at Cheil Trading Consortium had arrived. Viare greeted the maritime merchant already seated there.

Even though he was a commoner, he was an equal in the negotiation.

After their formal greetings, the merchant, smiling amicably, began to firmly set boundaries.

“Haha, even with the Lady’s persuasion, it won’t change anything.”

The recent discovery of oil in the western seas had granted this merchant the rights to oil drilling, according to law.

Yet, it was difficult to fully appreciate the true value of these oil rights, especially for an ordinary merchant.

The Ruschev family, having learned of this transfer of rights, had planned to negotiate with him before others became aware.

In the past, both the Duke and Gaizen had shown sincerity in acquiring the oil rights, but to no avail.

Remembering the employees’ headaches from this unexpected setback, Viare resolved to conclude the negotiation herself.

While her dedication to the family might seem futile, she needed to strengthen her position for now.

With oil leading to the lucrative railway business, whoever acquired these rights would gain immense wealth.
According to Viare’s memory, no consortium had ever successfully established an exclusive contract with this merchant in the past.

It was rare for a commoner to have a private audience with a noble, and they were seldom in a position to make such direct requests.

‘That’s what makes it stranger. What does he really want?’

Even when offered a significant amount of money or a mansion, he steadfastly refused.

Viare, thinking money was the most common solution, offered similar terms.

The Ruschev family, being one of the wealthiest in the Martha Empire, usually solved problems with money.

“I’m willing to match any amount you name.”

“You say the same as the young duke. Truly a noble family.”

Viare could only swallow her frustration at his somewhat sarcastic reply. The merchant wasn’t wrong.

‘If money can’t solve it…’

Feeling as if she had given the wrong answer to a problem he posed, Viare pondered the situation.

Thinking from a different angle, she had a sudden insight and smiled faintly.

Perhaps what they needed was indeed something very simple.

“We can deploy additional private police forces in the maritime area and provide complete security support from the Ruschev family.”

The seas, being far from the capital, were less monitored than other territories.

Consequently, crime syndicates exploiting this had increased, blatantly engaging in piracy.

If the authorities had paid even a little attention to maritime security, the lives of the residents would have been different.

Viare reflected on her own oversight in not paying enough attention to the residents.

It was a world where the pleas of the commoners were seldom heard, so it was natural for them to close off.

The merchant, evidently not expecting such a proposal, looked at her with surprise and skepticism.

“Do you realize that’s not an easy task?”

“There’s nothing impossible for the Ruschev family, who backs Cheil Trading Consortium.”

Anticipating headlines in the next day’s newspaper, Viare wore a satisfied smile.