Decoding each nation’s complex and different cipher systems required a lot of manpower from the Ash Trading Company.

But they were still short of manpower for code decryption.

Practically, they had gathered all the talent that could be pulled from within the Empire and the south.

So, Calon decided to look for talent in Denertum while he was here.

Obviously, he couldn’t openly shout, “Looking for code decoders!”

So he transformed a few commonly used ciphers into quiz questions and advertised them in newspapers and magazines, along with the promise of a big prize.

Ads promising money for solving quizzes piqued people’s curiosity.

Those who could read or count dove into quiz-solving, hoping for a big payday.

The fervor was so great that even nobles casually joined in.

What Nisha handed over was a list of those who had solved last week’s advertised quiz.

“Even if they can find the correct answer, speed is crucial…”

Code decryption is a race against time. If it takes a year to decrypt a code, it’s useless.

So it was necessary to give them another problem and see how long it took to solve it.

“Mountain after mountain.”

Calon covered his face with the list Nisha had given him.

“Is there anything more difficult than finding usable people?”

“Exactly. At this point, I’d marry anyone who could decipher ancient languages and codes. I’d beg them to stay with me for life.”

At Calon’s words, Nisha made a weird chuckle.

“How many people are you planning to marry?”

“You never know. Someone good at ancient languages might be good at codes too.”

“Have some conscience. Where in the world is such a person? Besides, it’s the first time I’ve heard you talk about marriage.”

“That’s how desperate the situation is.”

Calon was a person who got along well with everyone.

Of course, he was precise in his relationships and could be really scary when he was angry, but generally, he easily won people’s affection and was kind.

But Nisha knew. Calon had never shown deep personal interest in anyone.

Ino had even mumbled to Nisha, “He doesn’t seem to be interested in men. Otherwise, he would have targeted me.”

Hearing him even mentioning marriage showed how desperate they were for manpower.

“Anyway, we should pray.”

“For what?”

“What do you mean ‘for what’?”

Nisha shrugged her shoulders.

“We should pray to see you clutching your spouse’s clothes, begging them not to leave, after you’re married.”

“Welcome, Miss Aelfrie. I’m truly grateful you could attend despite the sudden invitation.”

Aelfrie slightly curtsied, her smile bright as she greeted Riena.

How could I not come? They even sent a carriage to ensure I couldn’t escape.

Aelfrie raised her head to assess Riena. A moment of fleeting confusion passed, but Riena quickly concealed it and led Aelfrie inside.

As befitting wealthy high nobility, every part of the Duke’s mansion was clean and beautiful.

Not a speck of dust lay on the window frames, and no trace of moss could be found on the stone pillars.

Above all, what made Aelfrie envious were the books in the reception room she passed through within the mansion.

The Duke was among the high nobility who held a moderate stance towards the Empire. Perhaps for that reason, the reception room was well-stocked with books from the Imperial library.

So many new books scattered throughout the house. Then I can read anytime, anywhere.

Aelfrie momentarily forgot she should be on guard, her expression becoming vacant as she imagined an afternoon spent reading a new book in a sun-drenched garden.

But that daydream was brief. The moment she was guided into the tea hall arranged in the courtyard, Aelfrie’s body stiffened.

After all, women casting eyes full of hostile curiosity were waiting for her there.