Preparations for Opening (4)
“Is this the method you spoke of to bring Edward on board?”
At Chiron’s words, Sisilia subtly gauged his mood. It was like watching his daughter cozy up to the one person in the world he got along with the least.
“Not a bad judgment call.”
The unexpected response made Sisilia look up.
“You’re… not mad?”
“Edward’s someone to keep your guard up against, naturally. But this situation…”
Chiron sighed.
“At least you won’t get scammed out in the wilds now. With his own honor on the line, he won’t half-ass it.”
“?”
Something about that sounds pretty insulting.
Sisilia promptly erased it from her mind. She had the easygoing habit of forgetting anything inconvenient.
“You can trust Edward on that front. But never—never—trust him when it comes to the demons.”
“Do you think the vice-captain’s a traitor, sir?”
“Hardly.”
Chiron denied it flatly.
“Then why the extreme caution?”
Vice-captain’s a good guy.
Sisilia’s opinion of Edward had skyrocketed lately. He was the perfect fixer—always swooping in to handle thorny problems.
“You see through demon schemes so sharply, yet you’re blind when it comes to fellow humans.”
Retirement was creeping up on him, and Chiron’s worries were piling like mountains. His naive daughter still trusted Edward, whom he saw as their greatest future foe.
“I raised you as a knight, so maybe it’s inevitable. You’re too much the ideal knight.”
“Isn’t that a good thing?”
“It is. I’m always proud of you, Sisilia. But…”
Chiron paused before continuing.
“Edward’s less a knight and more a royal. Never forget that.”
* * *
With Edward’s backing, the “guild creation” proposal passed without a hitch. She hadn’t noticed it back at the order’s HQ, but royals really did carry weight.
“…So, Sisilia, who’s this?”
“Oh dear, apologies for the late introduction. I’m the merchant Fraud, here to assist with the guild construction.”
“Fraud’s a great merchant.”
So you’ve gotta help out the pretty Sword Princess with all your heart, right?
Sisilia had hustled on her little legs to snag this fine merchant. She beamed inwardly, all huhu.
“…”
Is she serious?
Edward was speechless. The man’s nose screamed greed, his forehead sported a massive mole, his slit eyes gleamed slyly, and his gut shone with avarice. A con artist from every angle.
“Just 1,000 gold for a complete build from foundation to spire! Lifetime free maintenance included!”
“Tell me—are you an architect?”
“Haha! I’m a merchant. But I command over 10,000 architects. Plus, I’ve handled imperial palace projects before.”
“Whoa, he built the palace. Sign him quick.”
Sisilia tugged at Edward. She couldn’t fathom the scale of someone constructing the empire’s palace. And 10,000 workers? Total megacorp.
“Sisilia, where’d you find this merchant?”
“The market up front.”
Edward sighed deeply. Never mind why a palace architect roamed Liannen’s streets—the “10,000 architects” claim wasn’t worth dignifying.
“Fraud, was it?”
“Yes, milord. Shall I fetch the contract?”
“Sure. While you’re at it, bring a guillotine. My holy sword’s too good for your neck.”
“Eek! S-sorry!”
Fraud bolted like a rabbit.
Sisilia watched him go with an ah of regret.
“…Sisilia. I’ll handle the architect. Go grab some cake.”
“Even if you’ve delegated, I still have the right to join this mission.”
Sisilia appealed with a straight face. Edward just smiled quietly and pulled out a single platinum coin.
Sisilia’s eyes locked on it.
“But if you insist, how can I refuse?”
“…”
“Good luck, sir.”
She was at that age where pocket money always ran short.
* * *
Nom.
This is the stuff.
Sisilia savored the cake, her face melting in bliss. Beside her sat Beatrice; across, Edward. They’d swung by Golden Honeycomb to grab lunch and handle paperwork.
“These are all the related documents.”
Beatrice handed over the neat stack. Edward grinned.
“Sisilia’s got a fine adjutant. I feel better already.”
“A-adjutant? I’m just a regular knight in Sisilia’s squad…”
“It’s only a matter of time, right? Looks like she’s already got you pegged.”
“Wh-what?”
“Playing dumb isn’t a great look. Why else does she drag you everywhere?”
“N-no, that’s not… Is Sisilia becoming vice-captain?”
“Huh? You didn’t know? She’s my successor.”
Edward was the puzzled one now. Everyone in the order knew Sisilia was next vice-captain—Chiron pushed her openly, and she had the chops. No one else fit.
“B-but is Sisilia okay as vice-captain? Isn’t the role all about… budgets?”
“…”
Edward couldn’t respond. Sisilia, catching their stares, dabbed her mouth with a napkin.
“My treat today. Order whatever.”
She proudly flashed her platinum coin.
“Whoa, Sisilia got allowance?”
“Yeah. Let’s shop for clothes later.”
“Again?”
Edward found it absurd but soon chuckled.
Marriage aside, whoever weds Sisilia’s in for it. They’ll need bottomless pockets.
And that was just the start. Her groom would need the whole Windsor Knights’ approval—including his own, which he’d never give.
Edward waved leisurely for Leyna. She smiled slyly and mouthed:
—The 1,000 gold you mentioned is secured.
“Strawberry pie, extra sweet. Kiwi smoothie too.”
Edward’s code meant:
—Secure even more funds. Noise is fine.
But Sisilia—pick any suitor you like. This is different.
Guild-building was national-scale, demanding massive funds. Investors stood to gain big—if it succeeded.
And Edward was certain: it would succeed. He’d make sure.
No way he’d let other nobles snag those guild investment profits.
“See? Vice-captain’s got a baby’s palate.”
“For real… She doesn’t look it.”
Edward’s lip twitched at their whispers.
“I can hear you.”
* * *
“What brings you here again, I wonder.”
Bianca greeted Sisilia coolly. Sisilia knelt on one knee in courtesy.
“As radiant as ever, my lady.”
“I’d rather not hear that from another woman.”
Bianca recoiled in distaste.
“Get to the point. I’m dreadfully busy.”
“Pardon, but do you have plans?”
“How rude. A duke’s daughter’s time runs by the minute. Today—”
Bianca faltered.
Sisilia tilted her head.
Bianca broke a sweat.
“Today…”
“Today?”
“…I have things! Asking a duke’s daughter’s schedule is most impertinent!”
Seems the villainous lady had no friends and plenty of free time.
Sisilia wiped a tear. Unlike her, the capital’s top beauty, Bianca lacked popularity…
“Y-you’re thinking something very rude right now! I have real plans! I do…!”
Bianca teared up in fury.
True to Sisilia’s guess, she had no friends. But she’d never make Sisilia her sole one.
“My lady, if I may—just one lick?”
She’s clearly unhinged…!
“Spit it out already.”
Bianca crossed her legs, fanning her face.
I can guess.
She knew the capital’s buzz: Sisilia’s report sparked noble debate, Edward sealed it. Here for help, no doubt.
Eisenberg was among the realm’s richest houses.
She helped me last time, so no harm in it…
Bianca’s red eyes scanned Sisilia. Untouched silver hair, snow-white skin blending seamlessly. A knight’s hard life, sure, but still.
Something about her makes me want to step on her.
First impressions could be like that.
“Working with Vice-Captain Edward on a project.”
“I know.”
“Quick on the uptake.”
“Don’t underestimate Eisenberg’s intel.”
Bianca puffed up.
“Sorry, but if it’s investment, look elsewhere. I said I’d help in a pinch—not fund you.”
Why’s she staring…?
Bianca’s elegant eyes fixed on one spot. Sisilia roamed curiously, inspecting everything.
Not the vibe of a beggar seeking funds.
Wait!
Problem: her gaze wandered to Bianca’s prized glassware display. And she was touching them.
“Whoa, looks pricey.”
“D-don’t touch! Do you know how much that costs?!”
Bianca panicked. As Sisilia blinked puzzled, a glass hit her twintails and tumbled.
“No!”
Bianca’s eyes widened in despair.
“Yup.”
Sisilia nudged it with her toe, catching it left-handed. She raised it in a casual toast—classic Sisilia Gatsby pose.
“No need to be impressed, my lady. This glass can’t hope to contain your brilliance.”
“…”
Bianca slumped, speechless, into her chair. All motivation gone, she muttered weakly.
“Fine, I’ll invest. Get out.”
“Thank you.”
Sisilia smiled faintly. Her prepared killer line—“Noble Lady Seducer (tips from Leo Ric)”—had landed perfectly. Seven wives really knew their stuff.