Chapter 7
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 7
Chapter Title: Come to Everglow Hotel (3)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Arselia lifted her glass with hands that trembled ever so slightly, despite her attempt to appear calm.
She had anticipated that something important was afoot when she heard he had rented out the entire shop for a full day—a place usually bustling with patrons.
A full day, no less. He was closing down his own thriving business just to meet with her.
And this wasn't some ordinary cafe, but a hotspot that dominated high society conversations every day.
"I'm truly grateful for the offer, but this isn't something I can decide on the spot."
As someone in business herself, she could tell.
How massive this investment was.
That made her want to join hands with the young nobleman before her even more—but she couldn't.
There were far too many commitments tied to the Rosenheim Merchant Guild for her to drop everything right now.
For a merchant, credit was as vital as life itself.
No matter how much she dreamed of breaking free from her family to run her own guild, abandoning her current responsibilities would be reckless.
Especially since those duties were tied to the very family she had once belonged to. Even if she took his outstretched hand, the backlash would be unavoidable.
So, swallowing her deep regret, she bit her lip and prepared to refuse...
"Ah, signing doesn't mean you have to drop everything you're doing and come to my side right away."
"Pardon? What do you...?"
"Haha, have you forgotten? I'm in business too. For merchants like us, credit is something we can never afford to lose."
He chuckled as he picked up a pastry from beside him and popped it into his mouth.
"Credit is a precious asset that takes ages to build but can vanish in an instant. Do you really think I'd ask you to throw away all your current work on the spot?"
He pointed out that the contract included provisions for exactly such cases—take your time to wrap things up.
She just needed to join by the time the hotel officially opened and began operations.
With that explanation, he leisurely lifted his glass.
The desires she thought she had hidden well from others.
Her dream of escaping her family's shadow to build her own merchant guild had been seen through completely. In her dazed state, she checked the fine print and confirmed it was there.
Not some toxic clause buried in illegibly tiny font to trap her.
It was thoughtfully considerate, as if the contract existed solely to bring her on board.
Even if things fell through and she couldn't join his venture, as long as she kept their secret agreement confidential, there would be no penalties.
Considering it a basic leash for mutual protection, this was remarkably lenient.
"Why are you being so good to me?"
"Is the reason that important?"
"I'm grateful for the investment, but I need to understand why to accept it. Don't you agree, young master?"
Julian, seated across from her, still looked utterly relaxed.
He nodded along to her words as if completely at ease.
"No matter how great a business opportunity others rave about, you don't invest until you've verified it yourself, right?"
"I learned that the hard way after botching a few deals. Seems you have too, sis."
"Yes, that's why I'm asking. You could surpass our guild with time and effort alone—there's no need for me specifically."
"Hm, I can explain the details once we've shaken on it, but for now, I'll say this."
The handsome young man interlaced his fingers and leaned toward her with a sly grin.
"I'm investing in prime stock: Arselia Rosenheim. Someone sure to shine even brighter in the future."
"An investment in me, huh."
"Exactly. His Majesty the Emperor himself said the Empire needs support for talented commoners to grow, and more ties with foreign nations we've had little contact with."
"...And measures to make it easier for merchants like us to thrive."
"You know it well. That's investing—risky, but necessary."
He pulled a black ticket from his pocket, clearly crafted with great care at a glance.
"All investment risks fall squarely on the investor. I'll bear them."
Slide.
He pushed the gold-embroidered ticket toward her, the Everglow Family's genius entrepreneur speaking firmly.
"Will you seize this chance? Or let it slip away?"
Everglow Hotel invitation.
The gold lettering sparkled in the sliver of sunlight peeking through the drawn blinds.
"See you at the event, then."
"Yes, take care on your way back, sis."
I let out a sigh as I watched her carriage pull away.
"Phew, today's meeting was another smashing success."
"Well done, young master."
Sion draped my overcoat over my shoulders, and I gazed up at the sky.
The sun was dipping low, painting the horizon in crimson hues.
It had gotten dicey midway, but I'd pulled it off somehow.
Hm, good thing my youth and inexperience kept me from hiding my intentions perfectly.
Truth be told, as I said earlier, it was a pretty risky gamble.
But investments demand boldness.
With my hefty stakes, I could confidently yell "All in and double down!"
That let me bluff composure and push hard, ultimately getting Arselia to sign.
I even hinted that a 'VIP' might attend the pre-opening event.
Hm, I've covered all the bases.
"This should buy us some breathing room. Once sis joins, things'll ease up for you too, Sion."
"If all goes according to plan, I'll just assist you, young master. It's what I wanted."
Seeing Sion's lips curve up in a rare smile made me realize just how much she'd been handling.
Er... now that I think about it, yeah, it's a lot.
Since I haven't split from the family yet, she's my exclusive maid, butler, secretary, and bodyguard all in one.
Everything from household chores to business management—nothing escapes her oversight.
It's impressive she hasn't collapsed from overwork yet.
"...Sorry. You must be exhausted."
"Not at all. I'm glad to spend so much time by your side, young master."
"No, it's too much no matter how you slice it. I'll streamline things to lighten your load as much as possible."
"In that case, may I take the chief secretary position you mentioned before?"
"Huh? Oh, uh... Of course. No one else fits but you—if you're okay with it."
"Heehee, really? Then I'll look forward to it."
Her eyes curved into smiling crescents.
At sunset, with scarlet twilight draping her as she brushed back her hair, my breath caught for a moment.
"...Shall we walk back today?"
"Are you sure? It's quite a distance to the estate, even if not as far as the Rosenheim Merchant Guild."
"I've been sitting too much lately. I want to stretch my legs, scope out the capital's vibe. You against it?"
"Not at all. I'll send the carriage ahead, then."
"Sounds good. Too late for dinner at home anyway. How about dining out for a change?"
"Shall we head to your restaurant for old times' sake?"
"One of our businesses? Yeah, not a bad idea. It's close too."
The manager, who had finished closing up as we emerged, came out to bow.
"Good work. Next time, a heads-up a day in advance would be appreciated."
"I'll try. You too."
"Yes, sir. Safe travels."
I returned the greeting and set off.
Finishing work and walking with Sion after so long felt great.
"Any menu you're craving?"
"...If you could skip the spicy stuff, I'd be grateful."
"Then meat it is..."
"The perfect end to any day is booze and dessert!"
The capital's high society was ablaze as ever.
Rotating between borrowed estates and villas, the parties raged on.
Sometimes masked balls, other times debutante celebrations.
Couples might dance, or it could just be aimless drinking and revelry.
Julian would have griped, "Don't these people ever tire? How do they party every night?"
But he knew intellectually that his businesses thrived because of the buzz in these circles.
"So anyway, I peeked out the window, and the owner guy? Tall as hell."
The young lady of Sham-Lorre, with her signature bouncy roll curls, was partying with her usual friends today.
The hot topic? Naturally, the mysterious cafe owner from last time.
"He rented out the whole place, you know?"
"I heard."
"And they gave dessert coupons even without notice for closing early?"
"That's not the point!"
High society's infamous 'bread fiend'—that was the Sham-Lorre Lady.
Dismissing desserts as unimportant drew even the indifferent ones in.
"What did you see to get you so worked up?"
"Ahem, brace yourselves."
She glanced around dramatically before spilling.
"The owner rented it out for a private meeting... with a woman."
"Gasp!"
"For real?"
"The owner himself, not the manager?"
"The guy who never shows his face?"
"How'd you know, miss?"
A woman with sultry eyes contrasting her voluptuous figure—arm-in-arm with her partner—asked.
Her cheeks flushed from drink, she pressed his arm subtly against her chest.
"Bella."
"What, Raymond? I'm curious."
"The blinds were drawn, so no clear view of faces. But!"
"But?"
"You peeked through a gap?"
"No, nothing like that. The blinds were thin, though—the silhouettes showed perfectly from outside."
She gulped before continuing.
"The owner's silhouette was huge, and across from him..."
By now, all eyes were on her.
"You could tell she was a beauty just from the outline. Slender jawline, long legs..."
"Oh my goodness!"
"Whoa, so he rented it out for his girl?"
"So romantic!"
"He's the Everglow Family's youngest son, right?"
"Hasn't had his coming-of-age yet?"
"We'll meet him soon, then."
The buzzed young entrepreneur.
And from that Everglow Family—stunning looks were a given.
No one in society was unaware of Count and Countess Everglow's legendary love story.
The lady pulled a black ticket from her bosom and grinned confidently.
"That's...!"
"An invite to the party he's hosting!"
"Oh, I have one too. What a coincidence, heehee."
Bella laughed, drawing hers from her pouch.
"Me too."
Raymond fished his from his inner pocket.
"All three of you won? Wow..."
"Where'd you get them?"
"Same place?!"
As the crowd swelled, tales of the Everglow Family's youngest son's hotel spread.
Hearing the lottery hadn't ended yet—draws until tomorrow—guests bolted out before the party wrapped.
Julian would've toasted to the free publicity over a drink.