Chapter 69

It wasn’t that Ilyn was reluctant to answer the question. It was just that it was a lot to unpack. That side of the family, it had been a while since she spoke about it. She pondered shortly and then opened her mouth.

“I don’t know too much either. My grandmother used to live within the Arlen territory, but moved away when I was young,” she hesitated for a moment before continuing, “I’m not sure if you’ll believe me, but for generations the women from her side of the family have been born with the ability of foresight.”

“Foresight?” Milo asked.

Ilyn briefly explained about the ability. While she didn’t include the details about the mobile, she recounted the story of how she foresaw her brother dying and the Viscount’s reaction to it.

As she told this story, Ilyn realized that it was only hard to tell this story the first time, as the second time was much easier. Still, she found Aden gently squeezing her clasped hand. Ilyn smiled at him to show that she was okay.

“I see,” said Milo.

Milo felt like the last piece of the puzzle had finally fit. He was wondering why his master took interest, but it looked like he wasn’t going to let Viscount Arlen be anytime soon. His master’s calmness was cold anger. Milo served him long enough to know how scary that could be.

“Getting back to the topic at hand,” Ilyn continued at Milo’s serious expression, “The money my grandmother gave the family was large enough. I’m not sure if father was planning on using it to revive the family, but by the time I was old enough to understand the financial situation, it was almost gone.”

“To father—” Ilyn broke off, she felt uncomfortable for using the word father so much after a long time, “Carrots were probably a very welcome thing. I’m sure he really wants to establish a deal this time.”

Acid Merchant had a monopoly on the food merchants to the north. If he was thinking long term, there was no way Viscount Arlen was going to let go of Acid Merchant.

“I see.”

From Viscount’s side, it was a deal that had to be landed. Aden couldn’t help his smile at that.

***

Ilyn wore a black veil before leaving the merchant building. Aden wore the long and complicated title of ‘Deputy of the Northern Circulation Manager’ as he left for the meeting with Viscount Arlen.

Milo guided Ilyn through the merchant building.

“Deputy?” Ilyn asked.

Her face was hidden behind the dark black veil. The only part of her that was visible over the long winter coat she wore was her pale skinny hands that were seen from time to time. Her silver hair which usually attracted the most attention was neatly pulled back in a tight bun with extravagant red and gold pins. In fact, the veil, and the other jewelry she wore was more noticeable than her hair.

Nobody would be able to tell that this was a youngling of Viscount Arlen.

“Yes.”

The Delrose maids, as instructed, dressed her to look like a noble from the warm region. The disguise was perfect; she didn’t look like a wife of the Duke of Winter, nor the youngling of Viscount Arlen.

“Then who is the Northern Circulation Manager that Aden is supposed to be a deputy to?” Ilyn asked. She felt like she could almost disappear underneath the dark veil she wore. Milo almost missed Ilyn’s question because of it.

“Make sure to serve Ilyn without any problem.”

It was a direct order from the master. Milo had cold sweats just thinking of it. He quickly answered, “You.”

“Sorry?” Ilyn stopped, “Me?”

“Yes,” replied Milo, “Master said that for this deal, he would leave the fine details all to you.”

Ilyn nodded.

It was probably because this was linked to Viscount Arlen. Aden was going in for the negotiation himself which made it seem like he was going to do as he pleased but making himself the deputy and her the manager showed that he respected her decisions.

“You can come if you want to see for yourself.” Aden had told her as he adjusted the veil on her. His hand, which held reluctance to let go, lifted the veil a little and caressed her lips. She trusted that he would do well.

I can go see it, where Den is. Ilyn’s thoughts raced, what should I do?

Ilyn turned and stared at the end of the hallway. She thought of Viscount Arlen who would currently be sitting across from Aden while speaking to him.

He was a father that was always hard on Ilyn. Ever since her brother’s incident Viscount Arlen was always worried about what would come out of her mouth next. Due to that, she wasn’t even allowed to attend social events and was always stuck at home.

Even when she had to hear the dishonorable nickname of ‘Secluded Lady’ her father thought it would be the best way not to bring shame to his family’s name as he was worried that she would reveal the family’s secret.

Ilyn suddenly started moving and Milo quickly followed her.

“Where shall I guide you?”

“I want to see Den.”

Since they were outside, she used his fake name even so, she couldn’t help the warmth spread through her chest as she mentioned him.

“I shall lead you.”

Milo didn’t ask anything. He always followed Aden’s orders, but he didn’t question the smart Mistress’s choice. If anything, she showed her capabilities by taking over Acid Merchant without any prior relation with them.

Milo was finally able to solve the puzzle of how she was able to discover the relationship between Acid Merchant and Biflten. She probably saw the merchant’s carriage headed towards Biflten in a foresight.

She moved so aggressively on just that information, he thought. He felt it before, but the Delrose Mistress was not a person to be underestimated. Milo bowed his head lower as led her.