Chapter 36: Business for Isabel

The fight for the title of “First Wife” was far from over.

The women from the alleyway gathered in the cathedral reception room, ready for round two.

They sat in silence, sizing each other up.

The tension was palpable.

Layla broke the silence.

“…So, what’s the plan?”

The others remained silent, observing each other warily.

The fight for Isabel’s affections continued.

Even though Belladriel had bathed with him, the others weren’t giving up.

They hadn’t heard Isabel’s own feelings on the matter.

Seraphina and Layla,

Belladriel and Rebecca, locked eyes.

“…I plan to wait here. I’m not sure about the rest of you.”
“What… do you mean?”

Seraphina raised an eyebrow and glared at Belladriel.

Belladriel smiled sweetly.

“Isabel said he’d return. We should simply wait and follow the Order’s teachings. There’s no point in you two waiting here, Countess Seraphina and Marchioness Layla.”

Her smile hinted at her victory.

It did seem like she’d won this round.

Rebecca smirked.

“She’s right… there’s no point in you two staying here.”

Seraphina scoffed.

“What? I’m Seraphina Fires. Do you think I came here just for Isabel?”

She placed a letter on the table.

Belladriel looked at the white envelope and chuckled.

“…What’s this?”
“The Emperor ordered me to observe this place. And he granted me permission to conduct business here.”
“Business…?”

Belladriel looked at Seraphina intently.

Rebecca, curious, opened the letter.
“This…”

Her eyes widened, and she looked at Belladriel.

“…What’s wrong, Rebecca?”
“Saint, please read this. The Emperor has indeed ordered Countess Seraphina to observe us. And he’s granted her permission to conduct business in Luminous Garden…”
“What? Why…?”

They stared at each other in disbelief.

Seraphina smirked.

“Isn’t it obvious? You’re newly appointed lords. Even if you’re a saint, you’re still a novice noble. It’s my duty as a senior noble to observe your performance.”

The tables had turned.

Belladriel was taken aback, while Seraphina smiled triumphantly.

“So, with the Emperor’s permission, I’ll be conducting business here. Please take care of me, Saint and Knight-Captain.”

‘Conducting business…?’

‘What kind of business…?’

Businesses involving alcohol or entertainment were forbidden here.

Luminous Garden was a holy city, home to the Saint and the cathedral.

No unsavory businesses were allowed.

Seraphina knew this.

She must have known it would be unprofitable to conduct business here.

‘So why…?’

They couldn’t understand.

“Conducting business here… there are many restrictions, you know? Even with the Emperor’s permission…”

Seraphina smirked at Belladriel’s question.

“Are you worried about me? Even with restrictions… I can still run a legitimate business.”
“What kind of business…?”

Rebecca asked. Seraphina grinned.

“A business for adventurers.”
“For adventurers…?”
“Luminous Garden will become a hub for adventurers, seeking the Saint’s blessings. I’ll establish an adventurers’ guild. A place where they can take on quests and requests.”

Seraphina walked towards the window, looking at the people passing by.

“And I can gather information about Isabel’s whereabouts.”
“You have a way to find Isabel…?”

Layla asked innocently.

Seraphina sighed, looking at Layla’s reflection in the window.

“You really are a child, aren’t you?”
“…I’m not a child! I’m an adult!”

Layla stood up, irritated.

She glared at Seraphina, who chuckled.

“Look, even if Isabel promised to return, we don’t know when that will be, right?”
“…”

The women fell silent, realizing Seraphina was right.

He’d promised to return, but…

They didn’t know when.

A year?

Ten years?

They had no way of knowing.

“…I’ll gather information from adventurers all over the country. I’ll make money, and… raise Isavel’s reputation.”
“…His reputation?”

Seraphina turned around and leaned against the windowsill.

“Yes, his reputation. I’ll name the business after his Black Hound moniker. The more famous it becomes, the easier it will be to find him.”
“…Such a clever plan…”

Though they didn’t show it, they were impressed by Seraphina’s plan.

She truly lived up to her reputation.

“It doesn’t matter if the Saint bathed with him, or if the Knight-Captain became his servant in a maid outfit, or if Layla almost eloped with him. A wise wife supports her husband while he works. I’m better at that than you. Doesn’t that make me the first wife?”
“Hmph… that doesn’t make you the first wife…”

Rebecca scoffed and turned away.

Layla nodded, murmuring, “I don’t know about the first wife part… but the idea is good.”
“Whose idea is it, though…?”

Seraphina looked at Belladriel.

“Anyway, I’ll be conducting business here. Is that alright with you, Saint?”
“…Do as you please. It’s the Emperor’s order…”

Even the Saint couldn’t disobey the Emperor.

“Alright, alright. Thank you, Saint.”

Seraphina grinned and looked at Layla.

“So, little girl, what will you do?”
“…”

‘What to do…’

Staying here wouldn’t guarantee Isabel’s return, and she didn’t know where to find him.

Even the Saint seemed clueless.

“…I’ll stay here too.”
“Hee. Good. You can help me. The pay is good.”
“What? Why me?”

‘Why me?’

Layla looked at Seraphina blankly.

Seraphina crossed her arms.

“You’ll be bored if you just sit around, won’t you? And who knows, you might get some scraps of information.”
“…Scraps?”

Layla frowned at the word “scraps.”

Seraphina continued, “Gather information from adventurers and look for Isabel. You’re free to do as you please.”
“Gather information…”

Working here and subtly questioning adventurers…

Wasn’t a bad idea.

Layla was intrigued.

“That sounds good…”
“I’ve already decided on the name. ‘Black Hound.’ I’ll spread the rumor that Isabel is the founder. Knowing him, he’ll come back. He wouldn’t want to miss out on the fame.”
“…Isabel…”

Layla murmured his name.

A man so hard to find, yet so charming.

She sighed dreamily.

“Anyway, there’s no point arguing here. Saint, Rebecca, we have business to attend to, so we’ll be going.”

Seraphina grabbed Layla by the scruff of her neck and pulled her up.

“W-Wait, Seraphina!”
“Let’s go, Watson.”
“Who’s Watson?!”
“Shut up and come. We have to find a building.”

Seraphina dragged Layla away.

Rebecca looked at Belladriel.

“S-Saint… what should we do?”
“Let them be.”

Belladriel smiled and touched her forehead.

“They wouldn’t leave even if we asked them to.”
“Saint…”

Thus, the four women stayed in Luminous Garden.

As time passed, Seraphina established the adventurers’ guild, just as she’d planned.

Adventurers flocked to the city, seeking the Saint’s blessings and information.

A safe haven in the holy city, a place to accept quests and make requests.

Its name: Black Hound.

The guild’s fame grew, even without Isabel’s knowledge.

It became known for its high success rate and trustworthiness.

But rumors also spread.

Rumors that the man who once did the nobles’ dirty work was now profiting from quests.

Rumors that he was expanding his operations for even more nefarious purposes…

Mysticgrove.

Once known as the hunters’ village.

Hunting beastkin was now strictly forbidden, but…

There were still those who hunted them in secret, seeking profit.

He entered a tavern, seeking information.

An ordinary, unremarkable tavern.

“Welcome. To Han’s Tavern.”

It was fairly crowded.

Patrons quietly drank and read books.

Ordinary NPCs.

He approached the owner and ordered a drink.

“Give me your strongest drink.”
“The strongest… very well.”

A one-eyed man.

He recognized him.

Han, the former leader of the Thieves Guild.

Though retired, he was a wellspring of information.

“Here you go.”
“Thank you. I have a question.”
“Ask away.”
“Do people still hunt beastkin here?”

Han shook his head.

“No, it’s illegal… we don’t do that anymore.”
“Illegal… I see. You’d get arrested. Right?”
“Of course… everyone’s being careful.”
“Careful…”

He chuckled and took a sip.

“Wow, this is strong.”
“The best drinks are always strong. That’s why I served you vodka.”
“Hmm, is that so? I’m feeling a bit tipsy already.”

Han chuckled.

“Already drunk? A young man like you? A real man wouldn’t get drunk from just one drink.”
“You’re right, hahaha.”

They exchanged pleasantries, but…

He couldn’t get any useful information out of him.

He had to be more direct.

He’d had a drink, so…

Time to get down to business.

He waited for the right moment, when no one was around.

He smiled.

“I heard a rumor… outside the village.”
“…?”
“That… the leader of the Thieves Guild lives here.”
“…What?”

Han’s face hardened, then he laughed heartily.

“Hahaha! What are you talking about! Why would the leader of the Thieves Guild be in a humble tavern like this? Look.”

He gestured around the empty tavern.

“There’s no one here but customers.”
“Hahaha, you’re right. No one here. Just a rumor.”

He chuckled and recited the secret code.

“The moon chirps at night… the sun roars during the day…”

Han must have recognized the code.

His face showed surprise.

“…?”
“Darkness knows all… the sky protects all. The cycle continues, round and round…”

Han responded, “…The cycle is one. I, as a member of the Thieves Guild, prove my identity.”

‘Yes!’

He’d always wanted to use this code from Lilith Tycoon.

“I answer your call and swear to keep all secrets.”
“…I will conceal all truths. I will conceal everything.”

The exchange continued, like a magical incantation.

Finally, he said, “Haha… as expected of the leader of the Thieves Guild, Han. It’s a pleasure.”
“Who… are you?”
“Allow me to introduce myself… I am the Black Hound, here to hunt the Yoho.”

A heavy silence fell.

The clock on the wall ticked loudly.

Han glared at him.

“…What do you want?”
“I just told you. I’m the Black Hound, here to hunt the Yoho.”
“So… what do you want me to do?”
“Give me information. You must know something.”
“
…”

Han cursed under his breath and glared at him.

“I was trying to live an honest life… should I just kill you?”
“If you kill me, the Emperor won’t be pleased.”
“…What?”

He showed Han the Emperor’s letter.

Han’s eyes widened, and he looked at him intently.

“You… knew who I was all along?”
“Well…”

He put a finger to his lips.

“It’s a secret.”
“You little…”
“…Try to kill me, if you dare.”