I stood up and opened the curtains, only to realize evening had already fallen while I was skimming through the novel.
Even now, I still couldn't help but feel a little bitter about Edward's interruption, both because I was genuinely interested in her and because of the system's unknown reward.
But this was a good thing. At least, that's what I was trying to tell myself.
It had only been a day, after all. If I made her fall in love with me that quickly, it would feel shallow. Maybe this was for the best—letting that cliffhanger linger and seeing how it would affect her.
I mean...
[Faye Amberlyne: Personality heavily shifted in the background due to actions.]
What...?
That was a new notification...
"Guess she's also doing her own thing, huh...?"
Still, it only further solidified my thinking. Maybe letting things end like that would benefit me in the long run.
Either that, or I'm just coping.
***
Another rainy morning. This place really had terrible weather, huh? Well, for anyone else, at least. I happen to love the rain.
But that's beside the point.
"My lord, we've received their replies."
Edward reported to me the moment I arrived at my study, already standing inside with a stack of letters laid out on the table.
That was quicker than I expected, but this world wasn't exactly medieval anyway. Edward had likely paid a hefty sum to have my requests delivered by train or aircraft, considering how quickly we'd received their replies.
It hadn't even taken a day, considering I only gave him the order last night.
"Give me a summary."
Edward cleared his throat.
"Rerick has been contacted successfully and is now being escorted back to your estate. As for the other two, we didn't have much luck. However, we did find someone on your list who may be worth the two of them combined."
Two generals combined? That was surprising, considering I had only listed characters the novel described as exceptional. Just how superhuman was this person Edward had found?
"And as luck would have it, my lord, she was already here in the imperial capital. It didn't take long for us to find her."
Her?
If I remembered correctly, I had listed at least five women. So one of them made it, huh? And the fact that she was worth two generals combined...
Considering this novel's tropes, she had to be incredibly talented.
"Did she agree?"
"It's hard to say, my lord. She had one condition before she could agree to anything."
"And that is?"
"She wishes to meet you in person to determine whether you are worthy of her service."
"What?"
"I tried my best to convince her otherwise, saying that the loyalty of all those under you should be proof enough, but..."
"She won't budge?"
"Yes, my lord..."
I sighed, couldn't be that easy to get an impressive general with just money, huh? Guess I have no choice, I should meet her.
***
I headed toward the meeting spot by car, with Edward proving surprisingly adept behind the wheel. Apparently, she wanted a location where she held the advantage—a place my wealth and status couldn't reach, so they wouldn't unfairly influence her.
Makes sense...
And while the time she set for the meeting definitely conflicted with the conclave, luckily for me, they weren't all that strict about attendance when you had a proper excuse. All it took was a letter explaining my situation, with just enough vagueness to make sure they didn't realize I was in a terrible predicament.
Surprisingly, that was enough for them to excuse me without asking for further explanation.
"We've arrived, my lord."
The meeting place was somewhere deep in the Bronze District, in a fairly unpopulated suburban area that still relied on carriages and outdated technology compared to the more urban regions filled with vehicles.
Even their clothing looked fairly old-fashioned, and I wasn't just comparing them to nobles. Even among other Bronze District citizens, they looked very traditional.
She wasn't lying. This was definitely a place where even the original Cassian's power held no sway.
It wasn't strategic, rich, or important.
It was just... comfy.
"I'm guessing that's the place?"
I gestured toward the biggest house in the entire neighborhood, three floors, a garage with the only functioning car, and even an automated gate. Surely a general with skills like hers would—
"I-I'm afraid not, my lord."
Eh?
"That's where the meeting is supposed to be held."
Edward pointed to a one-story house, one that looked like three boxes haphazardly stacked together, with a roof that barely seemed capable of withstanding the current rain.
"Well, that's eccentric..."