In another study, Kestia was also holding a serious meeting.

“...The plan is underway. How’s the situation now?” Kestia asked, unable to shake her unease.

Following Lanche’s advice, they’d broken Grute herb’s monopoly, made a fortune with Claire Beer, and even pulled one over on Gorde and Semos Trading Company.

But many had suffered losses because of it.

“There’s real chaos in the city now. We must stay vigilant—they might blame us for their debts,” Sileus said.

“They wouldn’t dare,” Lekui declared, lifting her chin.

“They might not alone. But if the Count leads them? They’ll storm our manor with a hundred times the courage,” Liya agreed.

Lekui frowned slightly but stood firm. “Then we beat them senseless.”

Liya sighed. “It’s not that simple. Criminal charges stick. Even if we don’t fear harm, we still need to do business.”

Kestia nodded at this.

“Then... we leave Baroness Bolnos’s territory,” she mused.

The other three froze.

“Hmm... not a bad option,” Sileus conceded with a nod.

“But first, I’ll consult Young Master Lanche for his thoughts,” he added.

“We have no reason to stay here anyway. We can do business anywhere,” Kestia affirmed.

If Gorde insisted on targeting them, they’d simply leave and find a lord willing to cooperate.

They’d chosen this land only because it was easiest to establish roots. Now, with distillation techniques and beer recipes, any territory would welcome them.

Before leaving, she’d auction the recipes and technology—ensuring no one could monopolize them again.

Leaving Bolnos wouldn’t be fleeing Gorde. It’d be rejecting his corruption.

After the meeting, Sileus sought Lanche’s opinion.

“Mm-hmm! Perfect! Go for it!” Lanche threw his hands up in instant approval.

“He wanted a monopoly? Too bad. His treasury’s probably a black hole now. Let him choke on his own greed,” he chuckled, relishing the thought.

“You’ve planned this all along, haven’t you, Young Master?” Sileus smiled faintly.

“No, no! I just enjoy watching him fail. Don’t mind me,” Lanche waved him off, eager to avoid responsibility.

As long as he could laze around, he didn’t care where he lived.

He worried more about Kestia’s group relying on him too much, ruining his dream of doing nothing.

Sileus smiled but said nothing more.

“Then I’ll arrange the technology auction,” he bowed politely.

The plan was simple: partner with other breweries through this auction, sharing profits with merchants. Gorde couldn’t crush them all at once.

The Claire Family’s four breweries would be sold off—equipment included—for a handsome sum.

Afterward, they’d only need to offer technical guidance, collecting royalties. Leaving or staying would be effortless.

“Mm-hmm, go ahead,” Lanche nodded absently, basking in the sun again, utterly uninterested.

He rarely strolled the streets anymore.

Tahina was now training as a mercenary with Wenbess, preparing for her journey. The tavern was safely entrusted to Sileus’s friend, who promised to keep it unchanged—though its old soul was already fading, replaced by new patrons and a new atmosphere.

Lanche had stopped visiting.

Soon, Sileus contacted Sloke Trading Company.

Unlike Semos, the city’s other major guild wasn’t clinging to grudges. Sloke eagerly sought partnership.

Its president valued efficiency. He arrived personally by carriage, younger than Lanche expected—a refined gentleman with a single eyeglass, a gentle smile, and impeccable manners.

Lanche stole a glance, half-expecting him to pull a hidden blade.

In every story he’d read, characters like this were never trustworthy.

Kestia received him personally, escorting him and Sileus to the parlor. Lanche didn’t bother to join.

“Lekui, walk with me. Let’s see how the city fares,” he called to her.

Lekui was tending flowerbeds in the courtyard. She shot him a silent glare but set aside her tools anyway.

Lanche chuckled inwardly, pleased by her grudging obedience.

On the streets, market stalls overflowed with Grute herbs—banned for weeks, now dumped in panic.

Some still refused to believe the crash, whispering it was a Claire Family trap to buy cheap.

Lanche checked prices. Still above pre-boom levels. The bubble hadn’t fully burst; fools still clung to hope.

Smarter merchants, however, were already reaching out to the Claires for recipes and technology.

Suddenly, a group rushed into the market: Ron Semos, flanked by Lucien Giman Bolnos and armed guards.

Lanche’s sharp eyes spotted them. He yanked Lekui into the crowd, unseen.

Vendors selling Grute herbs panicked, fearing arrest.

“Stay calm!” Ron announced loudly. “The Count has sent Master Lucien to investigate those who maliciously inflated Grute prices and disrupted the market!”

Tension eased slightly.

The “investigation” began—questioning buyers about purchase prices and sellers.

Those with shady sources stammered, avoiding answers.

Lucien pounced. He promised immunity, demanding only the “mastermind” behind the chaos.

Who that mastermind was? He’d decide later.

Lanche turned away, pulling Lekui with him.

Lekui’s brow furrowed. “They’ll frame us?”

“Obviously,” Lanche said casually.

“Merchants rank low because we operate on noble lands. Displease them, and business dies.”

“At least we hold viscount titles. Otherwise, they wouldn’t even bother inventing charges.”

Lekui scowled. “They should learn we’re not to be trifled with.”

“This is his land. He sets the rules,” Lanche shook his head, smiling.

“A good beating would silence him,” Lekui stated flatly.

Lanche sighed, not bothering to explain.

He stole another glance at her chest, confirming his suspicion: all brawn, no brains.