A crescent moon hung in the clear night sky.
The cool moonlight washed over the High Wall of the Green Shade Territory and fell upon the young Lord, tracing the edges of his magnificent attire with a faint silver lining. This, combined with his confident smile, made him look even more handsome.
But the exquisitely beautiful, silver-haired girl beside him wore a puzzled expression.
"I haven't helped you all that much."
"No. If it weren't for you, I never would have thought to inspect the High Wall. I wouldn't have been struck with the sudden idea to invite the nobles up here to enjoy the view just because there were no railings, and I certainly wouldn't have had them sign subscription agreements beforehand. I'd probably still be stuck at their boring ball, getting plied with drinks."
Lian said with a smile, "Besides, you saved those noblewomen who fell. That's very important."
Sophie paused. She had always known she was useful, but she never thought she could be *this* useful.
This made her just a little bit happy.
But she didn't let it show.
Her deadpan expression wasn't a habit she could break overnight.
Watching their interaction, Anna's gaze softened, and the corners of her lips tilted up into a faint, barely-there smile.
Annie knew her sister well. Whenever she wore that expression, it meant she had her eyes on a beloved new toy.
And she wanted to snatch it for herself.
Compared to her rebellious and somewhat naive younger sister, Annie, Anna's personality was far more complex. She loved to test the boundaries of morality, finding pleasure in defying conventional ethics and taking away the things others held dear.
As for Annie, she simply didn't want to be an Assassin; she wanted to be a top-tier tailor.
Of course, if you made her a full-time, top-tier tailor, she would probably just want to become a top-tier chef instead.
She had a born rebel's streak and hated being told what to do.
Lian handed all the subscription forms to his pot-bellied Minister of Finance, Omari Hani. "Tomorrow at the latest, send people to the nobles' manors to collect the money."
"Lord Lian, this means we can pay off the first loan from the Empire Bank!"
Omari Hani said excitedly.
"No, this money isn't for paying back the Empire Bank. It's the starting capital for our new bank."
Lian continued, "Only by establishing our own bank can we ensure a steady flow of money. There are still two-thirds of the nobles and wealthy merchants left. I need to entice them to take the Gold Coins they're hoarding at home and deposit them in our bank."
"That's simple. We can kidnap their wives and force them to deposit their money."
Annie stated calmly, as if she were suggesting a genuinely viable plan.
"That's a good idea, but I have a better one."
Lian said, "Show them the benefits. The more they deposit, the higher the interest rate, and the greater the returns. They could also receive additional gifts, and even get a chance to invite me, their new Lord, to dine at their estate. How does that sound?"
"That is indeed enticing. Lord Lian, you are young and handsome, with neither a fiancée nor a mistress. The nobles will surely want to marry their daughters to you, then use your name as Lord to gain more benefits in the Green Shade Territory."
Karel Dennis said seriously, stroking his pointy, sharp-to-the-touch chin.
Lian waved his hand. "I'm not doing all this just to marry a rich and beautiful wife, you know."
"Do you mean to say you have no such intentions?"
Anna asked.
'I'm doing this to find the Spy hidden in the Green Shade Territory.'
"Well, I'm not ruling out the possibility. After all, every man dreams of having three wives and four concubines. Don't worry, I'll be more restrained than my father, Moria. I definitely won't marry that many."
Lian said.
"You certainly are candid."
Omari Hani suddenly felt the urge to introduce his beautiful daughter, who had already been married three times. But just as he was about to speak, he was interrupted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alex Pool, who was ascending the High Wall on a pulley lift.
"Lord Lian, the Bank Envoy, Mr. Emran, has returned."
The young Alex Pool, with his black hair and amber eyes, said breathlessly.
He had clearly rushed to find Lian the moment he received the news.
"He's back so soon?"
'It seems Mr. Emran really doesn't want to miss out on this heaven-sent fortune.'
Lian stood up from the sofa. Anna thoughtfully steadied him to prevent him from losing his composure due to his fear of heights.
"Thank you, Anna. Come, let's go see our old friend."
Lian led the group down from the High Wall on the pulley lift, boarded a luxurious carriage, and traveled from the outer city back to the inner city.
The outer city's night market was bustling, and the citizens all greeted Lian enthusiastically.
This was because Lian had treated them to a free show of people flying through the air.
Most of whom were beautiful noblewomen falling from the High Wall.
The commoners had a wonderful time watching, especially when their poofy skirts flew up, revealing their fair thighs and very private domains.
The view from below was crystal clear.
It was the first time the commoners had learned the secrets of noblewomen.
Lian returned their greetings warmly. Seeing that they were strong, healthy, and of an age to start families, he wore a gratified expression. 'Aren't these the people with the most pressing needs?'
Lian returned to the magnificent Lord's Mansion, where the Bank Envoy, Mr. Emran, was already waiting in the reception hall.
Mr. Emran still had three bodyguards with him, but this time the army of debt collectors had not come along.
He had brought documents from the Empire Bank—a Contract Book for installment payments.
Seeing Lian appear, flanked by two Maids and three ministers, with the Ice Witch by his side, Emran stood, walked forward, and bowed respectfully to him.
"Honorable Lord, I've kept you waiting."
"I should be the one saying that. It was my oversight. The banquet took some time today. I hope you haven't been waiting long, Mr. Emran?"
Lian asked with a smile.
Emran shook his head.
Lian invited Emran to sit down.
Emran handed the documents to Lian. "The Empire Bank has agreed to your proposal. The Green Shade Territory's debt can be repaid in installments."
"You've worked hard, Mr. Emran. I know you must have gone to great lengths to persuade those stubborn Great Nobles."
Lian said with a smile, as Anna once again brewed two cups of Green Shade Territory's specialty coffee for them.
This time, Emran took the initiative to pick up his coffee cup, take a sip, and praise it. "As expected of coffee from the Green Shade Territory. The flavor is so rich."
"I'm glad you like it."
Lian looked at the Minister of Finance, Omari Hani, who presented a document and handed it to Emran.
"This is an employment offer from the Green Shade Territory Bank. We can give you one month to handle your affairs with the Empire Bank. After that, we'll need you to officially start your new position. Do you see any problem with that?"
"Understood."
Emran opened the document, glanced at the contents, took a round-barreled fountain pen from his left breast pocket, and signed his name directly.
"A pleasure doing business with you, Lord Lian."
"A pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Emran."
With the documents signed, the two men shook hands.
Their eyes met in mutual appreciation, as if to say, 'We both have a bright future ahead.'
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