Chapter 54: Sudden Development (1)

“What? You can’t reach Jillian?”

This is Rosa’s office in the backyard of ‘Rozerian.’ Hugh came to report.

By the way, Helena is currently handling customer inquiries at the store.

“I tried asking around in the small theater, but it seems no one has been able to contact her for about a week.”

Rosa had asked Hugh to keep her informed of Jillian’s whereabouts regularly.

“I told her to let me know where she’s hiding. Unreliable witness. I even offered to pay extra. She seemed greedy for money, but maybe not so much.”

Rosa sighed.

“That’s how it seemed to me too. Maybe she found a source of money somewhere,” Hugh said calmly.

“I wonder why Marpin would use someone like her. Or maybe Jillian is a decoy, and she’s actually using someone else? Did I get deceived?”

Rosa suddenly felt drained.

She suspected the Moreau family, but it might be different.

“I don’t think so. At least Marpin probably wants the young lady to be a customer for him. I don’t think he would accept money and then spread false information,” Hugh explained.

“Huh? Really? I felt like I was being snubbed.”

“I don’t think so. Otherwise, an information guild wouldn’t last. I feel like Jillian disappeared for some other reason. Maybe she was hiding something at that time?”

“Well, did she not reveal the whole truth at that time?”

“Or maybe the young lady’s visit made her realize something?”

Hugh’s opinion seemed reasonable. But…

“In any case, we can’t reach Jillian. Oh, my money…”

Rosa slumped in disappointment.

“No, my lady. I don’t think it was wasted. At least the information from Oliver Trading Company is real.”

Rosa had told both Hugh and Helena about Oliver Trading Company, which she had heard from her father.

“Well, yes. You’re right. Thank you, Hugh.” Rosa regained her composure.

“Young lady, I’ll continue to inquire about Jillian around the small theater. If you want, I can find her and bring her here,” Hugh suggested, using forceful methods.

“No, no, that’s not acceptable. It might end up being confinement. We don’t need to go that far. Let’s think of another way. We could say we couldn’t meet Jillian and have the information guild investigate the Oliver Trading Company,” Rosa suggested.

“How about that in terms of professional ethics? I don’t think Marpin would do that,” Hugh responded.

That was a typical response from Hugh.

“If it’s Marpin, he might do it if you offer enough money. Well, instead of chasing after the unreliable Jillian, let’s think of some other approach.” Rosa sighed and spoke again.

“Thank you for your hard work today. Take a break for a while and then return to your post.”

Rosa considered praising Hugh and giving him a special bonus as he left the room. As he left, Helena entered.

“Young lady, His Excellency is here.”

Behind Helena, Ethan appeared.

“If it’s about the bath bombs, we still don’t have all the prototypes ready…”

It seemed like it was going to be a busy day.

“It’s not about that today.”

Ethan’s expression was somewhat grim.

Once again, something seemed to be going on with Alex. Rosa invited Ethan, a high-ranking customer, into the office.

(I should probably create a meeting room for negotiations soon. But I want to allocate that budget to expanding the workshop. Yes, this is the time to use Father’s money!)

As Rosa mentally resolved the situation, Helena, as usual, brought out tea and sweets.

Although the backyard was narrow and messy, the tea and sweets were top-notch.

“I actually have something to discuss about Jillian…”

“Jillian? We were just talking about her. We’ve been having trouble getting in touch with her.”

Rosa furrowed her brow.

“Jillian’s body was found.”

Ethan announced it with a somewhat melancholic expression.

After a moment of silence, Rosa exclaimed, “What? What did you say!”

At that moment, the backyard door swung open.

“Young lady, what’s the matter!”

Hugh burst in.

“I’m sorry! Hugh, I just heard something that surprised me.”

Rosa looked at Ethan with vigilant eyes.

“Oh, His Excellency is fine. But more importantly, aren’t you on a break now?”

“No, I’ve had enough,” Hugh insisted.

“That’s unavoidable. Both Hugh and Helena are working too hard. Both of you, have some tea,” Rosa said as she tried to give them money. Both of them shook their heads simultaneously.

“Amazing. They’re servants,” Ethan commented.

“That’s right. But they don’t take a break at all. Helena is my exclusive maid, and Hugh is supposed to be a knight, yet they both help out at the store. Can we sit down and have tea together?”

“Oh, I don’t mind.”

However, Helena and Hugh hesitated, so they ended up sitting on wooden round chairs a little away from the desk, taking a break.

“Now, about the continuation of the story,” Rosa prompted, and Ethan nodded.