Hush Now, Saintess! - Chapter 96
Chapter 96
Translator: Yonnee
—
“Hmm, I see.”
Roella thought it over.
Simply filing a complaint was useless.
This needed a larger organization to actively investigate and resolve the issue.
Someone with a sense of justice, capable, and able to mobilize high-level investigative authorities…
‘Ah, there is someone.’
Someone who fits all the criteria.
* * *
“…I’ve heard such a story, but would it be difficult to justify investigating this to the point that the Imperial Family is involved?”
A few days later, on the day I was to meet Hildeon.
I pretended to relay a story I had heard somewhere, sharing with Hildeon the conversation I had with Hamelle.
It seemed that there were a number of places operating loan services under unfair conditions.
He listened intently and nodded.
“Indeed, if such places exist, it would be good to investigate.”
Done!
‘As I thought, Hildeon would listen.’
He was the imperial crown prince who cared more than anyone about the empire’s citizens.
Such a person would not overlook an illegal trading company corrupting the empire.
‘Especially a place that even makes strange drugs. There’s no way it can be left alone.’
If the imperial household starts an investigation, no matter how clever the swindlers are, it would be hard to perfectly hide any suspicious activities.
Then, everyone who was victimized by these fraudulent contracts would be freed.
Naturally, that would include Hamelle too…
“…Is that alright?”
I was chuckling to myself when I was suddenly startled by the question.
Out of the blue, ‘Is that alright?’
Was he picking a fight because I was laughing like a fool?
Or did he notice that I had some ulterior motive?
“Ah.”
As I was trying to gauge which it might be, Hildeon sighed.
“It wasn’t meant in a bad way. I just thought you liked taking the lead in securing the Empire’s safety.”
“Aha, that’s what you meant.”
It was well-intentioned, but I felt guilty for no reason.
I awkwardly smiled and responded appropriately.
“Despite being a Saintess, I’ve been through a lot. I really dislike criminals, especially swindlers.”
Of course, despite that, my specialties are lying and acting.
“Swindlers…?”
“Yes. I think those who deceive others are the worst. You think so too, right?”
I tried to find some common ground, but the response was not forthcoming.
‘It seems Hildeon dislikes other types of criminals more.’
I concluded lightly and shrugged my shoulders.
Unbeknownst to me, Hildeon’s face was turning pale.
* * *
A little while later—
We arrived at our destination for today, Vention.
As previously explained, it was a commercial district that one reaches by walking past Bastion on the main road.
“Is Bastion the only way to get here?”
“Not at all. There are other routes. It’s just that this commercial area is closest to Bastion and has been greatly affected by it.”
Hmm, I wouldn’t want to come to a place with such dangerous alleys nearby either.
Nor would I want to run a business here.
Customers stay away, and merchants leave.
That was why this place, Vention, had become deserted.
However the problem, Bastion, had been sorted out now.
So, there was no reason why this place couldn’t develop further.
I followed Hildeon’s lead and explored various parts of Vention.
“It’s better organized than I thought?”
“It used to be a commercial district. We’re currently developing it by repairing and maintaining the existing buildings.”
“Right, there’s no need to demolish perfectly good buildings.”
Then, the business development here should progress faster than expected.
‘Time might be a bit tight though.’
Hildeon planned to auction the buildings at low prices once Vention was organized.
Some buildings would remain under royal ownership and be leased out at affordable rates.
A redevelopment and reasonable pricing collaboration.
People would not miss this great opportunity.
Thus, when the redevelopment area is announced and buildings and lands are auctioned and lessees recruited, many people will flock here.
‘It would be perfect to have a fountain completion ceremony by then.’
I had already decided to build a fountain here.
The location was good in many ways, and it would receive the full support of the imperial family.
From my experience working in real estate, this development project was 99% likely to succeed.
The issue is whether I can get the fountain built in time.
“When do you plan to hold the building auction?”
“The plan is to think about it in about two weeks.”
In two weeks.
‘Can I get the fountain built by then?’
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