54 Meeting the mastermind

"Where is your real boss? If you don't bring him here right now, we don't mind going to the Red Command"

A fat middle age man with gaudy clothes was staring at my subordinate with an arrogance, that if you didn't know, would make you think is us that were begging for this job.

"I'm the boss. Marc just died and I was the one that got the reins, do you have a problem?"

With a 'do you? Then bite me' my subordinate easily irritated the arrogant man, who started to get red all over.

"YOU-!"

Before he could do anything, a thin man, that came with the middle age man, took his cloak off.

"Now, now Boris, there is no need to get upset. I apologize for my friend behavior, but it would be more reassuring if you could come to this room instead"

Eyeing me, who was in the next room, the thin man made a smile that sent shivers through my spine.

I thought that no one would realize that the two rooms were connected in a way that it permitted to peep on one of them.

'Tsk. It's all his fault. Daddy will freak out once he knows who is the mastermind'

Taking a deep breath and erasing the loathing I felt towards the thin man, I entered the room.

"Fancy meeting you here Duke Fournier, I am delighted that you graced my business with such a job. If you please"

Indicating for them to seat again, I took the main sit from my subordinate.

Studying the man in front of me, it's no wonder he is my father's political rival. Duke Valentin Fournier, head of the third powerhouse of the kingdom after the Royal and Dubois Household. Different from most nobles, who disdain businessmen, Duke Fournier has a large business network giving him a very tight grip of this country's economy.

Although I never met him in person, Father often complains how smart this guy is, but that is a loss to this kingdom that he only uses his wits for self gain instead of using for the kingdom. He is also suspected of having multiple ties with the underworld, but because the Crown and Father could never caught his handle he is unpunished until now.

'Thinking of it, there was a rumor that he was friends with Marc'

"Hoo, to think that the Old Goat's daughter was involved with such a dirty business, I must say is unexpected"

"Duke's words are wrong. My men are now reformed, we only work with cleaning"

'The clearing of my enemies~'

"Is that so? That's wonderful! You see, I have now this big stain in my house that was made by a squirrel, is there anyway it can be solved?"

"Of course! I will have my best professionals working on it. For when do you want to schedule the cleaning?"

"Hmm, how about a month for now? But you don't need to erase it completely... I got attached to it you see?"

"I understand, I have a similar one at mine, that coincidentally enough was also caused by a squirrel. I will make sure that the stain is visible but not glaring"

"To think that we are in a similar situation! Alas, if you could also eliminate the annoying squirrel I would be grateful"

"Fufu~ is possible, however the Duke will have to pay more, after all the squirrel is now an animal that is protected by the Crown because of its cuteness. Your Excellency must pay the according price ne?"

"You are right Miss Cecile. Should I make 30% of the deposit before the job?"

"Your Excellency jokes, of course is 70%"

"Miss Cecile must I remind you that you are not the only one in the cleaning business?"

"I am, of course, aware. But I thought that the Duke came here because he wanted the bests to avoid that the stain instead of getting lighter become darker and bigger, was I wrong? Furthermore because of a similar problem I had, I know to deal well with it"

Duke Fournier stared at my face as if to find something. But I must disappoint you, Duke, my mask is impeccable after 10 years of training.

"Haha. Such an eloquent child, no wonder that Old Goat brags about you every time. You are right, I will follow your directions since I was the one who sought you first"

Duke Fournier signaled to the noble who was with him to bring the money.

"He'll be right back with the money. Right! Won't this job be affect by your constant visits to the Royal Palace? I am actually amazed that you still visit that place after all that happened, you can even have a private meeting with your ex-fiancée and after with almost the whole family. Won't they be sad if you eliminate the pest that they find precious?"

"Duke jokes, I'm not the one that will perform the job since I don't have the qualifications, so Your Excellency don't have to worry. And well, they are my dear customers, the amount of money they spend on my stores is amazing. Duke should learn with them and spend a lot of money in there fufu~"

"And about the pest... if I don't talk and you don't talk, who will know that I am the one behind?"

Just as I finish talking the door opened and the fat noble entered with the money bag.

"I hope we have a pleasant cooperation"

Taking the money bag, I flashed them my villainess signature smile.

"Yes, lets have a wonderful cooperation"