Chapter 27:Althea

"Oh, what a coincidence, I also wanted to make a deal with you..." I said, clasping my fingers together.

"What's on your mind?" asked Madeleine.

"I'm sure you need to find jobs for your members coming from the south, and at the same time, you need financial assistance. The survival of your guild depends on monthly dues from your members and your small shops. I'm proposing to expand your operations, and in return, I need manpower" I said simply.

"What kind of business do you want to start?" Madeleine asked.

"I have many ideas in mind, but I can't tell you them. Don't take offense, but I have no reason to trust you" I said, narrowing eyes.

"You're right about facing our financial difficulties, but likewise, why should we trust you, Mr. Arthur? I'm even skeptical that your real name is Arthur, as we didn't find much data on you, and the lack of information, especially for someone as talented as you, doesn't inspire confidence" Madeleine said, squinting at me.

"I see... And what kind of deal did you want to make with me?" I said, changing the subject.

"We want to assign you some tasks" said Madeleine.

"Sorry, but someone else will have to handle your the legwork and menial tasks. I believe focusing on my proposal would be more beneficial for both you and your guild" I replied.

"We can offer you our servants. As you mentioned, there are many refugees coming from the south who need to be fed, which is quite costly. But I will have some conditions for servants" she said.

"Of course, but let's discuss these conditions later. However, what I want isn't just manpower; I also seek full membership in the Servant's Guild or a higher rank, or whatever you call it" I stated.

Madeleine's expression turned serious, and she scrutinized me again from head to toe. "What will the guild gain in return for this?" she asked.

"I will give you a share of the profits from my new company, and I'm sure your earnings will be substantial. But of course, you may not believe me, so let's revisit this matter a month after I've established my new company" I said.

"That sounds reasonable, but you should know that I'll need to present such important decisions to the guild council for approval," she said.

"Fair enough" I said confidently, leaning back.

"There's one last issue..." Madeleine said, studying my face intently.

"For me to trust you, you need to disclose your identity, Mr. Arthur" she said, emphasizing my assumed name.

"I can't risk giving you my identity and later facing issues because of it. After all, you run a guild that operates on information" I said.

"Then there will be no deal on any terms" she said, starting to get up.

"Wait... Please, sit down..." I said, trying to come up with a solution.

"I'm waiting, Mr. Arthur," Madeleine said, smiling contentedly at my predicament.

Finally, as an idea formed in my mind, I maintained a poker face and looked at Madeleine.

"Do you have a daughter or a close relative?" I asked.

"Yes, why do you ask? If you have any sinister thoughts, I can assure you that your life will be in danger, boy" she said with a vicious grin. I noticed the masked girl next to her reaction to my question.

"No, madam, I have no such intentions. Before I reveal my identity to you, I need a hostage. But of course, this won't exactly be a hostage; rather, she will be my servant" I said, and Madeleine's grin widened when she understood my implication.

"But if I reveal your identity or sell you for money, you will kill the daughter I gave you, won't you?" Madeleine said with wolf-like eyes.

"Yes, Madam Madeleine, but I hope such a thing never happens" I said.

"Very well, I accept, and I will give you my daughter, but I hope your true identity will be worth all this..." she said.

"It will be worth it, but before that, I ask that everyone except your daughter leaves," I said.

With a gesture from Madeleine, everyone except one person left.

The masked girl in front of me had only her eyes visible, and they were emerald green, just like Madeleine's. When the girl saw that I was looking at her, she frowned.

"Remove your mask, Althea, and introduce yourself to your new master." Madeleine said.

Althea glanced at her mother for a while, and for minutes, they seemed to communicate silently with just their eyes. Not wanting to interrupt their conversation, I waited silently, and eventually Althea looked defeated.

Althea took off her mask and stared at me with stern eyes, though I was unaware of this, for I was captivated by her beauty.

She had cut her red hair as short as her mother's, but a little shorter. Her emerald green eyes seemed to claim that she was the most precious gem on Earth and she definitely deserved it. A person could definitely get lost in this girl's eyes. It was clear from afar that her dark pink lips were very soft. And every part of her face, every texture, seemed to be carefully placed.

My gaze drifted downwards, involuntarily fixating on the curves. Suddenly, Madeleine kicked my foot hard, forcing me to tear my eyes away and glare back at her.

"Watch your eyes, young man! Any wrong move towards my daughter could mean the death of your entire family" she said. Of course, that was impossible for her to achieve. I wanted to see the expression on her face when I told her about my family in a moment.

"Well, I apologize, but you must admit your daughter is exceptionally beautiful" I said. Althea blushed at my words and glared at me with anger.

"Very well. I accept your apology. My daughter is so beautiful that I lose my confidence around her" said Madeleine, smiling at her daughter and then turning to me. "Now it's your turn to remove your mask."

"I hope you won't overreact, madam" I said, ignoring the expectant gazes of both women and standing up.

"Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Ethan Asina Lenistark, the third and most handsome prince of the Asina Kingdom. It's a pleasure to meet you ."

Madeleine and Althea looked at me with surprise. Silence hung in the air for a few minutes as they assessed whether I was serious or not. Then they began to smile.

"And what about the color of your hair? As far as I know, Prince Ethan's hair is dark black" Althea interjected.

"I dyed my hair to avoid problems outside the palace, but if you don't believe me, I can show you my actual hair color when I return to the palace" I explained.

"I personally wasn't expecting royalty," said Madeleine. "But this complicates our agreement. Dealing with royalty is difficult, but it can also be rewarding."

carefully watched Madeleine's reaction. "I'm sure our agreement will be beneficial to both sides," I said.

Althea was still in shock, but she quickly controlled herself "If our agreement continues," she said, "there won't be a need to test my loyalty, right?"

I smiled. "Of course. My goal is to establish reliable partnerships, not to take unnecessary risks."

Madeleine nodded slightly, turning to her daughter with a slight nod. "So our agreement will be as follows: you've revealed your identity, and we will show you our trust. Once you establish your company and prove successful, we'll grant you full membership. During this time, Althea will assist you."

Ethan nodded in agreement. "Deal" he said.

With a determined voice, Madeleine added, "But remember, Mr. Ethan, if anything happens to my daughter, not even the kingdom's power can save you. And rest assured, my words are not empty threats..."

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