Jacqueline stared incredulously at the pile of items accumulated beside Catherine.
Small things like spoons, cups, and plates.
Big things like tapestries, oil paintings, and armor.
There were also pillows, candlesticks, curtains, and other miscellaneous objects.
Brimming over, they filled the entire cabin.
"Did you move everything from the room here?"
When Jacqueline saw several jewelry boxes among the clutter, confirming that one of them had been long unused by Catherine and consigned to the attic, the elder twin finally realized that her sister had moved everything they owned from West Berlin Castle.
"Of course!
Arthur said he fought for this!
And he paid a price for it!"
Catherine lifted her head proudly.
"What was that just thrown into the Inland River?"
Jacqueline asked.
"Plaster!
My things, if I can take them, I will; if I can't, I won't leave them for that guy.
If it wouldn't lead to conflict, I would not even leave our rooms for him."
Catherine looked as if this were the most natural thing in the world.
Smack!
Jacqueline covered her face.
That was a mix of wanting to laugh but feeling embarrassed.
However, Catherine, who had let herself go completely, was fearless.
"Living in South Los is expensive.
These things should fetch us so living expenses.
Also...
That guy has ill-intentions of sending soone to South Los, I think we can get a job from our sister there."
Catherine said with a playful laugh, a hint of brightness twinkling in her green eyes.
The sister ntioned by this younger twin was naturally Marinda.
And that guy was the Marquess of Seberlin.
As for the job?
Of course, it was to monitor the people sent by the Marquess of Seberlin.
Jacqueline grew more and more resigned.
But Catherine was quite emphatic.
"Who else in South Los is more familiar with Seberlin than us?
Even the Countess's spies can't compare, can they?
So, we're undoubtedly the best for the job."
Faced with her sister's words, Jacqueline did not retort.
Because that was the truth.
Moreover, as the elder sister, Jacqueline had to think more.
Even though they had already acknowledged Marinda as their sworn sister and ford a connection, turning that connection into a deep bond still required ti to forge, as well as...
Demonstrating value!
Without showing value, even with feelings, the bond is weak.
Only with true value can the bond grow stronger.
Therefore, before embarking, she ordered the Pain Church to abandon Doldot Port and comnce dispersing throughout Seberlin to develop independently.
After all, her father knew the stronghold of Doldot Port better than her.
Only by scattering and rebuilding could this force beco her bargaining chip.
It might take so ti, but as long as it's there, that's enough.
With this in mind, Jacqueline's gaze beca resolute.
The elder of the twins stroked her sister's head and said softly—
"From now on, it's our own life!"
"Yes!"
Catherine nodded, her eyes revealing a bit of trepidation but mostly anticipation.
And on the upper deck's terrace, Arthur tossed a contract to Marinda.
This contract represented ten percent of Port Doldot's revenue.
Marinda examined all the clauses carefully.
It was very lenient.
Not a trace of malice.
Imdiately, the lady curled the corners of her mouth and signed her na.
The next mont, the brilliance of the contract burst forth.
"A pleasure doing business!"
The lady extended her hand.
Arthur shook hands with her, then discreetly let go—the young Spirit dium picked up the long-stemd curved pipe that Marinda had given to him.
It was packed with tobacco, but not lit.
However, Marinda didn't care about these things.
The lady was only concerned about whether Arthur would keep his promise.
Of course, seeing her own na engraved on the long stem of the pipe, the lady's smile grew even brighter.
Her eyes, too, narrowed in a smile.
"I have obtained forty percent of Port Doldot's revenues.
One-tenth of it is yours, and two-tenths I kept for myself," Arthur said.
As for the remaining one-tenth?
Marinda didn't ask further.
She knew who it was for.
Aside from her noble Cousin, the Earl, there was no second candidate.
The lady did not object.
Because they indeed needed soone to share the risk.
Of course, the lady wasn't about to let Arthur give it away for nothing.
"The number of tis I have lost at Port Doldot is far less than that of my Cousin, the Earl, and she is also fixated on this place," Marinda said softly.
The lady said no more, trusting that Arthur was smart enough to catch her drift.
"Of course.
I will mark this revenue with a truly fair price," Arthur responded with a smile.
"And the eldest son of the Old Lion, he is not soone magnanimous. This defeat in Port Doldot will certainly provoke his fierce retaliation against you.
He will not allow you to safely reach Inner Bay.
My people have received information that, after that person left yesterday, the largest group of river pirates in Ainhars Territory, the 'Red Knights', have begun to move.
They are likely planning to ambush the 'Oriental' during the later part of your journey!" Marinda cautioned.
Upon receiving such a friendly warning, Arthur imdiately stood up to pour Marinda a cup of orange tea.
You see, this is the benefit of cooperation.
A person can't possibly cover all bases.
A worthy collaborator always makes your efforts go twice as far with half the effort.
"I will leave these 200 n behind…"
"No need to leave anyone.
You just have them return to South Los.
Trust , the eldest son of the Old Lion's hatred for you is no less than mine. Similarly, to strike at , that fellow may likely take action against your property.
So, you need manpower even more than I do," Arthur said as he handed the orange tea to Marinda.
The lady perceptive to strong feelings sensed that Arthur wasn't telling the entire truth.
However, the lady did not expose it.
Instead, she took the orange tea and nodded in agreent.
"Mmhmm, I understand.
I will certainly protect our property," Marinda said softly.
"More important than those properties, you are paramount. If it ever cos to that point, you must forsake everything to ensure your safety— only when you are safe and sound can I forge ahead with courage," Arthur said earnestly.
Marinda knew Arthur was acting, but looking into those deep eyes, the lady couldn't help but feel her heartbeat quicken.
"Mmhmm."
Once again, Marinda nodded.
Afterward, Arthur led Marinda down toward the first-class cabins below.
Marinda was to return directly to South Los with the sisters Jacqueline and Catherine.
And just after Arthur and Marinda left, the lead box containing part of Mikhail's things on the table in the upper deck twitched slightly.
It didn't make a tiny bit of noise.
But the corner of Arthur's lips, as he went downstairs, couldn't help but quirk upwards—
Hooked!
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