Kledson successfully obtained a permit to manage the salt mine discovered by Caerina. He had to use force, even threats, to get Joubert to issue the permit.
Kledson harbored not a shred of fear or hesitation toward Joubert. Apart from their closely-knit past, Joubert's high-handedness often compelled Kledson to resort to violence.
"My goodness, why is he always so intimidating?" Joubert straightened his rumpled clothing.
"Why do you let Marquees Navre do as he pleases? Moreover, he shows you no respect as the Emperor," said Faron.
"Because he's too powerful. I'm no match for him. Rather than having him rampage through the palace, I'd rather satisfy his demands."
That was roughly Joubert's take on Kledson. The man was only ever warm toward his child and wife.
Kledson brought the good news home. He crossed paths with Caerina in the mansion's courtyard.
"Caerina, Father has obtained the Emperor's permit!" Kledson exclaimed.
Caerina seemed puzzled. "Why did Father get the permit so quickly? Doesn't it usually take two days to obtain one?"
Kledson averted his gaze from Caerina.
"Isn't sooner better than later?"
What exactly her father had done, Caerina did not know.
"Alright, thank you, Father. Then, let's start managing the mine tomorrow."
News of Caerina managing the salt mine reached Heston's ears. He was clearly displeased by the sudden transformation of Caerina into a businesswoman shortly after their divorce.
"She discovered a salt mine? Is she serious about taking on business? I know she's not talented in that area. And a salt mine, of all things."
Heston received this report from one of his subordinates. The region of Marquees Navre was abuzz with the news.
"I also heard Miss Caerina is employing vagrants. Moreover, they've been instructed to gather some wild plants."
Heston sighed heavily. He felt uneasy about this development.
"Continue monitoring everything around Caerina. Report directly to me if you find anything unusual," Heston commanded.
"Yes, sir."
Brenda, lurking behind the entrance door, fumed with anger as Heston seemed overtly concerned with Caerina. Seethed with jealousy, for her, Heston belonged to her alone.
'Caerina... that woman again causes my blood pressure to rise. What is she actually up to? Could she be trying to capture the Duke's attention? This must not be tolerated!'
Brenda bit her fingertip. She turned away as the servants and knights began to notice her.
'I have to find a way to get rid of her before she becomes an obstacle. My wedding day is near; I can't have the Duke turn his attention away from me.'
Meanwhile, Count Delmo also received similar news as Heston. The corpulent, bald man was astonished by the emergence of a new competitor after more than two decades in the salt mine business.
His mansion was opulent, his wealth abundant, and he counted a dozen mistresses among his possessions. His fortune was built on the dirty business he had conducted all this time.
He plundered and slaughtered those who defied him. No small number of salt mines transitioned to his control. And now, Caerina was directly challenging Count Delmo.
"How could that little girl find a salt mine?! What's really happening? Where did she find it?!"
Count Delmo looked nearly consumed by his rage.
"Sir, Miss Navre found the salt mine within her father's domain and has also discovered a hidden mine in the cliffs area, which you once obliterated."
Count Delmo's eyes widened with shock. He had fervently searched for that mine, yet it had fallen into Caerina's hands.
"Are you serious? Is this true?"
"I am serious, sir. I saw it with my own eyes, many people are there working."
"Damn it!" Count Delmo slammed his hand upon the table. "This must not be allowed to proceed unhindered. That girl needs to learn who she's up against."
"What should we do now? If you wait too long, she could become a significant threat to your business, sir."
Count Delmo clicked his tongue in irritation. Today, he had planned to rest, but now problems stood in his way.
"Unleash the undead we've collected on her mine; once the workers there are dead, we'll take over the mine."
Count Delmo smiled malevolently. Indeed, he was a greedy and elderly covet.
"Very well, sir. I will release the undead at her mine at once."
"Yes, do it swiftly before things deteriorate further."
Count Delmo's private knight hurried out. Momentarily silent, his laughter suddenly reverberated through his private chamber.
"Hahaha. In the Eusebian Empire, I am the only one entitled to own salt mines! They all belong to me! Whoever stands in my way, I will destroy them completely!" proclaimed Count Delmo malevolently.
Caerina sat on the sofa after a long day of strenuous work. She glanced at the clock; it was now showing midnight. It was time to rest and lie down in bed.
"Everything is secure and under control. Tomorrow might be even busier. Besides, I plan to visit the Theressum region to monitor the situation there."
Unaware, Caerina dozed off on the sofa. Around one in the morning, her sleep was disrupted as she sensed whispers in her ear.
"Miss, wake up! Something dreadful is about to occur! Hurry, wake up, Miss!"
The whispers gradually became more insistent. Caerina begrudgingly awoke from her slumber.
"Who's there disturbing my sleep?!" Caerina appeared quite cross.
"Sorry, Miss. We had to wake you."
Caerina rubbed her eyes. As she reopened them, she was startled to find two women in maids' uniforms floating before her. Still, Caerina remained calm. This wasn't her first encounter of this nature.
"Who are you? Are you ghosts?" Caerina inquired.
"Yes, as you can see. We've been dead for a long time. We ended up as restless souls in the human world," one of the spirits replied.
"Then why have you awakened me? Is something amiss?"
The spirits exchanged looks. They had come to convey something important to Caerina.
"Miss, you should head to the salt mine right now. Aren't some of the workers still there? They are in danger."
"What do you mean?"
"Count Delmo has released a horde of undead near the mine. He's trying to eliminate those working under you, Miss."
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