“Thank you for participating in the clinical trial. As promised, you’ll all receive the agreed payment. Please head home safely.”
Smiling gently, I turned away as the participants crowded around Luan to collect their money.
I headed to the refrigerated storage where the hair loss treatment was kept.
The well-crafted medicine was stored in pristine glass vials.
Due to the perishable nature of aged mana herbs, they were kept in cold storage, and the condition of the drugs looked excellent at a glance.
Checking the manufacturing dates, I nodded, satisfied with their upkeep.
As I opened the cold storage door to leave, a man stood squarely in my path.
He looked like one of the trial participants, lingering nearby and eyeing me cautiously.
“What’s the matter?” I asked, my tone tinged with wariness.
As if waiting for the cue, he stepped forward.
Removing his hat, he bowed politely, revealing a face more striking than average.
“Lady Rondinella, I’m Chandler. I’ve heard much about you, and it’s an honor to meet such a remarkable beauty.”
Heard about me? From whom? Luan wouldn’t discuss me personally with participants.
Puzzled, I stood there as Chandler rubbed his brow and shook his head.
“My apologies, my introduction was lacking.”
With a mysterious wink, he leaned in and whispered, “Did you make good use of the item I provided?”
Item? Did I buy something from him?
Confused, I studied Chandler—tall, lean, with a charming smile that could break hearts.
His sharply tailored suit, long trench coat, and polished shoes gleamed.
Maybe he runs a tailor shop?
Tilting my head, I asked, “Did I ever buy something from you, Mr. Chandler?”
He slapped his forehead, shaking his head as if I’d missed the mark.
His smile remained fixed, like a mask.
Raising his index and thumb in a gun shape, he mimicked a shot and said, “Everything Store!”
My eyes widened at the sudden declaration, but I quickly composed myself.
“Everything Store? What does that have to do with the item?”
“Yep! Betty from the Everything Store was the middleman connecting us.”
If Betty was the middleman, there’s only one person…
“The middleman… you mean… the dete—”
“Shh!” Chandler pressed a finger to his lips, lowering his voice. “My detective work is top secret. Just between you and me.”
He laughed heartily, his trench coat swaying with the motion.
His attire and enigmatic vibe weren’t ordinary—and a detective, no less.
The one who filmed Alex and Rachel’s dirty deeds?
A mix of embarrassment and excitement stirred within me.
“Oh… I made great use of the item. But I’m surprised to meet you, Mr. Chandler, as a trial participant. What a coincidence.”
“Haha, not exactly a hundred percent coincidence. I heard through Betty you were looking for trial participants, so I signed up. Your hair loss treatment is rare, even in the Western Continent… and I wanted to meet you.”
“Me? Why?”
He cleared his throat, slightly flustered. “Well, as I said, I heard you’re stunningly beautiful. And seeing you in person, you’re truly one of the empire’s rare gems.”
Avoiding my gaze, his ears reddened slightly as he scratched his head and laughed again.
“Anyway, the hair loss treatment and meeting you—it’s been a huge honor. This is a gift to thank you for giving me a new lease on life.”
Unable to refuse, I carefully accepted the small, soft object he offered.
It was slightly larger than a bean, squishy, and intriguing.
“What is this?”
“It’s a magical tool from the Western Continent that lets you hear someone’s thoughts when worn in your ear. But not just anyone can use it… There’s a specific method, uh… what was it again? Haha, I forgot.”
As he ruffled his hair, struggling to recall, I laughed and told him to let me know when he remembered.
Looking relieved, he said, “The method’s so peculiar, I forgot it already. If it’s alright, I’ll write it down and pass it to Luan. Is that okay?”
“Yes, that works.”
“Thank you. I may not look it, but I’ve got quite the network in the Western Continent. I can easily procure rare magical tools. If you ever need anything, just let me know.”
He handed me his card with a bright smile.
Rare items from the Western Continent, anytime?
That piqued my interest.
“Are there many fascinating things like this in the Western Continent?” I asked, eyes sparkling.
“Of course! From groundbreaking to mundane, the variety’s endless.”
“How’s the pricing? Probably… expensive, right?”
“Haha, rare magical tools can cost a fortune, but I’ve got more money than I need. I value things money can’t buy—like this.” He grinned, adjusting his hat over his lush hair.
Something money can’t solve…
For Chandler, that was hair loss—unsolvable even with Western Continent goods.
No matter how charming, a balding man wouldn’t win many hearts.
Smiling, I nodded in understanding.
“Mr. Chandler, if you supply me with Western Continent magical tools, I’ll provide all my medicines, including the hair loss treatment, for free. How’s that?”
Hair loss requires long-term, possibly lifelong treatment.
Knowing this, Chandler grinned, satisfied. “You’re someone I can talk to. I prefer extraordinary value over stuffy currency. So, Lady Aselin, anything you need?”
Pausing to think, I raised a corner of my lips.
Pointing to a corner of the factory, I saw Chandler’s eyes light up as he turned.
As dusk fell, Aselin left the factory.
Turning a corner to visit the general store, someone grabbed her arm from behind, dragging her into a dark alley.
The familiar stench of alcohol hit her as she turned—Pierre stood there.
“What the hell are you doing? Why are you managing the factory I sold to Prince Claude?” he bellowed.
“What’s the problem? His Highness, my fiancé, entrusted it to me,” Aselin replied calmly.
Pierre’s face reddened, glaring as if steam would shoot from his ears.
“You think I’m a fool? Claude’s ridiculous offer made no sense, and now I know you were pulling the strings to ruin me and take it all! Give it back! Hand over my factory while I’m asking nicely!”
