Chapter 94: Raymond’s Urgent Report

“Young Miss, what are you looking at?”

Luluti had been staring blankly out the window, prompting Nomnom to lean closer and inquire.

“Nothing, I’m just bored.”

Luluti, her brow furrowed, watched the lazily drifting white clouds and answered with a casual dismissal.

Nomnom blinked, then turned her gaze towards the sky outside as well.

“The weather is truly lovely today, a perfect day for going out!”

“Mm.” Luluti replied, utterly devoid of enthusiasm.

For the most part, she remained confined to her room; even on the rare occasions she ventured out, her excursions were limited to a brief circuit within the villa or a leisurely stroll through the garden.

“Young Miss, how about we sneak out again sometime?”

As if sensing her Young Miss’s thoughts, Nomnom leaned close to Luluti, whispering excitedly.

“Huh? How would we get out?”

“Just like last time! I can hide you in the dining cart, and we’ll be all set!”

Luluti shot her a withering glance. “You foolish cat, we were already found out last time; the guards simply chose not to expose us.”

“Meow! Really? I had no idea at all!”

Nomnom’s tail shot up high, her face a mask of disbelief.

‘This idiotic maid was truly useless, aside from her unwavering loyalty.’

However, Luluti was not strictly required to sneak out; after all, this was the Astria family’s villa, not some prison.

Yet, if she wished to venture out for leisure, she first had to confirm the timing, report to her father in the Royal Capital, and only then could she depart under the escort of guards—a process fraught with considerable inconvenience.

Furthermore, even when granted permission to leave, she found no one truly suitable to accompany her.

While Raymond was an impeccable butler, his perpetually stern demeanor suggested a man who knew nothing of life’s simple pleasures.

He would simply wear a blank expression and utter not a single word, making any time spent with him utterly devoid of enjoyment.

As for Nomnom, she was simply a fool, prone to getting lost at a moment’s notice.

Not only would she invariably lead them to the middle of nowhere, but she was also exceptionally prone to mishaps—either damaging others’ possessions or misplacing her own—rendering any outing with her an absolute torment.

If pressed to recall, only the day she went shopping with Yalin had truly been enjoyable.

However, Yalin was, after all, merely a temporary hire; constantly keeping him by her side would undoubtedly provoke strong objections from both the guards and her family.

Suddenly, a knock echoed at the room’s door, followed by Raymond’s voice from beyond.

“Young Miss, are you available at the moment?”

“Yes, please come in.”

Granted permission, Raymond pushed open the door and stepped inside; yet, he did not venture far into the room, choosing instead to stand formally by the entrance.

His black tailcoat, gold-rimmed monocle, and piercing gaze imbued his entire being with an aura that commanded distance.

Catching a fleeting glance from him, Nomnom immediately shivered, then hastily bowed to Luluti.

“Y-Young Miss, I shall not disturb you further. I’ll take my leave now.”

“Very well, you may go.”

Luluti nodded, and Nomnom, understanding the unspoken cue, promptly withdrew from the room.

As the door closed, Luluti turned from her chair, her gaze falling upon Raymond, who stood ramrod straight at the doorway.

“You’ve worked hard. Is there something you need?”

“I have come to report on the recent situation to the Young Miss.”

Raymond’s voice was devoid of warmth.

Luluti’s brow furrowed slightly as she rose from her chair.

Typically, such reports were conducted at a fixed time in the conference room upstairs.

Yet, Raymond had come to her room alone and closed the door, a clear indication of something urgent, or perhaps something… unexpected.

“Ailanmia has been far from peaceful lately. Following our investigations, more cautious merchants have significantly curtailed their business activities, leading to rather unfavorable financial reports for this period.”

“It seems necessary then for us to also implement certain measures here.”

“Indeed, the supply volume will temporarily decrease during this period, and I have already reported this to the Family Head. However, beyond that, there is another matter of considerable importance.”

A dangerous glint flickered in Raymond’s slightly narrowed eyes.

“It appears the other two merchant guilds have reached a consensus, intending to collaborate in a concerted effort to encircle and eliminate us. Several significant deals have already been snatched from us these past few days.”

While the Astria family wielded immense influence in the Royal Capital, their sway in Ailanmia remained limited. Having only extended their reach into this region in recent years, they had naturally provoked the resentment of merchants long established there.

Luluti pressed her lips together, offering no words.

She was well aware of this situation, yet, due to her youth, she found herself unable to resolve the current predicament independently, compelled instead to entrust Raymond with its handling.

After all, in the arena of commercial warfare, Raymond’s vast experience and shrewd tactics far surpassed anything a young lady like herself, who had barely been exposed to society, could hope to contend with.

“Furthermore, this month I uncovered three more traitors; one of them, having leaked information of critical importance, was executed by me.”

“I understand. My apologies for always burdening you with such tasks.”

“The Young Miss need not concern herself; this is, after all, my duty.”

Raymond paused, his voice dropping to a slightly lower register.

“However, there is a very high probability of an insider within the family, one whose position far exceeds that of the subordinates I’ve apprehended. Though I continue my investigation, they are exceptionally cunning, and I have yet to uncover any definitive leads.”

“Therefore, I hope that during this time, Young Miss will exercise even greater caution, paying particular attention to avoiding excessive contact with any unrelated individuals from outside.”

As he uttered the phrase “unrelated individuals,” Raymond deliberately imbued his tone with emphasis, making his implication abundantly clear.

It was quite apparent that he held considerable displeasure towards Yalin.

“I understand… I will be careful.”

Luluti lowered her gaze, deliberately avoiding his eyes.

Though she spoke no words, her expression eloquently conveyed everything.

She trusted Yalin, convinced he would never perpetrate such harm against her.

Raymond let out a cold snort, opting not to pursue the topic further.

He was, after all, merely a butler; even as a trusted confidant of the Young Miss, an insurmountable barrier remained between them.

Luluti was the mistress, and Yalin was an individual she had personally selected. As a mere butler, he possessed no authority to offer unwarranted criticism.

“These are the matters I needed to report. I trust the Young Miss will pay close heed. I shall not disturb you further.”

“I understand. Thank you.”

Raymond placed a hand over his chest, executed a crisp bow, and then withdrew from the room.

Nomnom stood impassively, her earlier vacant expression having completely vanished.

“How are the preparations for that matter progressing?”

Raymond spoke as he walked.

“Lord Raymond, everything is prepared. We can act at any moment, should the opportunity arise.”

Nomnom replied respectfully from behind him.

“Very well. Continue your surveillance here, and I will inform you of the precise plan later.”

“I understand.”

Nomnom lowered her head slightly. Raymond, without so much as a glance at her, proceeded directly out of the villa.