Aries had a thought when she stepped foot in the House Vandran after the controversy she was involved in the Maganti Empire. She had been in an environment of aristocrats since the day she was born.
She was no stranger to rumors. Hence, she had expected a worse outcome once she returned to the Haimirich Empire.
The least of her concern was the opinions in the royal court. Dexter and Abel could handle that, and with Conan's involvement, he would eventually find a way to settle things as he had always done.
However, although those three usually settled the matters in the royal court, they gave little to no attention to the rumors in the high society. Not that Aries purely cared about the nobles' opinion, but she had to do something about it.
That was why she planned to become the richest lady in the empire.
"My lord, it is I, Gustav," Gustav announced, after knocking on the marquess's study. "Lady Daniella is here after your summon."
"Bring her in."
Aries glanced at Gustav, the head butler of the House Vandran, and smiled. The latter offered a polite smile, opening the door for her.
"Greetings, brother." Aries curtsied as soon as she stepped in. When she straightened her back, Dexter already pushed himself up from behind the desk.
"Take a seat," said Dexter as he picked up a few documents.
"I'll prepare you some tea, my lady." Gustav motioned his arm towards the set of chairs in front of the marquess's desk.
"Thank you, Gustav." Aries watched Gustav leave them alone, before marching towards the futon. "You asked for me?"
"Mhm." Dexter raised a few documents and plopped down on the armchair. He then handed it to her casually. "Your request."
Her brow rose as she reached for the papers slowly. "That quick? It's only been four days since I told you about it."
"It's been four days." He arched a brow, spreading his arms over the armrest whilst resting his leg over the other. "It took longer than usual because everyone was rather busy."
"Haha… don't gloat… much." She rolled her eyes, reading the documents Dexter handed over. The corner of her lips stretched from ear to ear, seeing that everything was legally approved by the emperor.
It had been four days since they returned to the House Vandran from the imperial palace. For the past four days, the royal physicians had secretly visited her once a day. Dexter had been busy handling the march's affairs, and Abel hadn't visited. Or at least, not when she was awake, leaving just traces of flowers and letters on her bedside.
Their lives had slowly returned to normal if she put it, and everyone had slowly adjusted to their setups.
"Didn't you say you want to make history and become the richest lady in the empire?" Dexter broke the silence that was descending in the room. "Why are you being discreet about running a business?"
Aries eyed him in dismay. "How can you be so clueless about this, hmm?"
"What do you mean?" he cocked his head to the side.
"Brother, I hope you are joking." Aries laughed, only to realize Dexter was clueless. She leaned forward, resting her arm over the armrest. "You're serious?"
"Do you think I'm jesting?"
"I mean, you should know since you are running many successful businesses!"
"Exactly my point, Dani. I'm running many successful businesses that helped the empire's economy. It is what sat me as the leader of the aristocratic faction," Dexter reminded her, as a matter of fact. "If you're going to open up a shop and use my connections, your dresses will be sold out in a single day."
Aries laughed dryly, shaking her head and looking at him in disbelief. "Brother, how did you start the business?"
"I just did. I started small, selling anything in the market. I know how to save and invest, and learned how to expand it without hurting the capital chain along the way." He shrugged.
"Wow…" Aries clapped slowly, amazed at how Dexter made it sound so easy.
"So, I don't understand why you are unwilling to use your brother's influence. You are privileged enough. Use it."
Aries smacked her lips and leaned back. "Then that's not making history, is it?"
"No. It's called making things complicated."
"A widow, a cursed beauty, a canary in an aviary." Aries drew a breath as she raised her brows at him. "Those were the only few titles they call me."
"Dani."
"Who do you think will buy from someone who people think is cursed?" Aries arched a brow, stopping him before he could say more. "If I use you, I won't have a problem. However, that will also mean my consumer will only procure what I can offer because I'm your sister. I do not want that."
Dexter chuckled with his lips closed. "You don't want to live in my shadow? Is that what you mean?"
"Will you get angry if I say I want those people to think I am just as capable as my brother?"
"No. Not at all." He shook his head, lips stretching from ear to ear. "I already guessed that's the reason, knowing how competitive you are. But I still want to hear it from you."
"Tsk." Aries looked at him before their waves of laughter broke.
"But Dani." Dexter cleared his throat once he recovered from laughing. "Running a business isn't as easy as others think. I don't think you underestimate that, but we had a deal. You need to focus on your health."
"I know." Aries flashed him a bright smile, making Dexter tilt his head to the side.
"What?" he asked when she kept her mouth shut for over ten seconds. "Stop with the suspense now. Or are you stalling to think of another way to make me agree you can manage it all alone? If that is the case, I will revoke these permits at once."
"Mhm." Her lips stretched even broader while shaking her head. "I already have someone who will manage it."
"Someone?"
"Mhm. Someone I can trust deeply." Aries's eyes shone with excitement, watching Dexter narrow his eyes in intrigue. It didn't take long when his mouth fell open as he rocked his head.
"You mean…?"
"Yes. Violet."
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