The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Chapter 206 The Ambitious Merchant of Serewyn

The eastern territories of Serewyn were bustling with life, despite the looming shadows of conflict. Estella sat in her office, surrounded by stacks of letters and scrolls, the scent of wax and ink thick in the air. Her office was nothing short of luxurious, adorned with fine silks and gilded furniture, a testament to her growing success in the merchant world. The sunlight filtered through the tall windows, highlighting her dark hair as she leaned back in her velvet chair, her eyes scanning over the latest batch of letters from her connections across the kingdom.

The tension between Serewyn and Vesperia was palpable, each letter containing news and rumors about the impending war. Estella tapped her fingers against the polished wooden surface of her desk, her eyes narrowing as she considered her options. The conflict worried her, and it wasn't just about her merchant firm. A war between Serewyn and Vesperia could mean the complete destruction of trade routes, loss of resources, and a collapse of the market that she had worked so hard to establish. The safest option was to move her operation elsewhere, somewhere far from the chaos that would surely unfold.

But the idea of leaving felt like giving up—and that wasn't who Estella was. She had clawed her way up from nothing, turning a modest merchant business into a thriving middle-class firm that was now recognized across Serewyn. She wouldn't abandon her hard work without a fight. And then, there was the allure of opportunity. War, as much as it brought destruction, also brought chances for those cunning enough to seize them.

If I play my cards right... she mused, her lips curling into a contemplative smile.

I could gain favor with either kingdom, perhaps even both.

She leaned forward, her eyes glinting with determination as she scanned the letters once more. If she could deliver valuable information to the right people, she could secure exclusive permits, trade routes, and perhaps even political leverage—all things that could elevate her merchant firm to a level she'd only dreamed of.

She picked up a letter sealed with the emblem of one of her informants. Breaking the seal, she read the contents with keen eyes. Rumors of Vesperia's moves were contained within—strategic deployments, political alliances, whispers of deals made behind closed doors. This was the kind of information that could change everything. But it wasn't enough. She needed something bigger, something that could tip the scales definitively in her favor.

Estella stood from her chair, her fingers brushing against the delicate silk of her dress as she paced the room. She needed to gather more intelligence, and she knew just where to start. Her connections in the nobility might hold the key. Serewyn's upper class loved to gossip, and if there was a place to overhear something significant, it would be at one of their gatherings.

A smile formed on her lips as she considered her next move. There was a banquet being held in the capital—a grand event in honor of a noble's betrothal. She had received an invitation, of course. This could be it, she thought. If she played her part well, if she listened closely, she might just find what she needed.

She turned to her trusted bodyguard, Rhea, who stood silently in the corner of the room, ever watchful. Rhea's stoic expression softened slightly as Estella approached, her eyes filled with the kind of loyalty that could only be forged over years of trust.

"Rhea," Estella said, her voice carrying a note of excitement, "we're attending the banquet tonight. I have a feeling it's going to be... profitable."

Rhea gave a small nod, her gaze never wavering.

"As you wish, Lady Estella."

___

Rhea left to begin the search, her movements swift and purposeful. Estella watched her go, her heart pounding with anticipation. This was her chance—a chance to seize control, to turn the chaos of war to her advantage.

It took several days of careful scouting, but finally, Rhea returned with news. She had found a trail—tracks that led through the forest, suggesting a group traveling discreetly. Estella wasted no time, ordering her small caravan to move. She and Rhea rode ahead, their determination carrying them through the dense forest, their eyes scanning for any sign of the Prince Consort.

The journey wasn't without its challenges. At one point, they spotted a giant horde of Skalverns, their numbers overwhelming and their direction unpredictable. The creatures were moving swiftly, and Estella knew they had to avoid confrontation. Rhea led them in a hurried retreat, skillfully maneuvering through the forest to avoid being detected by the beasts. Their path diverted significantly, and for a while, it seemed they might be lost. Frustration and exhaustion were beginning to set in, but then, by sheer luck, they stumbled upon what they had been searching for all along.

In the distance, there he was—Mikhailis. Estella's heart skipped a beat as she saw him standing there, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his sword, a bemused expression on his face as he watched the commotion of the Skalvern horde.

She quickly assessed his appearance—the eccentric yet refined style, the glasses, the confident demeanor. There was no mistaking it. This has to be him, she thought, a surge of excitement rushing through her.

The journey wasn't without its challenges. At one point, they were attacked by a horde of monsters—wild beasts driven from their usual territory by the unrest spreading across Serewyn. Rhea fought fiercely, her sword cutting through the creatures with ease, her movements fluid and precise. Estella watched from a distance, her heart pounding as she realized just how close they had come to losing everything.

But then, as the dust settled and the monsters lay defeated, she saw him—Mikhailis. He was standing a short distance away, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his sword, a bemused expression on his face as he watched the aftermath of the fight.

There he is, Estella thought, her heart skipping a beat. She urged her horse forward, her eyes fixed on him as she approached, her mind already calculating her next move. She needed to make an impression, to ensure he would be interested in helping her.

"You there!" she called out, her voice carrying just the right amount of desperation. "Please, we need your help!"

Mikhailis turned, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in her appearance. He looked amused, a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he watched her approach.

"A damsel in distress, is it?" he said, his tone light, almost teasing. "And what exactly do you need help with, my lady?"

Estella dismounted, her dress flowing around her as she approached him, her eyes wide with what she hoped was convincing fear. "We were attacked," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "My guards and I—we barely managed to fend them off. Please, I need someone to protect us as we make our way to the capital."

Mikhailis tilted his head, his eyes scanning her face before drifting to Rhea, who stood silently behind her, her sword still drawn. He seemed to consider her words for a moment before nodding, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Well, I suppose I could help," he said, his tone casual. "For the right price, of course."