Inside a luxurious carriage traveling smoothly along the road.
"What a pain... I don't even have time for a little fun anymore."
"And I actually liked the atmosphere in casinos..." Lorne muttered wistfully as he watched the streets race past the window.
As a newly appointed viscount, he had far too much to deal with lately. Social engagements he couldn't refuse, aristocratic salons, and all the tedious approvals required to expand his businesses...
At night, he also had to find time to act as a "Misfortune Mage" to digest his potion and teach gangs a lesson. If demigods hadn't needed so little sleep, this relentless, punishing schedule would have worked him to death long ago.
"I'll be leaving the specific details of the contract to you two. Sorry for the trouble."
Lorne withdrew his gaze from the window and turned toward the two men sitting opposite him.
One was his old acquaintance, Lawyer Jurgen. Since he frequently helped Lorne with legal matters, he had drafted many complicated contracts involving factory acquisitions and transfers of land deeds, and had never made a mistake. Their cooperation had always been pleasant.
The other was Burke, a financial consultant Jurgen had strongly recommended. A young man with neatly groomed blond hair and gold-rimmed glasses, he had a distinctly scholarly air. As an outstanding graduate of Backlund University's finance department, he possessed exceptional expertise in asset valuation and tax planning despite his youth.
Both men had put on the finest, most expensive formal suits in their wardrobes today, their bow ties tied impeccably. It was clear how seriously they took this commission.
Two days earlier, Lorne had sent someone to Bavart Bank to sound them out about the loan he had discussed with Earl Hall at the banquet. He had soon received an extremely enthusiastic