The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

While the barons of the White Dew District were busy competing for land, the mansion of the Dantes family remained silent.

In the study, the clock on the wall ticked steadily and rhythmically, yet Edmund, filled with confusion and anxiety, couldn't calm down.

"Baron Cosia, I really don't understand..." After pacing back and forth in front of the desk several times, Edmund finally stopped and turned his gaze to Ticky standing by the window, unable to hold back his confusion any longer.

"Since we're acquiring land in the White Dew District, why make it such a grand affair?"

Initially, he thought Prince Colin had some follow-up plan, but after waiting for a long time, he saw no such plan, and instead, watched the land prices in the White Dew District double!

Not only that—

As of now, there was still no resolution on the loan. Although Manager Huck assured him with a pat on his chest that it would be fine, asking him to wait a bit longer, from the anxiety in the manager's eyes, Edmund could tell that things might not be as simple as he thought.

Ticky stood by the window, holding a half-full glass of red wine. Sunlight shone through the amber glass, reflecting off his leisurely face.

As Edmund was about to lose his patience, Ticky turned around, smiled with his usual composure, and said.

"Didn't Lumier already tell you? You can't accomplish great things by hiding and keeping secrets."

Edmund was taken aback, his gaze growing more bewildered, as he frowned and said.

"But now the price we're paying for land is double the previous amount! I heard some citizens in the city are inquiring about real estate in the White Dew District. If we wait a few more days, it could be even more than double! Throwing money at country bumpkins... is this part of your plan as well?"

Ticky took a sip from his wine glass with a faint smile, yet he didn't answer.

Just as Edmund was about to pursue his question, a familiar and steady voice came from the doorway of the study.

"Of course, it's part of our plan."

Lumier walked into the study with a steady stride, gently closing the door behind him.

His expression was always calm, as if he had anticipated Edmund's confusion, and he continued looking at the latter as he spoke.

"However, I must correct you on one point: it's not us throwing money at the country bumpkins... We haven't spent a single penny so far, so why are you so anxious?"

Dantes opened his mouth, suddenly coming to his senses.

Indeed—

Aside from publishing a low-key news piece in the newspapers that rural nobles would purchase daily, they hadn't spent any money at all.

The reason for his anxiety seemed mostly due to subconscious pride... worrying that if he failed, he would disappoint those who relied on the Dantes family.

"... Is the White Dew District project just a facade? Could it be... that His Highness the Prince never intended to set up a factory there?" He pondered for a long time, cautiously voicing his inner doubts.

But upon hearing his remarks, Ticky by the window couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"How is that possible? If His Highness didn't intend to, what would we be doing all this for? To entertain the rural folks?"

"Then why—"

"Pondering the 'why' is an assignment from Baron Cosia. Now, I need you to fulfill the second task given to you by His Highness."

Interrupting Edmund's doubts, Lumier paused momentarily and continued in a deliberate tone.

"I've arranged a meeting for you with the manager of the Imperial Royal Bank's headquarters. You will meet him at a place I have arranged tomorrow afternoon. This matter must be kept confidential, and not a third person can know. I'm sure this gentleman is also having quite a headache. After all, 1 million gold coins is not a small amount... even for a person like him."

Ultimately, Prince Colin had no assets to mortgage in the Holy City, and the loan was being applied for by the Dantes Group—a company barely a month old.

If the manager approved the loan, it would mean that if anything went wrong with this transaction, he would bear severe responsibility.

After all, the sum value of all enforceable assets of the group comprised only this property under their feet, valued at 5,000 gold coins.

But if he didn't approve—

He then had to worry about his caution being viewed as 'offensive' by the Colin family.

Being in such a dilemma, when Lumier placed the business card on his desk, he almost immediately agreed to meet with Sir Dantes in person.

However, unlike the eager head of the bank's headquarters who wanted to talk to him, there was a hint of nervousness on Edmund's face.

"You want me to persuade him to approve the loan? Doesn't the reputation of the Colin family suffice?"

If even the name Colin couldn't make the manager nod, Edmund felt that going would be a wasted trip, and it might even make the other party feel he lacked confidence.

Furthermore...

Deep down, he felt that the person really intended to be seen wasn't him, but Prince Colin.

Seeing through Edmund's thoughts, Lumier merely smiled slightly, his eyes inscrutable as he said.

"Quite the opposite."

"What you need to do is not persuade the manager, but to reassure him, making sure he stands by his principles."

"To put it bluntly, you need to ensure that this loan 'doesn't' get approved for the time being."

...

There are no walls that can't be pierced by the wind.

Especially with some individuals diligently fanning the flames.

Although Baron Devor and his neighbors meticulously ensured no leaks, the rural folks living in the White Dew District weren't entirely foolish, after all.