Chapter 34: Get Down to the Business

Much to her surprise, Senior Zachary replied right away. He even suggested meeting at a café once her house probation period ended.

The café had rustic stone walls, dark wooden frames, and a striped awning that gave it an old-fashioned French charm, a cozy contrast to the glowing holographic signs and hovering vehicles outside.

Zachary slipped an arm around Lydia’s as they settled into their seats.

"My heart leapt with joy when you asked me on a date like this, Lydia. So straightforward. I like it when a lady knows what she wants."

Lydia gently removed Zachary’s arm from hers, completely unbothered by his sweet words.

"Ooof! That was cold, my lady. I thought you were interested in me."

Small robots hovered to deliver tea, coffee, and snacks they had ordered.

"I am."

Zachary’s eyes immediately lit up, and his smile widened as if Lydia had just confessed her undying love for him.

Lydia could only sigh at his reaction. She took a sip of tea before took out her Student Committee application form from her bracelet and placed it on the table between them.

"Great! Faster than I thought."

He reached for the form to take it from her but Lydia didn’t let go of the paper.

"What do I get out of this, Senior Zach?" Her smile remained sweet.

The question made Zachary’s easygoing smile shift into something more businesslike. His eyes sharpened, and the playful warmth in his expression gave way to a calculating look.

Even so, he continued smiling, as though negotiating a business deal over tea was perfectly normal for a pleasant afternoon date.

"You did say you could offer me something much better than Ephraim," she reminded him. "We can start with that. Show me your offer."

"Asking for your payment, there. Smart girl." Zachary snapped his fingers.

The Resonance Mark on both of their hands flared to life before crumbled into fine particles and scattered away into the air like dust caught in the wind.

Lydia had kept her promise and obtained Sylvain’s approval for her application. With her part of the deal fulfilled, the marks finally disappeared

"Of course, Senior Zach. I wouldn’t have invited you here otherwise."

"We speak the same language, Lydia. One more point for Valendorf." Zachary placed a hand over his chest. "I can feel my heart going doki doki for you right now."

"Saying such things so easily will only make them lose their meaning, won’t it, Senior?"

"Ah, how cruel. You’re questioning the sincerity of my heart."

"Shouldn’t I?"

Zachary laughed, apparently delighted rather than offended. "You’re really something, Lydia. I like that about you."

"Thank you?"

"All right, let’s cut to the chase." His smile remained, but his tone became more serious. "I want to offer you a contract."

Lydia finally released the application form, though she didn’t push it toward him just yet.

"Showing me your true colors now, Senior Zach. And what kind of contract are we talking about? One between House Valendorf and House Ludenberg?"

Such an agreement would be no small matter.

House Valendorf was the Empire’s Sword, the noble house entrusted with protecting the Adelstein Empire through its military strength. Its influence was built on generations of service and the power to defend the imperial throne.

House Ludenberg, on the other hand, was known as the Empire’s Purse.

House Ludenberg might have held only a count’s title, but its wealth surpassed that of most noble houses by an absurd amount. Rumor had it that the family was more than ten times richer than the imperial family itself.

If the Empire’s Sword joined hands with the Empire’s Purse, the Emperor would be quick to raise his attention.

And that was the last kind of problem Lydia needed in her second life.

"No." Zachary shook his head. "Nothing so complicated. I’m talking about a contract between Zachary Ludenberg and Lydia Valendorf." He leaned forward slightly, his eyes meeting hers. "Just betwen... you and me. Us."

Lydia watched him with unimpressed eyes despite his sweet words.

"Okay."

"That’s all? Most girls would me swooning and squealing right now. Maaaan... Why are you colder than the Estrise tundra, Lydia?"

"I’ll take that as a compliment, then. And I have no intention to rolling on the floor and wagging my tail for you, Senior."

She sliced off another piece of lemon cake and placed it in her mouth, leaving Zachary to deal with his wounded pride alone.

"But I will consider it, Senior Zach." Lydia swallowed before continuing. "I actually prefer it that way. An agreement between our families might raise the Emperor’s suspicions, and that’s the last thing I’d want."

Zachary’s smile turned thoughtful.

"You’re right. Keeping our business separate from our families would be much more convenient."

Lydia nodded and took another sip of tea. So far, they seemed to be on the same page. If Zachary wanted to make a deal with her personally, she was willing to hear him out.

However, Lydia wasn’t about to sign anything without knowing what he expected in return.

After all, a contract was only beneficial if both parties understood what they stood to gain.

"Speaking of which," Zachary suddenly said, casually resting his chin on one hand, "even House Valendorf ignored my dowry when I sent it a few months ago."

Lydia nearly spat out her tea. She had to looked away and dab her lips with a silk handkerchief to keep her composure.

Her gaze darted around the café. Nobody seemed to have heard him. Thank goodness!

She whipped back around, glaring at Zachary with wide eyes.

"Are you trying to raise a scandal about me?!"

"What? I’m only telling you what happened." Zachary purred innocently.

He sure did that on purpose.

"What kind of dowry are you talking about?!" Lydia demanded in a hushed voice. "Brother Sylvain didn’t even tell me anything about it!"

For a moment, she wondered whether she had somehow misheard him.

Did Senior Zachary just make it up to get a reaction from her? His coy smile gave nothing away. But she knew that this older man sure has guts.

The audacity of this man! Lydia already had a Crown Prince for a fiancé, and now Senior Zachary was casually telling her he’d sent her family a dowry?!

Meanwhile, Zachary’s eyes gleamed with amusement.

"Hmm. Now I really have your attention, Lydia."