Not that Ilyn was reluctant to answer the question.
It was just a lot to unearth.
She hadn't talked about that side of the family in a long time.
She pondered briefly and then opened her mouth.
"I don't know much either.
My grandmother lived in Arlen territory but moved away when I was young," she hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I'm not sure if you'll believe me, but for generations women on your side of the family have been born with the ability for foresight."
"Forecast?" Milo asked.
Ilyin briefly explained about the skill.
Although she didn't include the details about the mobile, she told the story of how she predicted her brother's death and the viscount's reaction to it.
When telling this story, Ilyn realized that it was only difficult to tell this story the first time, as the second time was much easier.
Still, she found Aden gently squeezing her intertwined hand and Ilyin smiled at him to show that she was okay.
“I understand,” said Milo.
Milo felt like the last piece of the puzzle had finally fallen into place.
He was wondering why his master was interested, but it seemed like he wouldn't let Viscount Arlen leave anytime soon.
His master's calm was cold anger and Milo had served him long enough to know how frightening that could be.
"Back to the matter at hand," Ilyin continued upon seeing Milo's serious expression, "The money my grandmother gave the family was large enough.
I'm not sure if my father planned to use it to revive the family, but by the time I was old enough to understand the financial situation, it was almost gone."
"To my father..." Ilyin trailed off, she felt uncomfortable using the word father so much after so long, "Carrots were probably a very welcome thing.
I'm sure he really wants to make a deal this time."
Acid Merchant had a monopoly on food traders in the north.
If he was thinking long term, there was no way Viscount Arlen would give up Acid Merchant.
"I see."
On the Viscount's side, it was an agreement that needed to be made.
Aden couldn't help but smile at that.
***
Ilyin wore a black veil before leaving the office building.
Aden wore the long and complicated title of ‘Deputy Northern Circulation Manager’ when he left for his meeting with Viscount Arlen.
Milo guided Ilyin through the office building.
“Deputy?” Ilyin asked.
Her face was hidden behind the dark black veil.
The only part of her that was visible over the long winter coat she wore were the pale, thin hands that appeared from time to time.
Her silver hair, which usually attracted the most attention, was neatly pulled back into a tight bun with extravagant red and gold hairpins.
In fact, the veil and other jewelry she wore were more visible than her hair.
No one would be able to tell that this was Viscount Arlen's young lady.
"Yes."
Delrose's maids, as instructed, dressed her to look like a hot country noblewoman.
The disguise was perfect, she did not look like the Winter Duke's wife nor did she look like Viscount Arlen's young lady.
“So who is the Northern Circulation Manager that Aden is supposed to be a replacement for?” Ilyin asked.
She felt as if she could almost disappear beneath the dark veil she wore.
Milo almost missed Ilyin's question because of this.
“Make sure you serve Ilyin without any problems.”
It was a direct order from the master.
Milo broke out in a cold sweat just thinking about it.
He quickly responded:
“You.”
"Sorry?" Ilyin stopped, “Me?”
“Yes,” replied Milo, “Master said that for this business, he would leave all the details to you.”
Ilyin nodded.
Probably because this was linked to Viscount Arlen.
Aden himself was entering the negotiation, which gave the impression that he would do whatever he wanted, but by becoming the deputy and she the manager, he showed that he respected her decisions.
“You can come if you want to see for yourself.” Aden told her as he adjusted the veil over her.
His hand, which was reluctant to let go, lifted her veil a little and caressed her lips, she trusted that he would do well.
'I can go and see where Den is.' Ilyin's thoughts raced, 'what should I do?'
Ilyin turned and looked at the end of the corridor.
She thought of Viscount Arlen, who would currently be sitting across from Aden while talking to him.
He was a father who was always hard on Ilyin.
Because of this, she was not even allowed to participate in social events and was always stuck at home.
Even when she had to hear the dishonorable nickname 'Secluded Lady', her father thought it would be the best way to not bring shame to his family name, as he was afraid that she would reveal the family secret.
Ilyin suddenly started moving and Milo quickly followed.
“Where should I lead you?”
“I want to see Den.”
Since they were outside, she used his fake name, yet she couldn't stop the heat from spreading through her chest at the mention of it.
“I will lead you.”
Milo didn't ask anything.
He always followed Aden's orders, but did not question the smart Lady's choice.
Milo finally managed to solve the puzzle of how she managed to discover the relationship between Acid Merchant and Biflten.
She probably saw the merchant's carriage heading to Biflten beforehand.
She moved so aggressively with just that information, he thought.
He felt it before, but Lady Delrose was not a person to be underestimated.
Milo lowered his head as he led her.