Chapter 177 A Sudden Encounter
"Aren't you reading?"
"It's just an obvious story, so what's the point of looking at it? Just take care of these things where they can't be seen."
"Uh, how is it?"
"It should be burned."
"Huh…! Is that okay?"
"He probably didn't expect an answer anyway. I have no intention of doing so."
Abel stared at the pile of letters, collecting his thoughts. Seeing such nonsense made him want to push his will even further.
"Judge Emir."
"Yes, Your Honor."
"Can I ask you one more favor?"
"Of course."
"Just put up a notice on the court bulletin board. I'm going to hold a discussion this weekend, so anyone who is dissatisfied with the ruling can come."
"Yes? Really?"
The Emir of Colund looked quite surprised. It seemed he didn't expect Abel to make such a frontal breakthrough, but Abel nodded calmly.
If they doubted the quality of his judgment, he thought, 'Come and see for yourself. I will show the world your arrogance and stupidity.'
---
As word of the debate spread, Perias was abuzz all week. However, the Duchy of Carriers remained peaceful.
'Everything is going smoothly,' Abel thought. The fashion business was now completely on track, especially with simpler dresses gaining immense popularity.
There were even rumors that the empress favored one-piece dresses, prompting the noble ladies to seek them out. What started as a trend became so widespread that the dresses were constantly out of stock.
"You're very busy these days."
It had been a while since Abel visited the Midias shopping district. Perhaps because it was Friday afternoon, Deacon Tobias Wilkin was extremely busy, which was understandable given the influx of customers.
Tobias smiled awkwardly. "Thanks to your additional manpower, things are much better than before. Aren't you still hiring?"
"Yes. More new recruits will be assigned soon."
The Duchy of Carriers employed nearly a hundred stewards, who were placed as managers across all kinds of businesses.
Tobias Wilkin, who had been selected relatively early, had risen through the ranks significantly. As the businesses grew larger, it was time for a new order.
It didn't make sense to still call him a butler. Abel reflected, 'He barely visits the mansion anymore, and his work is completely different from what a butler usually does.'
"When you're done, please stop by the office with Deacon Miller Xavier."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Tobias bowed his head without saying another word.
From there, Abel continued his tour of the major businesses. One place of particular interest was the beauty salon.
Considering it was a new venture, he expected there would be some shortcomings.
"The line is really long. Are all those people waiting?"
"No. They came to make reservations."
"Huh?"
The beauty salon had only just opened, and yet it was already popular? Abel found it hard to understand why so many people would trust a hairdresser they had never met before.
He moved to the front of the glass window of the beauty salon. The luxurious atmosphere inside was immediately visible.
'As expected, it's perfect.'
The place was immaculate, with even the small marble pieces on the entrance steps carved elegantly.
Could it be because women dressed in various one-piece dresses lined up outside? For some reason, the beauty salon seemed even more radiant.
Abel was about to head inside when he overheard some of the women talking.
"Ah! Who is that person?"
"Your Highness, the Duke of Carriers."
"Oh my! Oh my! What should I do?"
"What can you do? Do you think he would even look at someone like you?"
"This? What did you just say?"
He was simply passing by when the agitated voices of the women reached his ears. Apparently, they had recognized him.
'Ouch! It's so troublesome.'
Abel had a feeling that if he said even a word, something big might happen. The women were all looking at him, clearly hoping to engage in conversation.
Sensing the tension, Butler Wilkin quickly whispered to him, "I think it would be better to pass quickly."
"Is that okay?" Abel asked.
"The noble ladies don't usually come to make reservations themselves. There's no need to address each one of them."
"Oh, is that so?"
As Tobias Wilkin said, the women standing in line were likely maids running errands for their noble masters. Feeling slightly relieved, Abel gave a quick nod and entered the beauty salon.
---
The sound of scissors moving swiftly filled the air as the hairdressers cut their clients' hair. The customer seated in front of the mirror appeared satisfied with the result. Abel observed for a while, noting that the hairdressers seemed skilled.
'It looks like they know what they're doing,' Abel thought. The hairdressers claimed to have learned from famous barbers, and it seemed they weren't just boasting. Their cutting skills were certainly up to standard.
Now, it was time to check the other aspects of the business. As Abel scanned the salon, a strange sense of familiarity hit him. He felt like he had seen a face he recognized—one that was both welcome and terrifying.
Suddenly, his gaze shifted toward a customer sitting in front of the mirror. Their eyes met through the reflection. The guest smiled brightly, and then the person spoke.
"It's been a while. Your Highness, the Duke of Carriers."
"Huh? You…!"
Oh, no.
It was Princess Justia.
Abel's heart skipped a beat as he stared at Princess Justia through the mirror.
Of all the places to meet her, it had to be here, in his new beauty salon. He quickly regained his composure, masking the initial shock with a composed expression. But internally, his mind was racing.
'Why is she here? And why now, of all times?'
Princess Justia stood up from her chair, her long, meticulously styled hair cascading down her back.
She turned around to face Abel directly, her sharp eyes locking onto his. She was the epitome of royal grace, yet there was something unmistakably dangerous about her presence—like a storm wrapped in silk.
Abel could feel the tension in the air as the other patrons in the salon seemed to freeze, watching the unfolding scene in silence.
"It's been quite some time, Your Highness," she said with a coy smile, taking a step closer.
Abel straightened his posture, his hands clasped behind his back as he nodded in greeting.