Our Family Has Fallen

Amanda was somewhat speechless. How could this guy enjoy talking about such trivial matters so much, without any of the gravitas a leader should possess?

However, Lance’s playful attitude did indeed help ease Amanda’s stress, and she couldn’t help but relax considerably.

”I think the Ascension Potion can be entrusted to her for selling. Considering Hamlet’s current trade channels in Totnes, unless you plan to increase investment, I don’t think it can be sustained. I’m afraid that by the next day, someone will have dug up our background and come knocking. Even if you’re not afraid, it would still be troublesome.

Handing this over to her, using her channels in Totnes, means no one will pay too much attention. Romani merchants never inquire about the origins of goods. Even if someone investigates, it will only lead to her. Besides, only mutual profit can truly bind her to Hamlet, and we can also make use of her information network.”

Lance didn’t respond immediately, pondering for a moment instead.

His main goal was to find a stable source of income for Hamlet; he wasn’t particularly concerned about other matters.

Moreover, he had no intention of investing in Totnes anytime soon. As he saw it, the war in the Empire was still too unpredictable. Investing anywhere other than Hamlet would be foolish.

”I’ll discuss this with her. The share definitely won’t exceed ten percent, and I won’t get involved personally.”

Amanda proposed a very considerable sum. If they collaborated with the organization, offering too little wouldn’t secure cooperation. However, if they dealt privately, that money wouldn’t appear on the books—it would be a direct transaction between the woman and Lance, benefiting only her.

It’s one of those things—if you know, you know. If you don’t, it’s best not to ask.

But Amanda not getting involved meant she wouldn’t want the previously agreed-upon sum of money...

Lance fixed his gaze on her, his expression quite playful.

If you don’t want money, then what do you want?

Perhaps sensing the implication in Lance’s gaze, Amanda realized she needed to offer a pledge of loyalty to prove her commitment.

”There’s something else. The rumors about Hamlet spreading throughout the Empire are very likely the work of my former teacher.”

This matter hadn’t passed through Amanda’s hands, but with a little investigation, she could tell it was her teacher’s doing. She was all too familiar with those methods.

”I’m aware of that. In fact, one can tell just by the timing. Such a large-scale, disorganized, and random spread of news could only have been orchestrated by your Romani people. So, do you understand now why I don’t like your people?”

So many refugees come to town every day, Vick from Ovando has only just returned, and then there are those merchant sailors. Anyone paying a little attention would realize this.

Lance wasn’t Alvin; his control extended deep into the grassroots.

But Lance didn’t actually care. If he had previously feared drawing the attention of the Empire and other powers, now, amidst the widespread chaos, those factions wouldn’t have the time to bother with such a remote area.

On the contrary, these actions were indirectly helping him promote Hamlet, bringing in more labor and thus strengthening it.

Simply put, Hamlet was maturing. It had passed the phase where it needed to hide. Instead, it should take advantage of the chaos to attract more people and convert them into a force for development.

Upon hearing this, Amanda finally understood why Lance had previously paid her no mind. So that was another reason.

She wasn’t surprised Lance could guess. That traitor, Tamara, had undoubtedly told him in detail about the organization’s operations.

Oh! Now I’m a traitor too... Well then, no problem.

”You should know, not just anyone is qualified to work with me, especially those who are conceited.”

Lance paused slightly as he spoke to Amanda. His words seemed aimed at the other woman, but they carried a hint of a reminder for Amanda as well.

His words made Amanda somewhat nervous, as she was the one who had been stopped outside earlier.

But in an instant, Lance’s expression softened into a reassuring smile. ”However, since you’ve spoken up, I must show you some respect. Go on, they’re probably getting impatient.”

”I understand,” Amanda agreed after a moment of contemplation.

After leaving the Lord’s Mansion, Amanda took a few deep breaths to compose herself. That man’s aura is far too enigmatic; I always feel like he’s leading me by the nose when I’m around him.

Amanda was no fool. She could sense that although Lance seemed accepting, he didn’t really trust her. This was quite normal; her identity was just too... sensitive.

But all this will be resolved tonight!

Amanda headed towards the sanatorium where the leaders, including that woman, were being held.

Amanda didn’t really care about the other minor leaders; it was more indifference than anything. So, she went directly to the cell holding that particular woman.

As she approached the door, Amanda felt a momentary daze.

The last time, I was the one locked in there. I never expected to be the one standing outside now.

But without further hesitation, she pushed open the door. Inside, she saw the woman, whose expression was calm but whose eyes betrayed an unconcealable unease.

That unease vanished the moment she saw Amanda, replaced by a certain haughtiness.

”Why are you only showing up now? Where were you when everything went south today?”

”I warned those fools that Hamlet is different from other places. Who can they blame but themselves for not listening? If I hadn’t pleaded for all of you, you’d be the ones paraded for a public trial in the square right now, not sitting here arguing with me.”

”Hmph! Is this your tactic? Using outsiders to suppress our own people?”

The woman didn’t believe she had lost, at least not to Amanda.

In reality, this was Lance’s doing. Amanda certainly couldn’t have mobilized the sheriff. Yet, the woman was now convinced it was a trap set by Amanda.

”Tch! Such an act. Do you really care about our people? I’d have thought you’d ask about your two Guards first, not just spout nonsense,” Amanda retorted sharply, showing no deference.

Being friendly with the Romani doesn’t work; they don’t understand it. They need to feel pressure.

After Amanda’s biting remark, the woman recoiled slightly, but her defiance remained, merely veiled in sarcasm.

”So, you and that Lord are in cahoots. Truly living up to your title as the ’once-in-a-century Seeker of Omens,’ aren’t you? Cozying up to him so quickly.”

Amanda easily grasped the implication in the woman’s words.

Romani society is matriarchal, with significant power held by women. Consequently, looking down on men is quite common among them.

The woman’s words were a jab at Amanda, mocking her for relying on Lance, a man.

At that moment, Amanda almost laughed. I might want to cling to his powerful coattails, but he hardly cares.

”Still better than some people who don’t even dare fart in front of the Lord.”

Anyone can be nasty, right?

Amanda immediately seized upon the woman’s prior embarrassing encounter with Lance.

This silenced the woman. Her temper churned, but she said nothing.

Amanda wasn’t afraid of the woman resorting to violence. Without her two Guards, Amanda was confident she could handle her at this range.

And now, she had the backing of the powerful Lance!

The feeling of wielding borrowed power was exhilarating, and the resentment she had harbored against the woman for so long was vented all at once.

”Hamlet has a very special Potion...” Amanda quickly explained the vast potential of the Ascension Potion and the substantial profits it promised. ”For each vial, you’ll earn one Gold Coin. That’s a thousand a month, tens of thousands a year, and that’s just the beginning...”

”Are you just listing numbers at me? You think I can’t do math?” The woman seemed to sense something, frowning as she cut in, ”What are you getting at?”

”The Lord and I have reached an agreement. We’re just waiting for your approval,” Amanda continued, calm and even cool, unperturbed by the interruption.

”Do I have to cooperate with you?” the woman suddenly retorted, her neck stiffening. Clearly, making such a strong-willed person submit wasn’t easy; her pride was at stake.

If it were Lance, perhaps he would have indulged her, given her an out.

But one shouldn’t forget that Amanda herself was also a forceful person; she only showed her submissive side to Lance.

And now?

”The way the previous decision-maker operated will continue. No one will touch your territory in Totnes. And I will fully support you to become the organization’s next decision-maker in the Empire.

But if you walk out of here today, then I, as the current decision-maker, will dedicate myself to making trouble for you. Prepare two coffins: one for you, and one for me. You choose.”