Chapter 390: Arielle’s New Daily Life (2)
Arielle let out a sigh as she looked down at the stack of documents on her desk. It was early morning, the soft rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains of her office, casting a golden glow across the room. She rubbed her temples, her gaze shifting to the parchment at the top of the pile. It was a request, and as she read the details, her brow furrowed, her lips pressing into a thin line.
"Rebuilding the House of Roses... 120 gold?" Arielle muttered to herself, her voice filled with confusion. The House of Roses was a well-known courtesan house in the city of mercenaries and merchants, Arkansas, famed throughout the region. She had heard about it but had never imagined that one of her first duties as a stewardess would involve allocating funds to rebuild such an establishment. She frowned, wondering if it was some kind of clerical error. Surely, there were more pressing matters to attend to?
She picked up the document, tucking it under her arm as she made her way out of her office. She needed answers, and there was only one person who could provide them—Lyan himself.
As she approached the courtyard, Arielle could see Lyan standing near a fountain, speaking with one of his guards. He looked as relaxed as ever, his expression one of ease. Arielle cleared her throat as she approached, catching his attention.
"Ah, Arielle," Lyan greeted her, a smile spreading across his face. "What brings you here so early?"
Arielle held up the parchment, her expression one of incredulity. "This," she said, her voice laced with exasperation. "Rebuilding the House of Roses for 120 gold? Is this some kind of joke?"
Lyan chuckled, shaking his head. "No joke, Arielle. It’s a legitimate request. The House of Roses is an important part of the community, after all."
Arielle stared at him, her eyes narrowing. "You can’t be serious. There are other priorities—the towns need rebuilding, the people need food and shelter—and you want to spend 120 gold on a courtesan house?"
Lyan shrugged, his smile never faltering. "It’s not just about the building, Arielle. It’s about the people. The House of Roses provides work, entertainment, and even a sense of community for some. Besides, happy people are productive people."