The next day, Mary found the man named Isaac at the Nei store, and brought him to the Crown Prince’s palace away from any spying eyes. It was Amanda’s and Isaac’s first time meeting each other, having only heard of each other through Log. The coarse-mannered man came in with his usual rough stride, but when he faced Amanda he bowed to her politely.
“Hail to the Crown Princess. Eternal glory to the Keith Empire.”
Amanda gave a slight nod towards Mary.
“Good work, Mary.”
“Yes. Please have a comfortable conversation.”
Mary finished speaking and hurried out. She wasn’t given any orders, but Amanda knew she would guard the entrance to keep people away from the vicinity. Perhaps Isaac noticed the maid’s loyalty too, and there was an interested glint in his eye as he watched her leave before turning back towards Amanda. She pointed opposite of her as she spoke.
“Please have a seat.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Isaac settled himself into the offered chair. His demeanor had changed, and so far Amanda liked his personality.
“I’ve heard about you. This is our first time meeting.”
“Yes. My name is Isaac Ford. Please feel free to call me Isaac.”
“I will, Isaac.”
“If you don’t mind, may I ask you why you called me?”
Isaac must be wondering why he was called to the palace.
Ever since Amanda became Crown Princess, more and more people kept trying to ingratiate themselves to her. She was impatient when they would drag out the conversation with useless compliments, but Isaac was neat and straight to the point. Her impression of him lifted a little higher.
“I think it would be quicker for you to read this letter first.”
She presented the letter from Tilda, and Isaac accepted the paper and unfolded it. After reading the letter in almost no time at all, he opened his mouth to speak.
“Do you want me to investigate the means which she purchased the aphrodisiac?”
Amanda blinked in surprise. In such a short amount of time, he had figured out exactly what she wanted. Isaac was far more capable than she guessed.
“Yes. If it’s true that she bought an aphrodisiac, then I need proof of it.”
“Very well. I’ll find out and let you know right away.”
“When can you do it?”
“I believe I can bring you the exact results in three days.”
Amanda was impressed that it could be done so quickly, and she looked on in satisfaction.
“Astar seems to have a fairly rapid intelligence network in the Keith Empire.”
“Well, we’ve been aiming for the Keith Empire for a long time. It’s hard to intervene because of the intense factional strife, but once you start digging, you can get a lot of money.”
Isaac imitated a gold coin by making a circle with his fingers. It was somewhat rude in the presence of the Crown Princess, but Amanda was not offended. In fact, she liked that he was honest about their motivations. She smiled back at him.
“If I deem your work to be satisfactory, I’ll be sure to make it worth your time. “
“Oh, that’s good to hear.”
Isaac smiled broadly, showing his white teeth. They had a clear purpose in their relationship, and Amanda wouldn’t have to waste time on emotions.
“So let’s see what Astar can do for me.”
“Well, I’ll be very busy. I’ll write a report and send it to you.”
“Very well. While you’re doing that, I ask one more thing.”
At the same time, she handed over a plain envelope she had prepared beforehand. It had no royal seal, and Isaac accepted it automatically with a questioning look.
“What is this?”
“This is a letter for Lady Jenner. Deliver it to her in secret.”
Hailey Jenner.
She was from the south, and Layla’s closest friend and lackey. Hailey was also involved with the aphrodisiac scheme, and Amanda could have caught and punished her as well. However, Amanda had different plans.
“This letter?”
Isaac turned over the envelope curiously. It was not an easy task to deliver a letter to a noble firsthand without anyone else knowing. Moreover, he had already checked the contents of the letter from Tilda, and knew that Hailey was involved in the plot. What in the world would Amanda have to say to Hailey? His curiosity got the better of him.
“May I ask what this letter says?”
“I don’t have to tell you, but you’ll find out later.”
Amanda seemed to want to keep her cards close. Isaac nodded in regret, licking his lips. This second task wouldn’t be easy, but it wouldn’t be as difficult as finding clues to the aphrodisiac.
“I’ll take responsibility for this as well.”
Isaac stood up from his seat and gave a bow. Amanda watched him and gave a warning in a low voice.
“Three days, don’t be late.”
Isaac’s head jerked up towards the beautiful face of the woman before him. Although it was he who set the deadline, he knew that failing to meet it would result in serious consequences.
‘I have to hurry.’
Isaac knew at first sight that Amanda was a formidable woman.