Her Majestic Battle Cry

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However, the report from Silverstone Estate’s steward Bernard struck Zoey as strange.

The properties she had sold had quickly been taken over by someone, and the price they paid was quite high–higher than the market rate by a good 20 percent.

Zoey had managed the household for many years, overseeing property transactions several times. Typically, deals followed market trends, with a property or two occasionally sold for a bit more. But recently, every property she had sold had been at prices well above what was normal.

It left her feeling uneasy. novelbin

She even wondered if Carissa had found out she was selling her property and thought she was desperate for money, and so offered a high price.

Zoey asked the steward for the sale agreements. When she saw the buyer’s name–Yves Gardner–she didn’t recognize it.

“Does Hell Monarch Estate have a steward with that name?” Zoey asked Bernard.

“I’ve never heard of the name,” Bernard replied.

“Then what’s the deal with this buyer?” Zoey asked, a bit concerned. The price was much higher than usual, and she feared there might be some hidden risks in selling her

property.

After a moment’s thought, she remembered that all the sales had been handled with proper documentation–the contracts had proper signatures and eals, were registered, and witnessed by officials. Everything was legal and above board. What could go wrong?

“Forget it, then. Don’t worry about it. Don’t sell anymore for the time being, though. I don’t want to draw attention from Mother,” Zoey said.

She had kept the property sales a secret from Evelyn, even from Caspian and Luna. They didn’t manage the household and wouldn’t concern themselves with such things. If they found out, she would explain it to them then. After all, she wasn’t just thinking of herself.

Still, she couldn’t completely shake off the mystery surrounding the buyer. Later, when Carissa came to visit, Zoey casually asked, “Do you happen to know anyone named Yves Gardner?”

Carissa lifted her gaze and thought for a moment. “Yves Gardner? The Gardner surname is rare in the capital. Did he offend you somehow?”

Zoey shook her head. “Not exactly. I was just wondering. I sold a rather out–of–the–way shop recently, and he was the buyer. But his offer was 20 percent higher than the going rate.”

Carissa smiled. “Well, isn’t that a good thing? You got a bargain.”

“I thought so at first, but then it seemed odd. With the market the way it is, anyone could

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easily find out. Plus, he set the price himself–it just doesn’t add up.”

Carissa laughed softly. “As long as it’s a legitimate transaction, it doesn’t matter if the price is higher than market value. Consider it a good deal for you.”

Zoey was certain that Carissa knew Yves, because she didn’t answer directly when asked about him. Instead, she had skillfully avoided the question. From what Zoey knew of her, she was straightforward–if she knew someone, she would say so. If not, she would simply say no.

So, Zoey instinctively believed that Yves must be someone from the Hell Monarch’s household. Perhaps Carissa had learned of her selling the shop and, thinking she neede money, had bought it for a higher price out of kindness.

After a moment of hesitation, unsure whether to accept the offer or address it directly, Zoey decided to speak up.

“Your Grace, the shop should be sold for whatever it’s worth–no more, no less. I can’t take advantage of your generosity. Let’s stick to the market price.”

Carissa had already done so much for her, and Zoey couldn’t bring herself to take advantage of her any further.

Carissa merely smiled. “You’ve misunderstood, Madam Zoey. My household didn’t buy the shop.”

“But you know Mr. Gardner, don’t you?” Zoey pressed.

Carissa, who was always good at reading people, realized she had slipped up–mainly because she hadn’t expected Zoey to mention Yves.

“I know him,” Carissa admitted. “He’s my senior guild member and fourth apprentice in the guild, but I didn’t know he bought the shop. In fact, I didn’t even know he was in the capital. He hasn’t been to Hell Monarch Estate.”

Zoey’s eyes widened in surprise. “He’s your senior guild member? In that case, could you arrange for me to meet him? The price is far too high. My estate’s steward should have known better. Since I know about it now, I can’t just take advantage of your kindness.”

“I told you,” Carissa replied, “Yves didn’t tell me he was in the capital. I don’t even know where he is. But he’s a smart man. He wouldn’t pay a high price unless he thought the shop was truly worth it. I’m sure that’s why he offered that amount.‘

At this point, Carissa had already figured out what had happened–the shop had been bought by Isaac but under Yves‘ name. She held back and decided not to ask Zoey about Isaac for now. Jacob and Luke were already looking into the matter, so it was better to wait and see.