Don't Want to Be Ordinary Even Though I'm an Extra Character-Chapter 81: [80] Suspicion

-Arkan Lawrence-

A month had passed since I last had the luxury of sitting still and thinking about this territory’s future. To be honest, there was no time for idleness. The trade routes leading to Lawrence were far from perfect—too many variables could hinder economic growth, from underdeveloped infrastructure to pirate-infested waters making maritime trade risky.

Fortunately, I had Bastian, a merchant whose negotiation skills had opened many doors. Through his connections, I secured trading partners from various regions, allowing previously rare goods to flow into Lawrence.

Spices from the south, high-quality timber from the north, and even rare metal ores that would prove invaluable for my industrial projects.

Today, I sat in the castle’s conference room, accompanied by several prospective investors eager to do business in my territory.

A large oakwood table dominated the room. Surrounding it were high-ranking merchants and guild representatives, their expressions filled with curiosity but also caution.

"I’ve heard that this territory has grown rapidly over the past few months," said a bearded man in a velvet blue coat, his attire signifying his wealth and status. "But every investment carries risks. What guarantees do we have that we won’t suffer major losses?"

I took a sip of wine before responding.

"Risk exists in every venture, even in the safest businesses," I said calmly. "However, Lawrence offers more than just economic opportunities—it offers stability. We’ve implemented an efficient administrative system, ensuring fair taxation and guaranteeing security for merchants operating here."

A middle-aged woman, likely representing a jewelry crafting guild, leaned back in her chair. "We’ve also heard about the iron mines in this territory. Is it true that you plan to export the raw ore?"

I smiled. "Of course. But not as raw material. I believe a product’s value increases when it’s processed before reaching the market. We’re currently laying the groundwork for industry, ensuring our exports meet high standards."

The merchants exchanged glances, weighing my words.

"Ambitious," the bearded man murmured. "But not bad. I’ll consider it."

They were still hesitant, but this was already a step in the right direction. At the very least, the seeds of cooperation had been planted.

The discussion concluded without much resistance, but before I could even enjoy a moment of rest, an envoy from Marquis Arleon arrived at the castle.

A Suspicious Invitation

I sat in the main guest hall, waiting for my visitor to enter. Minutes later, a man dressed in the noble robes of House Arleon stepped in, bowing respectfully.

"Lord Lawrence," he greeted in a composed yet authoritative tone. "Marquis Arleon sends his regards."

I nodded. "Please, have a seat. What business does the Marquis wish to discuss?" 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

The envoy sat down and placed a sealed letter on the table.

"His Excellency wishes to discuss the future of our wine trade partnership," he stated. "He would like to meet with you personally to discuss its long-term potential."

I opened the letter and scanned its contents carefully.

Nothing seemed particularly unusual—Marquis Arleon mentioned his desire to expand the wine trade and explore potential exports to the empire.

However, something felt off.

I looked up, scrutinizing the envoy more closely.

His movements were too controlled, too precise. This was no ordinary messenger—likely someone with a background in espionage or high-level negotiations.

Then, there was one particular phrase that set off warning bells in my mind.

"The future of our cooperation."

It sounded simple, but there was an implication hidden beneath it.

This wasn’t just about business—Marquis Arleon had another agenda.

I wasn’t going to jump to conclusions just yet, but I knew I had to be careful with this meeting.

Setting the letter back down, I gazed at the envoy with an unreadable expression.

"Inform the Marquis that I accept his invitation," I said with a polite smile. "When and where shall we meet?"

The envoy’s lips curled into a subtle smile, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"At the Marquis’ estate, two weeks from now. We will send an escort to ensure your safety during the journey."

I nodded.

But internally, my suspicion deepened.

"What is Marquis Arleon really planning?"

After the envoy left, I watched as his carriage disappeared down the road. Without turning, I spoke.

"Florence."

The maid near the door responded immediately.

"I am here, my lord."

Without looking at her, I lifted the letter slightly.

"Something is not right. Can you investigate further into this matter?"

Florence’s gaze flickered toward the letter for a moment before she bowed.

"As you command."

###

- Third-Person POV -

Florence stepped out of the castle without a sound, her shadow seamlessly blending into the darkness of the night. As a former Sarasota assassin, this kind of work was her expertise. She did not question Arkan’s orders—she knew well that his instincts were rarely wrong.

Her first objective was to track Marquis Arleon’s envoy. She didn’t follow them directly, as that would be too obvious. Instead, she navigated through hidden alleys, using side streets and rooftops to remain unseen.

From the top of a tall building, she watched from afar. The envoy’s carriage moved slowly toward an inn reserved for nobility. Two guards stood watch outside, but Florence noticed something unusual—the envoy had brought more people than expected.

"They’re not just ordinary messengers," she thought.

With precise movements, she leaped down, her footsteps silent as she slipped between shadows, approaching the inn. When a servant carried food to the guest rooms, Florence rushed inside, slipping through the door’s gap before it fully closed.

She moved upward, perching herself on a large wooden beam above the room, hidden in the rafters. Below, a secret discussion was already unfolding.

"The report has been sent to the Marquis," the envoy spoke in a much sharper and more serious tone than when he had spoken to Arkan earlier.

"Good," replied another voice, belonging to a man sitting near the fireplace. His short gray hair and sharp eyes hinted at his experience in war. "How did he react?"

"He accepted the invitation," the envoy confirmed, "but I saw hesitation in his eyes."

The older man smirked. "So, the kid isn’t as foolish as we thought."

Florence’s eyes narrowed. Kiddo?

"So, what’s our next step?" the envoy asked.

"If he actually comes to the Marquis’ territory," the older man replied, "then we can proceed with the plan. He’s growing too quickly. This province should have collapsed, yet he’s rebuilding it faster than expected."

"Is the Marquis truly willing to go through with it?"

"He has no choice."

Florence barely stopped herself from gasping. This wasn’t just a simple business meeting.

This was a trap.

But before she could process further, her keen senses picked up a sound—a soft scrape of boots against wooden floors.

They know someone’s listening!

Florence moved instantly. She leaped from the beam, kicking over a table to create a distraction.

"INTRUDER!" one of the guards shouted.

She dashed toward the window, but a swift opponent grabbed her wrist with an iron grip.

"I suspected something was off," he said, his eyes sharp. "You’re no ordinary spy, are you?"

Florence twisted her body, her knee striking his leg with precision. The grip loosened slightly—just enough for her to draw a concealed dagger from her ankle and stab him in the shoulder.

"AAARGH!"

Without hesitation, Florence spun away and leaped through the window, landing gracefully on the rooftop. In an instant, she disappeared into the night, moving faster than any ordinary human could track.

Yet, as she sprinted back toward the castle, the words she had overheard replayed in her mind.

"The boy isn’t as foolish as we thought."

"If he actually comes to the Marquis’ territory, we can proceed with the plan."

"He’s growing too quickly."

Florence bit her lip, her heart pounding.

This wasn’t just political maneuvering.

This was an attempt to eliminate Arkan.

A Silent War Begins

When Florence finally returned to the castle, Arkan was already waiting in his study, his expression calm yet expectant.

"Well?" he asked, exhaling a trail of smoke from his cigarette.

Florence took a deep breath, then relayed everything she had uncovered.

As she spoke, Arkan’s eyes sharpened, his fingers tapping rhythmically against his desk.

"So Marquis Arleon plans to get rid of me," he muttered.

Florence nodded but kept her expression tense. "But that’s not even the worst part."

Arkan raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Florence stepped closer, lowering her voice.

"They know too much about this territory," she whispered. "Too detailed, too specific. As if... they have a spy inside Lawrence."

The moment those words left her lips, Arkan’s expression darkened.

His usual smirk vanished, replaced by cold calculation.

"A traitor?" he muttered. "This soon?"

It didn’t make sense.

His province was still growing, and very few people had access to critical information.

Was it someone from his inner circle?

Or had an enemy infiltrated before he even arrived?

He slowly exhaled, his voice colder than before.

"Florence," he finally spoke, his gaze sharp as a blade.

"From now on, we can’t trust anyone blindly."

She nodded firmly, already anticipating his orders.

"Investigate everyone."

"Servants, chefs, administrative staff, gardeners, guards—no exceptions. Do it discreetly. Make sure no one notices what we’re doing."

Florence lowered her head slightly, acknowledging the command.

"Understood. I’ll handle it."

Arkan turned toward the window, his eyes fixed on the distant horizon.

Marquis Arleon thinks he can manipulate me?

He thinks I’m just a young noble who doesn’t understand the game of power?

A dangerous smirk crept onto his face, but his eyes remained cold as ice.

"If there really is a traitor among us..."

His voice dropped to a whisper, laced with a quiet promise of retribution.

"...I will not show mercy."