9 Learning About the 2nd Male Lead

So apparently the guy I met yesterday with the dark blue hair and deep black eyes was the owner of both the stores I want to invest in?

So he was Cedric. What was he doing with those orphans?

Now that I think about it, Cedric was the name of the second male lead of the book. I can't quite remember what he looked like, but I knew that he was a rich merchant. So he has to be the second male lead right?

'You're Cedric?' I raised both of my eyebrows at him. I looked at him and he was much different than before. He wore a fancy suit like rich noblemen, it was blue colored with a sea-green vest inside.

He looked at me in recognition and was at a loss for words.

'Hi,' he let out a little laugh, it was all he could manage out.

'Were you looking for me since yesterday? No offense, you're pretty and all, but I'm not in-'

'Please stop,' I raised a hand in front of his face. Whatever he was going to say, I had no interest in hearing it.

'I wanted to meet with you for an investment opportunity regarding "The Little Bell" and "Blue Ribbon". Nothing else.' He looked at me surprised, probably not expecting some girl he gave dancing lessons to yesterday to talk business to him.

'Why don't you come in? It's cold outside,' he gestured for me and Lisa to come inside his mansion and lead us to his living room which had fancy sofas with gold buttons on it.

He called for some servants to prepare some tea.

'So what's this about?' He sat down with his hands folded below his chin with all of his focus on me.

'My name is Elaine Castelle, daughter of Marquess Castelle. I wanted to invest in "The Little Bell" and "Blue Ribbon", 50 percent ownership for 400 gold coins,' I wasn't interested in small chatter and liked that he also went straight to the point. Granted I was also confused what he was doing in the orphanage before.

What can I remember of Cedric Rayford, the second male lead of the novel "The Lost Princess"? He was a rich merchant with lots of secrets. He fell in love with Anastasia when he saved her from some mobsters in the town a little while before she went to the academy.

Typical now that I think about it, the damsel in distress saved by the hero. I'm a bit embarrassed that I thought it was romantic back when I read the novel.

'400 gold coins? Wow that's impressive,' he said smiling. If I didn't know any better I would've thought he was trying to flirt with me. I didn't want to give him all 500 gold coins at once just in case I can buy the ownership for less. Bargaining is a skill.

'May I know why you suddenly want to invest?', he said leaning back on the sofa, eyes still not leaving mine. Do I really need to explain myself? Even if I told him the truth, he wouldn't believe me saying that I know the future and that those two business will soon skyrocket.

'I just do. My intentions are my own, so do you agree?' I try not to show any emotions on my face. I've never done a deal this big before, dealing with such large amounts of money, I didn't want to look nervous like an amateur.

'Hmm... this is quite a big deal, I may need some time to think it through. Is that alright?', he waved a hand as if to act nonchalant about this big deal. Pretentious jerk. Were all the male leads this obnoxious to Anastasia? How on earth did she in love with them?

'Very well. How much time do you need?' I still kept my face straight, not wanting to show any weakness in this deal. He has the upper hand since he doesn't need my money to begin with, but I wonder what else I can offer to make him take the deal. Hopefully since both business aren't doing very well at the moment, he would consider some investors.

'A few days would be enough. But aren't you curious about anything else?' he raised an eyebrow at me and tilted his head to one side.

Was he referring to when he taught me to dance yesterday and was dressed as another street urchin? Honestly.... I don't know if I want to know.

'It's none of my business what you do in your spare time. Let's keep things professional shall we?' I gave him a smile hoping things wouldn't get more complicated than it is now. I have to much to deal with already what with my impending doom and all.

For a second there he was quiet and and looked at me with curiosity, then he laughed aloud, 'HAHAHA! I like you Elaine Castelle. Hopefully we will do business in the future,' he then gave me his hand and we shook on it.

Shortly after I left his house, I mean mansion and went home. When I got back Elaine's mother was already waiting for me by the front door.

'Elaine, where have you been?', she stood straight and looked down at me with angry eyes. Was I not allowed to go out?

'I was just taking a walk mother, is there a problem?', her eyes flinched a little when I said the word "mother" as if she was surprised I called her that.

Suddenly her tone got a bit gentler and she brought her hand to her forehead, 'Elaine, you have etiquette lessons remember?'

Oh I totally forgot about that. I was supposed to be going through many lessons in preparation for my future as the fiancé of Alex who was going to be the future crown prince. Yet for the past two days, I kept leaving the manor to go outside and missed all my lessons. Guess she must've heard about it from the tutors.

'Mother, I apologize. I simply forgot, I will definitely take the lessons from now on.' It felt a bit awkward calling her mother. I've never called anyone that before, but I just thought that was how Elaine would've called her.

'Good. Elaine, you understand why you need to do this right? This would secure your future,' she took my hands and rubbed it a bit sounding sad.

'We just want what's best for you,' she looked at me with such worry in her eyes. I thought Elaine's mother was very cold, but all I could feel from her right now was warmth. I've never felt this way before, like someone was taking care of me, worrying about me.

'I know mother. Thank you.' And I truly mean that.

As I went to sleep that night, my head remembered the loving gaze Elaine's mother had given me and my heart clenched.