Chapter 53 : Trillion-dollar industry

Jiude stared at the two IOUs, recognizing his daughter Lucy's signature instantly. He knew his daughter's handwriting well. However, the content of the documents left him a little surprised.

Lucy had purchased two zodiac keys from the wizard standing before him, each costing 8 million J — Sagittarius and Virgo.

Jiude frowned, not out of disapproval of the purchase or because the price seemed steep. In fact, he thought it was quite the opposite. With only 12 zodiac keys in existence, 8 million J per key seemed almost like giving them away for free.

"Your name is Knight, correct?" Jiude spoke, his gaze fixed on Knight with the scrutiny of a protective father.

"Lucy is the daughter of Heartfilia. She doesn't live in the same world as ordinary people. I hope you understand that."

Understand what exactly? Knight wasn't sure. The elder's comment seemed odd after simply reading the IOU.

Jiude's tone shifted to one of authority. "I appreciate you bringing Lucy back safely. I'll give you ten times the amount on this IOU — 160 million J."

The casualness with which Jiude mentioned the massive sum made Knight raise an eyebrow. But Jiude continued, laying out his real agenda.

"I've decided Lucy will marry the young master of the Renier family. With this union, the Heartfilia Railway Company will solidify its control over the southern regions and secure dominance over the railway system throughout the Kingdom of Fiore."

Knight realized the magnitude of what Jiude was saying. It wasn't just family business; this was about power and influence. Jiude, believing Knight was romantically involved with Lucy, felt it was necessary to clarify his intentions — offering the money as compensation to settle any grievances.

Now, everything made sense to Knight. Jiude wasn't merely thanking him; he was subtly trying to sever any potential relationship between him and Lucy. If Knight hadn't brought Lucy home, Jiude might have gone to great lengths to bring her back, perhaps even commissioning a guild to track her down. This was a father prioritizing business and family image over personal relationships.

Knight silently observed Jiude's dilemma. He seemed caught between wanting to secure a bright future for his company and his awkward relationship with his daughter. In the original timeline, after Lucy had refused, Jiude didn't force her, but it felt like he was putting on a tough act now.

"Mr. Jiude," Knight began with a calm smile, "I think Lucy, as an adult, should be responsible for her own debts." He retrieved the IOU and tucked it back into his pocket. "As for the Heartfilia family matters, I'd prefer not to get involved. I'm here to discuss business, as I mentioned earlier."

Before Jiude could respond, the door to the study burst open, and Lucy stepped in with a determined expression.

"Father!" Lucy began, her voice firm. "I deeply regret leaving without notice, and I've reflected on it."

She took a breath and continued with newfound confidence. "However, I will not accept this marriage arrangement. My happiness is not for anyone else to decide. I refuse to have my life dictated by others."

Jiude was visibly shocked. He had never seen his daughter stand up to him with such resolve. The year Lucy had spent away had clearly changed her, made her more assertive.

"Father, I came back today only to pay my respects to Mother. After that, I'll be leaving. Don't come looking for me. I intend to make a life on my own."

Her voice softened. "I don't want to be Lucy Heartfilia, heiress to fortune and luxury. I just want to live my life as Lucy."

With that, Lucy gave a polite bow — one she had learned in her childhood — and turned to leave the room, beckoning Knight to follow her.

Knight, slightly stunned by Lucy's strength in that moment, complied without hesitation.

As they left the study, Knight cast a glance back at Jiude, whose face still bore an expression of disbelief. He gave a silent, amused shrug, as if to say, See? Your daughter's stronger than you think. Looks like your marriage plan just crumbled.

The door clicked shut behind them, leaving Jiude standing in silence. After a long pause, he sighed deeply and walked over to the window, watching as Lucy and Knight made their way toward her mother's gravesite.

Sitting back at his desk, Jiude pulled out an old photo from a drawer. It was a picture of him, Lucy, and her mother from many years ago. A small smile appeared as he looked at the photo.

"Seventeen… She's seventeen already. Let her go."

He put the picture frame back in the drawer and leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes in deep thought. His mind shifted back to business — the Renier family, the southern railway, and the financial troubles looming over Heartfilia Railway Company. Refusing the Renier family's proposal could provoke a backlash, potentially jeopardizing everything he had worked for.

It felt like his company, once mighty, was on a slow course toward an iceberg.

After half an hour of pondering, a voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts.

"It seems like you're facing a big problem," Knight said as he re-entered the room, catching Jiude off guard.

Jiude, now more composed, looked at him. "Have you finished paying respects at Leila's grave?" he asked, his tone friendlier.

"Lucy's still there," Knight replied. "I came back early to discuss something with you."

Knight took a seat and placed a ring on the desk in front of Jiude.

"This," Knight said with a sly grin, "can help the Heartfilia family go further than you could imagine. It's the foundation for a trillion-dollar industry."

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