'Your latest convenience' typically means 'as quickly as possible'. Although Arisanna wasn't sure why they could have just said so outright, people still prefer to retain their politeness even in private.
She does have to admit the message does come off as provocative, knowing full well she was dragged back into fulfilling her duties despite purposely going out of her way to avoid it. However, duty calls whenever it holds importance, they wouldn't have wanted to bother her over little details.
After the server left her table to return to her own duties, she couldn't help but roll her eyes at the immense secrecy. Having a staff member of a typical cafe be an informant outside the palace sounds a bit absurd.
Finishing the cake in quick succession, draining her drink in between bites, she stood up and left, slightly nodding at the server goodbye.
As she made her way toward the headquarters, wanting to get a carriage instead of walking, Arisanna deliberated on her summons. There are only so many issues that could come up on quick notice.
If it were truly dangerous level urgent, they wouldn't have taken the time to have another come to inform her, meaning the news does not need an immediate response. However, if it was just bad news, they could have waited for her to return before giving her the piece of information.
What could be important enough for her to be summoned but not urgent enough to require her to be there in person immediately? Besides, what sort of information would be inclusive enough that she already knew? Although she worked with the Royal Family, she is not their aide.
It has to be something related to Arisanna, derived from her. Perhaps, something was newly found out.
'Most likely that.'
—
He perked up his eyebrows at her question. Cecilia couldn't blame him, why would anyone propose such a weird request? It would leave a lot of room to doubt the business questioning its stability.
Of course, since she read the novel, she knew his business would be overshadowed by one of the male leads, causing a decline in his.
Now, she couldn't say this to his face, but she wanted to be prepared for the worse. That is assuming this world would follow the course of the original story.
With the changes she has currently implemented, it seems highly unlikely.
Nevertheless, Cecilia wants to be prepared.
The man gave her a look and seemed to be in genuine thought.
"May I ask your reason?"
She pondered an answer, "...Personal preference."
After a while, he replied, "I am sure it could be negotiated."
So, that was that. Things were signed, and others were discussed.
She was then done.
Cecilia shook the former knight's hand with a smile.
"Then I look forward to cooperating with you, Ms. Gardner."
"Likewise," she released her grip.
"Then I'll escort you out."
"Yes, thank you very much."
They both exited the door, with her hand still on his.
Escorting a lady out is common courtesy among the gentleman. It would be considered bad practice if he didn't request it first before the lady.
The act of escorting itself could have several indications. Although most commonly referred to as a romantic gesture, it could also mean respect or interest.
Regardless, the action, despite its common occurrence, still attracts the attention of those surrounding them. Whispers and murmurs could be heard. However, by now, Cecilia already knew this was just as common as boldly flirting in public.
She has grown used to this environment.
"It seems Ms. Gardner is not of the capital. Do you frequent here often?"
"Not at all. I typically like to stay in one place. Travelling has its difficulties."
"Yes, very much so. However, are you going to start to frequent here often?"
She gave it a thought.
"That depends, Sir Bentley."
"...I see."
Without batting an eyelash, she smoothly left without trouble.
—
"It seems the information Cecilia gave was real," Arisanna started.
She was seated in front of the Emperor as he nodded along to her words. There was no one inside the room except for the two of them. The maids, servers, and guards were stationed outside, and not permitted entry. The room was soundproofed using magic, with Arisanna providing another layer for reassurance.
"This does not mean she is to be trusted. For all we know she gave away something in order to build our trust," he warned.
She hummed in return, taking in his advice.
"Then, may I know what you found out?" she asked.
The Emperor did not immediately respond, taking his time to serve her a plate of dessert and pour her some tea.
"It seemed you rush to get here. Enjoy some of these desserts instead of the ones at the cafes. Here inside the palace, we have the best chefs for a reason."
"Then I'll take my time with these," she calmly nodded.
She knew this did not need to be rushed, but she was curious as to what they found.
Before coming to the capital, Arisanna pondered the information Cecilia might provide. At the time, she hasn't said a word about any critical information so she was a bit riddled, unsure if she made the right choice of trusting her.
However, Cecilia suddenly asked to attend the ball, raising more questions than answers. Arisanna wants to establish a boundary between Cecilia's goals and theirs, not wanting to directly ask.
However, it couldn't be completely avoided when the topic of meeting the Royal Family came up. Cecilia showed interest in the matter so she knew she had to ask. She would only get her answers by taking the direct approach.
"I'd like to provide you with the first piece of information."
"Then why couldn't you provide us with the information?"
Cecilia smiled, "Isn't it convenient for you to introduce me to their royal highnesses?"
"Quite so. However, that particularly does not require you to attend the event itself."
"See it as my own convenience. There has to be an explanation as to why Emberlynn Levin was never seen in public for a few months."
Arisanna pondered for a bit before giving her a nod.
"Then would you like to reveal them now?"
"As long as you don't act rashly with it."
She pursed her lips, "Then it must be something important."
Cecilia gave a nod, "Hence why you mustn't act rashly."
"Well, it is up to us to decide but I'll heed your warning."
Arisanna gestured her hands to signal her to continue.
"The Valley of Springs, I thought we checked the nature area surrounding us clearly," the Emperor spoke.
"So you did find one of their bases…"
"No one would think they were persistent enough to dig under it," he laughed.
"Perhaps they are the cause of the spring."
"Are you speculating they are artificially producing spring water?" he chuckled.
"When said out loud, it sounds more wrong than the idea itself," she sighed.
She took a sip, "What are your future plans upon this discovery?"
"As much as I think we should take immediate action, I doubt this is the only location of theirs. We wouldn't want to alert their other bases to relocate."
"Are you suggesting we sniff out the other bases?"
"We have no concrete information on them. We have only uncovered their entrance. To know more, we would need to raid it."
He took looked Arisanna in the eyes, "Did that friend of yours mention anything else?"
Arisanna tilted her head upwards, "She seemed to warn us to not be hasty and rash. It seems like she knows more."
It took another second for him to respond, "Then I trust your judgment."
"For now, we should discreetly do a thorough check of each territory. That would include yours as well," he nodded.
"I assume they would have one main base in each territory."
"Perhaps so."
He lightly tapped his cup.
"Since you took charge of Cecilia Gardner you must bear responsibility for any information she speaks of."
Arisanna tilted her head at the obvious, a bit confused.
"I will give you and Theodore permission to freely act without my consultation."