“I hear that Duke Saphia has a growing interest for business as of recent and is investing much of his wealth into it.”

“Yes,” Alicia nodded, “I heard about that. They say he’s developed an interest in the spice trade business.”

In times past, Ehrlich failed in entering the spice market. Their efforts often proved futile, but this time, under Ivan’s leadership, much of Ehrlich had changed. It was likely that Duke Saphia would gain heavy profits from his spice investments.

It, too, favored Ivan’s policies.

The more Alicia thought, the more she viewed Mrs. Cessley in a favorable light as her personal aide to help Ehrlich move forward as...