I No Longer Have Love to Offer You - Chapter 23

“As we proceed with this plan, if all the funding comes from the firm, financial concerns will inevitably grow. Albert was right to point that out.”

“But is it still worth doing?”

“Of course. I believe we’ll eventually turn a profit. Though I can’t say when.”

If the losses persist for too long, it would deal a slow but steady blow to the firm. Even if Albert allowed it, Mirabelle knew she wouldn’t be able to forgive herself if that happened.

“So, what if we seek investors?”

“Investors? Not donations?”

Nobles typically made donations in various contexts. For charity, most contributions went to churches or orphanages. Others might support promising young talents in similar fashion. This proposal would likely appear as charity in many nobles’ eyes. Some might respond if asked for donations.

But Mirabelle had no intention of relying on donations.

“Donations would be too unstable as a continuous funding source, wouldn’t they? Besides, I doubt many men would approve of this proposal.”

After all, men generally decided where donations went. Mirabelle’s plan wasn’t something they’d find appealing.

“That’s why I think we should find someone who’ll treat this as a business venture from the start. If they approach it objectively as an enterprise rather than personal charity, profitability should matter to them.”

“I see. But there’s a chance we might not find any investors?”

“True. We should consider that possibility too.”

“Hmm…”

Albert fell silent for a moment at Mirabelle’s words.

(I wonder what’s going through that mind of his now?)

When Albert went quiet like this, he was usually deep in thought. Especially when he stared blankly at documents or walls without blinking. Trying to talk to him then would only earn absentminded replies.

Having noticed this, Mirabelle had learned not to interrupt when Albert was thinking. She waited patiently for him to organize his thoughts.

(Still, what a beautiful face he has.)

The thought struck her suddenly.

Though Albert’s usual demeanor, his words, and his gleaming amber eyes made stronger impressions, his features were actually quite refined. He paid little attention to his own appearance, yet many students had admired him during their academy days. Come to think of it, she and Pamela had often been envied for always being by his side.

As these thoughts crossed her mind, Albert’s gaze shifted to meet hers.

“About the investors, let me handle that for now. I might have some leads.”

“But wouldn’t relying on you violate the proposal system’s rules?”

“With the condition that I convince Killian first. But this project already approved, making it firm business. Naturally, there’s no problem with me assisting, right?”

Albert grinned as he said this.

While Mirabelle appreciated the offer, she wondered if the judgment was too lenient.

She opened her mouth slightly to voice this concern, but no words came out before she closed it again.

(For now, whether I rely on Albert or not, moving this plan forward is what matters.)

Even if others thought she was being indulged, Mirabelle desperately wanted to pursue this project.

“Thank you. I’ll take you up on that generous offer.”

“I was about to push it through forcibly if you hesitated too much.”

After her brief pause, Albert teased her with this remark.

“You wouldn’t really do that, would you?”

“Who knows?”

Their exchange continued in their usual manner.

And so, Mirabelle worked with Albert to lay out the next steps of their plan.