Episode 2 — A Casual Suggestion

The Silvercrest family was currently facing a crisis.

Not a political crisis.

Not an assassination attempt.

Not even a magical disaster.

No.

Far worse.

“WE LOST HOW MUCH?!”

Leonhart’s horrified voice echoed through the ducal office.

Several advisors visibly flinched.

Duke Alaric Silvercrest sat behind his enormous desk while massaging his temples with the expression of a man reconsidering all his life decisions.

“The southern maritime investment suffered heavy losses,” one advisor explained nervously. “Pirate attacks disrupted the trade route again.”

Leonhart looked offended.

“Then let me destroy the pirates.”

“You cannot solve every economic issue with violence,” Arabelle replied coldly while flipping through documents.

Leonhart crossed his arms.

“You say that now, but violence has solved many things historically.”

“Please stop proving why Father drinks tea during meetings.”

At the corner of the office, little Wisteria quietly sat on a velvet sofa eating strawberry pastries while pretending not to listen.

Unfortunately…

Everyone in the room had already developed the terrible habit of discussing important matters in front of her.

Because somehow—

The child always said something useful.

Which was absolutely not Wisteria’s fault.

Mostly.

Orion adjusted his glasses while reading another report.

“The market is unstable because merchants are delaying shipments,” he muttered. “Insurance costs also increased.”

Wisteria nearly sighed aloud.

Of course they did.

The entire investment was built on terrible timing.

Honestly, had nobody in this kingdom invented proper risk assessment yet?

Alaric leaned back heavily.

“We may need to halt eastern expansion plans.”

Wisteria casually spoke without looking up from her pastry.

“Then buy warehouses instead.”

Silence.

Absolute silence.

One advisor dropped his pen.

Leonhart blinked twice.

“…What?”

Wisteria realized too late that she had accidentally spoken aloud.

Again.

She slowly lowered her fork.

“Well…”

Every family member immediately turned toward her with dangerous interest.

Ah.

Wonderful.

Now she had everyone’s attention.

Wisteria calmly explained while trying to sound as childlike as possible.

“If merchants are afraid to transport goods quickly… then storage becomes valuable. If House Silvercrest owns warehouses near ports, merchants must rent them during delays.”

The room remained quiet.

Arabelle stared at her for several long seconds.

“That… actually makes sense.”

Orion slowly lowered his papers.

“Not just sense. It’s strategically excellent.”

Leonhart looked emotionally betrayed.

“Why is our little sister smarter than all of us?”

“You thought she wasn’t?” Orion asked.

“I assumed she only mastered cuteness.”

Wisteria deadpanned internally.

I regret being born into this family.

Alaric tapped his fingers thoughtfully against the desk.

“The instability may continue for months…”

Wisteria nodded slightly.

“Which means demand will keep increasing.”

One of the older advisors hesitated.

“With respect, Your Grace… should we really trust the financial advice of a three-year-old?”

The atmosphere instantly became cold.

Very cold.

Duke Alaric slowly lifted his eyes.

“My daughter made a valid observation,” he said calmly.

The advisor immediately turned pale.

“N-Not that I doubted Lady Wisteria—”

“You did.”

“N-No—”

“You absolutely did,” Leonhart added helpfully.

“Congratulations,” Orion said. “You survived military pressure only to die in an office.”

Arabelle sighed.

“This family truly lacks mercy.”

Wisteria quietly drank tea while chaos unfolded around her.

Honestly…

This was becoming entertaining.

Finally, Alaric gave the order.

“Acquire the warehouses.”

The advisors hurried out immediately.

The moment the doors closed—

Leonhart dramatically grabbed Wisteria’s tiny shoulders.

“Teach me your genius ways, little sister!”

“You’re crushing her,” Arabelle said.

“I am expressing admiration!”

“You are expressing attempted murder.”

Orion suddenly crouched beside Wisteria with suspiciously bright eyes.

“How did you think of that strategy?”

Danger.

Researcher mode activated.

Wisteria calmly shoved the last pastry into her mouth.

“Lucky guess.”

Orion stared at her.

Wisteria stared back innocently.

“…You’re lying,” Orion concluded.

“Orion,” Evelyn said gently from the doorway, “please stop interrogating your sister like a criminal mastermind.”

“She might be one.”

Wisteria almost choked on tea.

Three months later—

House Silvercrest’s warehouse profits exploded across Veridia.

Merchants desperately rented Silvercrest facilities as shipping delays worsened.

The investment became one of the family’s greatest successes in years.

At dinner that evening, Leonhart slammed both hands dramatically against the table.

“ALL HAIL BOSS WISTERIA!”

“Leonhart,” Evelyn sighed.

“No, Mother, we must acknowledge reality. She saved us.”

Wisteria froze.

“…Boss?”

Leonhart pointed proudly at her.

“Our adorable financial overlord.”

Arabelle actually laughed softly.

Even Orion nodded seriously.

“It’s surprisingly accurate.”

Wisteria stared at her family in disbelief.

This was the beginning of something terrible.

She could feel it.

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