Chapter 162: Chapter 162: Backer

As Ares ate, Lu Xiao kept a close eye on his expression. She was still a little worried about whether he truly liked the pickled fish, concerned that he might hide his real feelings because of her own preferences.

But when she saw him eating until the tip of his nose beaded with sweat, his eyes clear and bright, and with no hint of restraint in his expression, the smile on her lips widened. “Ares, after we visit Duke Galli Odello this week, let’s go pick out a hover car and finalize the site for the Earl’s Mansion, shall we?”

These were all things they had agreed to do before, but they had been too busy to get around to them.

Now that they finally had some time, they had to hurry and get them sorted out.

The main reason, however, was that she just wanted to spend some time out with Ares.

Ares, of course, had no objections. He nodded and said, “Okay.”

Lu Xiao didn’t ask Ares what he thought of the pickled fish. His actions had already proven that he liked it.

After the meal, the aroma of food still lingered in the office. When Kevin came in to clean up, he couldn’t help but sniff the air, looking at Lu Xiao in surprise. “Your Excellency, what dish did you bring? Did you cook it yourself? It smells amazing!”

He had just finished the small cakes that Lu Xiao had treated everyone in the office to, but the moment he walked in and caught the scent, he felt hungry all over again.

Lu Xiao smiled and replied, “It’s pickled fish, but I didn’t make it. It’s from a chef named Robin at the S-Class Shelter. He’s setting up a restaurant there now.”

“Oh, I see. I wonder if he takes pre-orders for takeout!” ’If he does, I have to buy some to try. After all, as long as it isn’t a gourmet meal cooked by Lu Xiao herself, there’s a chance I can get my hands on it.’

Lu Xiao, however, didn’t know anything about takeout.

But Kevin wasn’t disappointed in the slightest. ’I’ve been in the military district for so long, I must know someone who can find out. And even if I can’t, I can just go to the S-Class Shelter myself, can’t I?’

Although such places were considered extremely unlucky for males, that was in the past. Ever since Her Excellency Lu Xiao appeared, the S-Class Shelter was no longer the taboo subject it once was.

On Saturday morning, Lu Xiao arranged a time with Admiral Clan to visit the Duke Garieldo Mansion together.

Ares accompanied them.

The previous night, Lu Xiao and Ares had prepared a gift for Her Excellency Cecilia. In addition to the tea favored by the female nobility of the Empire, there was also a pair of chubby, cute ceramic figurines meant to symbolize good fortune.

Lu Xiao had picked them out herself. ’Cecilia would probably like something this cute,’ she thought.

When they arrived at the Duke Garieldo Mansion, the butler was already waiting at the entrance, having been notified in advance. Seeing them step out of their vehicle, he hurried to greet them. “Your Excellency Clan, Your Excellency Lu Xiao, Your Excellency Ares. Good day.”

At his words, Lu Xiao couldn’t help but look up at the humble and respectful old butler.

’You can often tell a lot about how a family operates just by observing their butler.’

’Clearly, everyone in the Duke Garieldo Mansion was well-mannered. They hadn’t slighted Ares because of his status, which gave her an excellent first impression of the mansion.’

As they followed the old butler to the entrance of the main hall, Admiral Clan and Ares stopped. “Your grandmother wants to see you alone,” the admiral said to Lu Xiao. “I’ll take Ares to get familiar with the place.”

Lu Xiao hadn’t expected that. She was a little surprised, but not unwilling to accept it. She nodded. “Alright. I’ll come find you later.”

With that, she gave Ares a reassuring look.

The old butler then led Lu Xiao inside alone. Cecilia was already seated, waiting for her. Seeing her enter, she said, “Long time no see, little Lu Xiao. I was beginning to think you wouldn’t make it.”

“Of course not, Grandmother. Something unexpected came up recently, which caused the delay. My sincerest apologies. I brought you a small gift as a token of my regret!” Lu Xiao smiled, handing the gift to the butler with a natural air. Then, without waiting for an invitation from Cecilia, she found a seat and made herself comfortable.

Seeing her act so naturally—not at all constrained or awkward as one might be upon entering a Duke Mansion, but rather as if she were coming home—pleased Cecilia, and the smile on her face grew much more genuine.

Since she had agreed to Admiral Clan’s request and decided to stake the Galiodro family’s reputation to become Lu Xiao’s backer, she needed Lu Xiao to treat the Gallodro family as her own.

There would be no point if both sides held back and had reservations.

One could say that Lu Xiao’s test began the moment she set foot inside. Fortunately, she passed with flying colors.

“I’ve heard all about your recent affairs. I heard you showed great courage in helping your Father crack a major case. You’ve done very well.” Cecilia’s eyes were filled with approval. As one of the Empire’s old, established families, the Galiodro family had a vast collection of books.

Cecilia had been reading them since she was a child, so she knew very well that at the founding of the Empire, females were also brave and skilled warriors—a far cry from today, where they appeared to have high status and power but were, in reality, raised to be little more than useless ornaments.

Apart from indulging in pleasure and comfortably enjoying the easy lives provided by males, they made no contribution to society whatsoever.

Now, in Lu Xiao, she saw the decisiveness, radiance, vibrant energy, and strong inner core that only the first generation of females possessed. How could that not bring her joy?

“It was just a coincidence.” Lu Xiao didn’t feel she was nearly as remarkable as Cecilia claimed. ’It’s just that the circumstances happened to be right for me. Besides, in the end, I still had to rely on Admiral Fred and his men, who fought desperately to escort me out.’

’It was the result of our whole group’s efforts, not a credit to me alone.’

Seeing her remain so humble and grounded despite achieving such an honor, Cecilia could no longer hide her smile. “You’ve suffered, too. In the future, if you ever need anything, you can always come to me. The Gallodro family will be your firmest backer. We absolutely won’t let you be wronged.”

Surprise flashed across Lu Xiao’s face. She knew Admiral Clan had brought her here for the purpose of making the Duke Garieldo Mansion her backer, but she never expected Cecilia to make such a promise so easily.

’And I haven’t even had to pay any price for it.’

Seeing Lu Xiao’s eyes widen in surprise, Cecilia thought that the female before her was, after all, still young and hadn’t yet learned to hide her feelings. But instead of being off-putting, it was actually quite endearing, making one want to tease her a little.

“What, you don’t believe me?”

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