RISE OF EROS

Candice's question surprised not only Andrew but Oliver as well. Oliver is an excellent military strategist but lacks when it comes to non-aggressive problem-solving measures, so Candice's question intrigued him.

Seeing that Andrew did not respond, Candice thought he did not understand her, so she explained, "Well, you have two choices here, resolve this peacefully or violently."

She paused and continued, "If you choose the latter, I don't think your partner back there will have much difficulty in solving that problem, as I am convinced there is no man of his caliber in Johan's ranks."

"However, this may create a lot of problems, for example, what will you do with his son? His wife? Relatives? In short, if you don't eliminate his entire family at the root, you will have future problems because you will find revenge problematic," Candice went on to explain.

Andrew scrunched up his face at the thought of having to eliminate an entire family. While he had no problem eliminating his enemies, he didn't want to go to that extreme either.

"Well, actually if you go that route, I don't think the empire would allow it either since they are just turning a blind eye to Johan," Candice said again and added, "Honestly, I think it's better to compromise with him."

Candice was silent waiting for Andrew to think about his options. Oliver was also deep in thought. As a military strategist, he would prefer to eliminate Johan's entire family by taking the aggressive option, but now that Candice reminded him that the empire could intervene, he rethought his thoughts.

While he was thinking, Andrew interrupted the silence by asking, "How could we resolve this peacefully?". Candice who was drinking tea, set the cup down on the table and explained, "Well, one threat must be made. Second a concession must be made, throw a spindle at him even if it is a small one, and lastly a deterrent."

Candice's explanation drew a blank from Andrew, as he didn't understand anything she said and Candice seeing Andrew's lost expression, couldn't help but laugh. Her melodious laughter surprised Gaston and Oliver because they had never seen Candice break down like this, but Andrew was delighted and unconsciously said, "I think you should smile more. You look beautiful when you smile."

The unexpected comment, surprised everyone, and Candice, couldn't help but blush a little and uncomfortably, stifled her laughter, and tried to adopt a serious expression, failing miserably.

"Cof Cof, Don't joke with me, Mr. Andrew. Let's get back to the subject. What I meant was that Johan needs to see that his strength is nothing compared to yours, show him that you can take him out whenever you want. That's the threat," Candice explained trying to deflect the conversation.

"The bone is not to take away all his privileges, but to allow him a considerable amount of products so that he gains something and doesn't have strange thoughts. Lastly, the deterrent is something that despite the dissatisfaction will keep him away," Candice continued to explain.

"And that element would be?", Andrew asked interested, to which Candice replied, "It will be complex, but I think that if we manage to embark Marquis Valoid on this venture, Johan would not even dare to think of counterattacking".

"Do you think it's possible?" asked Andrew with some reservations because he knew that this marquis was the one who was watching him. "I think it would be very beneficial to you," Candice replied calmly.

Andrew was confused by Candice's statement and she realized that, so she said, "If Marquis Valoid joins this business, he will be closer to you and if you have nothing to hide, his surveillance of you will decrease."

"I see, in short, it would be a way to prove our innocence by being more open towards the empire," suddenly Oliver interrupted. Candice smiled at Oliver's comment and added, "Correct.

Although the empire doesn't consider you an enemy, they do consider you an element of risk, so this would be something like having your friends close and your enemies more so, although it's not quite right that saying in this situation."

Certainly that saying didn't apply, but Andrew and Oliver understood what Candice meant and had to admit that it had its advantages. Especially since Andrew really held no malice towards the empire.

In fact, Andrew would rather the empire welcomed him with open arms, as it would help him achieve his goal. After thinking for a moment, Andrew said, "I think your idea is a good one, but as you may know I have no relations with the marquis."

"That's not a problem, I'll take care of talking to him, but for the other two things, you're on your own, take care of it somehow," Candice said and added, "Also keep in mind that no matter what bone you throw Johan, the one you give me and the marquis must be bigger."

Andrew smiled at Candice's last comment and merely assisted. As that issue was decided, Andrew was about to get up to leave, when Candice's voice interrupted him, "Are you seriously not going to ask for any of the reward?".

Hearing Candice's question, Andrew realized that he had forgotten about that topic, but trying to act magnanimous he replied, "Well, we agreed that Miss Candice would decide if we deserved any of the reward since you hadn't mentioned it, I assumed that was your decision."

Although Andrew kept a relaxed expression, Candice was not fooled, but played along and said, "Well, then I'll be greedy, I'll give you 20% of the first bounty. The villa was put in my name and as you may know, that's not transferable, so I can't do anything."

Andrew couldn't help but curse in his mind, "You really are being greedy," but he kept his expression relaxed and thanked, "Then I appreciate the courtesy."

Candice was inwardly surprised that Andrew didn't claim, but it didn't show on her face. However, she was not prepared for Andrew's next attack.

"So, how about Miss Candice, you grant me the additional reward of accepting an invitation to dinner?". Everyone in the room jumped in surprise, not even Candice could hide her astonishment at the bold invitation.

Andrew was undecided if he should pursue Candice, but with Fluffy's insistence, he began to consider it, but it wasn't until he saw the smile of joy a few moments ago, that he made his decision.

Sometimes all it takes is a smile to charm someone. It wasn't that Andrew had fallen in love with Candice, but he was attracted to her smile and love isn't always at first sight, in fact, he doesn't believe such love exists, so he decided to take a chance.

"Mr. Andrew, you really are being forward," Candice said a little embarrassed and noticing that Andrew didn't want to miss the opportunity and struck while the iron was hot, "Well, for the privilege of dining with a lady like you, I think it's worth it."

"You have a sweet mouth," Candice said even more embarrassed. She had never been attacked in such an unexpected way and it had her nervous. Although she had decided never to have a partner, something about Andrew attracted her and although she wanted to refuse, a strange force pushed her to say, "Okay, I accept the invitation. Pick a date and let me know so I can arrange my schedule."