I was Reincarnated in Another World with Absorb Skills

Chapter 29- Call of Business

We hurriedly ran downstairs and found a crowd circling four individuals who stood calmly, seemingly unfazed by all the attention.

“Is that really Duke Floûman? The richest and most famous merchant in the empire?”

“Hindi ako makapaniwala na makikita ko sa personal ang isa sa pinakamakapangyarihang tao dito sa Eavergrèen Kingdom.”

“Napakaganda ng lahi nila...”

“Siya ba ang tagapagmana ng House of Floûman?”

“He’s so handsome!!”

Those were just a few of the murmurs buzzing around the shop.

People immediately made way for me the moment they noticed, so I easily reached the center where the four figures stood, casually observing their surroundings like tourists discovering something quaint and amusing.

The elderly man, probably in his 60s, with shoulder-length white hair, a white beard, and striking golden eyes, turned toward me. His presence felt warm, like summer, and his gaze reflected gentleness and wisdom.

‘The kindest, most generous, polite, helpful, and honest aristocrat alive in history. He is truly one of a kind.’ I thought to myself.

“Greetings to the Duke of the West, Lord of the House of Floûman, Duke Agner Floûman. It’s an honor to meet you,” I said respectfully, placing one hand over my chest, the other holding the hem of my skirt, one foot stepping forward and the other slightly back as I gave a practiced curtsy.

It was one of the aristocratic etiquettes Madam Clarita had taught me during our free time. She once said, “You’ll need this someday, when you find yourself surrounded by nobility.”
Thank goodness I didn’t rebel that time. It was a simple gesture, but not easy to perfect. My teacher was very strict. Tsk tsk.

The Duke and his three companions turned their attention toward me.

The old man smiled warmly and returned the gesture with grace.

“Greetings to the beautiful young owner of this shop,” he said kindly, his voice full of warmth and respect.

Honestly, his presence was comforting, like that of a loving grandfather who spoiled you from infancy to adulthood. Despite being one of the most powerful and wealthiest men in the world, you could immediately feel his respect for you—as an equal.

“If I’m not mistaken, you are Miss Laythildia, the owner of this shop, am I right?” he asked after standing upright.

“Oh, yes. I am Laythildia Stella Vildåmorě, Your Grace,” I replied politely.

“You may call me Duke Floûman, Miss Laythildia,” he said with a smile.

I smiled back and turned my attention to his three companions—two men and a woman.

The woman had waist-length brown hair tied up in a high ponytail. Her piercing violet eyes, sharp and slanted, felt like they could cut through lies. She had fair skin, a tall, lean build, and wore elegant armor, the same armor of member of the Golden Sword, the elite royal guard of House Floûman. Only the Floûmans and the Eavergrèen family had the authority to appoint such knights.

Golden Sword knights wore white armor with golden trims, angelic golden wings and the scales of justice on their chest, and a cape displaying the Floûman banner. In contrast, the Lightark Knights of the Eavergrèen royal family wore armor tinted with red and gold and bore a crowned phoenix insignia.

One of the men was also elderly, with ocean-blue hair and eyes. He exuded calm authority, and although his expression was peaceful, his posture and aura warned you not to underestimate him. He wore a black suit with gold embroidery and a black monocle—clearly a respected butler.

And then… there was him.

The last man looked only a few years older than me, maybe two years to be exact. His jet-black hair was neatly styled, his nose straight and proud, lips naturally pinkish, with thick lashes and dark brows. Tall and broad-shouldered, he wore a black button-down shirt, a black-and-gold embroidered vest, slacks and a silver watch. A silver cross pendant hung from his neck, resting just above the neckline of his shirt. A black coat draped stylishly over his right arm. He looked like he stepped out of a fashion magazine or dare I say a painting.

He was hot. Like… uncomfortably hot.

But his eyes were different.

His eyes were gold, like Duke Floûman’s, but while the Duke’s eyes gleamed with summer warmth, his were cold. Hollow. Like winter. Beautiful, but distant. Mysterious.

We locked eyes, and neither of us looked away. His face betrayed no emotion, just icy calm. Yan ganyan... ganyan ang mga tipo ko.

He’s my ideal type, to be honest. A cold, sexy man with just the right amount of attitude. The second most beautiful being I’ve seen, next to Goddess Lisha. Is he secretly a god or something?

My thoughts were interrupted when Duke Floûman cleared his throat.

I quickly looked away, realizing I'd probably been staring way too long. My cheeks warmed. I could only imagine how long I looked like a malfunctioning mannequin in front of that man.

When I glanced back at the Duke, he was grinning widely... far too knowingly.

“Oh dear, where are your manners, everyone? This young miss must be wondering who you all are,” he said, clearly amused.

The woman stepped forward, posture sharp and dignified. “My name is Arthimenia Artís, from the Golden Sword of House Floûman. Acting knight of Duke Floûman. Nice to meet you, Young Miss.” She placed her hand over her chest and gave a respectful nod.

I smiled and returned the gesture.

“And I am Sebastian Ovtanián, butler and the right hand man of House Floûman. It’s an honor to meet you, Miss Laythildia,” the elderly butler said warmly, bowing as well.

I smiled again, nodding in respect. Then I looked at him—the walking statue of perfection.

He blinked once, sighed lightly, then finally spoke.

“I’m Ellias Icelian Floûman, heir to the Duke’s title. Pleasure to meet you.”

Despite his flat tone, the way he delivered his greeting was smooth. Like a prince greeting his princess. Formal, but oddly… elegant. Even if he lacked expression, you could still sense the respect in his words.

“The pleasure is mine, Mister, Miss, and my young lord,” I said with a polite smile.

Sebastian straightened and waved his hand. “Please, just call me Butler Sebastian, Miss. No need for formality.”

“Yes, just call me Arthimenia, Miss Laythildia. Please don’t be so formal with me,” the knight added, flustered.

I couldn't help but laugh softly when Arthimenia turned her head away, a blush blooming on her cheeks. So much for that fierce look earlier.

“Then feel free to call me Lily,” I said cheerfully, beaming at them.

“May I ask, though… what brings such important figures like the respectable Floûmans to my humble shop?” I asked politely.

“You certainly know how to charm people with your words, Miss Lily,” Duke Floûman chuckled, clearly impressed.

“And as for your question… I believe you already have an idea what this is about,” he added, his expression subtly shifting into a more serious one.

I straightened my posture, my smile fading into a composed look as I met his gaze with equal seriousness.

Finally… business talk.