Chapter 111

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Chapter 111: The Consequences of Contract Breach
Not long after the Miner’s Brotherhood had departed, the Yeni Cathedral welcomed an unexpected visitor.
“Miss Jeanne, someone is here to see you,” a nun said softly as she approached Jeanne, who was absorbed in a medical book. Leaning in close, she ,whispered, “This visitor claims to be a representative from the Lesheng Corporation. I’ve already shown him to a room adjacent to the Great Hall.”
At the mere mention of “Lesheng,” Jeanne’s brow knit in concern. Gently setting her book aside, she replied, “I’ll go see him now.”
The nun’s tone turned bitter as she said, “They’re up to no good! Remember those moldy bandages they supplied us with? When we went to Lesheng for an explanation, they not only refused to answer—they practically threw us out the door. And now, they have the nerve to send someone here to the cathedral? You must be cautious.” Her voice softened ever so slightly with lingering worry as she added, “Shall I notify the two elder priests? Or perhaps even Lord Chao…?”
Jeanne paused in thought for a moment before replying, “There’s no need to involve them further. The High Priests have already entrusted me with overseeing the Cathedral’s reorganization, so I won’t burden them with these matters. And it’s the same with Lord Chao—if we lean on him for everything, the Cathedral will merely appear as a deadweight dragging down the Lord of Paradise. Let me speak with them first; if I find I can’t resolve it, then I’ll notify Lord Chao.”
“Understood. May the Lord watch over you,” the nun responded piously.
For a brief moment, Jeanne’s steps faltered at the blessing. Such benedictions were commonplace within the Sanctuary, often uttered habitually, and potentially referencing Mei Ye, Goddess of Charity, Nynata, the God of Knowledge, or any number of other deities. However, it had transformed into a singular invocation ever since the contract with the Destiny Gate. Now, whenever anyone mentioned “the Lord,” it was unmistakably understood to mean the Lord of Paradise—a fact evident in the nun’s earnest expression.
And as the recipient of that blessing, Jeanne felt an immense surge of strength emanate from those very words.
“Thank you,” she murmured with a gentle smile, then turned to walk towards the Great Hall.
***
Pushing open the door, Jeanne stepped into a modest room where two individuals were seated. Both were dressed in immaculate, pure black formal attire—tailored jackets and trousers paired with crisp white vests and polished brown leather shoes. Judging by their attire alone, there was no doubt they were upper-class individuals from Glorious Fortress. One of them even wore a gleaming gold ring and a jade pendant, marking him as the likely leader.
Sure enough, after casting a disdainful glance at Jeanne, the man was the first to speak. “What’s this? they sent an ignorant brat? I’m here to see the head of the cathedral, not some clueless little girl! Damn it—this room too stuffy. Don’t you even have a proper reception hall?”
Jeanne stepped fully into the room and smoothly closed the door behind her. “Our reception hall is being used for patient registration. You certainly wouldn’t want to discuss important matters there anyway. I’m Jeanne, the current person in charge of the cathedral. You can speak directly to me about whatever you need.”
The man’s brow furrowed. “You’re Jeanne? The one who wrote the letter to me?”
“Yes, if you don’t believe me, you can always believe this, right?” Jeanne replied, reaching into her cloak and producing a carved seal. She held it up for both men, this was a symbol of authority representing Yeni Cathedral. “Of course, I’ve only just taken over as the person in charge, so it’s normal that I might seem unfamiliar to you.”
“Alright, since you’re the one who wrote the letter, I won’t mince words.” The man unfolded a sheet of paper and held it aloft as if taking a photo, but finding no table, he dejectedly lowered it and instead held it flat in his hands. “My name is Richmond, the authorized representative of Lesheng Corporation. This is Leo, our legal advisor. We’re here to ask you about ‘what exactly do you mean by ‘terminating the contract’? And what do you mean by no longer ordering Lesheng products? Are you planning to blatantly breach the contract?”
“I believe…I already made everything clear in my letter—everything is as—”
Before Jeanne could finish, Richmond cut her off sharply, “Do you know the consequences of breaching a contract? Leo, explain it to her!”
“Yes,” the lawyer responded, adjusting his glasses. “Should you fail to prioritize our products, we will have grounds to request arbitration from the Lord. In that event, not only will the Cathedral be forced to honor its contractual obligations, but you’ll also be liable for a hefty penalty. Can you really shoulder such a responsibility? Moreover, if it turns out that this breach stems from your personal actions, rather than the Cathedral’s intent, you could face imprisonment. For a young woman your age, even a year behind bars could very well ruin your future.”
Most people would instinctively flimch at the very mention of ‘prison’, yet Jeanne remained completely unfazed.
“As I understand it, this exclusive purchasing contract was established on the condition that the Cathedral would accept subsidies from the four major companies. But now that the Cathedral has decided to forgo corporate funding this year, we are under no obligation to purchase your products.”
“W–what did you just say?” Richmond stammered, hardly trusting his own ears.
Jeanne repeated herself firmly, “If we don’t accept the subsidies, then we are not bound to buy Lesheng products.”
“Has the Cathedral lost its mind? Without any funding, how are you going to feed yourselves?” he scoffed, glaring at Jeanne as if she were utterly naive. “Are you really counting on those penniless paupers miners who have nothing to their name but a single pair of pants?”
No matter how much the Cathedral emphasizes its charitable nature, it still needs money to operate!
Leo leaned in and whispered a couple of words to Richmond.
A look of realization dawned on Richmond’s face. “Oh… I see. You’re planning to use that newly established Destiny Gate company as your backer, is that so? What a ridiculous name—do you really think just because it’s vaguely related to medicine, it can compare to Lesheng? Let me give you some friendly advice – don’t be deceived by that company.”
“Excuse me, but whom we depend on is none of your company’s business, is it?” Jeanne snapped back, her tone crisp and unyielding.
“What kind of attitude is that?!” Richmond exploded, clearly shocked that this seemingly inexperienced girl dared to talk down to him. All the pent-up frustration and disdain he’d been holding inside burst forth. “Mind your words—don’t say I didn’t warn you!”
Jeanne drew in a deep breath and then, with rapid-fire resolve, retorted, “Bad attitude? This is the most courteous tone I can muster. If it weren’t for the subsidies, do you really think we’d purchase your inferior, garbage products? Just because our patients lack money doesn’t mean the Cathedral is compelled to offer them the worst treatment available. How is that any different from deliberate murder?”
Seeing Richmond’s expression faltered, Leo interjected, “I am aware that a portion of your sales profits must be paid to the four major companies—that’s one of the conditions for Lesheng to be chosen as the preferred supplier. And you’re forced to slash product costs to the bare minimum in order to maximize returns. But under no circumstances, is that an excuse to call it deliberate murder!”
“We have approached Lesheng repeatedly, to discuss this very issue. But how did they respond? They just showed outright indifference! What exactly do you consider patients’ lives to be worth? Yes, Lesheng is undeniably larger than Destiny Gate. However, when it comes to patient care and pharmaceutical integrity, they are a hundredfold more conscientious and professional than you. I can bet, it won’t be long before your company’s products will be completely obsolete! And that gaudy façade you two wear, built upon draining the very lifeblood of the poor, will inevitably crumble–”
Smack!
Richmond surged to his feet and brutally struck Jeanne across the face. “Shut your mouth, you wretch!”
He looked down at Jeanne, who was clutching her stinging cheek, he sneered, “A hundredfold more conscientious? Professional? You speak as if you were the owner of the Destiny Gate! Let me tell you what reality will be. This company will soon be acquired and become a part of Lesheng. Its operators will either leave, gleefully clutching a large sum of money, or become bloated corpses in the Western Sea! And as for you, you have no choice but to grovel at my feet. We’ll see!”
Having said that, he spat and strode directly out towards the door.
“Hold on…” Jeanne interjected suddenly.
“Hmm? Now you’re finally feeling fear?” Richmond sneered, turning his face back, rigid with contempt. “It’s too late! You will pay for your impuden–”
Smack!
His words were cut short by a thunderous slap, the force of which sent him sprawling onto the floor. When he came to his senses, Richmond felt half his face was burning, with throbbing and numbing pain, as if it had been scorched. While he felt a metallic taste of blood filling his mouth.
He struggled to his feet, pointing a shaky finger at Jeanne, his face a mask of utter disbelief. “You bi**h, how dare you–”
“Do you want more?” Jeanne took a step forward, her chin lifting ever so slightly. “No matter how many times you hit me, I shall return it in kindness!”
“You’re finished! You, and your Cathdral, and those wretched nuns of yours – you’re all doomed!” Realizing he was likely outmatched, Richmond’s bravado evaporated instantly. He barked at his lawyer, “What are you gawking at? Get over here and help me up!”
His stunned companion finally snapped out of his stupor, quickly rushing over to support him.
“I will ensure you learn the true meaning of regret! When that day comes, even if you kneel and beg at my feet, I will not show you any mercy! Etch that into your memory!” The two men left the Cathedral, cursing all the way. Till the very end, Richmond didn’t dare to look back at Jeanne even once.