LVSMLA 18

Chapter 18

A huge-scale new port project was not something that cost only a little money.

First, the declining port town needed major construction work. Roads leading to the port also had to be built and improved. Since large ships would be built there, a shipyard was also necessary inside the port. So when the project eventually collapsed, it was only natural that the Count’s family ended up buried in debt.

The Count’s family provided the funds, while Count Camois, their partner, took charge and ran the project. Since Wyn Yates territory was not a region where trade was well developed, the Count did not know much about port investment.

‘He’s not just ignorant about trade… he’s generally not good at business.’

I looked up at the Count, who seemed worried, and thought to myself.

Later, Camois embezzled a huge amount of money during the port development project. He invested that stolen money into mines and industry, steadily growing his power. Eventually, when the Wyn Yates Count family had to sell their territory, Camois bought it all using the wealth he had built and rose to become a great noble. Thanks to that, just before Calisto’s rebellion, he had already been granted the rank of Marquis.

So Camois’s deep involvement in the port project was a disaster for the Count family in the original story.

But right now, it was actually fortunate. If I thought about it differently, if we just removed Camois, we could make the Count completely withdraw from the port project.

Anyway, I couldn’t talk about future disasters that hadn’t happened yet, and I couldn’t accuse him of embezzlement that he hadn’t even committed. So I had no choice but to rely on emotional persuasion to separate him from the Count. I looked up at the Count, trying to look pitiful.

“Father… are you planning to continue the project with Count Camois?”

“I am thinking about it. The Count says that children’s matters and business are separate.”

As expected, Camois was persistent. Since his family did not have enough funds to run such a large project, he was trying to cling to my father.

I wanted to shout that someone like that should never be trusted in business, but instead I lowered my head weakly.

“Count Camois is right… I can’t let such a big project be ruined because of me… But if Father continues working with him, I will have to keep seeing him. I… I’m scared of meeting people from his family.”

At that, the Count’s expression hardened noticeably. Calisto, who had been quietly holding my hand, also flinched.

I tried my best to force out tears by recalling painful memories, but it didn’t work at all, so I just lowered my head. Acting pitiful wasn’t easy.

“Just because children fought, you don’t need to cancel such a big project. I understand it would be a huge loss for you… but in a few years, I and Ibrie will also take part in the business, and I will have to meet him every day. I don’t want to see Ibrie again.”

In this world, noble children began training as heirs at around fifteen. I was twelve, so that time was not far away.

“I’m afraid Ibrie might hit me again. I still clearly remember how it felt when he hit me…”

“What are you saying? How dare Ibrie lay a hand on you again! Do not even speak such things, Etienne!”

The Count shouted in shock. I trembled slightly and barely held back the corners of my lips from rising.

“Even if it’s impossible… please don’t stop the business with the Camois family because of me, Father. It’s my wish…”

The Count fell silent for a moment. It seemed he had not expected me to be so hurt and frightened.

No matter how profitable the business was, it was not more important than his child. Especially for a Count who was weak to affection.

Finally, after a moment of thought, the Count spoke with a heavy expression.

“You are right, Etienne. As long as we continue business with Camois, we cannot cut ties with Ibrie. In the end, both he and you will become heirs of your families. I do not know who raised such a violent child.”

Who else? It was Camois. He only pretended to be gentle in front of my father.

While I silently scoffed, the Count continued.

“Do not worry. We will withdraw from the port development project.”

“Really, Father?”

I quickly lifted my head in delight, then hurriedly lowered it again to hide my reaction. Fortunately, the Count did not notice.

“However… Count Camois will likely not want to abandon the project. He has already invested too much effort. It would be proper to find him a new partner.”

At those words, my eyes lit up.

I had only been thinking about getting the Wyn Yates Count family out of the project. I had not considered that Camois might continue it.

But as my father said, Camois did not need to abandon it. He just needed a new partner.

A new partner who would take over the doomed fate of the Count family.

I carefully asked, hiding my excitement.

“Father. What about the Harrington Ducal House?”

“The Harringtons? Oh, that is a good idea. Yes, Harrington would be more than enough. The ducal family would surely be interested. You really knew about this? Etienne, you have grown so much.”

The Count smiled warmly and patted my head. I quietly accepted his hand while secretly smiling.

Harrington was indeed the best choice. As in the original story, Harrington and Camois would become perfect partners.

This time, it would just happen earlier.

By happening earlier, all fate would change.

The Duke of Harrington. He was the man who brutally killed Empress Marie Louise, Calisto’s mother, and drove Calisto into the slums, constantly trying to kill him. He was also the Empress Jeanne’s right-hand man—and her younger brother—who had orchestrated everything behind the scenes.

A perfect two birds with one stone. The best plan to erase my death flag.

After the Count left the room, I relaxed and leaned back against the bed.

I had unexpectedly managed to send the Harrington Duke into the situation as well.

In the original story, Calisto leads a rebellion, defeats the Empress and the forces behind her—including the Harrington Duke—and becomes Emperor.

Even if left alone, Calisto would become the final victor.

But the problem was the process.

Calisto’s rebellion succeeded because he joined the navy at a young age and built his own forces.

The navy in this world was the most dangerous and harsh military branch of all. Pirates were everywhere, and wars with neighboring kingdoms never stopped.

Even though hundreds of sailors died every day, no one cared. The navy, which always lacked manpower, accepted anyone, and did not even check identity. Most of its members were poor or criminals with unclear backgrounds.

The reason young Calisto joined such a place was because of Etienne’s abuse. He thought the navy was better than staying there, which showed how cruel the original Etienne had been. That child suffered terribly afterward.

I had no intention of sending Calisto to the military. Especially not at the age of thirteen.

Instead of letting the Count’s family collapse, I would strengthen its power and weaken the Empress and the Harrington-Camois faction. Then there would be no need for Calisto to walk such a painful path. He could simply grow up safely and beautifully.

To do that, I needed to weaken the Empress’s power in advance.

Today’s events were a big help. Now I just had to hope the Count would successfully transfer the project to Harrington.

While I was thinking, Calisto shifted and pressed closer to me, looking up.

I finally realized he might have been bored during my conversation with my father.

I hugged him gently and smiled.

“Sorry. I talked with Father for too long. Are you okay? Do you want me to blow on your injuries again?”

“No… I’m okay. Really.”

“Really?”

Unexpectedly, Calisto shook his head.

He frowned deeply, thinking hard about something.

“What’s wrong? Are you hurt?”

I touched his cheek. The bruise was still a deep purple covering half his face.

At this rate, just ruining Camois and Harrington wouldn’t be enough. I needed a more complete solution.

Then Calisto finally spoke in a serious voice.

“Don’t worry. I will protect you.”

“…Huh?”

What?

It was so sudden I couldn’t understand.

“Don’t be scared. Even if you meet that guy, I will protect you, hyung.”

Ah…

So he thought I was really scared of Ibrie.

The image of Ibrie’s huge body appeared in my mind. If he swung that thick arm once, Calisto would probably fly away.

Considering he actually had been thrown like that yesterday…

“What can a small kid like you protect…”

I almost laughed but held it in and nodded.

“Okay… sure.”

“Trust me. Don’t worry at all.”

“Yeah, I see…”

I had nothing more to say.

My answer must have been unsatisfying, because Calisto narrowed his eyes.

“Don’t you believe me? Hyung, you don’t trust me? Why not? Huh?”

It looked like he might cry if I said I didn’t.

So I replied with all my sincerity.

“What are you talking about? Of course I believe you. Calisto has to protect me, right?”

Satisfied, Calisto nodded seriously and tapped my arm.

“Then blow on it again.”

“…Alright.”

He really was dependable in his own way.

Instead of blowing, I gently kissed his cheek.

Calisto sat there with his eyes closed, quietly receiving the kiss for a long time.