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CHAPTER 98……
The next morning.
When I woke up, I was greeted with an unwelcome letter.
“My lady, this is from the viscount.”
It had only been a few days since he’d sent me that threatening note, ordering me to wait because he was coming to the capital.
So, the day has come…
At least I’d put down a deposit on the mansion yesterday—small comfort, but still.
With a resigned sigh, I unfolded the letter.
But…
[My beloved daughter, Leticia,
On my way to the capital, I heard more about you from Duke Farnese.
Thinking about how much you must have suffered all alone pains my heart.
I came all the way to the capital to see your face after so long, but after hearing everything, I realized I’m not worthy. So I’ve decided to turn back.
Thank you for growing into such a fine person despite your father’s neglect.
You needn’t worry about me anymore. We will live our own lives, so you should think only of yourself. If one day your heart softens, come visit home.
It’s late, but please forgive your father’s indifference.]
…Huh?
I rubbed my eyes, thinking I’d read it wrong, and read it again.
Still unable to believe it, I checked the seal on the envelope.
But no matter how many times I looked, it was indeed the Cloel family’s crest, and the handwriting was unmistakably my father’s.
…Did he secretly contract some terminal illness?
But thinking back to my life before I returned in time, my father had been perfectly healthy when he’d kicked me out after my divorce.
Well… I guess it’s a relief he says he won’t come… but still.
Something felt off.
I glanced at Erin, who was watching my expression with stiff, nervous posture.
As if reading my mind, she immediately asked:
“Shall I burn the letter, my lady?!”
She actually seemed angrier than I was.
I couldn’t help laughing at the sight.
My reaction must have been unexpected, because Erin tilted her head in confusion.
“My lady?”
“Forget about this—could you send someone to deliver a message to Wigh?”
“To the aide? What should I tell him?”
“Ask him to check whether my father really left the capital.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Erin hurried out at my request.
Since my father supposedly left, I set aside my anxiety and went down to the dining room at a relaxed pace.
As always, Idris was waiting there.
“Good morning, Idris.”
“You look… happy today.”
“My face?”
“Mm. It’s like… something good happened?”
Am I that happy just because my father said he won’t come?
Idris’s faint, knowing smile felt strangely pointed, but I brushed it off.
It wasn’t the first time he’d given me that unreadable expression.
“By the way, how did your meeting go yesterday?”
“Oh, the meeting.”
Yesterday over breakfast, I’d told him about the one we were holding at the boutique.
The hunting festival season was coming soon.
During this time, not only did the Imperial family host their hunts, but many noble houses also organized gatherings for networking.
Unlike events like the Founding Festival or charity bazaars, which had formal public purposes, these hunts were openly social affairs, meaning the dress code was freer.
Which also meant that distinctive summer outfits sold particularly well during this season.
In other words, this was peak season for the boutique.
As its owner, it was a time I could not—must not—miss.
So yesterday I’d held a planning session with Amon and the staff.
“We decided there’s still time, so everyone will think of ideas and come back with them later.”
“In that case… how about taking your mind off work today? Something like… a date?”
“Aren’t you busy?”
“Not today.”
I hesitated, unable to answer right away.
I was planning to go back to the agency today to see if the owner agreed to sell the house.
I hadn’t told Idris about that yet.
Yesterday he’d come home late, so we hadn’t had dinner together.
It’s not urgent now that Father says he won’t visit… but still.
This was a man who had relied on me as his safety net all my life.
I didn’t know what had suddenly made him decide not to see me, but until I confirmed it, I wasn’t going to take him at his word.
And buying the mansion was no bad idea anyway.
I was planning to move out eventually, even without the issue with Father.
I decided to tell Idris.
“Actually, I already have plans for today.”
“What plans?”
“I put down a deposit on a place yesterday at the agency. I was going to go check on it.”
“Ah… I was going to find you something better. Do you hate living with me that much?”
“…How did we get there?”
“If that’s not it, then why the rush? You’re making me feel a little hurt.”
A faintly bitter expression crossed Idris’s face.
There it is again—that look!
When he put on that dejected expression with that handsome face, I felt guilty even when I’d done nothing wrong.
I was just about to comfort him when—
“Lady Leticia, news has arrived.”
The butler handed me a slip of paper.
It was from the realtor.
[I’m terribly sorry I can’t bring you the news you were waiting for, but the owner has decided not to sell. I’m contacting you so you don’t make a wasted trip.]
I frowned at the unwelcome news, but strangely enough, I also felt relieved.
Honestly, I didn’t even like the place that much—it was a rushed decision.
I was just thinking that I should look for better options when Idris, watching me closely, asked,
“What happened?”
“Ah… the place I was going to buy yesterday? The deal’s off.”
“Really?”
For a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of something in his eyes.
“Then we can go now, right? For the date.”
…Why did his smiling eyes feel particularly suspicious today? Must be my imagination.
Even after the charity bazaar, quite a lot of time had passed.
But one man still hadn’t recovered from its effects.
“What? Lestorn is pulling their investment?!”
Phaidan was pulling his hair out as more and more investors withdrew.
“Why?”
“They said they want to invest in another venture…”
That was the polite excuse, but it was obvious they’d shifted toward Leticia’s side.
After seeing the bazaar, they must have concluded the Imperial family was firmly backing her.
And since my relationship with Leticia is bad, they’ve decided I’ve fallen out of favor with the Imperial family too.
Because of that, investors were bailing in droves.
If only that bastard had just burned the painting!
Then Leticia and the Imperial family would have fallen out, and things wouldn’t have spiraled like this…
Grinding his teeth, Phaidan was trying to contain his seething anger when Rockhard, who had been gauging his mood, spoke cautiously.
“Your Excellency, there’s… also…”
“What, more bad news?”
Rockhard hesitated before continuing.
“It’s just… the payment deadline is approaching. We need to prepare the funds.”
“…Why is it that when I have no money, there are so many people asking me for it? Damn it.”
He’d paid only the deposit for the raw materials, so now it was time to settle the balance.
But his cash flow was so tight that it was dangerous.
If I hadn’t bought that damned painting, things would be better than this…
But selling it was impossible.
If he did, everyone would know—and they’d speculate endlessly about why he was unloading such a costly purchase so soon.
In the old days, when his capital was solid, he could have ignored such rumors. But not now.
And with investors already leaving in droves, if word got out that he was selling the painting for lack of funds?
It could jeopardize not just his businesses, but the entire Farnese ducal house.
But if I sit here and do nothing, things will only get worse.
He needed a breakthrough, and fast.
As he sat there brooding, his eyes landed on a newspaper he’d tossed onto his desk earlier that day.
Specifically, on Leticia’s face.
[Mariposa brings fresh winds to the fashion world.
What new designs will she unveil for the upcoming hunting season?]
The moment he saw that article, an idea for his way out came to him in a flash.
