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Chapter 42
Viscount Aros went straight to Count Zech. He had to handle this quickly before the merchant group was sold elsewhere.
Maybe because he was in such a rush, even his steps felt clumsy.
Once he found Count Zech, Viscount Aros explained everything that had happened in detail.
“You’re saying the maid snuck out and acted as the young master’s errand runner?”
“Yes, Count.”
“How can we trust the word of a child? Isn’t Lord Hider only 13?”
“Sir Taibern inherited the dukedom at the age of 13.”
“Hmph.”
Count Zech let out a groan.
“What are you going to do? If you turn your back on this, our merchant group is going to be sold off.”
“Well, this is troublesome.”
Count Zech rubbed his forehead. Ever since Kiera began acting with delegated authority, he hadn’t had a single day of peace.
Marquis Aites shamelessly demanded a large sum without any guilt, insisted on zero interest, and unilaterally extended the repayment period.
It was safe to say they’d never get that money back. And now they wanted to sell off the merchant group too? Count Zech could hardly sit still.
On top of that, the emerald mine had really been transferred to the royal family.
Even Viscount Nathan had been walking around every day looking pale as death.
“Is there any way young Lord Hider can help Nathan and me?”
“It would be best if you talked to him directly, Count. The young master is currently cut off from the outside world.”
“Ah, that’s right.”
Count Zech nodded awkwardly. He truly felt miserable.
“What will you do? Can you help? If so, you should be able to meet with him.”
“Of course I’ll help. Sir Taibern specifically asked me not to turn my back on young Lord Hider if he ever asked for help. That might’ve even been… his final wish.”
Count Zech nodded without hesitation.
“Don’t say such frightening things.”
Viscount Aros genuinely trembled.
Just the thought of Taibern not returning and only Kiera remaining made the future of Catieron look dark and hopeless.
“Lord Taibern will return safely, just like always.”
“…I believe that too. At least, I truly hope so.”
Count Zech spoke bitterly. It was time for a generational change, but Catieron still clung to the past—surviving off Taibern’s former glory.
Even if Taibern did return, how long could that continue?
A deep sense of doubt washed over him.
Hider stood beside me outside the townhouse, looking troubled as he stared into the street. While the area near Catieron was under lockdown and quiet, people were everywhere just a bit further out.
As soon as they saw black hair, it would cause a huge uproar.
“Maybe this was too reckless.”
Hider sighed. Even with a hood, it was still risky. His stealth abilities weren’t high enough to mask his presence yet.
What’s there to worry about when you’ve got your noona?
“Excuse me, young master. Please don’t be too startled.”
“Huh? Agh!”
Hider screamed, then clamped his hands over his mouth. He’d clearly shouted without meaning to.
His cheeks and earlobes were bright red, and he stared wide-eyed at me—because I had picked him up in a princess carry.
“Are you comfortable?”
Hider opened his mouth, then shut it tight.
“…Do you really have to do this?”
“We need to move quickly. Allow me to carry you comfortably, young master!”
Just then, my Thousand-League Feet skill began to upgrade.
[Upgrading “Girl’s Super Strength v.max” + “My Feet Are a Thousand-League Horse v.5”…]
New Skill Acquired: “With a Girl’s Love v.1”
You can now travel quickly and safely while carrying someone in a princess hold.
Look at that skill name.
Sounds like something a magical girl would use. Who names these things, seriously? Anyway, it’s a useful one.
So skills can be combined like this too. I activated my stealth skill and got ready to move.
“Here we go!”
“Ra-Rani, wait!”
I hugged the flustered Hider tightly and shot forward. It was definitely faster than Thousand-League Feet, and the posture was stable too!
The only unstable thing was Hider himself. By the time we arrived at Viscount Aros’ residence, Hider’s face was pale and trembling.
Then he suddenly went limp.
“Y-Young master?!”
Did… did I just kill Hider?
“M-Motion sickness… Ugh!”
Hider tumbled out of my arms and dropped to the ground. After catching his breath for a while, he finally recovered enough to enter the Aros estate.
Luckily, it seemed like no one saw us. I pulled Hider’s hood low and guided him inside.
Two people were waiting in the drawing room today. One was Viscount Aros, and the other must be Count Zech.
Hider slowly removed his hood. The once-red and pale face was now back to calm and composed.
Definitely male-lead material.
As I admired the handsome Hider, both Count Zech and Viscount Aros stood up respectfully.
“It is an honor to meet you, young master Hider!”
“We greet the bloodline of Catieron!”
They looked shocked. Bet they thought he was just a pitiful, oppressed kid under Kiera’s thumb. Probably expected him to be scrawny and shabby from neglect.
Absolutely not!
Thanks to my efforts, our Hider had been growing like a bean sprout—tall and strong.
He might even outgrow me soon!
Not to mention, he just radiated noble elegance with his good looks. Truly impressive.
“It’s as if I’m looking at a young Taibern,” Count Zech muttered.
“Please, take a seat. Thank you all for making time today.”
At Hider’s words, the three of them sat down. I quietly stood behind Hider.
“I came today to resolve the issue regarding the merchant group.”
Hider spoke solemnly.
Meanwhile, I quickly checked his status window.
[Would you like to register as a Supporter?]
Name: Iron Zech, Count
Occupation: Catieron’s First Loyalist, Taibern’s Right-Hand Man
Knew it. I pressed “Yes” immediately. Iron Zech had zero betrayal points too. Taibern really had a good eye for people.
Which explains how he spotted someone as talented as me.
Anyway, it didn’t seem like there was anything to worry about in this room.
“I’ve heard everything from Viscount Aros, young master Hider. I believe we can resolve this matter effectively.”
“I’ve prepared the documents in advance. This is the power of attorney.”
Hider carefully reviewed the papers. The once-hungry and fragile Hider was nowhere to be found—now, he looked every bit the part of a noble from a grand ducal house.
Exactly.
Buying that outfit was the right choice. As soon as I got money, I bought it because it screamed Hider.
That’s how you support your bias.
Peeking out from under the sleeve was a ruby cufflink. My masterpiece.
While I admired Hider with pride, the document review seemed to finish.
Hider, Count Zech, and Viscount Aros all took out their seals and signed.
Then Count Zech pulled out the consent form to access Hider’s account, which was processed even more quickly.
“All that remains now is to visit Duchess Kiera. Thankfully, no buyer has stepped forward yet. If we hand over the money, we should be able to settle it on our terms.”
Viscount Aros finally looked relieved as he spoke.
“That’s good to hear. I’ll be counting on you.”
“Yes, young master! I pledge my loyalty!”
Viscount Aros’ eyes sparkled. He’d basically been given CPR while he was flatlining—of course he was thankful.
“You are now the owner of the merchant group, young master. Congratulations.”
My heart swelled with pride at Count Zech’s words.
If I could, I’d shout it from the rooftops.
My boy is now a merchant lord!
