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Chapter 47
Usually, that kind of thing is done by other employees, isn’t it? But when I looked around, everyone was just watching us nervously.
No one dared to contradict the bank director.
“I received it directly from the Guild Master, Lady Franc. There’s a solid encryption on the account, so even if any relative or impostor comes pretending to be you, your funds are safe—and we’ll deal with those bastards, so don’t worry!”
“Ah, yes…”
“And we’ve notified every bank across the Empire so you can withdraw funds anywhere at your convenience. Please use them freely whenever you need.”
“Y-yes.”
As I nodded absentmindedly, the bank director said he’d explain the details inside and led the way.
“Hey.”
“!”
I turned at the sudden voice.
Through the quietly opened door stepped Felix, walking toward me.
“Y-your Grace, the Young Duke!”
The bank director—who had already met the next heir of House Cazliden—looked like he was about to faint.
“What brings you here?”
“To… withdraw money.”
What else would you come to a bank for? My answer made Felix look slightly puzzled.
“You could’ve just gone to any store and said it’s under the name of Cazliden.”
“Wouldn’t I get kidnapped if I did that?”
Who in their right mind would run around buying things on credit under that name?
Besides, who am I really?
Sure, I supplied potions to the Cazliden family, but that didn’t make me one of them. There are boundaries, after all.
“You work for us, don’t you?”
“That’s true.”
“Then use the name. If you need something.”
Wha—what’s going on?
I was so taken aback that I couldn’t speak for a moment. Of all people, I never thought he would say something like that.
“But Sir Gilbert usually takes care of all that stuff for me… This would just be personal spending…”
“What are you buying?”
“Clothes, accessories… that kind of thing?”
Felix gave a short, amused laugh, the corners of his lips quirking up.
“Just do it.”
“…”
“Think of it as a… dignity allowance.”
What the hell? This was starting to get scary.
“Um, Your Grace?”
“What.”
“Did I… do something wrong?”
Felix raised an eyebrow slightly, tilting his head.
“You asking that makes it sound like you did.”
“N-no! I just thought maybe you ate something bad or—oh!”
I quickly clapped a hand over my mouth, but it was too late. I bowed my head instantly.
My hasty apology made Felix snort in disbelief.
“Anyone watching would think I bully you all the time.”
“…”
Well… you do push Gilbert and the others around… though they’re paid well for it, so I guess that’s fair.
“What are you doing today?”
“Huh?”
“You got any plans? Or are you working?”
“Ah, no. I was just out for fun today.”
“Then come with me.”
“?”
“You said you’re free.”
Felix shrugged, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“Let’s hang out.”
But Felix Cazliden wasn’t just anyone.
He’s the guy who pays me.
So if he says come along, I come along.
Still…
This is kind of overkill, isn’t it?
I pressed my lips together, recalling the store entrance we’d just walked through.
Masterpieces hung on every wall, white marble floors veined with gold, a grand chandelier and a glossy piano in the center hall…
How is this a clothing store?!
Everything about the place screamed luxury. Even the air smelled expensive.
I wasn’t planning to splurge like this…
This was getting too real.
Granted, it wasn’t even my money—after all, the bank had said I could use funds freely and charge everything to the Cazliden account.
So technically, I could buy whatever I wanted without limit.
And sure, I love that—who wouldn’t?
Someone offering to buy you anything you want? That’s a dream come true.
But moderation is important! My conscience as a humble citizen couldn’t handle this level of extravagance.
Even if I accepted it, I at least wanted to know why.
“Your Grace, aren’t you busy?”
Felix raised an eyebrow.
“Not really.”
Not really? Yeah, right.
With the head of the family missing, he should’ve been the one handling all the duties in his stead.
And they were clearly hiding the family head’s disappearance. Shouldn’t he be swamped with work to keep up appearances?
“…Your Grace.”
“What.”
“Are you usually this generous with your employees?”
“What?”
Felix looked genuinely confused. I forced myself to keep talking.
“I just mean… you don’t really have a reason to spoil me like this.”
No matter how I looked at it, I couldn’t figure out why.
“Honestly, I’m really grateful. It’s just…”
“…”
“Did I… really do something wrong?”
Felix frowned slightly.
“Do you give gifts to people who do something wrong?”
“No, of course not. But…”
Still, there wasn’t any clear reason for him to treat me this well either.
After thinking hard, I finally ventured cautiously:
“I’m really sorry, but…”
“What now.”
He sounded exasperated, but the thought in my head was too strong to ignore.
“After thinking about it really hard, I came to a conclusion.”
“And?”
He waited, arms crossed.
“Is it because I’m just that talented?”
“…?”
“I mean—no one else is here, so I’ll be honest.”
I glanced around to make sure we were alone.
After hearing that the Young Duke himself had arrived, the shop owner had rushed out in a panic, then hurriedly led us to a private room.
It looked more like a noble’s reception salon than a store. Now it was just the two of us—everyone else was busy fetching catalogs and samples.
“Go on. No one’s listening.”
Felix folded his arms, fixing his gaze on me. Seizing the chance, I swallowed nervously.
He was usually so indifferent that this sudden generosity just didn’t add up.
“It’s because you really liked my potion, isn’t it?”
You know—
When a company doesn’t want to lose a valuable employee, they raise your salary and shower you with perks.
He’s just expressing it in his own… rough way.
When I thought about it, everything he’d done had benefited me.
He covered my shopping, handled my expenses, gave me all sorts of privileges.
It was just—accepting it all without understanding why felt weirdly uncomfortable.
“Ha—”
Felix let out a soft, incredulous laugh.
And that was all it took for my confidence to surge.
“I’m not the type to brag or anything, but even Gilbert said I was really good!”
