MDBCD 20

Chapter 20

“Are you saying you intend to interfere in Bavaria’s internal affairs? Has Eberstein had that intention all along?”

“If you put it that way, I’d be disappointed. We are only following His Grace the Duke’s orders.”

Madame Eberstein, facing the shocked woman, drew a clear and perfect line without beating around the bush.

She even added that if there were any complaints, they should be addressed to Victor.

Even if she didn’t say it exactly like that, it carried the same meaning.

“What should we do…?”

“My dear, you’ll need to help. Befriend the maid who sticks close to that young lady. Try to extract some information. Make sure it’s something useful!”

“I’ll do as you say, Madam.”

Genevieve wasn’t really a “Madam,” but she liked being called that.

A few of the maids she favored knew this well and would quietly call her “Madam” where no one else could hear. Naturally, Genevieve was pleased with the title.

“And I’ll need to employ someone discreetly. Didn’t you say you’re on good terms with the villagers?”

“Yes, I have several brothers I’m close with.”

At the maid’s sly whisper, Genevieve nodded.

“Good. I’ll give you some money to investigate. Find out where she spent her time before joining the Eberstein family, and whether there’s any evidence of impurity. Understood?”

“Of course, Madam.”

“If you bring back useful information, I’ll double the money. You’ll get your share separately.”

At Genevieve’s promise, greed flashed in the maid’s eyes.

After all, punishment feels distant, but sweet money always feels close.

“And… soon, place this green dress in that woman’s wardrobe.”

Genevieve took out a dress with a pumpkin brooch and tossed it lightly.

It was the dress she had specially set aside from Seosanna because she wanted it.

The maid, having received the advance payment, nodded eagerly.

That dawn, Emma hurriedly left the mansion, unaware that someone was watching her.

“It’s dark, so I could only confirm the silhouette and hair color, but judging by her build, height, and gait, it’s definitely Emma.”

At the same time, in the Duke’s office, lights were still on until dawn.

Victor had finished his late work and was receiving a report from his subordinate.

“I suspected what your aunt might attempt. That’s why I assigned you.”

“Yes. We also have someone planted in the village, so there’s no need for concern.”

Victor put down his pen and closed his eyes briefly.

‘I would have taken care of it without causing trouble if possible.’

While Ivel was learning various things in the capital’s inner quarters, he had been taking care of the estate.

He had summoned informants spread across the country, planted them throughout the estate, and positioned them within the family as well.

Since he already knew everything about the domestic situation, there was no need to receive information he already had.

In this life, the people he wanted to focus on most were his family.

“Observe carefully what Emma is trying to do and who she’s contacting. If it concerns Ivel, you must intervene.”

“Yes, sir.”

Even though his assistant Matthias had likely erased records as thoroughly as possible, one could never be too careful.

He didn’t want Ivel to face the Clarén family again. It was also better that her achievement of earning a degree while disguised as a man remained undisclosed.

‘I didn’t have time, but maybe it’s better to fake Ivel’s death.’

Tap, tap.

He absentmindedly tapped the armrest and stayed up through the night.

He lost track of time while mentally organizing hundreds of plans.

“Victor, are you in your office?”

At that moment, a voice came from outside the door, adding to his fatigue.

Genevieve had arrived in a rush at sunrise.

“…Please, come in.”

“You must be exhausted. How about a cup of tea?”

“I’m fine. I’d appreciate it if you could get straight to the point.”

Should he send his aunt to the annex, or to the villa in the resort area?

If he suggested sending her to the convent, she would throw a fit and refuse, no matter what.

‘Should I lead her to make a big mistake?’

He half-listened to Genevieve’s words while thinking this.

Half of what she said was nonsense that didn’t need to be heard anyway.

After going on about trivialities, Genevieve finally got to the point.

“So, it seems I’ll need a bit more money. After all, it’s a sponsorship gathering, and the Bavarian contribution should be the largest to save face.”

If he refused, she would make trouble every time Ivel tried to do anything.

‘But even if I give her the money, she probably won’t behave.’

In fact, giving her money now might just revive her energy.

Victor made up his mind and firmly refused.

“That will be difficult.”

“Ah…?”

“I’ve already given enough, haven’t I? Considering the budget needed for the wedding, holding a sponsorship gathering now doesn’t seem wise.”

Genevieve had tried to hold several gatherings before. Most of them ended in failure.

“What are you saying! We, the bloodline of great Bavaria, have a duty to support artists! We must uphold our noblesse oblige!”

“My answer remains the same. The budget will be reduced even further, so keep that in mind.”

“How… how can you be like this!”

Yes, because of Genevieve’s insistence, additional budgets had been approved a few times. Most of that money, as he knew, had ended up with Genevieve’s young lovers.

Since it was his aunt’s private affair, he had let it slide, but continuous behavior like this was problematic.

If they produced results, it would be one thing. But he knew they were just receiving money and living like idlers.

Victor muttered a few names.

“Antrian, Joseph, Philips.”

“…!”

“Should I continue?”

“How… how do you know that…?”

Genevieve paled, backed up, then slammed the door open and ran out.

‘She has quite the stamina.’

Thanks to that, he could have breakfast in peace.

He was used to staying awake for about 48 hours, so he headed straight for the dining room.

But instead, his steps led him to the couple’s bedroom.

He wanted to see the person who was still asleep.

Somehow, seeing Ivel’s face seemed to calm his complicated emotions.

Thanks to Victor waking her, Ivel got up luxuriously, finished a simple breakfast, and began moving.

Today’s task, as previously announced, was to inspect the servants’ quarters.

Of course, she was accompanied by Grandma Vanya.

“This is the place.”

Usually, servants’ quarters are shabby, but the Bavarian Duke’s residence was not.

‘Not bad. All built with cypress wood.’

The interior, filled with a pleasant fragrance, was exceptionally clean.

Though it might have been tidied up quickly because she was coming, such cleanliness couldn’t be maintained if it were normally in disarray.

“There are 33 men in the male servants’ quarters, and 42 women in the female quarters. Close maids and servants, like Eloi, naturally stay near the master and mistress. In addition, the butler, head maid, and head chef’s bedrooms are within the main mansion. The gardener is an exception; he stays in a separate building called the caretaker’s house.”

As expected of a great noble family, everything was run efficiently according to the flow of movement.

It was also a good sign that the butler, head maid, and head chef’s bedrooms were in the main mansion—they could command respect from the lower staff.

“So, the head maid is in charge here?”