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Chapter 14
“Certainly an appealing offer—but.”
Killian lifted his teacup and continued slowly,
“I’ll need to think carefully about whether this is truly worth making an enemy of the Adelheit family—and by extension, the Empress.”
It was the response I expected. I hadn’t thought he’d agree immediately.
But I knew he would accept in the end.
‘If what I’m saying is true, he knows better than anyone that enormous money will start flowing in.’
I trusted Killian’s greed.
He studied my calm expression with a slightly curious gaze before speaking again.
“The Empress is currently carrying an imperial heir. Meanwhile, the Princess has already entered her twilight years.”
“Twilight years,” huh.
It was a cruelly indifferent way to describe someone who was dying.
Yet at the same time, there wasn’t a more fitting metaphor.
Thinking of Stella, I let out a faint sigh.
“His Majesty refuses to give up and continues life-prolonging treatment for the Princess, but more than half of the nobles have already sided with the Empress.”
The Adelheit Duke was surely among them. No—he was probably at the very center of it. I’d bet my Gold House on that.
‘No wonder I haven’t heard much lately about other nobles trying to develop a cure.’
Those who had judged the Princess beyond saving had flocked to the Empress like migratory birds.
If the Princess died, the Empress’s child would immediately become first in line for the throne.
‘In that case, this actually works in my favor.’
I almost wanted to thank the nobles for their opportunism.
‘This way, when I develop the cure, I’ll have the Princess’s favor all to myself.’
At that moment, Killian set down his teacup and looked straight at me.
“In this situation, what exactly do I gain by partnering in a treatment that may not even be able to save the Princess?”
I met his gaze without backing down.
“It’s the significance of being the cure that saved a member of the imperial family.”
At my words, Killian let out a small, amused laugh.
“So what you want is the title—the cure that saved royalty.”
This wasn’t limited to holy power treatments. It applied to any kind of medicine.
Realizing that, Killian spoke again.
“You’re really staking everything on this venture.”
“If I’m going to end up ruined by the Duke anyway, I might as well fight back first.”
Once entangled with the venomous Adelheit family, losing meant a life so miserable that death would be preferable.
The original story’s Edith had proven that.
I looked at Killian with determined eyes. He stared back at me for a moment before speaking.
“Very well.”
“…Really?”
I blinked, stunned. Was he really agreeing this easily?
‘I thought it would take at least a few days.’
Noticing my confusion, Killian’s eyes curved into a soft smile.
It was a beautiful smile.
“I think things will become quite interesting if I accept.”
I was momentarily captivated, but snapped back to my senses at his next words.
“I was rather bored anyway, so this works out nicely.”
His tone was as casual as ever, but somehow it carried the weight of an eternity of boredom.
‘Well… that works out for me.’
Even if I became entertainment for a devil, his agreement was undeniably good news.
Afraid he might change his mind, I quickly extended my hand.
“Let’s work well together from now on, partner.”
He looked at my hand, then slowly took it—still wearing his gloves.
“And may I ask one favor?”
Ah—there was something I had almost forgotten in my surprise.
“Go ahead.”
His crimson eyes shifted from our joined hands to my face.
“Could you keep it a secret that Your Highness is helping me?”
“…?”
“If rumors spread, please say you rejected my proposal. I’m asking this as a special favor.”
At first, Killian looked puzzled, but soon seemed to understand my intent and smiled faintly.
Hearing his laughter for the first time, I swallowed dryly.
Seriously… how could even his laughter be this captivating? A dangerous devil indeed.
“I will do so.”
“Thank you.”
I bowed my head and turned to leave—
‘Wait… how do I get out of here?’
As I hesitated, staring at the vast garden, Killian approached.
“I’ll guide you.”
“I’m sorry to trouble Your Highness when you’re busy…”
“In that case, you can go alone—”
“But I won’t refuse. I’d like to live, after all.”
I almost got lost in that enormous garden. My hurried reply made Killian’s amusement deepen.
I had Daisy and Henry leak information to the newspapers.
The papers, having obtained such juicy material, eagerly reported that I was Deborah—and that I was the owner of Gold House.
[The true identity of CEO Deborah: Edith Diel!]
[Is Gold House actually owned by Deborah?]
[Legal dispute expected between Duke Adelheit and Edith Diel…]
[Edith Diel declares lawsuit against Adelheit over embezzled funds and business rights]
The rest of the articles were blatantly biased.
I skimmed through them and let out a small laugh.
How predictable.
“Are you… really going to be okay?”
Daisy paced anxiously around the office, clutching a newspaper.
“The die is cast. What about the investors?”
“I think they’re on their way.”
We had summoned those who had previously signed investment contracts with Gold House.
In truth, as soon as the news broke, they had flooded us with letters requesting withdrawal.
No—calling them requests would be generous.
‘Most of them were threats to sue if we didn’t let them withdraw.’
Soon, the appointed time arrived.
Less than half of the investors showed up.
As expected.
A business run by Edith Diel—now labeled a fraud in public opinion. Any investor would hesitate.
“So it’s true? The owner of the Evan Estate and CEO of Deborah is Edith Diel?”
They stiffened upon seeing me.
It seemed they had come clinging to the faint hope that the CEO might be someone else.
At my glance, Daisy briefly explained the situation.
Their faces turned pale.
“This… this can’t be…”
Their reaction was understandable. The Adelheit family’s influence was immense.
“Edith Diel! This is grounds for fraud—we’ll be suing you!”
A few of them shouted angrily, faces flushed.
“Yes, go ahead.”
What could I do if they wanted to sue?
‘They were the ones who signed contracts despite the notice that the operator would remain anonymous.’
Agreeing to do business with an anonymous party meant accepting uncertainty and risk.
They had simply been blinded by the promise of profit.
Their anger was nothing more than misplaced frustration.
“Shall I send over termination papers?”
My calm attitude seemed to unsettle them.
‘Does Edith Diel have something up her sleeve?’
They had surely heard that I visited the Principality of Orfeo yesterday.
Which meant they assumed I had been rejected by Killian and was now desperately seeking their help.
“Anyone who wants to stay and join me in the lawsuit over business rights, remain here.”
After scanning the room, I continued,
“If you’re afraid of the Adelheit family—or if you don’t like me—you can leave. You can even sue me afterward. I don’t have the right to control your choices.”
They seemed surprised that I was willing to dissolve contracts so easily.
After a moment of silence, a few began to speak.
“…I’m sorry, but I’ll withdraw here.”
“M-me too. I won’t ask for my investment back—just consider me never involved.”
“Hmph, you should be grateful we’re letting this go!”
Once one spoke, the rest followed like a dam breaking.
They quickly declared their withdrawal and rushed out.
The reception room was empty in no time.
“…Just as expected. Not a single one stayed.”
I calmly sipped my coffee.
“How can they be like this? Anyone can see the Duke is the one being underhanded!”
Daisy fumed, gulping water in frustration.
Unlike her, I was completely unbothered.
After all, no one bets on the losing side.
‘Even if they stayed, without Killian’s support, I would definitely lose.’
But if they knew I had partnered with Killian…
Most of them would flip their decisions instantly.
Even if I understood their position, tolerating such shallow behavior was another matter.
I turned to Daisy.
“Organize documents for all the investors who just left.”
She nodded vigorously—then froze at my next words.
“Return all their investments.”
“Their investments?”
“That way, there won’t be any backlash later.”
I set down my cup and smiled.
At this point, I didn’t want to leave them even a single share.
They could keep their spoons.
I had no intention of letting them sit at a table I prepared.
