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Chapter 40
“Aites has its own trading company, doesn’t it? He wants to focus on that to make it grow.”
“…With Katieron’s money?”
“Exactly. Of course, I know the young master’s situation isn’t ideal either. Even Lord Tibern…”
At that moment, both Viscount Aros and I fell silent, sobered by the thought.
“I don’t know if this is the right time to bring this up, but… if there’s any way to resolve the issue—”
“I’ll speak to the young master. But… there might not be a good solution.”
“I understand. Our family has served Katieron for generations. I don’t care to know about the world beyond it.”
Viscount Aros gave a strained smile.
“Was that too heavy a topic?”
“No, not at all. I’ll make sure to convey it properly.”
“Good. This is a serious issue. If the ownership of the trading company shifts away from Katieron…”
I didn’t have to ask to know what words he was holding back.
All of our excited talk about business so far—everything—could collapse completely.
I bit my lip.
“I’ll definitely discuss it with the young master.”
Aros gave a heavy nod.
As expected, Kiera. There was no way that woman would stay still. So that’s what she’s been up to—fattening up the Aites estate with Katieron’s money.
A leaking pot at home leaks outside too. Is there really no way to fix this?
Kiera had a reason for her passionate efforts to merge Katieron into Aites.
‘That way, Herdon will have no choice but to rely on me. He won’t ignore me once he realizes he has nowhere else to go.’
Her goal was Herdon. A man who still clung to that lowly maid and thoroughly dismissed her.
Even when they were staying at the villa together, it was the same.
‘Can I talk to Amy? Can I feel her presence near me?’
Amy this, Amy that!
Ever since the ghost incident, every time Kiera showed up, all he could talk about was Amy. Kiera gritted her teeth.
If she hadn’t gotten Herdon drunk—who had a weak tolerance for alcohol—there would be no Sornia or Carte.
‘He’s bound to change once he loses everything.’
He had always stood at the pinnacle of Katieron. Losing that would break him.
And then, Kiera would become his savior.
This was her chance.
Kiera tapped the armrest of her chair with impatient fingers.
Just then—
“Her Majesty the Empress is ready to see you.”
“Ah, finally.”
Kiera beamed and stood up. All eyes in the waiting room turned to her. She smoothed her attire and walked in.
She ignored the whispers behind her.
“Her husband’s at war, but look at her glowing face.”
“I hear the duchess is the one keeping Aites afloat.”
“Tsk. No shame at all.”
Those gossipy mouths knew nothing. Nothing about the grand picture she was painting.
Aites didn’t even have an heir. Eventually, everything would go to Carte.
“Your Majesty, it’s been a while. Have you been well?”
“Thanks to your concern, I suppose.”
Kiera and Empress Luizel had known each other since childhood. They were close and often helped one another when needed.
“I actually requested this audience because I have something to say.”
“Something to say?”
“I heard the Princess recently turned ten.”
Luizel’s eyes sparkled, having instantly grasped Kiera’s intent. She had been looking for a suitable match for Princess Siela.
Most promising candidates were already betrothed from a young age. Luizel, if possible, didn’t want to send Siela outside the Empire.
In fact, she had been considering Carte as a potential candidate.
After all, he was likely to inherit both Aites and Katieron. As of now, he was the best match.
“It’s not a decision I can make on my own. Hmm… but how are things going lately? I heard construction in the East has resumed.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. The land value in the East is going to skyrocket. I believe now’s a good time to invest more.”
“I see.”
“And—”
Kiera continued with a bright smile.
“When Carte and the Princess marry, I was thinking of gifting the Eastern hotel as a wedding present.”
Luizel’s eyes widened. A hotel in the Princess’s name?
No one could even guess how much gold had gone into building that luxury hotel. If Katieron hadn’t loaned funds, it wouldn’t have even been built.
The East had the sea, lakes, and mountains—plenty of sights to see. There were rowing competitions on the river and entertainment boats too.
A hotel in such a location, with so much potential, as a dowry?
“Are you serious? Many noblewomen outside are here today to make similar proposals.”
“But there’s no denying Carte is the best match, is there, Your Majesty?”
“If you can keep your word, that would certainly be true. Can you guarantee it?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I promise. If you wish, I’ll draw up the contract and have it notarized. My father has also approved—it can bear the seal of House Aites.”
“What about the debts owed to Katieron?”
“Your Majesty, who owns Katieron now?”
“…I see.”
In other words, it would eventually belong to Carte. What problem would there be?
A smooth smile crossed the Empress’s lips.
“I shall discuss your proposal carefully with His Majesty. If this is arranged, I’m sure His Majesty will invest heavily in the East’s development.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!”
Kiera’s face lit up. After misfortune, good fortune. The world was painted in pink.
She believed no one could obstruct her future now.
At that very moment—
A meeting was underway at Katieron’s townhouse. Since winter had come, each day felt like walking on thin ice.
Now they had to clean up after the Duchess’s messes too.
“What are we going to do?”
Hildon sighed with his arms crossed.
“I know nothing about this kind of stuff.”
No one had expected much from Hildon in the first place. He was merely a good sword instructor to Hieder.
Around the table sat me, Hieder, Hildon, and Madam Luella—but none of us were capable of leading the way.
I really missed Grandpa.
I fiddled with the status window in secret. Just staring at Tibern’s status screen made me want to cry.
We had finally opened a path to make a living.
If we lost Viscount Aros, we’d be forced to sell herbs to local bullies.
There would be no chance of additional income.
We had to stop the trading company from changing hands at all costs.
If the company’s ownership changed, even Viscount Aros, who was only the manager, could be dismissed.
Hieder ran a frustrated hand through his hair.
Until now, he’d been just a young man persecuted by the Duchess. He had no power, no connections to ask for help.
But unexpectedly, Hieder spoke with hope.
“…It’s not like there’s no way.”
Everyone’s gaze turned to him.
“I… have some money. When Grandpa visited recently, he transferred a sum into an account in my name, saying I’d need it someday.”
Tibern really was my hero!
“But to use that money, I’d have to go outside myself.”
“So there’s no way to use it, huh.”
Hieder nodded.
The moment he stepped outside, Kiera would track him down.
He had a striking appearance fitting a male lead.
Especially that black hair—so distinctively Katieron.
Now, what should we do?
