The Mansion Awaits Spring
Chapter 81
“Something you know?”
When Miller asked back, Jeff replied.
“People died in succession at the factories extracting fuel.”
“…….”
“That fuel is also buried in the Lunos estate, and you said that if the annulment wasn’t accepted, you would move those factories and build them in the southern part of the Lunos estate.”
“Who says such things?”
“And instead of choosing between those two options, the Head of the Lunos family and his wife decided to assassinate the Grand Duke.”
At his words, Miller’s teeth ground together with an audible grit.
Jeff poured out the tea that had quickly cooled in the chilly air despite the fire, then poured a fresh cup as he continued.
“I had to keep my mouth shut until that child finished serving her sentence. I didn’t know what else might be pinned on her. But now, even if that child actually took part in the assassination of the Grand Duke, her sentence is over and she is free, and the time has come for the Grand Duke to pay for his crimes. If you still…… refuse to let her be free, I will no longer remain silent.”
Miller was no longer smiling, and Jeff left the room, leaving the warm tea untouched.
* * *
He did not disturb his wife, who was enjoying a long-awaited conversation with her friends, and hurried alone to the central bank.
No matter how much he thought about it, the only way to save his niece right now was to pay the price. He intended to see for himself exactly how much that payment was and try to reduce it as much as possible.
So when he arrived at the central bank, he happened to spot someone coming out. It was Renald Kay, who managed the Grand Ducal family's assets.
Renald’s eyes widened when he saw Jeff for the first time in a long while.
“Jeffrey! What’s going on? How are you out and about?”
Thanks to having graduated from the same school, Renald was incredibly glad to see him, embracing Jeff and asking questions. Jeff patted him back and said,
“Renald, it’s good to see you. I have something to ask regarding money.”
“Ah, if you’re talking about the gas bill, I just finished paying it and was on my way out.”
Jeff froze at the unexpectedly easy answer.
“Wh—What did you say?”
“Master Pezin handled it with the trust he holds. For the time being, at least.”
“Why would a Dieus…… resolve my niece’s problem?”
When Jeff asked suspiciously, Renald couldn't say much and simply smiled.
Jeff soon shook his head and continued.
“There’s no way a Dieus would help April out of the goodness of their heart.”
“Master Pezin previously investigated this through the Special Investigation Headquarters, didn't he? At that time, they concluded the gas pipe had been cut, yet she was being charged such a massive amount……. Since that damn gas company is preparing a lawsuit, it seems he thought paying it was the immediate solution.”
“I mean, why would a Dieus do that?”
“It wasn’t just ‘a Dieus,’ it was Master Pezin Dieus personally who paid it.”
“Ho—How much of a trust could that boy have to settle such a large sum?”
“Ah, the young master has a hidden talent for investment. In the first place, isn't the scale of the economy here in the Grand Duchy different from the Empire? He can easily afford this much.”
At Renald’s words, intended to reassure him, Jeff’s face turned even paler.
“……Is it really that different?”
“Pardon?”
“The economic scale between the Right Island and the Left Island.”
“Ah. Yes. It’s that different. To compare…… perhaps the difference between a parent and a child receiving an allowance from that parent?”
Jeff squeezed his eyes shut instinctively.
Seven years ago, when the Lunos family was still standing, the gap wasn't this large.
Not before the Lunos family was effectively dismantled and all the sea routes were snatched away by the Empire.
Regardless, even if Pezin had more wealth than expected, the amount claimed by that swindler of a gas merchant was a fortune. It wasn't enough to ruin one, but it was a significant chunk to lose. Jeff still couldn't understand why he had paid it. He was suspicious.
Just then, Renald gestured with his chin toward a female employee at the door who was receiving customers.
“Go on over. She is currently assisting with the Lunos family’s banking business.”
“She’s not even a banker, is she?”
“Yes, but she is a Virta.”
“A—A member of the Virta family isn't a banker?”
To the confused Jeff, who wondered what on earth had happened over the last seven years, Renald kindly explained the past events.
Jeff finally understood and nodded heavily.
He expressed his gratitude to Renald for sharing what he knew so generously. After Renald handed him his contact information, suggesting they grab a drink soon, and departed, Jeff walked slowly toward Millet Virta.
“Miss Virta?”
“Yes?”
“I am Jeff Morrow.”
“Ah! You’re Lady Eleanor Morrow’s husband, aren't you?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
Jeff nodded and then asked in his characteristically polite voice.
“I would like Miss Virta to manage my assets. Are you busy?”
As Millet’s eyes went wide at his question, a woman’s voice was heard from behind.
“I’ll entrust my assets as well.”
“La—Lady Morrow!”
Hearing the voice of Eleanor Morrow, who had entered looking for her husband, three or four bank employees stood up from their seats. From the Central Bank’s perspective, it was a situation where they could no longer refuse to make a position for Millet Virta.
* * *
After learning that Pezin had paid the bill on her behalf, April was silent for a long time.
From the moment he told her to return to the ‘Lunos mansion’ instead of the Grand Duchy Police station, that man must have intended to handle the payment himself.
She wondered why he hadn't told her sooner, but soon found the answer herself. If she had heard he was paying it, April would have immediately grown angry and refused. He must have known that too.
After returning to the mansion by carriage, April sat lost in thought for a while, unable to step out, until Bauman spoke cautiously.
“My Lady.”
“Yes?”
When April turned her head toward him, Bauman said,
“No matter how I think about it, I feel nothing but gratitude toward Master Pezin.”
“…….”
“The money you have now is your seed capital, isn't it? It’s the money to rebuild the Lunos family. By any means necessary.”
“I know that too. How grateful I should be. And yet, I just……”
April let out a deep sigh and lifted her gaze toward the empty air.
“Ah, it’s different from what I thought. The world, I mean.”
“Is that so?”
“Still, it’s not that things are bad now. Back then, I only had myself to protect, so I was fearless.”
April murmured as she watched the backs of the two children running toward the kitchen, saying they had to make something delicious since she was back.
“Now, people’s faces flash before my eyes, and I keep turning into a coward.”
Bauman looked at April as she whispered those words with a warm expression. She said she had become a coward, but in his eyes, there was no one more brave in the whole world.
April took a spirited deep breath and stepped out of the carriage, saying,
“I’ll have to pay him back quickly. I have a lot to prepare.”
“Yes, I understand, but please rest for now.”
“There’s a place I need to go right away……”
“Rest for just three days. Please. It is this old man’s wish.”
“……Alright.”
Bauman was aware that he was nagging April more and more, but he couldn't help it.
She was the type of person who, if left alone, would easily push herself until her health suffered. Having spent seven years in isolation during her adolescence, she was headstrong in certain ways.
If she wanted to starve, she would starve until she was dizzy, and even if she wanted to sleep to her heart's content, she wouldn't return to her bedroom if there was something she wanted to do.
Ultimately, after Bauman’s nagging, April decided to return to her bedroom and take a bath.
