Chapter 91

My tired body felt the fatigue seep through me.

When I entered the room, two maids who had been on duty at the mansion were waiting for me. A bath had already been prepared, and as soon as I immersed myself in the hot water, I instantly relaxed. The two maids didn't rush me, so I took my time.

I wondered if it was okay to take so long, but then again, it's common for women to take their time with their preparations! Men are expected to have the patience to wait.

After relaxing in the bath and changing, the urge to dive straight into bed grew. After all, I hadn't been able to rest properly in the duke's territory.

I mean, I shared a bedroom with my husband, and it felt awkward to sleep while he was working, right? Not that I felt uncomfortable because it was a contract, but I still couldn't get a good rest! Besides, with all the aftermath of recent events, I didn't even have time for a nap.

Where did my decadent lifestyle go? I wondered, but my husband's words were proven right. I didn't work because I wanted to, but doing nothing made me restless. I now understand that a decadent lifestyle gets boring quickly. Unlike my family, who were thoroughly decadent, I, trained by Ragnaroth, grew into a proper working person and couldn't enjoy decadence. I felt hesitant about using the duke's resources for leisure.

What should I do with this nature of mine?

"You're late."

When I entered the study, everyone was already there, and I was the last to arrive. Rosalimond was already changed and sitting on the sofa, drinking tea. It felt a bit awkward.

"I did my best."

I couldn't say that I resisted the temptation to dive into bed. My husband was sitting next to Rosalimond, so I sat down beside him.

"Alright, let's hear the reports."

In the room were my husband, his secretary Diego, my bodyguard Michelle, the head butler Ragnaroth, and the recently brought in Illegar, along with Rosalimond and me. Illegar was serving tea, and it tasted quite good.

As I sipped the tea, my husband immediately prompted Ragnaroth.

"Nothing special happened at the mansion. However, there is a rumor circulating in society."

"What is it?"

Ragnaroth glanced at me for a moment before turning back to my husband.

"That Lady Reisha's family is bankrupt."

The room fell silent, and I felt everyone's gaze.

"That was quicker than expected."

My husband's calm voice echoed in the study. He didn't say it, but it seemed he had already known.

"Well, it was difficult for Lockdel to turn the situation around."

"Additionally, Lockdel has passed away."

"What?"

I couldn't help but exclaim. I thought it was a joke, but it seemed to be true. Illegar, a relative, looked surprised, and Diego was shocked. However, my husband remained calm, almost as if he had known all along. His composed demeanor made everyone suspicious.

"Why are you looking at me?"

My husband frowned, looking displeased. But, you know, someone should say it. My husband could have done it. Michelle, please, speak up as usual!

"No, I just thought that Claude might be capable of an assassination."

Rosalimond spoke first, laughing while covering her mouth. It's not funny! But thank you for speaking for all of us! Only Rosalimond or Michelle could say this. But Rosalimond cut through the tension even faster.

"I would consider it, but it's not worth killing him."

Well, he is Illegar's brother. Is it okay? Ah, it's okay. Illegar doesn't seem to mind. He even looks like he would have preferred it.

"I apologize for the lack of clarity, but it was a complete accident."

He was inspecting the damage from a flood when a landslide occurred. It was indeed a tragic accident.

"To explain the timeline, when I left the Verdigo family, the new head butler was a close associate of the earl. However, he was incompetent and was replaced by Lockdel."

My father's associate was from a branch family. Normally, the head butler would gradually hand over responsibilities, but I didn't get along with Ragnaroth, so there was no proper handover. As a result, work was delayed. Later, Lockdel, who was managing the duke's territory, came and was more competent. My father favored him over the incompetent branch family member.

It's odd to appoint someone from another family to such a position, but let's set that aside. Lockdel did a decent job and even took over the management of the earl's territory. He must have been shocked by the state of the accounts. The duke's territory was wealthy, but my family had no value.

"Despite his efforts, it's unfortunate."

Ragnaroth, you don't sound very sorry. I wouldn't be surprised if you had planned and been involved in his death.

"From here, it's easy to imagine. With no one managing the territory, the earl's family continued to spend money like water, and when it ran out, they raised taxes."

I had only been married for a few months. I thought the day of bankruptcy would come, but I didn't expect it to be so soon.

"Originally, Lady Reisha was the one keeping things afloat. Capable people would have seen the lack of future and left."

"That's true."

In a way, I was one of those who left.

"So, what does the Verdigo family plan to do about the impending bankruptcy?"

"Actually, we have received this."

My husband was handed a letter with the Verdigo family's seal.

If you have time, please bookmark and rate with the stars below the ad.