Chapter 12

A few days later, Trevor's investigation confirmed that there had indeed been misconduct.

Moreover, it seemed to have been going on for quite some time—since around the time the previous duke passed away. It appeared that after Lord Northam died, the misconduct became much bolder.

The severe drought a few years ago seemed to have exacerbated the situation.

"From what I've heard, Lord Northam, the guardian of Duke MacLeod, often returned to the estate, but the duke himself hasn't been back since his parents passed away. So, the person who created these records—essentially the estate manager—could have lied about anything. Normally, even if the lord doesn't return to the estate, he should be thoroughly checked, like Lord Holoway—your husband. It makes sense why he called the duke 'too lenient.'"

"Of course, the culprit is the estate manager... Well, the duke is preoccupied with angels."

"Excuse me?"

"Never mind, it's nothing. So, what should we do? Should we report it to the duke?"

"That would be the best course of action, but before that, we need solid evidence. We don't know if it's a solo act or a group effort."

"Solid evidence?"

"Yes. There's probably a secret ledger or something. However, it wouldn't be in the study of the manor on the duke's estate, where the official records are kept. If it exists, it would be in the manager's private room or another location."

"The duke's... your husband's estate..."

In the study, Opal, who was listening to Trevor, pondered his words.

She had thought it didn't matter anymore, but she couldn't just let the misconduct go.

Even if she were to get a divorce in a year and sever ties, it would still leave a bad taste in her mouth.

"Alright. Then, I have to ask Trevor to do something difficult again. Would you be willing to come with me to the ducal estate? It would be inconvenient to leave here, right?"

"No, not at all. My management is impeccable. I've trained my staff to handle things even in my absence. A short absence won't cause any issues. Besides, it would be worse to let the misconduct continue, so I'd be happy to accompany you."

Opal laughed at Trevor's boastful attitude.

She thought she had forgotten how to laugh after getting married, but she had been laughing a lot since returning to the earldom.

"Thank you, Trevor. I'll write to my husband and inform him that we're going to the ducal estate. Please let the ducal estate know in advance."

"Yes, that's a good idea. If it's your first visit, it's better to give notice. Honestly, a surprise visit might catch them off guard, but since you're coming alone, they won't be too suspicious... I'll go as your servant."

"Understood. I'll let you know once the schedule is set."

"Understood."

Leaving the study, Opal immediately wrote to Hubert.

A few days later, she received a reply saying he didn't care what she did.

"As expected, but couldn't he at least ask if I'm doing well or to be careful?"

Muttering to herself about the lack of consideration, Opal informed Trevor and Marsha that they would leave for the ducal estate in five days.

Hubert had given her enough time to inform the ducal estate and to avoid arousing suspicion by asking to move her belongings to the manor.

If the ducal estate manager became suspicious and hid the ledgers, it would be problematic. However, most noblewomen had no interest in estate management and were terrible with numbers, so it was likely safe.

Opal had only noticed something was wrong because she had learned from Trevor how to manage the land inherited from her grandmother.

If asked exactly what was wrong, she couldn't have given a precise answer.

Thus, five days later, Opal, with Trevor as her servant and the maid Naja, set off on a four-day journey from the earldom to the ducal estate.

The weather was favorable, and they entered the ducal estate without any issues. Opal noticed that the crops in the fields were not as abundant as in the earldom, and the houses and clothing of the villagers seemed quite shabby.

"To be honest, it doesn't seem like the management is thorough."

"However, there are no signs of disaster."

"It feels like it's neither good nor bad. It reminds me of the village I used to live in. The earldom is very prosperous."

As Opal and Trevor talked while looking out the window, Naja, who had been listening, chimed in.

Naja had come to the earldom, which was close to the capital, after being dismissed from another estate during the drought a few years ago, relying on her distant relative Marsha. Therefore, she was more knowledgeable than Opal, who had only known the earldom.

"Is that so?"

"Well, yes. My lord is strict with slackers but rewards the diligent. He invests generously in the development of the estate. If a bridge is needed, he builds a sturdy stone bridge, and if a villager's farming tools break, he provides new ones. That's why the villagers are motivated."

"He sounds like a wonderful lord."

Opal's comment made Trevor chuckle.

Naja, who had never met the earl, remained silent.

"My lord is very shrewd."

"That's true. He didn't rush to marry off his scandalous daughter but waited three years for the duke to go bankrupt. Then he pushed his daughter and money onto the best match to elevate his own status."

"You're a wonderful person, Miss. The duke is very lucky."

"Thank you, Naja."

Opal smiled and thanked Naja but didn't comment on the current situation.

She couldn't predict how the people at the ducal estate would react.

Opal turned her gaze back to the window.

"It seems they are paying their dues to the state properly. If this is the norm, the villagers wouldn't complain, and outsiders wouldn't notice."

"It's a clever approach. That's why no one thought the duke was in financial trouble."

"My father knew, though."

"Oh, Miss! We can see the manor!"

Naja, seemingly uninterested in their conversation or trying to change the mood, looked out the small window on the opposite side and called out brightly.

Opal moved to the other side and peered out the window.

"It's a rather large manor, and it seems well-maintained."

"Yes, indeed. If the duke had returned to the estate even once, he would have noticed such a contradiction..."

Opal didn't respond to Trevor's murmur. The front gate of the approaching manor was wide open, and many servants were coming out.

Opal stepped away from the window, straightened her back, and waited for the carriage to stop.