Chapter 20

"Diego! Elias! What's wrong?!"

Bertine rushed to the two, who looked exhausted.

"Miss, your father says you should return home," Diego said.

"What? If I go back, Father and Brother will be in a difficult position, won't they?"

"No, your father says it's fine even if that happens. He also says that the Marquis family will pay the shortfall in the compensation, no matter how long it takes. He was very upset when he heard about the harsh treatment you've been receiving."

Well, this is a problem.

That issue has already been resolved. If I return now, I'll only end up living a cramped life in the small country's stifling social circle as a damaged and problematic Marquis' daughter.

"I'm sorry that you came all this way, but I don't intend to go back. No, I don't just intend not to go back; I won't go back. I've made a vow to grow strong and become a significant figure in this country. I'll write a detailed letter to Father explaining the situation. Can you deliver it for me? I really feel bad that you came all this way..."

Upon hearing this, Elias couldn't help but say, "Miss, is it because of that person that you don't want to go back? If that's the case, we will do our best to protect you."

Dorothe, who understood what Elias meant, stiffened.

"That person? Who are you talking about, Elias?"

"That... is your stepmother."

"Oh. I don't particularly like my stepmother, but I don't hate her either. Why do you think that?"

Diego then explained the incident where he had been detained.

"Ah... So that's what happened. My stepmother resorted to force. I thought she might have disliked me for the past ten years, but she never really did anything mean to me. I thought we were getting along reasonably well. So... she told you to come and fetch me."

Seeing Bertine deep in thought, Dorothe couldn't help but speak up.

"Miss, it's fine if you don't want to go back. This country suits you. There's no need to return to a house with such a person."

"That person... She was kind to the servants and to me. But her eyes never smiled when she looked at me, which was scary."

Dorothe bit her lip, thinking, "Miss, you haven't realized what happened back then."

"Miss, please come back with us."

"Diego, actually, I think I can almost resolve the compensation issue on my own. The strict education from Father has paid off. I can repay the equivalent of a thousand gold coins in less than a year."

"Really?"

"Yes, really."

Dorothe then tried to persuade Diego.

"Mr. Diego, I can vouch for Miss. She has been doing an excellent job and has earned hundreds of gold coins in a short time. She has also gained the trust of the tribal leaders and the people here. Please rest assured. I will protect Miss."

"Moreover, Lord Cecilio wasn't as bad as I thought. He sincerely apologized to me for the rudeness of his servants."

Despite this, she felt sorry for the two exhausted private guards.

"Anyway, please rest first."

The two used the bath and were served a meal by the tribal leader's servants. During this time, Bertine wrote a long letter.

- She apologized for the treatment she received at Lord Cecilio's house.

- She mentioned that she had almost resolved the compensation issue through other work.

- She expressed how much she liked this country.

- She stated her desire to grow strong and become a valuable presence in this country.

After freshening up, Diego, who had been hesitant, decided to share what he had heard from Cecilio.

"Miss, the Sanluan royal family knew that Lord Cecilio had refused the marriage. They seem to have kept this a secret from your father."

"Hmm. I suspected as much, but it's good to know they really did. Then, I can't go back. If I return, the royal family will try to punish Father in some way. The current royal family might want to put a leash on Father."

Father, as the prime minister, not only excels in his duties but also has a talent for business. Before becoming prime minister, he was known as an alchemist who could "create gold from the air." He was chosen as prime minister when the current emperor ascended the throne. The royal family wants his talent but also fears it, Bertine had thought for a long time.

"Listen, both of you. Since coming to this country, I've made a decision. I will grow strong enough that no one can hurt me anymore."

"..."

"That's why, although I won't write it in the letter, there's something I want you to tell Father."

It was about building an attractive hotel in the confederation that would make people from the empire want to stay and spend money.

"Isn't that interesting?"

"But there's no need for you to do such a thing."

"I want to try. I don't know if I can do it, but..."

Dorothe laughed.

"Miss, you've been thinking about this since you came to this country. I'm impressed. You're truly remarkable."

"I knew you would say that."

Elias also smiled and agreed.

"You've changed a lot, Miss."

"Whether the plan succeeds or not, I can live a happy life in this country. So there's no need to worry. Do you understand?"

Diego, who had been deep in thought, nodded.

"I understand. Elias will definitely inform your father about your plan. However, I will remain here as your guard. Your father instructed me to stay if you decided not to return. He anticipated that you might refuse."

"I can't ask a family man like you to do that."

Diego laughed and said, "I knew you would say that."

"I secretly told my wife about the situation before coming to this country. She told me to do a job that I can be proud of as the Marquis family's private guard."

"Wow. Your wife is strong. Thank you, Diego. Then, I'll ask you to be my guard. Elias, please protect Father."

"Yes!"

Thus, Elias returned home with the letter in his pocket. Bertine's face was bright as she saw him off.

"Miss, I have a lot of money from your father. Please take it."

"Oh, money. Diego, can I decide how to use it?"

Bertine then turned to Evans, who had been waiting.

"Evans."

"Sure, Miss."

"Would you like to study in the empire? I'll pay for you to learn the latest construction methods from the beginning. Consider it an investment from both your father and me. After you study, I want you to work for me and make a significant contribution."

Seeing the worried Diego and smiling Bertine, Evans timidly asked, "Bert, do you think I'll run off with the money?"

"I don't think so. You're not the type to make your parents sad."

"Got it. I won't waste this opportunity. I'll study construction in the empire and work hard for your plan."

"That's the spirit. I'm counting on you, Evans."

Dorothe couldn't help but clench her fists in front of her chest.

"Miss, this is getting interesting!"

"Yes, Dorothe. It's going to get even more exciting from now on."