Chapter 91

"What... is this?"

De Mare knew the answer but couldn't help asking. Ariadne replied brightly,

"It's a ledger. To be precise, a double-entry ledger."

She opened the first ledger and showed the relevant page. It was the household ledger she had taken over from Lucrezia.

"Father, this is the ledger your mother wrote. Here, the transaction records for September 1122. The details of the transactions with the Legione Tailor Shop."

Lucrezia was about to lose some of her ledger authority due to the incident involving her nephew Janobi at the hunting competition. At that time, it was the last period when Lucrezia could freely handle money. The amount paid to the Legione Tailor Shop for Lucrezia's own clothing and her two daughters' attire was 70 ducats (approximately 70 million won) according to the ledger.

"Mother and Isabella don't wear clothes from the Legione Tailor Shop."

There are no clothes priced over 10 ducats in the Legione Tailor Shop. They are too cheap for the two of them, Ariadne added.

"But look at the Legione Tailor Shop's statement."

The thin second book Ariadne handed over was the statement from the Legione Tailor Shop. According to their records, the amount received from Lucrezia was indeed 70 ducats. However, after deducting the cost of materials, labor, and rent, and after taking 15% profit, there was a strange entry.

"Rebate: 48 ducats (approximately 48 million won). Mrs. Lucrezia de Rossi."

"Where did this money go?"

The hands of De Mare, holding the ledger, trembled. He didn't need to ask; he knew. His precious 48 ducats of gold had likely melted away to fund the luxuries of the lazy and foolish members of the Rossi family in Taranto, whom he despised.

"Lu-cre-ti-a!!!!"

With his head buried between his shoulders like an ostrich, De Mare glared at the trembling Lucrezia and slammed the ledger shut. Ariadne delivered the final blow.

"Father, I know that with authority comes responsibility. You must be aware that since I took over the household accounts, monthly expenses have decreased by over 30%. Even in winter, when expenses for firewood and food are higher than usual. Mother doesn't seem to understand that authority comes with responsibility, and who she should protect in this household."

She glanced at Lucrezia and added,

"Please don't think I'm being unfilial. When Ipolito argued that Mother should be brought back from the Bergamo farm, I was the first to welcome it with open arms. I know how difficult and cold it is there. It is my hope to serve Mother sincerely. But the ledger is a different matter."

Ariadne's gaze, deep and calm like a lake, fell on Lucrezia. She then turned to look at De Mare.

"The decision on who to entrust the ledger to is up to you. This household's money is what you have worked hard to earn..."

Ariadne didn't believe a single word, but she added the necessary phrases to persuade her father. Her low voice had a strange persuasive power, convincing not only the listeners but also herself.

"...it is the family's wealth that must be passed on intact to Ipolito. Shouldn't it be passed on in good condition?"

The final words struck a chord with De Mare. Yes, the De Mare family. He had worked tirelessly for over 25 years to establish the De Mare family. His wish was for 'De Mare' to become a respected noble family in San Carlo, recognized everywhere. Lucrezia, however, lacked the judgment to be a proper mistress of the household. He instructed his successor carefully.

"Ipolito, consider it as if the mistress's seal was never returned to your mother. I will allow her return to San Carlo, considering that you and Isabella, and Arabella, are her children."

Ariadne inwardly clicked her tongue. She had hoped to send Lucrezia back to the Bergamo farm forever. It seems that 22 years, now 23, of history cannot be overturned with just a few attacks. But time would be on her side, as it always had been.

"Live like a mouse, Lucrezia."

He glared at the children's mother with burning eyes. Lucrezia, dressed in shabby clothes, only bowed her head. This was a cheap deal. One must not defy the Cardinal. Lucrezia knew this from long experience.

"Yes, Your Excellency."

De Mare thought his love had cooled. Seeing Lucrezia in a worn dress used to make him sad. It was shameful as a father to see his family poorly dressed and fed. But now, he felt annoyed at the thought of how much she had given to her family, leaving only such clothes for herself.

"Lucrezia's room will not be the second-floor eastern master bedroom she used before, but a guest room on the first floor."

Lucrezia looked at the Cardinal with a face that seemed as if the sky had fallen. But the Cardinal turned his head away, avoiding her gaze. Instead, Isabella held her mother's hand, whispering in her ear,

"Mom, it's okay. Returning is the most important thing."

Lucrezia, feeling lost, only nodded at her eldest daughter's comfort.

"Ariadne, continue to manage the ledger. Honor your mother."

This gave Lucrezia some comfort. Ariadne, once again, became the complaint-free second daughter and bowed her head.

"I will take special care."

Finally, De Mare looked at Ipolito.

"Ipolito de Mare."

"Yes, Father."

"You need to learn restraint and patience!"

Ipolito bowed his head, clenching his teeth. Damn bastard sister. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be in trouble.

"Manage your mother well in San Carlo! I will be watching closely!"

"Of course, Father."

Ipolito's response was smooth. Isabella and Arabella received no special attention. Isabella, relieved to be free from the Cardinal's attention, which would have been nothing but scolding, while Arabella was desperate to catch her mother's eye. De Mare, unable to finish his grilled catfish, put down his knife.

"Damn, a birthday meal!"

He looked extremely displeased. He seemed so upset that it made one think he might send Lucrezia back to the Bergamo farm. Isabella, watching her father, signaled to her brother.

"What?"

But Ipolito was clueless. Isabella had to explain everything.

"Take Father to his study and have a drink with him! He looks so upset!"

Ipolito was indignant.

'How dare my younger sister tell me what to do!'

Moreover, he had just been scolded by De Mare and was uncomfortable about the topic of his graduation. He didn't want to drink with his father. But his mother and sister gave him a look.

"You, as the eldest son, should take care of this! Take him to his study, Ipolito!"

Ipolito's frustration flared up.

'Son, son! Things men have to do. How disgusting!'

Under the pressure from his mother and sister, he had to take on the role of the eldest son and try to improve his father's mood.

"Father, you don't seem to have much of an appetite. Let's go upstairs and have a grappa. I brought a good bottle from Padua."

De Mare, who was uncomfortable sitting there, decided to follow his son, who was flattering him. Besides, he was in the mood for a drink.

"Alright, let's go."

Ipolito, treating Ariadne like a subordinate, gave her an order.

"You, bring up a cheese plate and green olives. Without the seeds."

It was as if he was taking revenge for not getting the household authority. Well, since he won, a little tantrum was acceptable. Ariadne simply nodded elegantly.

"Of course. Ipolito, I heard you. I'll tell the chef to prepare it and send it up."

"Yes, Miss!"

Outwardly, she showed no sign, but inwardly, she was seething. Ariadne, who could only get a private audience with De Mare when there was something to discuss, saw Ipolito naturally get such opportunities just because he was the eldest son. She thought about whether she should develop a taste for drinking alone and smiled. It would be funny to see the Cardinal and his daughter get drunk together. But then again, what in this household isn't funny? De Mare and Ipolito went upstairs to the Cardinal's study, and as soon as they were out of sight, Lucrezia, who had been uncomfortably sitting across from Ariadne, got up.

"Mother, let me show you to your room."

Lucrezia glared at Ariadne and shook off her sleeve.

"No need. I know this house better than anyone."

Ariadne didn't insist, maintaining a kind expression.

"Then, Mother's new room is not the one you used before, but a guest room on the first floor."

Lucrezia's face turned red and blue. Ariadne chose a servant to guide Lucrezia. There were several servants, but Ariadne specifically chose one.

"Maleta."

Maleta, who never expected to be called, was startled.

"Yes, Miss."

"Please escort Mother to the guest room on the first floor."

"Understood, Miss."

Maleta approached Lucrezia to guide her, but Lucrezia's expression was ominous. She leaned in close to Maleta, her face demonic, and whispered in her ear. To Maleta, it sounded like thunder.

"You, what did you do to my son? Be prepared. I'll be watching you closely."

Unable to contain her anger, Lucrezia reached out and pinched Maleta's ear.

"And what are these gaudy accessories you're wearing? Take them off and change into something appropriate."

It seemed she was venting her anger at Ariadne on Maleta.

'That's our Lucrezia.'

Ariadne, seeing Lucrezia act exactly as she predicted, inwardly clicked her tongue. On the other hand, the shocked Maleta barely managed to suppress her urge to laugh by biting her lip. When Miss Ariadne said she would give Maleta the position of Ipolito's servant, she thought, 'Is she a saint or something?' But her Miss always looked ahead.

'Reliable. That's our Miss.'

After Lucrezia and Maleta left, Isabella and Arabella remained. Lucrezia had shown little interest in Arabella throughout. Arabella, unable to say a word to her mother, had to watch her leave the dining room after nearly 100 days. Ariadne, seeing Arabella's serious expression as she watched Lucrezia leave, hugged her from behind. Arabella, lifting her small hand, interlocked her fingers with Ariadne's. Isabella, noticing this, sneered at Arabella.

"You, while Mother was exiled and your sister was locked up, you've really changed, haven't you?"

"What...?"

"You traitor. You couldn't wait, could you?"

Ariadne, unable to bear it, stopped Isabella.

"Sister, stop picking on a child and go upstairs."

Isabella, her eyes full of burning hatred, scanned Ariadne from head to toe.

"You, playing with princes and getting so full of yourself. But wake up, do you really think a noble from San Carlo would choose a bastard like you?"

She was venomous. The meekness she showed when entering the dining room was just a facade to avoid her father.

'That's our Isabella.'

Ariadne firmly announced the end of the party to Isabella.

"Isabella de Mare, whether I meet the prince or not, the fact that you shouldn't torment Arabella doesn't change. If you don't want to wear last year's dress again and go looking for a husband, you'd better shut your mouth."

"Are you threatening me? Typical, your true nature is showing..."

"If you want to marry a decent man and maintain your reputation, you should worry about your own nature first. If you don't fix it, you'll end up in a convent."

Ariadne, seeing Isabella tremble, pointed upstairs.

"Go up."

"Hey!"

At this point, the head maids, led by Sanza, stepped in.

"Miss Isabella, you need to go upstairs."

Isabella lashed out at the maids. The first target was Sanza.

"You, a servant to Ariadne, wearing such clothes and acting so high and mighty! You don't know your place!"

But the other head maids supported Sanza.

"Miss Isabella, please go upstairs."

"You shouldn't be doing this here."

"Theresa, Luisina...! You too!"

Theresa and Luisina were the head of the cleaning maids and the head of the dishwashing maids, respectively. They were competing to become the head maid, hoping to get a good evaluation from Sanza. Seeing the maids ready to drag her upstairs, Isabella, who didn't want to cause a commotion on her first day, had no choice but to go upstairs.

"We'll see about this..."

It had been a dynamic day. Ariadne sighed deeply.