chapter 17
“My dad has had a really hard time because of me. So…”
“…Why would you think that?”
As I cautiously climbed the stairs to the second floor, holding onto the railing, he seemed frustrated with my slow pace and suddenly scooped me up in his arms.
“I’m actually really weak, you see. I might die before my father does, and I don’t want him to be sad for a long time because of me.”
Snap.
The Count, who had reached the top of the stairs, stopped walking and looked down at me.
He must be a bit soft-hearted when it comes to a little sister dying young…
I felt a little guilty for taking advantage of him, but…
Because…
I can’t fail this time—
Huh?
How does he even know this? How do I even know he’s the kind of person he is? Did I overhear it somewhere—from the servants, my dad, or some guests…?
…Maybe that’s it.
It felt strange, but I shook off the thought.
What mattered now was winning the favor of the man in front of me.
Having a connection here will be useful in many ways.
Given his profession, he had connections everywhere.
And they would be trustworthy connections.
He probably won’t try to get money from Conisa again—it’s too risky…
If I used the information I had to earn money again, people would surely view it strangely.
That would be dangerous.
That’s why I needed the biggest payoff.
I couldn’t use the same method twice.
I’ll use this to invest, earn money, and even start a business.
All under my father’s name.
But isn’t it about time to make a move?
I felt like I’d been standing here for nearly a minute already.
“Um… sir? Did I say something wrong…?”
I asked worriedly, my expression tense. The Count blinked and shook his head.
“No, sorry. I was just thinking for a moment.”
With that, he began walking again.
“…That’s clever of you. To think like that. But shouldn’t you be thinking more about staying alive?”
“Yes! That’s why I’ll live happily. Stress is the root of all illnesses, right? So if I live happily, I can live longer, don’t you think?”
Hearing my innocent words, the Count burst out laughing.
“Oh, but this is a secret from your father, right? You didn’t tell him?”
“Oh, does my dad not know I’m sick?”
“No, he knows. That’s why he tries to heal me. He researches all the time too.”
I went on praising my dad diligently. Half of it was actually true.
I rambled on about how he’s a genius, incredibly smart, and excels at everything, then suddenly covered my mouth, realizing I’d gone too far.
“Ah, sorry! I talked too much.”
“That’s fine. It’s admirable how much you love your father.”
“This is the first time I’ve said things like this to anyone. You seem really kind, so I just keep talking about weird stuff.”
Oh, how embarrassing.
“Sorry if I bored you.”
I pressed my cheeks with both hands, letting out a slightly longer chuckle.
“Not at all. By the way, young lady, what’s your name?”
“Oh! I’m Lady! My dad always calls me Lady.”
No one outside the direct family would know her name, but just in case…
“I see. Lady, you’re very mature.”
“Me? I’m happy!”
The Count, still smiling, opened a door. Inside were several people, including another winner who had loudly announced their prize outside.
They looked uncomfortable, as if receiving such attention was awkward.
Originally, this man was supposed to get all the money…
I felt a little guilty.
But think of it as paying for a life.
I thought I’d subtly hint that something could happen today, just in case. Even so, if someone dies, maybe it’s a matter of intelligence, not luck?
…Am I being too harsh?
With that thought, I was lifted onto the Count’s lap.
…Huh?
His lap?
There were seats across the wide sofa and beside him—why suddenly his lap…?
“Welcome, sir.”
An elderly man who had been sitting near the winner stood up and bowed to the Count.
The winner also tried to stand awkwardly.
“Oh, it’s fine. Sit down. You’re a valued guest. Nice to meet you. I’m Karl, the owner of this gambling house, Conisa.”
“Ah… I’m Wicks. I have no surname.”
In other words, a commoner.
“You’re the winner from the 44th round. You’re very lucky.”
The Count greeted him kindly and nodded.
“Oh, yes. Thank you. I didn’t expect this either.”
“Haha.”
The Count glanced at the elderly man in a tuxedo beside him.
“Manager, has the ticket check been completed?”
“All done. No issues.”
“And please handle this as well.”
The Count handed the manager two sheets of paper.
“This is for the second winner—the little lady. Please confirm.”
“Second winner?”
The other winner’s expression shifted slightly as he looked at me.
Could it really be this little girl…?
I smiled proudly.
“Yes! Now I’ll buy a new house with my dad and live happily!”
The other winner’s eyes widened slightly, then a faint smile appeared.
“I was planning to buy a new house with my family too… Looks like we have the same dream.”
I had expected jealousy or resentment, but instead, he spoke normally.
I looked at him in surprise and nodded enthusiastically.
“Wow! Me too! But I’m worried.”
“Worried?”
“Yes… You’re the man who loudly announced the win earlier, right?”
“Oh… I was so surprised, my voice just came out first.”
He smiled awkwardly and nodded.
“But earlier, I heard some people say we should kill you and steal the money…”
The winner and the elderly man nearby tensed at my words.
“…What?”
“It was so scary that I kept my win a secret and came in quietly.”
“Indeed…”
The Count murmured lowly and nodded.
“Not the best choice of words for a crowded place.”
“Oh, what should I do…? Shouldn’t we just deposit the money in the bank?”
The winner looked pale.
“But… if those bad people threaten our dads or families to take the money, what then?”
Ah… The winner hadn’t thought that far and frowned silently.
“How about asking this man to protect us?!”
“Excuse me…?”
“Or hire some really strong and trustworthy mercenaries! We have plenty of money now!”
The winner looked at me blankly for a moment, then nodded.
Why didn’t I think of that…? Of course, someone would be after it…
He muttered to himself, realizing, then nodded firmly.
“You’re right. That’s the best approach.”
Mission accomplished.
“Hmm…”
Just as I was soaking in my joy, a significant voice rang from above.
…Gasp.
Was I being unnatural?
As I tensed, the Count’s mouth opened.
