Episode 15

Diana, who had been listening silently, cast a slightly reproachful glance.

Of course, Ian’s expression didn’t change.

It was as if he already knew the contradictions hidden in his own words.

“I know it sounds strange. But originally, the plan was to announce a law at the same time as establishing the casino.”

“A law?”

“Specifically, a control order that would allow exiled nobles to enter only licensed gambling houses. As follow-up measures, there were also plans for currency exchange limits and a permit-based entry system.”

Had there been any sign such a law would be announced?

Even Diana, who read the newspaper daily, had never heard of it.

“If an exiled noble was caught gambling at an unlicensed place, they were to be immediately deported to their home country.”

“Wouldn’t there be considerable backlash? Could that even be done?”

“The Pasha is already sending envoys demanding that we send the exiles back. Compared to that, the control order would be far more acceptable. Do you think they’d have a choice but to comply?”

“So, in the end, it’s true the casino was built because of Olphano’s exiled nobles.”

“Yes. I understand it may seem like it was built to squeeze money out of them… but that’s not it at all. It was simply the starting point of a phased policy.”

They had reached the turnaround point of the walking path before she knew it.

Ian stopped walking and waited for her to speak.

“I understand the reason for establishing it. But the more you explain, the less I understand one thing.”

Diana hesitated before speaking.

“If things had gone according to plan, there shouldn’t have been a major problem. So why was the casino driven to the point of bankruptcy?”

And as far as she knew, the law restricting exiled nobles’ gambling venues had never been announced.

So where had things gone wrong?

“Well, this is actually the most interesting part.”

Ian chose his words.

“The problem was that our King’s greed was greater than expected.”

“…Excuse me?”

“He realized it would be a waste to lose the exiled nobles of Olphano as a source of income. The assets they smuggled from their homeland and the taxes they paid were considerable. In the end, it felt wasteful to expel a goose that lays golden eggs.”

“It wasn’t even our goose to begin with.”

“A good point. That’s why opinions among the nobles were divided several times over this issue.”

“Was a conclusion reached?”

“Before that, the Chancellor collapsed.”

“…”

Diana unconsciously touched her forehead.

Now that he mentioned it, the timing did match.

Before the royal casino even opened, news had spread about the Chancellor’s health failing!

“And the law?”

“It was postponed for later discussion, and then forgotten entirely.”

“…”

She didn’t even need to hear the rest to know.

Ian, who had been appointed as the Chancellor’s successor, had no choice but to take over the casino.

Too busy to manage it himself, he had entrusted it to someone else, but that ended poorly. He found another person, and it got even worse…

It was like a corporate giant subcontracting to a subcontractor until the final product was a mess and everyone was miserable.

‘So there were way more headaches tangled up in this than I expected…’

Diana felt like crying.

“…Thank you for explaining in detail.”

It was new information, but it seemed this “squinty-eyed villain” was more diligent than she thought.

‘Well, it’s only natural. You can’t be an effective villain if you’re an idiot.’

Whether as a villain or as a successor, he seemed committed to doing the job given to him.

Honestly, she hadn’t expected him to be so well-informed about the situation.

“Anything else you’d like to know?”

“No. The more I hear, the more my head hurts. That’s enough for today.”

“If you’d like, I can give you the detailed treatment proposal for the exiled nobles, as well as the Senate’s opinions on the related legislation.”

Diana took a step back from the smiling man.

She had almost forgotten — squinty-eyed characters usually like to take on the role of “the one who explains everything” next to the protagonist!

“I absolutely do not want to hear that. I’ve heard enough.”

But Ian closed the distance she’d opened.

“Oh? Was there a problem with my explanation?”

“No.”

“Then why are you running away?”

“I’m just going back the way we came. Why are you following me?”

“Because it’s human nature to chase after someone who seems eager to get away.”

He looked ready to ramble until the sun went down if she let him.

“It’s been a while since I’ve explained so many things. My mouth’s loosened up now. My thoughts are clearer, too.”

Why had he suddenly become so talkative, like he’d just had an acupuncture point unblocked?

Did he really have to act like a stereotypical squinty-eyed character in this way too?

“Please don’t treat me like your personal summary notebook.”

“That’s a bit hurtful. Did you not sense my pure goodwill and sincerity while I was explaining?”

“I did. So let’s end this conversation here.”

Turning her back to the increasingly annoying man, Diana walked quickly.

But it was impossible to overcome his naturally longer stride.

Her effort to ignore him and keep walking was pointless — Ian quickly caught up and walked alongside her.

“So when can I expect to hear your excellent plan for running the casino?”

“Not today, at least. Not until I’ve seen the casino with my own eyes.”

She thought it was a reasonable answer, but Ian’s expression instantly cooled.

With his smile gone, he slowly followed her.

From the outside, it looked like Ian was regretfully trailing after her, but in truth, it was closer to Diana running away.

“That’s a disappointing answer.”

“…”

“I’d advise you not to disappoint me too much.”

His tone was light, but the meaning was heavy and ominous.

And “disappoint” — really?

‘…That’s rich, coming from a liar like you.’

Diana felt her mood sink.

Ian had certainly answered her questions sincerely, and she had learned a lot she didn’t know.

But remembering the original story, she knew his explanations left out a great deal of truth.

“…Even without a threat, I’ll do my best. Not for you, Lord Ian, but for myself.”

“I hope you do. I’m not suited for this responsibility.”

Liar.

He hadn’t been forced to take it on — he had wanted it because he thought it would benefit him.

“Even if the casino runs well, I won’t profit much. But if rumors start, it’ll be troublesome.”

As if he cared about rumors.

She knew he thought of gossip like mosquitoes — annoying enough to want to swat and kill.

‘…Born swindler. Drop him in Papua New Guinea and he’d make a living off phone scams.’

In the original work, Diana Wellington was a supporting character who died after being used for Ian’s money laundering.

Most of the dirty money came from the casino, and Diana, seeking the truth, had gone to the fiancé she loved — only to be poisoned.

That alone showed Ian was far from just “a man reluctantly burdened with running a casino.”

“Every time you open your mouth, lies flow out…”

“Pardon?”

“…Nothing.”

Diana felt like a court jester.

She could mock or tease the king and lords as much as she liked, but to fully enjoy that right and keep her life, she had to rely entirely on their mercy.

In that sense, she was no different from Ian’s personal jester.

And Ian knew it — which was why he could reveal his pitch-black intentions yet still be generous toward her.

‘Infuriating.’

A man who could smile and send a jester to the gallows at any time.

It was already too late, but she couldn’t help thinking it would have been better not to get involved at all.

When they returned from their walk, it was already late afternoon.

Ian, who had originally planned to stay only briefly, not only failed to leave after the walk, but settled himself comfortably in the salon.

Whether his excuse of being bored at home was genuine or not was hard to tell, but either way, it was torture for Diana.

The only small blessing was that Ian had found a new conversational partner — the Count Grey, who had come to pick up his wife.

“Oh? Look who it is! Long time no see, young duke!”

The Count greeted Ian with surprise, then cheerfully suggested a game of billiards, cue stick in hand.

As soon as her husband disappeared with Ian, the Countess Grey leaned over to Diana and whispered:

“The young duke is cuter than I thought.”