TFLGD 35

Chapter 35

“Isn’t that Baron Batouru and Viscount Holley?”

The aide whispered quietly.

Several executives, who normally would have left the chamber of commerce building right after the meeting ended, were glancing around before slipping one by one into a room.

“Was there anything else on today’s agenda besides the regular meeting?”

“Uh, not that I know of.”

Barun furrowed his brow.

“Then why are they gathering?”

The aide carefully observed the ones entering the room.

“Ah, they’re all from the Eastern Chamber.”

“Eastern?”

“Yes. Ah! They’re the main people behind Lady Velia’s business.”

Barun flinched.

“Velia?”

“Yes. Since the Bea Salon is about to open on the capital’s main street, it looks like they’ve gathered separately for that. I heard the related staff have been very busy lately.”

“Bea Salon?”

“Yes, my lord. The salon for the lady’s bag business.”

“Why wasn’t I informed of this?”

“Eh? Ah… I did report it before, but you said you were too tired at the time…”

On their way back from the province, the aide had given the report, but when Barun waved him off, he had shut his mouth.

Seeing the aide shrink nervously, Barun let out a small sigh.

The man was new and had clearly made a mistake.

“Anything about Velia must be reported immediately, even if it seems trivial.”

“Y–yes, understood.”

Barun turned and stepped out of the chamber building.

“Shall we return to the mansion?”

“No, to the capital street. Head to the Arpedi Chamber.”

At Barun’s order, the aide relayed the destination to the coachman.

The carriage rattled forward.

“…Look into what’s been circulating among the chamber executives lately.”

“Ah, yes, sir.”

Barun rubbed his forehead, recalling the conversation he’d had with Baron Trum in the domain.

Brought into the Marquis household by his mother, Baron Trum was considered a trustworthy man—he had made great contributions by rallying vassals to their side.

It was he who mentioned Velia.

“The young lady’s reputation these days is rather extraordinary.”

He was not one to speak unnecessary words, and he had never once mentioned Bedol.

“It seems Baron Evero has his eyes on the young lady.”

Barun clenched his fist.

Baron Evero, his father’s loyal retainer and a man well-regarded in the domain, had vehemently opposed his mother’s entry into the Marquis household.

It was also Baron Evero who had prevented Barun from being officially designated heir at the coming-of-age ceremony.

He had always looked down on Barun as the child of the Marquess.

Baron Trum had said there were signs of factions forming among the vassals. Most likely, the leaders would be Baron Evero and Baron Trum.

And Velia—she was rising as a candidate for the next successor in the hearts of the vassals.

Barun drummed his fingers against the armrest.

“Bea Salon, was it?”

“Yes, my lord. That’s the name. I heard they recently purchased the building next to the chamber and are renovating it.”

“I see.”

“Shall I tell the coachman to slow down?”

“Yes.”

When the aide gave the order, the carriage rolled forward at a slower pace.

Barun pulled back the curtain and gazed out the window at the newly refurbished building.

The golden structure, right next to the Arpedi jewelry store, caught the eye at once.

Even passersby couldn’t help but sneak glances.

Its flamboyant design and glowing lights heralded the salon’s impending grand opening.

Compared to the classic elegance of the Arpedi Chamber, Bea Salon leaned into vibrant colors and lavish decorations. Barun stroked his chin.

“It’s bothersome.”

“Pardon?”

Ignoring the aide’s puzzled look, Barun sank deep into thought.

These days, all the chamber’s key personnel had been drawn into Bea Salon.

It was understandable if it were simply about imperial ventures—but to establish an entirely new brand under Velia’s name? That was another matter altogether.

He himself had spent seven years “assisting” with chamber work.

Assisting.

Not once had any branch, whether in the capital or the domain, been entrusted fully to him.

He had never spoken to his father about it, worried it would make him look like a childish son begging for responsibility. Yet, somehow, Velia seemed to be walking an easier path.

No—she was walking it already.

“What on earth is Father thinking?”

Barun closed his eyes, inhaling deeply.

Then, suddenly, he clenched his fist and furrowed his brows.

Bang!

“Ah?!”

Startled, the aide dropped the documents he was holding and scrambled to pick them up.

Barun slammed his reddened fist into the carriage wall once more.

Both the chamber and the household—he was certain he alone was fit to be heir.

“Velia… that child will only bring turmoil to the family. Why can’t Father see that?”

Knowing the question wasn’t directed at him, the aide kept silent.

“Investigate not only the chamber executives but also what’s being said among the vassals these days.”

“What sort of…”

“Everything. Even the smallest rumor—if it relates to the Arpedi family, compile it all.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“And check how far the textile business has progressed. Also, track down the locations of the new workshops and organize that as well.”

Barun closed the curtain over the window.

“To the mansion.”

His fingers tapped restlessly on his knee, betraying his agitation.

“My lady, the madam—!”

Su’s urgent cry made Velia spring to her feet.

“Mother? What about her?”

“It’s…”

Velia’s face went pale at Su’s stricken expression, and she bolted from her room.

Her disheveled hair and shabby appearance were pitiful.

Since Rene’s arrival, Velia had been too afraid of people’s gazes and had shut herself in for weeks. Her eyes were shadowed.

“No… no…”

She staggered toward Soph’s chamber.

After her father’s death, Soph had fallen into a lingering illness, and after Rene appeared, she had taken to bed completely.

Velia had heard the news, but she had been too afraid—that those kind, orange eyes would reject her.

Too afraid Soph might voice the suspicion that Velia wasn’t truly her daughter.

So even though she knew it was Soph standing outside her door every dawn, Velia had pretended not to notice.

“My lady!! The madam—madam!!!”

Velia froze.

The servants, watching her walk barefoot down the hall, wept.

“No… not true, right?”

“That is… the madam, she—h-hic—the madam…”

Ronnie, the head maid who had known her since childhood, was in tears. Velia burst into the room—

And collapsed on the spot.

“…Mother?”

Soph lay with eyes closed, her face deathly pale.

Velia slowly reached out a trembling hand toward her.

My daughter.

The warm embrace that had always welcomed her was gone.

Her mother’s body was cold—lifeless.

As if it were a cruel joke, her mother was dead.

“No… this can’t be… right? Ronnie, tell me it’s not true… Since when? How long—”

Velia stammered, shaking violently. Ronnie, sobbing, answered.

“Since the late marquis passed, her condition worsened… sniff… I should have taken better care…”

“Her condition?”

Velia had noticed her mother’s pallor since her father’s passing, but she thought it was only grief keeping her in bed. She had never imagined it was such a grave illness.

“Why? Why didn’t anyone tell me?!”

“The madam forbade us, my lady. She didn’t want to burden you children when you were already struggling…”

“You should have told me anyway! At least when she was bedridden like this!”

“I said not to tell you.”

A heavy voice cut across the room.

That familiar metallic tone made Velia turn her head.

“Brother…?”

Barun strode into the chamber, the silver crest of the Arpedi Marquisate gleaming on his chest.

Velia instinctively stepped back at the sight.

“With even your true parentage in doubt, who knows what foul thing you might do to the late Marquess? Why would she ever summon you?”

“Foul… thing?”

“Yes. You haven’t even awakened. What face do you have to stand here?”