Chapter 73
“The Marquis Fiorne’s mansion will be our first home.”
The Fiorne Marquisate was a family with considerable influence as members of the noble council, but they had failed in raising their children.
“The heir—the eldest son—is a complete scoundrel.”
The Marquis had one son and one daughter.
Unfortunately, the son was a disgrace.
Not only was he addicted to women, but he also gambled—a total wastrel. The reason the Fiorne estate was now on the market was because of the massive debts the Marquis’ son had incurred.
One might say, How could a marquis’ household be unable to pay off a mere debt? But the Fiorne family, while respected for their scholarship, was never wealthy.
Their seat on the noble council was thanks to their academic accomplishments, not riches.
The real problem was that the heir who was supposed to inherit the family title had no interest in study whatsoever. Instead, it was the daughter, Brianna, who possessed great scholarly ability.
In imperial society, it was uncommon for a woman to become head of a noble house. Still, it wasn’t impossible—if there was no male heir, for example.
But the Fiorne family did have a son.
As long as he lived, Brianna could never become the head of the family, no matter how brilliant she was. Unless, of course, he committed a serious crime and was imprisoned—or died.
“Brianna became twisted because she lived in a society that denied her any opportunity simply for being a woman.”
In her third life, Ellia had recruited Brianna as an ally and even devised strategies together with her. Brianna longed for a world where she could fully wield her abilities.
“Brianna, this time I’ll create that opportunity for you.”
Helping Brianna, and at the same time acquiring the Marquis’ mansion—this was an excellent chance.
The Fiorne mansion was in the very center of Noblesse Town, with vast grounds.
It was the seat of an ancient, prestigious family spanning centuries.
All of that heritage was ruined by the Marquis’ son.
Noblesse Town was where the empire’s highest aristocrats lived. Even the Javier Dukedom, the empire’s second ducal family, had its capital mansion there.
Ellia intended to raise the Cartellani ducal banner right in the midst of that town. The thought of showing everyone that the noblest among nobles was the Cartellani family made her heart swell with pride.
“The Fiorne mansion is bigger and finer than the Javier mansion.”
That was what irked the Duke of Javier the most.
“He schemed endlessly to claim the Fiorne mansion.”
For example, by turning the heir into a scoundrel.
Fiorne’s son, Dylan, hadn’t been a wastrel from the start.
As a boy, he studied fairly well and was polite. But after his coming-of-age, he began to go astray.
Because he made the wrong friends.
The Duke of Javier deliberately planted people around Dylan, carefully leading him down a path of vice.
Once a man experienced the taste of women, addiction was inevitable.
Dylan was slowly guided into ruin, and by the age of twenty, he was completely debased.
He abandoned studies, spent time with disreputable companions, drank heavily, and even brought courtesans into the family estate.
When the Marquis barred courtesans from entering, Dylan simply wandered outside—and eventually turned to gambling.
Thus, Dylan became the chief culprit in dragging the Fiorne family toward ruin.
“In the end, the Marquis sold his great mansion and chose to return to his provincial estate.”
The Fiorne domain was in the far west.
Because of his son, the Marquis abandoned life in the capital and spent the rest of his days secluded in his lands.
But Brianna was different.
She was deeply dissatisfied with an imperial society that refused to recognize her worth.
She had even been forced to quit the Academy for lack of tuition.
✦ ✦ ✦
Some time later, as expected, Marquis Fiorne discreetly contacted a broker to put the mansion up for sale.
“I want to sell the mansion.”
The broker received the papers he presented and smiled pleasantly.
“As luck would have it, there’s someone in the capital who wishes to purchase an estate. Shall I proceed right away?”
“And who might that be?”
The broker pulled a document from his desk drawer and handed it over.
“Take a look.”
The Marquis’ eyes widened as soon as he read it.
“The Cartellani Duchy is seeking a residence in the capital?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Proceed, then.”
The Marquis accepted readily.
Many wolves circled, eager for the Fiorne mansion—it was prime property, rich with history.
But the Marquis did not want to sell such a venerable estate to greedy opportunists.
The Cartellani family, however, was one he could trust. Few families had devoted themselves to the empire as faithfully as they.
Still, he found it puzzling.
They had remained in the north for so long—why were they suddenly seeking a capital residence?
“Could it be that the crouching beast is about to rise?”
In any case, acquiring a mansion in the capital clearly meant they were preparing to expand their influence there.
“The noble council is currently led by the Duke of Javier.”
And the Marquis was well aware that Grand Duchess Christina had joined hands with him.
But not all council members sided with them. Nearly half supported Empress Marianne instead.
The Marquis had so far maintained neutrality, but that was no longer possible.
One by one, the other neutral families had chosen sides, aligning themselves with either Christina or Marianne in the struggle for the next imperial succession.
And above all, the Marquis bore the grave duty of protecting his family.
“I cannot let our family be destroyed in my generation.”
Yet his only son Dylan had left them drowning in gambling debts.
The broker asked, “Shall I relay your intent to the Cartellani Duchy? What price do you have in mind?”
“As you well know, our mansion’s worth cannot be measured in coin.”
“Of course, I know that very well.”
“Then tell the Duke’s family this: let them name a price, and I shall consider it.”
The Marquis meant he would decide based on what they offered.
“Understood. I’ll relay it and contact you again.”
“And I’d appreciate it if you kept this meeting secret for now. I wish to settle this as quietly as possible.”
“Of course, Marquis.”
If word got out that the Fiorne estate was up for sale, buyers would line up at the door.
That would spark fierce competition.
The Marquis wanted no part of such a messy affair.
“I’ll be going then. Contact me.”
“Safe travels.”
As the Marquis left, the broker smiled, turned his back—and slipped off a ring from his finger.
In an instant, his face transformed.
“No matter how many times I see it, that’s amazing.”
Someone suddenly appeared from the shadows behind him.
“Lily, could you at least make some noise?”
“What, did I scare you?”
“No.”
“Tch, you could’ve at least pretended.”
“Cut the nonsense. How did it go?”
“I put him to sleep quietly. Don’t worry.”
“Wake him up and bring him here. We’re taking over this place now.”
“Okay.”
Shockingly, the broker’s true identity was Lapis.
Using information from Ellia, Lapis had investigated which brokers the Marquis might approach.
But since the Marquis had no regular connections, he couldn’t be certain whom he’d choose.
So Lapis assigned Lily as a watcher—and learned which broker the Marquis had gone to.
Lily roused the broker she had put to sleep and brought him in, dazed and unaware.
Now seated opposite Lapis, the bewildered broker stared as Lapis slid a real estate contract across the table with a grin.
“Sell this building to me.”
“Huh?”
“Sell it to me. I’ll pay you generously.”
Lapis pulled out a pouch of gold coins and placed it on the table. The broker’s eyes bulged at the glittering sight.
“You’ll sell, won’t you?”
“Y-yes, yes!”
“Then sign.”
The broker hurriedly scrawled his signature on the papers.
“From now on, this place is mine. Pack up your things and leave immediately.”
“Y-yes, of course!”
The broker, thinking his fortune had just fallen from the sky, hastily gathered his belongings and fled the building.
