CHAPTER 88……………………………..
“Fifty billion rubles should be enough, right?”
“Of course. After all, it’s just land in the south.”
Pirel handed over the checkbook sent from the Duke of Oren’s house, bowing excessively.
The fact that the Duke trusted his adopted daughter enough to release such a huge sum of money was, in itself, a testament to his faith in her.
Chloe, holding the telegraph from her adoptive father, looked satisfied as well.
“Tomorrow’s the auction. There shouldn’t be any other issues, right?”
“They say around ten merchant guilds will participate, but that’s just for show. In reality, the Count’s house is expected to take it.”
“I see.”
Chloe set the telegraph down and smiled meaningfully.
That’s their problem. Tomorrow, the true owner of the land will be revealed.
“This place is perfect for our guild’s first foothold in the south, don’t you think?”
“Absolutely. I visited personally, and it truly is the southern region’s most strategic location. Even people nearby know the Count’s house has long coveted this land.”
“Good to know.”
She smirked irritably as she examined the map.
Even to her eyes, this location was perfect for establishing the guild’s headquarters. With transportation, foot traffic, and flat land, it was undeniably a spot anyone would covet.
“Father really spent a fortune. Fifty billion rubles in such a short time…”
“The Duke also wanted to expand further south. The Yuden Guild has been holding the region so tightly that he couldn’t make a move, but now he’s eager to try properly. I heard he raised the money by putting up collateral at several banks.”
“And all this money is just… barely enough.”
Hmph!
Chloe pouted, displeased.
It’s a large sum, yes, but the fact that even the Duke’s house couldn’t muster more immediately was a problem. Naturally, this made her more ambitious for greater goals.
“If we win tomorrow’s auction, and secure the second parcel a few days later, this land will completely belong to the Duke’s house.”
“The second one? You mean this one?”
Chloe pointed to a narrow space on the map, barely visible.
She had known that the Marquis’ estate had been split into two parcels for sale, but the second plot was so small that it didn’t seem to require much attention.
“At this point, there’s no need to ask for more money. Besides, even if we win the second plot, it’s too small to use on its own.”
“Exactly. By the way, there’s been no contact from the Count’s second daughter. I’ve heard various rumors—hope she’s alright.”
“That sister of his… she’s something else. She actually stabbed my elder sister?”
Quite the fiery personality.
Chloe unfolded her fan, looking both shocked and exasperated.
It was already a hot day, and the news she’d just heard made it feel even hotter, so she fanned herself with more urgency.
“Then they won’t know the auction amount.”
“Miss.”
“You act so confident, but what can a well-raised young lady really do? Still, with this amount, the heir herself wouldn’t even dare to imagine it.”
“Ha ha… y-yes, I suppose so.”
She had expected at least a little concern from a friend, but Pirel awkwardly wiped the sweat from his nose and smiled.
At that moment, someone knocked at the door.
“…Miss Chloe, are you inside?”
“Miss! That person is…”
Shh.
Chloe warned Pirel before walking to the door.
There was only one visitor in the south who would be seeking her. As she turned the doorknob, Chloe’s face lit up with a mix of joy and concern, as if meeting a friend she’d thought she’d never see.
“Noella! How are you here! I thought you couldn’t come!”
“…Miss Chloe.”
“Are you alright? I’ve been so worried… I was even debating whether I should come there myself.”
Chloe’s voice was full of worry, almost like a family member had been hurt, her face pale with concern.
Noella, moved by the scene, took something from her sleeve.
“Please take this first. I snuck out for a moment, so I need to go back quickly.”
“You came all this way and plan to leave just like that… But what is this… N-Noella!”
Chloe opened the scrap of paper covered in numbers, covering her mouth in shock. She could fully understand what it meant.
“You actually managed to find this out. I didn’t expect you to, especially after I heard you were badly hurt.”
“No, but a promise is a promise.”
“…But your hand…”
“Oh, this? You mean this one?”
A shy smile spread across Noella’s lips.
Her hands, thickly wrapped in bandages, covered her gentle smile, creating a strangely fitting image.
“We’re friends, after all. This much is nothing.”
