Chapter 14
Chapter 14: It’s Not a Loan Request. (2)
Amelia was flabbergasted.
To demand money out of the blue like that was quite audacious; Ghislaine was the first person to ever make such a request of her.
And what did he mean by “between us”? He had clearly lost the plot.
She didn’t hide her fury.
“Since you say that, I suppose I have to say something too. Raybold is already providing significant support to that beggar faction, Perdium.”
“Beggar? Isn’t that a bit harsh? My father would be hurt to hear that. Calling a future father-in-law a beggar.”
“Isn’t asking for money out of the blue begging? Is this also Count Perdium’s intention?”
In response to Amelia’s words, Ghislaine crossed his legs and replied with an air of nonchalance.
“If we don’t block the North, the kingdom is going to be in quite a pickle. It’s something that someone has to do, and we’re stepping in to help. You are supporting us in that, and that’s a transaction, not begging, isn’t it?”
His statement was a fair point.
Someone had to hold back the barbarians from the North. That was the very reason why Perdium was perpetually at war on that barren border.
Naturally, since Perdium was fighting on their behalf, it made sense for the royal family and other territories to share the cost of maintaining that military strength.
But Amelia simply found his words ridiculous.
“So, are you saying you’re fighting the barbarians? It’s Count Perdium holding the line in the North, and my father is already pouring plenty of resources into Perdium.”
That was not an incorrect statement. Raybold was indeed sending substantial support to Perdium.
Ghislaine had no reason to demand money while pointing that out.
“Hmm, I’m not holding the line right now, but thinking about the future, it’s not exactly wrong for you to give me some money.”
“What future?”
When Amelia looked puzzled, Ghislaine lifted the corners of his mouth slightly. There was no humor in his eyes.
“In the future, I’ll inherit Perdium. So, as the future Count Raybold, it’s only natural for you to support me, right? I’m just saying I’d like to take some of that in advance.”
“……!”
Amelia slightly furrowed her brows.
That was a remark that could get someone executed if overheard.
It was impossible to tell if he actually knew something or if he was simply a madman babbling nonsense.
A brief, chilling silence lingered between the two.
After taking a deep breath, Amelia broke the silence.
“Prince… Even if it’s a joke, those aren’t the kind of words to throw around. I’m a woman, not an heir to Raybold. Besides, how could I possibly become Count Raybold…? Don’t say such nonsensical things.”
“Oh, you’re not interested in that position?”
“Whether I’m interested or not, it’s entirely impossible. After all, I’m supposed to marry into Perdium, aren’t I? Who would laugh if they heard that?”
“You’re not going to marry me, are you?”
“…….”
Amelia couldn’t find words and bit her lip.
‘Who would marry a buffoon like you!’
Had it not been for the promises made by her ancestors, Ghislaine wouldn’t even dare to stand before her, let alone propose an engagement.
Seeing Amelia’s expression, Ghislaine couldn’t help but grin.
“I don’t want to stay here long, so I’ll speak frankly. I don’t care whether you’re interested in the Count title or not; I just want money.”
“I have no reason to give you money, and besides, I don’t even have that much in the first place. What do you see that makes you think I can give you money?”
“Really? That can’t be true. The Actium Merchant Group is doing quite well, isn’t it? You must have a lot of money.”
The moment the name Actium was mentioned, Amelia’s expression hardened instantly.
She shot a deadly glare at Ghislaine.
But despite the anger churning inside her, she managed to keep her appearance calm, even though her mind was in absolute turmoil.
‘How on earth did he find out?’
She had been uncertain, but his recent words confirmed it. Ghislaine knew all about her weaknesses and ambitions.
On the surface, Amelia had no ties to Actium.
The current owner of the merchant group was not her, but someone else, and she had been deliberately keeping her distance from that person.
Yet Ghislaine specifically brought up Actium. How he knew that fact was a mystery.
Ghislaine added nonchalantly, with an eerily calm expression.
“I won’t say much. I won’t spread rumors, so just give me 10,000 gold. That’s a fair price, right? If you don’t believe me, then just trust the weight of your money.”
She had no choice but to hand over the money.
If her secret were exposed now, Amelia would lose everything. Perhaps even her life.
She had become ensnared in an inescapable trap.
Ghislaine was fully aware of this, so he brazenly pressed on.
‘She probably doesn’t have complete control of her family yet. This threat only works for now.’
Amelia Raybold.
A lady renowned for her kind-heartedness, grace, and high intellect, often referred to as the crème de la crème of nobles.
And in the future, the villainous woman known as the ‘Witch of the North’ among other nobles.
In Ghislaine’s previous life, she had imprisoned her father, Count Raybold, in a tower and killed all of her half-siblings, subsequently seizing complete control of her family and territory.
While she had received help from Duke Delphine, the biggest foundation for her obtaining the title of Countess was the Actium Merchant Group.
Having nurtured numerous private soldiers under the guise of a guard, Actium was not merely a merchant group, but a force backed by both wealth and military might.
‘It seemed like she controlled several other organizations, but… Actium was definitely the largest.’
After claiming the title of Countess and expanding Actium into a mighty merchant group, Amelia’s ambitions would soon target Perdium.
But that was a matter for the future.
‘Right now, she would be struggling to hide her power.’
Count Raybold had many children.
The age and capabilities among them varied little, making the competition for the heir’s position fierce.
If her desire to secretly build her power got exposed, her siblings wouldn’t sit idly by.
She glared at Ghislaine, grinding her teeth.
‘How could such a buffoon know… Could it be that he knows about my alliance with the Duke Delphine?’
They weren’t the only problem.
Count Raybold held a hostile stance towards the House of Delphine.
If he were to find out that Amelia was partnering with them and was receiving funds and troops necessary to incite a rebellion, he would undoubtedly sever ties with his daughter.
‘Even mere suspicion could pose a significant threat now.’
Of course, she didn’t think Ghislaine would have concrete evidence.
But if even one person began to doubt after hearing Ghislaine’s words, there would be danger.
They might even try to eliminate her to remove the evidence if they thought the Duke Delphine was involved.
She couldn’t simply leave such a potential risk unattended.
She closed her eyes and slowly began to speak.
“Prince.”
“What? Are you having a change of heart? Are you going to give me the money?”
“You have crossed the line too many times, Prince. Regrettably, let’s part ways here.”
“Already? And you haven’t even given me money yet?”
Ignoring Ghislaine’s words, Amelia addressed the air.
“Get rid of him.”
With that single command, a man armed with a sword emerged from behind the large bookshelf.
But Ghislaine merely chuckled, showing no sign of shock.
“If I die here, a territorial war is bound to occur. Can you handle that?”
“You must have believed in Count Perdium; unfortunately, he’s not here. You and your group will be treated as if you were never here.”
“How cold. Well, I… always knew you were that kind of woman.”
Ghislaine stood up as if he had expected this and drew his sword.
But Amelia merely scoffed. It was widely known that Ghislaine’s skills were far from impressive.
She lifted her chin elegantly and commanded.
“Get rid of him quickly. I don’t even want to see his face. Let’s go, Bastet.”
Meow.
Without looking back, she turned her body.
She intended to order the rest who came with Ghislaine to be killed as well.
Bang!
A sound echoed from behind as swords clashed.
“Cough!”
And then a short scream pierced the air.
Amelia’s expression hardened as she came to a halt.
She realized that the scream did not belong to Ghislaine.
What lay before her was an unbelievable sight.
The blood flowing from the fallen man was soaking the carpet below.
“Isn’t the hidden patch of yours a bit too weak? With all that money, couldn’t you hire some competent people?”
Next to the man lay Ghislaine, casually dusting the blood off his sword.
“W-who the hell are you…?”
The fallen man was no slouch; he was quite skilled. Even someone like Ghislaine could easily overpower him.
The sight of a man like him laid low by Ghislaine left Amelia utterly bewildered.
Boom!
“Lady, what’s happening!”
Two knights who were guarding the door burst in, seemingly ready to crash through it.
“Gasp!”
They were taken aback to find Ghislaine standing over a corpse, and instantly drew their swords to surround him.
Calculating quickly, Amelia shouted loudly.
“Kill him! Kill that bastard immediately!”
“D-do you mean the prince?”
“Quickly! Kill him before anyone comes!”
The knights, fearing the repercussions of murdering a rival territory’s heir, hesitated, but disregarding their orders would mean instant death for themselves.
At that moment, a strange voice came from behind them.
“Wait, knights. If you move, the lady will be in danger.”
Having appeared out of nowhere, Belinda stood with a confident expression, holding a dagger to Amelia’s neck.
Behind her stood four knights, blocking the entrance.
“It’s a bit excessive for a lovers’ quarrel, isn’t it, Young Master? What’s going on?”
Belinda winked at Ghislaine.
He answered casually, as if it were nothing.
“We just had a bit of a disagreement. Women’s hearts are truly complicated.”
“Everyone goes through that when they’re young. They just don’t know how to compromise yet.”
“Still, I feel like we can communicate better now. Right, Amelia?”
As Ghislaine approached Amelia, the knights couldn’t move to protect her for fear that he would harm her.
Ghislaine, seeing the fury in Amelia’s eyes, couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Indeed, it would have been better if you had just given me the money when we were being nice. It would have been pocket change for you. Why turn this into such a horrible situation?”
“You…”
“Now that things have come to this, I can’t just let it slide.”
Though he said that, he never truly expected Amelia to easily give in. In fact, he found the situation quite amusing as it unfolded just as he anticipated.
Ghislaine continued speaking, still wearing a smile.
“Here’s some unfortunate news for you. The price has now risen to 20,000 gold, Amelia.”
