Chapter 127

There was a moment of silence on the terrace.

Grandfather was looking at me without blinking.

And the moment I thought that a smile slowly passed through those eyes.

"Hahaha!"

Grandfather burst into laughter.

"That's so... hahaha!"

It was a big and cheerful laugh that the wine in his hand flowed out of the glass.

I waited quietly until my grandfather's laughter calm down.

"That's the gift you chose, Florentia."

"Yes. It's an adult birthday present, so I was greedy for something nice, grandpa."

"Greedy..."

Grandfather murmured, rubbing his trim beard.

"It's an authority that anyone in my lineage has. Even if you don't ask it as a birthday present, it's already yours."1

I shook my head firmly to my grandfather.

I've had a more Lombardy-like childhood than anyone since I returned.

Therefore, as in my previous life, I'm in a situation where I am criticized for having a mother whose origins are unknown.

But that's not all I have to go over.

"What I want on my birthday is not just exercise the authority, but my grandfather's support for it."

"Why do you think you need my support?"

"Of course, I'm fully qualified to exercise my authority. I'm an adult, your granddaughter, and I'm pretty smart."

My grandfather laughed low as if he agreed with me.

"But at the same time, I'm a woman. I've only become an adult. I'm well aware of the obstacles in my way, Grandpa."

I looked straight at my grandfather.

"If I exercise my authority and touch the business, there will be resistance."

That's exactly how Viese would do.

Up until now, he has considered only Shananet to be his rival and has been growing his strength outside Lombardy, but he will try to cut the buds for fear that even his young nephew will stand out.1

"Just once, please support me. I don't need any other help."

I'm already all set.

A strange smile bloomed on my grandfather's face, who was silently listening to me.

"Okay, I'll do as you say. You want it as a birthday present. I'll have to pay for that."

My grandfather's love for me seemed to be overflowing many times more than usual.

"When are you going to get your birthday present?"

"Soon."

"Soon?"

"Yes, very soon."

I must have gotten my grandfather's promise.

Just in time, there's no need to wait any longer.

Grandfather smiled at me and said.

"I'll be looking forward to it."

* * *

One corner of the banquet hall was full of people dressed up.

There, raucous with music and all sorts of noises, Gallahan sat quietly on the comfy sofa, lost in thought.

The third son of the Lombardy family, and the owner of a Gallahan Clothing Store that spread throughout the Empire.

He was a man with such a great modifier, it was not that he caught the glances of the nobles who were glancing at this moment.

It was the face of an outstanding Gallahan, lost in thought with his long legs folded loosely.

"Hmm."

It was when Gallahan blinked slowly and sighed low.

"Do you have any concerns?"

"Oh, Clerivan!"

Gallahan's expression brightened with the appearance of Clerivan, who had been talking softly.

"It's Lady Florentia's birthday banquet, and Sir Gallahan doesn't look good today."

"Oh, is that so... Mr. Clerivan is right. I should think about it later and enjoy Tia's birthday."

Gallahan scratched his cheek, awkwardly.

Looking at the figure, Clerivan shook his head as he sat near Gallahan.

"We should share our concerns, rather than procrastinate. If you tell me what's going on, I'll think about it with you."

"Ah..."

Gallahan conflicted.

He's sure there'll be a good solution if he can think with Clerivan about it together.

He didn't doubt it that way.

But he couldn't bother him, who was busy leading Pellet's business.

"It's all right, Clerivan. I'll figure it out on my own..."

"Now, don't you need my help?"

"No way!"

Gallahan jumped and shook his hands.

"But I'm sure you're busy with Pellet's business, and I'm too embarrassed to put a burden on you when Tia owes you one."

"Don't say that."

Clerivan said in a low voice.

"You are not only the father of Lady Florentia. You were also a partner who once founded the Gallahan clothing store."

"Sir Clerivan..."

"You're already a special person to me like a family. But if you say that, I'm rather disappointed."

"...Thank you for saying that."

Gallahan laughed helplessly.

"Now tell me what you're worried about."

Clerivan said, with ease, raising one foot and crossing his legs.

"It's not about a Gallahan Clothing Store. The clothing store is stable enough without me. It's just that the Chesire territory..."

"You mean the Southern lands awarded with the National Founding Medal. I know, you've been on Chesire territory a lot lately."

"Yes, it's a relaxed and peaceful place, as Aunt said. But..."

Depth reappeared in Gallahan's face.

"It's hard to finance the Chesire territory, perhaps because I haven't been given the territory for a long time because of the work of the clothing store I"ve been doing."

"Perhaps because of my work at Gallahan Clothing Store, I have not been paying attention for a long time even after I was awarded the territory, so the finances in the Chesire territory are difficult."