CH 32

Robbery

He appeared in the study fifteen minutes later, with thumping footsteps.

He was breathing heavily, as if he had been running.

“Did I keep you waiting?”

“No, not at all.”

She said with surprise. If it were her sister, she would’ve puffed out her cheeks at the delay.

Her sister thinks it’s cute.

‘Even if that’s what she thinks, my interpretation of cuteness is a little different.’

Just as minor differences in interpretation of scripture could create serious factions, so too Lucrezia and her sister could be said to be embittered opponents in their interpretation of cuteness.

It may seem trivial to people, but it was an important difference for Lucrezia.

“…. But, it feels like it’s been a very long time since I’ve been with you, Ramilio-sama.”

When Lucrezia told him bluntly with her usual gloomy eyes, Ramilio was delighted.

His sharp eyes loosened, and he let out a bashful smile.

“Is that so? I’m sorry to keep you waiting.”

“It’s all right. I was just being selfish.”

“No, you are welcome for such a cute little selfishness.”

She already took the word “cute” early on.

‘Well? How was it?’

She glanced at Rosa. As expected, her sister was fascinated by the handsome Ramilio.

“What’s going on? I never thought you would say something like that.”

“I was having a little argument with my sister. Who do you think is prettier, me or Rosa?”

Hearing the conversation, Rosa suddenly approached Ramilio.

“Your face resembles a Noh mask, sister. Don’t you think I’m pretty cute too?”[1]

Rosa looked up at him with her beautiful green eyes. She was cunningly hugging Ramilio with a smile on her face.

‘She’s as cute as ever.’

Lucrezia was annoyed but judged her so.

But Ramilio’s face immediately turned grim.

“…. You know, I’ve said it many times. My fiancée is Lucrezia. The way you belittle Lucrezia, it’s really not cute.”

Lucrezia was glad to hear him say so quickly.

“She may be a nuisance in your eyes, but for me, she’s the most beautiful wife in the world. She is beautiful and well-educated. I don’t want to compare her to you, but your sister is quite sweet to keep you company after all that had been said.”

Ramilio pushed Rosa away somewhat roughly.

“Enough of this or I’ll have you kicked out.”

“…. Say that again.”

“I’m not joking.”

Ramilio reminded her in a strong tone to make sure she understood.

“If you don’t change your attitude, I’ll ask you to leave. I have no need for rude people in my mansion.”

Rosa went completely silent.

‘I’m sure she still doesn’t understand, even after all this.’

Lucrezia, who had been dealing with her selfishness all along, thought darkly.

Ramilio ignored Rosa and smiled at Lucrezia.

“I’ve cleared up some time, so why don’t we talk? Of course, I won’t do anything.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I wanted to hear a peculiar story from you, too.”

“But I don’t have such a story….”

“Your story is interesting. I enjoyed your story about the beehive on the garden tree seen from the window on the second floor.”

“That was a disaster… because every time I opened the window, a bee would fly in….”

Rosa hit the nearest book childishly.

Startled by the loud noise, she looked over and saw that the spine of the precious book was slightly dented.

“Rosa, books are precious.”

“Whatever!”

Rosa left the study.

Lucrezia tried to follow, but was stopped by Ramilio.

“Leave her alone.”

“But…”

“I don’t care if she’s your sister or what, but her attitude is so bad that even other people would never invite her again if she was a guest. If she shows no sign of remorse, I’m really going to ask her to leave.”

“…. But, that child has nowhere else to go.”

“I’m the master of this house. If I say I will do that, I’m going to do it.”

Lucrezia was in serious trouble.

‘It’s impossible for that child to feel sorry.’

Lucrezia had warned her many times before, but she didn’t listen. She could only assume that she had become stubborn.

At that moment, someone rushed into the study again.

“I apologize for interrupting your conversation. However, it has just been reported that a thief broke into your wife’s office and took an important deed…”

Lucrezia was absolutely mortified.

That was Lucrezia’s only asset.

It didn’t feel real.

What would happen if the assets were lost?

Lucrezia was trembling slightly, so Ramilio put his hand on her shoulder as if to comfort her.

“I’ll go with you. We’ll take the carriage.”

***

The scene was horrific.

The doors were broken, glass was smashed, and the desks and cupboards were ransacked.

Lucrezia was dizzy when she was told that her agent had apparently been stabbed and was in critical condition at the hospital.

“Oh my god…”

“I don’t think you should go. You’d better wait here. I’ll go check it out.”

Lucrezia waited for Ramilio’s return as she and the office staff cleaned up the site.

‘Why was I targeted? I didn’t have any cash or accessories.’

Securities could no longer be used as soon as the bank was contacted. There would have been no advantage to robbing the office.

***

When Ramilio went to the hospital, the agent had just regained consciousness.

“I’m sorry, I handed over some documents. However, all the assets are managed by a bank affiliated with Lucrezia’s grandfather, so I thought that if I contacted him, he would be able to prevent the withdrawal from happening.”

“Nice work.”

When Ramilio said it, he let it slip, as if he was proud of what he had done.

“Besides, the royal capital will soon be invaded by the Rai Kingdom army and war will break out. I don’t know if the bank will still be under her grandfather’s control at that time, but in case it is seized by Rai, those who went to withdraw money will be….”

Ramilio laughed.

“They may lose their life.”

“Yes. I should have moved it here sooner.”

Ramilio wasn’t so good as to wish for the safety of the robbers.

He decided that he had it coming.

“No, it’s a good thing, isn’t it? There will be no obstacles now.”

The agent seemed to have irritated his wound when he laughed, and he frowned.

“…. I think so, too.”

“Yes, that’s right. You did well.”

Translator Notes:

1. Noh is a major form of classical Japanese dance-drama that has been performed since the 14th century. The actors wear masks, and so because the mask covers an actor’s facial expressions, it may seem like they have no facial expressions at all. ↵