Chapter 84

Chapter 84

The butler nudged Nils as if he was feeling stifled.

Seeing him interrogate like this, it seemed he had suspicions but lacked concrete evidence.

Nils, secretly relieved, straightened his back and feigned innocence.

How dare you doubt me? Why are you asking me about the land that my father managed? Even if youve been teaching me in place of my absent father...

Do you not think the Count would avoid recklessly dealing with assets tied to the royal family?

The butlers voice suddenly rose.

At his intimidating tone, Nils unwittingly took a step back.

The butler had always served Hayden, diminishing his own presence like a shadow.

Nils had known him for almost a decade, but it was the first time hed seen him so angered.

With a flushed face from anger, the butler continued to question.

Ive heard the Siam mines have resumed silver production. What a ridiculous rumor. Who would dare develop a land that the owner hasnt touched? But do you know whats even more unbelievable? The rumor turned out to be true!

Hey, calm down and slowly...

After hearing the news, I checked the remaining documents with disbelief. And as expected, the land documents of the Siam region were conspicuously missing. The only ones who could touch them are you, me, Miss Yvonne, and you, Nils. You dont intend to blame your younger sibling, do you?

Nils was at a loss for words.

The butler was so certain of Nils wrongdoing that there was no way he could play dumb any longer.

Given Nils actions up to this point, it was only natural.

Despite everything, Nils felt deeply insulted by the butlers aggressive approach of selling him out.

How audacious for a mere servant to rebuke his master, even if he did do something wrong. Where else would one find such absurdity?

Losing his patience, Nils raised his voice in retort.

Yes, I sold that land. But is it something to raise your voice about? My father also deemed it a worthless asset and thus left it unattended, didnt he?

Nils glared at the butler with a defiant look.

He stepped forward, as if ready to throw a punch, but the butler didnt seem the least bit intimidated. The butler had a separate concern that truly frightened him.

With cold, sunken eyes, the butler questioned Nils.

Do you understand the implications of the resumed silver production from that mine? It means that we will never be able to buy it back for the price that you sold it for

......

Do you even know the market rate for a viable silver mine? Do you know the original value of that land? Are you aware of the predicament the Counts family is now in due to your actions?

Nils couldnt answer any of the butlers successive questions.

Well, I was already worried about holding onto land that originally belonged to another family. I thought if the Count found out, you would be the one in trouble... So I had many concerns. But then, the Duke, somehow knowing about it, came to me and asked to buy the land.

So you hastily sold it off?

Ah, why are you getting so worked up? Calm down and listen to me. The Duke initially bought the land for your sake, you know?

Challenged by Nils probing, the friend evaded with a startled face.

Trying to pacify Nils, he continued in a soothing tone.

When he heard you lost the land due to a bet, it seems the Duke was quite concerned. Given hes soon to be married to Iona, he wanted to make a good impression on her family, so he asked me to sell the land to earn some brownie points.

It was an utterly absurd explanation.

To want to look good in front of the family because hes about to marry Iona?

It was as nonsensical as saying youd find clams when you dug a field.

The reason being, Iona seemed to relish Nils hardships more than his happiness.

With a baffled expression, Nils pointed out the absurdity.

He is about to marry that b*tch. Why would he want to look good in front of me? Whats there to lose?

The Duke might not be aware of the dynamics between you two. Do you really think Iona would openly discuss her family disputes with the man shes about to marry?

It was true that there was nothing to gain from revealing bad relations with ones own family to a spouse.

Nils, feeling a bit awkward, couldnt find a sharp retort.

His friend confidently boasted.

You came here because the Count discovered you sold off the land, right? Then, go to the Duke immediately. If he hears youre in trouble, hell probably return it to you as if it were a gift.

Perhaps it was the strong faith in the Duke evident in his friends eyes.

Feeling convinced by that fervor, Nils finally nodded in agreement.

Although there were suspicious aspects to the situation, the two families were set to be bound by marriage.

While it was unclear why the Duke had started the mining operation without prior notice, if he learned that he had inadvertently put the family he was about to be related to by marriage in a tight spot, he would surely seek a resolution together.

Perhaps this mine could be the first collaborative venture between the two families.

Attempting to calm his anxiety-ridden heart, Nils rose from his seat.

Now, as his friend suggested, it was time to seek out the Duke.

--- End Of The Chapter ----

[ TN: Join Patreon to support the translation and to read 5 chapters ahead of the /YourNoona

Join Our Discord for regular updates, and have fun with other community /invite/SqWtJpPtm9 ]