Chapter 144

Chapter 144

Although Leroy had already warned everyone once, Iona felt it wasn’t enough.

‘Anyone with a bit of sense would have realized that Yvonne wasn’t lying.’

What Leroy attempted was essentially not a correction but a warning.

It was a subtle way of showing what he would do if they spread Yvonne’s words outside.

The two royal knights seemed to grasp Leroy’s threat somewhat, but it was uncertain whether the maid, who had been in a state of shock, understood his meaning properly.

Even if Reni hadn’t listened carefully to Yvonne’s claims, it was necessary to stop her from saying anything unnecessary when the real investigation began.

“Although I doubt many would believe such delusional claims, you never know how rumors can spread.”

Iona raised and lowered her eyebrows as if troubled by the thought.

Even if the rumors spread, they could find ways to explain it away, but the best solution was always to prevent the problem before it occurred.CHeCk for new stories on no/v/el/bin(.)c0m

“I understand what you mean.”

Reni replied with a serious look.

Probing any deeper would only make her look more suspicious. Iona thought this was sufficient and was about to dismiss her when Reni continued, looking agitated.

“Miss Yvonne is truly too much. The Countess has kept her here out of consideration for family, yet instead of being grateful and reflecting, she seeks to harm her further. It’s like repaying kindness with betrayal.”

The reason for letting Yvonne be until now was to avoid any backlash when they eventually dealt with her, but Iona remained silent.

In any case, Reni was making arguments in Iona’s favor.

“Don’t worry, Countess. No one will believe such nonsensical claims. I also realized just how terrible Miss Yvonne is from what happened yesterday.”

“......”

“And even if her words were true, which they aren’t, it wouldn’t be a weakness for you, Countess.”

Reni added cautiously.

Iona, listening with her hand on her waist, let out a brief laugh and lowered her head.

This maid clearly understood that Iona was an illegitimate child and was trying to convey indirectly that she had no intention of using it against her.

‘A good friend.’

Or perhaps she had an exceptional survival instinct.

Either way, it was beneficial for Iona. She could deal with two problems that had been troubling her at once.

Iona wiped the smile off her face and nonchalantly counted on her fingers.

Marsha, who had always been by her side, Cornelia, who had recently fully joined her, and now Reni...

“Is three enough?”

When Iona muttered something incomprehensible, Reni, looking puzzled, asked, “Pardon?”

Instead of answering, Iona asked Reni another question.

“You’re currently working in the kitchen, right?”

Iona knew Reni’s name because Marsha had mentioned her several times, saying she talked freely despite not being around for long.

“Yes? Yes, that’s right.”

Reni answered with a confused expression at the sudden personal inquiry.

Iona continued as if she had been waiting for this moment.

“We’re planning to move to the Duke’s estate soon. There’s no need to maintain this big mansion if we won’t be staying in the capital anymore. I plan to call a broker to sell it soon.”

“No, Countess. What do you mean... You’re leaving so suddenly, without even having the ceremony...!”

The butler, usually so composed, stammered in shock.

Even he couldn’t calmly accept the sudden notice of dismissal.

For the first time, he showed an uncharacteristically insolent attitude, trying to reason with Iona.

“Even if you’re not going to live here anymore, this place holds the history of the Modrov family. It’s not a property you can dispose of so impulsively.”

“I thought you were quite clever, but perhaps not.”

Iona looked at the butler with a pitying gaze, her hands clasped behind her back.

After a brief pause, she whispered, narrowing her eyes slightly.

“That’s why I’m selling it.”

The butler bit his lips and trembled.

It seemed he finally grasped Iona’s intention to dispose of the mansion, and his shoulders slumped.

He murmured absently.

“You intend to settle old scores.”

That “old scores” included those who had been loyal to her enemies in the past.

This was undoubtedly a justified decision, but the butler found it even harder to accept.

He had never personally mistreated Iona.

Although he had carried out Hayden’s unfair orders towards her, he had no personal grudge against her.

As a butler, he couldn’t defy the master’s commands, no matter how unpleasant.

“I... I’ve never done anything presumptuous towards you, Countess. Why would you dismiss me as well? Though it hasn’t been long, you know I’ve served you diligently...!”

Iona silently gazed at the indignant butler for a moment.

He wasn’t wrong.

Indeed, the butler had acted quite shrewdly.

Unlike others who disregarded her, he never acted on whims, and when it became clear that power dynamics had shifted, he decisively cut ties with the past.

Iona praised his resourcefulness without reservation.

“Yes, you’ve displayed exemplary conduct as the Modrov family’s butler. I acknowledge that. You followed Hayden’s orders as if they were your own... And after I became the head, you did the same for me. You were certainly the wisest in this mansion, switching your loyalty like a bat depending on the situation.”

“......”

“I’m also quite regretful, butler. If only I had a slightly stronger stomach, I could have kept you around longer.”

Unfortunately, seeing his face is just too repulsive for her.

Iona added with a tone of genuine regret.

--- End Of The Chapter ----

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