Chapter 18: Check

One day, when Alex was at work, Hilka came to check on me.

I recall that I have been looking for an opportunity for this opportunity.

“Hilka, do you have time?”

“Yes, Vilhelmina-sama.”

“I would like to go out to the center of the capital for a little bit. Arrange it for me and I would like to hire one bodyguard.”

“A bodyguard, please wait a moment.”

Saying that, Hilka went outside and immediately brought a man. He’s wearing civilian clothes but has a sword belt. He has a familiar face.

“Oh my, you used to be my bodyguard.

“Yes, this is Jacob. He still works for the Periknen family and whenever I come here, he comes as my bodyguard.”

Hilka introduced him and he politely bowed his head.

“Oh, thank you, Jacob.”

“That’s too kind of you to say…”

I put on the dress I was wearing when I was brought here before and asked Senni to take care of things while I was gone. When Alex-sama is not here and I have someone who will come with me and take care of things, opportunities like this don’t come often.

We head towards the central part of the capital after picking up the coach.

From an area where small houses are built to an area where shops and mansions are built, the quality of the clothes of the people can be seen changing.

Hilka asks, covering her mouth with a fan so that others cannot hear.

“Where are we going today?”

“First, the bank.”

To the counter of the central bank in the capital. After telling the reception gentleman that I would like to exchange a check, I was immediately taken to the reception room in the back.

Hmm? I’d say it’s just right.

“Nice to meet you for the first time. Vilhelmina-sama. I am Cremetti, the head of this bank. The check exchange is being carried out now, so please wait here for a moment.”

“Nice to meet you, Cremetti-san. But I’m not a status that should be called ‘-sama’ anymore.”

“Even if an immortal(phoenix) bird flying in the sky falls to the ground, its value won’t be lost, don’t you think?

I know the reason why you were unfairly deprived of your status. I’m feeling dim about the fact that it was the crown prince.”

Fufu, I’m glad he said so.

“It’s no good, Cremetti-san. I am a person who has lost in political strife or as a woman. I don’t know where the ears are.”

“That’s right, but… His Majesty is also pathetic. He returned from his trip and learned of you, but he has not restored your honor.”

He spoke passionately like that.

While grateful, we must be cautious. We can’t guarantee that soldiers won’t come out from behind the walls and catch me just because I recklessly affirm.

“That is equivalent to tarnishing the reputation of the Crown Prince. And the Church as well. My marriage with Alex-sama was blessed by The Cardinal.”

Cremetti-san made a face like biting a bitter bug.

“Vilhelmina-sama, but then your life will be…”

“I have no complaints about being Alex-sama’s wife now.”

Since I didn’t change my attitude, he must have given up. He took a deep breath and looked at me from the front.

Is there anything else I can do for you?

Anything I can do to help.”

I take out a small bag from my pocket.

There are no large gems, but there are various jewels.

“Can you exchange this or introduce me to a place where I can exchange it for money?”

“I’ll call the jeweler, just wait here.”

As he said that, I was approached by the secretary who was waiting by the wall.

I took off the stone that was attached to my current day dress and brought out some small precious metal. I asked for their appraisal and cash conversion.

The purchase price was a little higher than I expected, I think it was because they took it with color. With this and cashing the check, I now have enough money in my account to cover about ten years of a commoner’s salary. In the end, it took a few hours, but I was glad that I was able to finish everything at this bank.

“Please feel free to contact us if you have any further needs.”

“Yes, I’ll see you then.”

I say goodbye to Cremetti-san, the head of the bank, and leave.

On my way back, I entered a cafe with a little money left in my hand.

“Hilka, Jacob, thank you today.”

Jacob declined to sit at the same table, but I forced him to sit and we enjoyed cake and tea as three people.

“No, not at all. The bank head was very accommodating, wasn’t he?”

“Yeah, I was wary, thinking he might be targeting me, but it seems that wasn’t the case.”

The two of them give a startled look.

“What kind of danger?”

I bowed my head.

“Because. A fallen noblewoman. I was thinking about the possibility of me being caught and taken to a brothel.”

If the daughter of a fallen high-ranking noble could become a governess or maid, it would be good, but if not, the most common fate would be to end up in a brothel.