CH 45

Chapter 45: Brother and Butler

“Young master, Jurremi-sama.”

“What’s up, Talvo.”

One night, the butler Talvo, who was originally Big Sister Vilhelmina’s bulter, approached me.

“I would like to thank you for your time.”

Until the Exiled Duke’s Daughter,...

Time huh… I take a look at him from head to toe. A bow that was neatly folded from the waist with a straight spine that stood upright. The only reason that comes to mind when I think of him leaving his job without a single gap is…

“Talvo… are you going to see my sister?”

“Yes, I was told to come.”

“Hmm… just you?”

“All of us.”

All of us refers to all of the personnel who were the maidservants of my big sister. Although I let them blend in with the increasing number of servants as I became a Count…

“Well, there are also those who are now going to the territories, so either way it’s impossible for everyone to go at the same time. I don’t mind sending them one by one or taking over with new people while transitioning.”

“Thank you.”

Still, all at once…

“A&V Company. So far they’ve just started some weird free diagnostic clinic, but I wonder how they’re making money.”

Discovering unknown magic holders is an interesting idea if the technology to do so has been established, and I think the information itself is something that would sell for a high price.

However, that alone would not be enough to pull in all the users at the time. It would mean not only paying them, but also providing them with a place to work, meaning a house.

“I cannot say that from my mouth.”

You can tell from his tone that he doesn’t know, but Talvo definitely knows. My big sister’s maidservant and maids seem to have been working as receptionists at a free magic diagnostic center, and the mechanism for their profits must have been passed on.

“So Big Sister is gathering trustworthy people around her. To prevent information leaks. Moving from a house under surveillance by the royal family where she currently lives might mean moving to a place where she is less under surveillance, but it might also mean that she is increasing suspicion from the royal family.”

“You have a keen eye.”

I leaned on the desk with my elbows and supported my head.

How is this really happening?

“It feels like it’s too hasty. But does hasty mean more than slow? For example, by pulling them out all at once like this, will my Big Sister not think that I’ll tell Father?”

Talvo says with a smile.

“I don’t mean to be presumptuous, but I don’t think it would be right to presume to know what she’s thinking…”

“Haha, she has already become a commoner. Say it without worrying.”

“It’s a small way to repay the young master for protecting us, her servants. We will not begrudge you if this gets through to Lord Periknen.”

So, is this a notice to me?

My big sister says, ‘From now on, a storm is coming, so be careful!’ Even though she is always in the middle of a tempest, with her own life at risk.

That’s why that person is…

“So, is this a warning that things are about to get bigger? Do you want to give me the opportunity to not fall with the Periknen family? For a commoner to be so bold towards a Duke’s heir and a Count is quite audacious.”

“Because of your older sister, who shares your blood.”

“Talvo. I can neither catch up to my Big Sister’s, that genius’s thoughts, nor go to her side.”

A wrinkle formed on his brow.

“That’s… it’s unavoidable because of the responsibilities and constraints as the next head of the Duke family.”

“But even if I’m like that, I might be able to ride a winning horse now.

“Ride the winning horse? No, it’s better to have insurance in case of losing.”

I operate the button behind the drawer. Suddenly, the wall bookshelf slides.

I opened the hidden safe and gave Talvo a bundle of letters.

This is? This is all sealed with the young master’s seal.

“Letters of introduction to young noblemen and daughters whom I consider trustworthy, as well as to merchants with whom I am in good standing. Some of them are from the store that tailors my clothes. And… I have copies of information about the royal family, the church, and my father from a private informant I’ve hired. I’m sure she’ll need them in her next few moves.”

“Are you fully reading your sister’s thoughts?”

“No, I don’t even know what my Big Sister is going to do. But if she tries to influence the center, she’ll naturally need it.”

Then I take out a small box and hand it over.

“What’s this?”

I urged him to open it. Inside is a ring. A large ruby with a slightly old cut surrounded by small diamonds.

“It’s my mother’s inheritance.”

“What!”

“It was taken by Stepmother. I stole it and exchanged it for a replica. Let Big Sister take care of it.”

Even if I have it, if the Periknen family sinks in the storm, I may have to let go of it. That’s why it’s better for my Big Sister to have it.

“Is there something you want to tell her?”

“This is a loan… No… I don’t need it…. I wish you happiness.”

“I will definitely, definitely convey it. On behalf of my master, my sincerest gratitude.”