Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 212

Count Heens crossed his legs uncomfortably but soon settled back, massaging his frail knee as he listened intently to Nigel’s advice. Nigel continued in his unhurried, unamused tone.

“Above all, Count… if quality is your focus, you’d be competing not with local factories but with southern exporters across the continent. Handcrafted, labor-intensive textiles and factory-made cotton appeal to completely different markets.”

“Exports… exports sound good, but…”

Count Heens hesitated, and Nigel responded, cool and utterly expressionless.

“It’s too late for that.”

“Too late, as well?”

“Yes. Those who ventured into exports have already secured dual permits with both countries. Obtaining a royal permit now would require far more than a modest investment.”

Nigel added as he tilted his teacup.

“And I imagine it would be a bond investment, not a personal one.”

“Bonds…!”

Nigel felt a surge of irritation watching Count Heens perk up with every new word. He hadn’t come here to offer financial advice to a man who barely understood the basics but wanted to reap rewards anyway.

He shrugged dismissively and smoothly changed the subject.

“By the way, I hear Miss Casey’s birthday is coming up soon.”

“…Me? Yes?”

Casey, who’d been absentmindedly counting the fringe on the curtains like an idle spectator, looked up, surprised.

“Yes, my birthday isn’t too far off…”

Unlike Casey, who seemed bewildered, Count Heens appeared delighted.

“Indeed! I’d planned to send invitations by the end of the week, but you already knew.”

“Yes, Miss Casey mentioned it yesterday.”

“Yesterday…?”

Casey blinked, taken off guard, as Nigel sent her a quick, subtle look that clearly said, Keep quiet. Casey interpreted it as Stay observant, and quickly pieced together the situation.

‘Miss Cecilia must have already told Nigel about our plan!’

There was no other reason Nigel Rosencrantz would suddenly drop by her family’s manor when he was known to cancel engagements. Hastily, she matched his words.

“Oh, yes! I mentioned it.”

“Ah, I see…”

Count Heens nodded, satisfied. He exchanged a look with the two, laden with a hint of something unspoken, making both Nigel and Casey flush with embarrassment.

“I stopped by in advance since it will be a masquerade.”

“Quite right. With everyone in masks, it’s hard to properly offer congratulations.”

Count Heens stroked his chin in satisfaction.

“I didn’t realize you were paying such attention to Casey, Sir Nigel.”

“Well, we are engaged.”

For now, he left unsaid.

“The gift is with my attendant.”

Count Heens turned to Casey.

“Make sure to open it on your birthday.”

“Or whenever you like,” Nigel dismissed lightly, then casually added, “Is the guest list already set?”

“We’re still working on it. As you know… I, well… have so many acquaintances, narrowing it down is a challenge.”

Even a passing coachman would know Count Heens had limited connections.

Responding politely, Nigel said, “If you’re still contemplating investments, there is one rather promising merchant guild to consider.”

“You mean in the West? I’ve been considering it but…”

Count Heens let out a deep sigh.

“Even though they’re commoners with wealth, wouldn’t it be seen as too forward to invite them while their grown grandson is away?”

“Why would you need to ask them?”

“Excuse me?”

“Everyone will be in masks—no one will know who’s who. That’s the whole purpose of hosting this kind of event, isn’t it?”

Count Heens’s face flushed at Nigel’s blunt observation, but Nigel carried on smoothly.

“Since you’ve decided on this, why not do it right?”

“But…”

“An invitation difficult for a noble to extend would be seen as magnanimous by the recipient, reflecting highly on your character and generosity.”

“……”

Casey, lost in the conversation, was unsure what they were discussing until she heard a name escape Nigel’s lips.

Logan Harper, the grandson of the influential Harper family.

“Regardless of his origins, he’s the sole heir of the Harper estate. It would be no loss to have him by your side.”

‘Logan Harper! Are they insane?’

Casey was horrified. Making such a risky suggestion to her father? But that wasn’t it. She needed to know something else.

She took the chance when Count Heens briefly left the room to press Nigel.

“How can you even consider inviting your lover’s fiancé to the same event?”

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