Chapter 27
“Explain.”
“The first sign of trouble was found in Viscount Courtneyās sacks. It was suspicious that pests kept being discovered there, so they checked and found more than half of it was rotten.”
Ash finally understood why Hozi was so gleeful.
Viscount Courtneyās second son was the judge who presided over the second trial of the guardianship case.
“You want to use this as leverage to get testimony about the Chief Justice’s involvement in the trial.”
Providing spoiled food supplies, causing damage to other nobles’ goodsāthis would certainly incur the wrath of the imperial family. Viscount Courtney would have no choice but to persuade his son.
“For the sake of the elderly Chief Justiceās health, wouldnāt it be better to let him retire?”
“…”
Ash remained silent.
The image of Nina from that day flashed in his mind over his aideās subtly lowered voice and sinister smile.
“…Alright. I’ll follow your lead. But if you ever change your mind, let me know anytime.”
But believing in her change after just a few conversations was difficult. The rift created by two years of hostility was too deep. He suppressed his uneasy feelings.
“Proceed as planned.”
“Yes.”
“How did you come by this information anyway? Didnāt you request leave for your brotherās wedding?”
“I stopped by before returning, just to be thorough. It’s basic diligence for a capable aide to check important matters before significant events, isn’t it?”
Ash smirked at Hoziās smug expression.
But only for a moment.
With the event just two months away…
“Summon Viscount Courtney and contact nearby merchants to secure new food supplies.”
“Understood. Iāll take my leave now.”
Since House Bayern rented and managed the warehouse, Ash couldn’t escape responsibility for the incident.
Tap, tap.
His gray eyes deepened as he rhythmically tapped his fingers on the desk.
***
With the songbirds lured by the promise of freedom, half the trouble was taken care of. Nina bit her lip thoughtfully.
āI need to explain to him…ā
That sheād quit the loan sharking business and had ordered the investigation regarding Duchess Nord.
But how could she explain this to a man who bristled at the mere sight of her?
If she sought him out again claiming she had more to say, heād likely chase her off, irritated by her persistence.
ā…Maybe I should ask the head maid?ā
Nina ran a mental simulation.
āI have something to ask of you.ā
āYes, Madam.ā
ā…Well, you see, I’ve been indebting the staff to stalk my husband… but now I’ve cleared their debts and ordered them to root out Duchess Nordās informant.ā
ā…ā
āIād like you to tell the Duke that Iāve truly reformed, so he doesnāt misunderstand me anymore.ā
ā…ā
ā…ā
Her face stiffened as a wave of embarrassment washed over her.
“Haa…”
The thought of begging her husband to convey her message made her feel pathetic.
āā¦I donāt know what to do.ā
Her husband, tormented by a paranoid wife, would probably desire nothing more than her indifference. Therefore, for now, she should maintain a social distance and show that she is no longer the person she used to be.
Speaking to him now would only arouse suspicion.
āIf I want to gain my husband’s trust…ā
The butler and the head maid.
Loyal servants of House Bayern and my husbandās invincible allies.
It seems I have to start by winning over these two.
āMadam, the head maidās uniform has arrived!ā
Nina beamed as she saw Marsha, arms full with the box.
Perfect timing.
Just as she was wondering how to approach them.
āWhat about the othersā uniforms?ā
āThey’re working hard on them. They said the first batch should be ready within the promised deadline. The butlerās uniform should arrive by tomorrow.ā
āThen bring in the head maid.ā
Letās start with a simple gift.
