Chapter 4 (Part 2)

“Do you know how thoroughly Roquek has prepared to seize this family? They’ve already had a child and are waiting with their mouths open, and yet you…”

“Even though I secured the gold mine development rights alone, is that not enough?”

“…….”

“Father was playing the hero and couldn’t secure it, and you said it would be nice to have more gold mines when the emerald mines are abundant, didn’t you, Mother?” 

His tone emphasized the word “Mother.” Hernes’s brow furrowed slightly. She took a shallow breath and spoke. 

“Just continue the lineage.”

“…….”

“Then I won’t say more.” 

She turned her back as if there was nothing more to see. As the door closed, Cardin checked the documents on the desk. He decisively discarded what needed to be discarded, and an old piece of paper fell. It was a private trial result that he had submitted to the tribunal, certifying Brienne and her father’s execution.

With this paper, he could personally punish the criminal. Cardin hadn’t yet told the tribunal to retract it. He wanted to do that for Brienne’s father. His soldiers were already searching. There were even rumors that he was in Devok.

Cardin immediately pulled the bell rope. The butler quickly entered the room.

“Did you call for me?”

“Bring Damon.”

A moment later, there was a knock on the door.

“Did you call for…?”

“Cancel the execution certification for Brienne, and organize the list of debts owed by Baron Hurrick and pay them all.”

Damon was momentarily at a loss for words. When Cardin organized the documents and turned around, he belatedly opened his mouth.

“Are you telling us to pay off all of Baron Hurrick’s debts? That seems…”

“Do I need to say it again?” 

His cold gaze carried a sensitive irritation. The aide tactfully bowed his head. 

“I will do so.”

“And after meeting Foyne, I’ll head straight to that herb shop, so prepare.” 

The aide almost spoke but closed his mouth. The schedule would be tight, but since Cardin became the duke, it had always been like this. It wasn’t surprising.

*   *   *

Father must have gone mad.

After a long journey, arriving at Devok. Being the capital, there were many people from the station, and after barely making her way through the crowd, she found Lotras Street, 14-6. But it was different from what she knew.

It was a luxury hotel with a glass dome ceiling. In the center, a dazzling fountain soared, and behind the hotel was a majestic forest, making it seem like a place for wealthy nobles.

Previously, it was certainly the family cemetery where her mother was buried, but why it had turned into a luxury hotel was beyond her. Moreover, why her father wanted to meet here was a mystery. 

What money did he have?

The more she thought about it, the more her heart sank.

Could Father have sold even the place where Mother was buried? No matter how much, having a hotel on this spot… it was disgusting.

Even if desperate for money, this cemetery should not have been sold. How could Father do such a thing? Moreover, why call me here specifically?

She struggled to repay the debts, yet the thought that her father might be living luxuriously in such a place crossed her mind.

At that moment, several people passed behind her, and a carriage stopped. As people gathered, she had no choice but to go inside, and the atmosphere was just as luxurious as outside.

The elegant harp music subtly played, and the marble floor gleamed to the point where her shoes, dusty with dirt, couldn’t compare. Looking at the floor, the ceiling was reflected.

Suddenly, lively laughter echoed.

Unintentionally turning her head, her eyes froze as if time had stopped. The dazzling blonde hair and clear ocean-like eyes were exceptionally familiar.

“Looks like you’d be good at cleaning, so you do it.”

The mocking gaze that looked at her came to mind. She thought it was a past she was almost forgetting, but apparently not. Judging by how vividly she remember her face and tone from back then.

The sound of high heels clicking echoed particularly in my ears. Even the laughter that giggled. It strangely resembled the time at Stern Academy. Back then, she used to roam around like that, receiving attention from everyone. 

Foyne. An unforgettable name. Especially since she often mingled with Cardin’s group.

At that time, they approached. Besides Foyne, there was another woman she hadn’t seen before, all wearing dresses that looked more expensive than hers.

“Foyne, if things go well this time, you might become a Duchess.”

“So, I’m planning to tell Amelle Dress Shop in advance. There’s a dress design I’ve wanted to wear for a long time. I don’t want to wear the dress my mother passed down…”

Their chattering voices were filled with anticipation. As she busily tried to move away, they seemed engrossed in their conversation, not paying attention.

Before she knew it, Foyne’s group walked toward the elevator and moved away. Unintentionally looking at her dress, it strangely appeared worn.

She was sure it was a clean dress when she left home.

At that moment, the sound of shoes approached from her direction. As she was about to lift her face, a kind voice rang out. 

“Is your name Brienne Hurrick?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Please come this way.”

With a puzzled mind, she followed him.

Judging by his attire, he seemed to work at this hotel. There was even a name tag near his chest.

He waited for her in front of the elevator Foyne had taken. As she got on, he smiled kindly and pressed the floor number.

It was the number on the highest floor. No matter how much she thought about it, it didn’t make sense, so she asked.

“Is the person waiting for me Baron Hurrick?”

“Yes, the Baron asked to bring you to the dining room when you arrive.” 

For a moment, her face twisted. 

“The dining room?”

The staff smiled kindly and nodded. This hotel looked top-notch even from the outside, and it was obvious the dining room prices would be exorbitant.

She asked, not understanding. 

“Is my father working here by any chance?”

“No. The Baron is not an employee here; he is a guest.”

“A guest?”

Her voice grew louder as the elevator stopped. The staff stepped aside and bowed. She suppressed her excitement and got off the elevator.

The harp music, similar to what she heard earlier, played softly, and the dining room door was visible right in front of her. The staff personally opened the door for her.

After expressing her gratitude, she entered. A wide window was visible at a glance. Nearby, people dressed neatly were smiling and dining.

It was a place that didn’t suit her appearance or her father’s circumstances. At that moment, the staff approached her. 

“Please come this way.” 

He was exceedingly kind. She calmly followed him. Although unknown anger surged within, and her hands trembled, she wanted to vent all that anger upon seeing her father.

At least she needed to know the reason for calling her here and the source of the money to use this place.

The staff led her to a secluded spot. It was so hidden that one wouldn’t notice unless they looked closely from the door, but it was a window seat with a clear view of the outside.

Her father was there. Despite the staff’s kind guidance, she couldn’t hold back her anger and walked quickly. Before she knew it, she was standing in front of her father, having bypassed the staff.

Her father leisurely looked out the window and turned his head. As soon as he saw her, he frowned.

“Brienne, what’s with your appearance?”

A hollow laugh escaped her. At that moment, the staff beside her bowed his head. Her father, as if he were a generous person, took out a thick wad of money from his pocket and handed it over.

Seeing that, she was even more dumbfounded. The staff smiled and greeted him before stepping back. She spoke to her father.

“What is this? After incurring so much debt from people, here you are, doing what exactly…”

Her father frowned as if he had seen something embarrassing.

“Brienne, sit down first. Don’t stand there without manners.”

“Is this the time to talk about manners? Tell me where the money came from.”

As her voice grew louder, her father stood up.

“Do you want to join me in jail by spreading rumors everywhere that I’m a swindler?”

He glanced nervously behind her and then glared at her.

“Sit down quickly. I have urgent matters to discuss regarding your life.”

She reluctantly sat down. She picked up the glass of water in front of her and drank it in gulps. Her father clicked his tongue, watching her with displeasure.

“When coming to Devok, you should wear a nice dress. What is that appearance? I thought you’d have plenty of money living alone.”

She put the glass down with a clatter. The water she hadn’t finished drinking splashed onto the table. Her father looked at her as if he had seen something dirty.

“Brienne.”

“Father, what are you doing here? And this was where Mother’s grave was.”

Her father leaned back in his chair with an air of superiority.

“That was sold long ago.”