But there was a high possibility the price would soar in a few years. This was because Andert had merged ‘Artron’ under the name of the mineral resource company he owned several months ago.

Given that his Master’s sense and calculation for numbers were faster than anyone else’s, there must have been sufficient grounds.

That was Daniel’s assumption. However, due to the complex shareholding relationships, the new owner of the oil company remained undisclosed.

Well, Andert Dietrich was never stingy with spending in the first place. For example, it was extremely rare for a noble to provide first-class train compartments even to accompanying attendants.

Was it the generosity of someone excellent in both inherited background and personal ability? Or perhaps it was a final consideration for House Hardin’s circumstances, despite not having much affection for his wife.

Daniel cleared his throat with an “ahem ahem.”

He couldn’t know his master’s complicated feelings. What was certain was that this was an important mission given to him by the master who would inherit the title immediately upon returning to the capital.

‘Get Chloe’s signature on this document.’

Therefore, he needed Lady Dietrich’s signature by any means necessary.

Although he now volunteered as Andert’s attendant, he was a lawyer. That meant he was prepared to do whatever it took to persuade the other party.

“I cannot return to the capital until I receive Lady Dietrich’s signature. You know the Master’s temperament better than anyone, don’t you? Even if I return empty-handed, I’ll have no choice but to come back to Bergen.”

“Lawyer.”

“If I may be so bold, I am a lawyer employed by House Dietrich. It’s my job to accurately convey my master and client’s wishes. If I can’t even do that properly, I’ll have no choice but to lose my position.”

Though cowardly, Daniel chose the most effective method.

It was the strategy of lowering himself to make the other party uncomfortable. This tactic worked especially well with straightforward people like Lady Dietrich.

Though he didn’t want to trouble Chloe, he had no choice now. He too needed to prove at least the minimum ability to complete his assigned task.

As the determined lawyer regrouped and pressed on, Chloe gradually became more troubled.

“Lady Dietrich, please consider my position just once with a generous heart.”

Daniel bowed his head again. Even after two hours of sitting, his expression hadn’t changed at all.

He really seemed ready to repeat the same words all day without tiring. This was in stark contrast to Chloe, who was losing energy after repeatedly expressing her refusal. Looking down at her completely cold teacup, she asked dryly.

“What happens if I refuse until the end?”

“All procedures are scheduled to begin after the divorce conditions proposed by the Master are accepted.”

Chloe bit her lip at the lawyer’s calm response. Andert, whom she had parted with yesterday, hadn’t given any hint about alimony.

Perhaps he didn’t mention it knowing I would refuse.

It was an unwanted consideration. Moreover, her head was very heavy after staying up nights in a row. Her condition was a mess due to the overlapping of sleep deprivation and overwork.

In the end, Chloe raised the white flag after another hour had passed.

“The investment company managing the bonds will contact you during the third quarter regular reporting period. There will be detailed explanations from the person in charge, so you can consult about any questions you have then.”

Daniel’s parting words remained kind until the end, as if he had prepared everything for her who knew nothing about bonds.

“I’ll take my leave now. If I have been discourteous today, I sincerely apologize.”

What stopped her steps after leaving the coffee shop was the greeting from behind. The lawyer she had seen since her days at the Duke’s residence was someone who worked day and night.

Knowing well the hardships of serving a never-easy master, Chloe suppressed her bitterness.

“No, I fully understand your position. Please return safely.”

After bidding farewell, Chloe turned around.

Her head was dizzy from the sun blazing down on Sunday afternoon. Her physical condition was definitely not normal. Thump, she collapsed onto the bed as soon as she returned to her room. Once the tension released, she didn’t even have the strength to move a finger.

It had been a time of running almost without rest since coming to Bergen. Perhaps the fatigue that had been piling up was bursting out all at once.

But her thoughts didn’t continue for long. Chloe, who had dozed off, couldn’t get up from bed until night fell and darkness came.

***

After Andert returned to the capital, the divorce proceeded rapidly.

As it was a case with clear mutual agreement from both parties, there was no reason for the court’s judgment to be delayed. At the same time, the fact of the transfer of the Dietrich duchy was announced.

House Dietrich’s legal counsel began making several trips between the Duke’s residence in the capital and the Duke’s castle where the old Duke stayed. Fabiana, who only then learned of facts she hadn’t noticed at all, was shocked.

“Winston Dietrich, you finally—!”

He was a husband who couldn’t even get up from bed alone. That’s why she had let her guard down recently.

Of course, she had heard from the head maid that Andert had visited right after returning from the eastern villa. What had that man with a brass face answered then?

“Ho ho, my dear. Separation, divorce — isn’t that what people keep talking about regarding Andert? So I too needed to at least confirm what was going on.”

He had been a husband who covered it up with plausible words. But in reality, he had prepared to hand over all of Dietrich to his son.

“How could you! How could you make such a decision without any consultation with me?”

Fabiana, who opened the door so forcefully it might break, fired words like a machine gun.

The man leaning back in his seat slowly turned his head. It was with such composure as if he had expected even this commotion. Fabiana’s face, standing in front of the bed, turned red.

“If you have a mouth, speak!”

“Fabiana.”

“When I stood by your side, enduring those decisions with you… I never imagined you could deceive me, Fabiana Dietrich, so completely.”

Such a filthy and disgusting human being. Fabiana’s angry voice trembled, unable to control her emotions.

In contrast, Winston looked like someone who had nothing more to lose. He put a cigarette between his wrinkled fingers and flicked his lighter with a click.

“I don’t understand why handing over the title and property to my only son should be so condemned.”

“W-what did you say?”

Fabiana, dumbfounded by her husband’s nonchalant attitude, asked blankly.

“You know too, don’t you? That I haven’t been involved in House Dietrich’s official schedules or practical work for three years now. During that time, my son has already proven his ability by fulfilling his share sufficiently. What other reason is needed beyond that?”

“…… Could you explain our relationship with such simple words? I even accepted a child of unknown origin!”

Fabiana practically screamed. She had suffered the greatest damage from her husband’s infidelity. Yet how could he be so brazen?

But the old Duke answered coldly, unconcerned with his wife’s anger.

“It was your choice, Fabiana. Long ago already. I clearly expressed then that I would accept any divorce conditions you demanded without complaint due to my culpability.”

“Ha, now you brazenly bring up that fact.”

Fabiana irritably wiped away tears that had fallen, unable to contain her anger. Winston watched his wife and tapped off his long cigarette ash with a click.

“That’s why I agreed to adopt your nephew into House Dietrich, isn’t it? Not only that, I’ve already inherited property to Patrick. And……”

Winston cut off his words and his eyes stared directly at the other party. Even through the smoke rising over his face, that gaze was clear.

“Your villa in Daloa. I’ve kept someone’s incident in that lake a secret for life. When you close your eyes, the events of that day should also be buried neatly in the ground. Isn’t that right?”

It was clear blackmail.

The man who had lived as Duke Dietrich for decades knew how to effectively pressure the other party’s throat. Fabiana had been wary of such a husband all her life.

However, it was a mistake to let her guard down recently because his illness had gotten much worse. Biting her lip and steadying her breath, Fabiana’s husband opened his mouth again towards her.

“Though you won’t be the Duchess anymore, the title of Grand Dame will still be valid. Your nephew will also receive treatment as a member of House Dietrich.”

It was like consoling a child crying over losing their gold coin that at least their life was saved. Fabiana raised her head while clenching her fist.

How could everything in the world go as one wished?