Daniel, who returned from his three-day business trip, immediately visited Duke Dietrich’s residence. Standing before Andert, he briefly reported on the matters in Hanover.

“All charges filed against Viscount Hardin at the Hanover Police Department have been withdrawn. It was settled by paying the corresponding amount and compensation. However, in my opinion, the fraud allegations against Viscount Hardin had some suspicious aspects.”

“Suspicious aspects?”

Andert briefly questioned the lawyer’s personal opinion.

Daniel, who had faithfully followed his master’s order to resolve the matter as quickly as possible, showed clear signs of fatigue. However, thanks to his ingrained neatness, he continued speaking without losing composure.

“A few months ago, an investment company approached Viscount Hardin first. It started with them asking him to introduce investment opportunities to his acquaintances in Hanover.”

“Investment company?”

“Yes. Moreover, the company disappeared before even gathering sufficient investment funds. Then those who had handed over money through Viscount Hardin’s introduction filed charges. Fortunately, we were able to resolve it quickly thanks to their small number.”

Even at first glance, the flow didn’t make sense. What deranged investment company would reach out first to House Hardin, which was already in decline.

Of course, Viscount Hardin’s role was to gather acquaintances from Hanover for the company, but that too seemed odd. After all, Viscount Hardin, a native of Hanover, had long since lost credibility there.

“The company name?”

“Ah, here. I received this business card that the Viscount had. It was a company name I’d never heard of before.”

「Standard T. Limited Company」

Cold eyes slowly examined the rectangular business card. It was clearly a company name that looked cobbled together. Andert, who knew the names of most investment firms in Artion, sneered coldly.

It seems these kinds of sloppy scams still work.

But the question was why these scammers approached Viscount Hardin, who had nothing. That seemed to be the suspicious part Daniel mentioned as well.

Originally, scammers had one purpose. To collect as much money as possible and disappear at once.

Once they set up their scheme, scammers’ method was to collect every bit of blind money without leaving any behind. But to disappear without even achieving their goal…… 

“Any other notable matters?”

“I heard the Hanover Police Department plans to investigate that company. So I left a word asking them to contact me if anything comes to light. However, if it was a non-existent company from the start, there won’t be much to find.”

Andert’s thoughts were no different.

If they had planned everything from the beginning, it would be even harder to catch their trail. And unusual incidents always had some kind of reason behind them.

The world Andert had learned had never deviated from this rule. After organizing his thoughts, he pointed to the business card.

“Look into it thoroughly.”

“……Yes, understood. But it will be difficult to find anything soon.”

Though there was a slight pause, Daniel didn’t object. However, as if worried about the expected urgency, he offered a careful reminder. Daniel only withdrew after seeing the Duke nod in acknowledgment.

“Then, I’ll take my leave, Your Grace.”

Andert also didn’t detain Daniel who had sufficiently completed his part. Having attended meetings that stretched from morning to evening, he finally leaned his head back against the chair.

Strictly speaking, Viscount Hardin was the victim in this incident. Scammers, Hanover, House Hardin, Bergen, Chloe. Andert’s thoughts headed toward one point like a predetermined sequence.

Still, it wasn’t entirely useless work. At least House Hardin’s name wouldn’t be circulating in public due to this incident.

***

Aaron, who revealed his unwavering yet gentle feelings, treated Chloe as usual.

He neither rushed for an answer nor forcefully pressed his feelings. That was all. Even that day, Aaron, having only expressed his intentions clearly, saw her off.

“Thank you for making time today, Chloe.”

It was a farewell left with a fresh smile.

Chloe finally understood what kind of popularity he had enjoyed when her school friends were so enthusiastic about him. The person she met in the descending darkness of night truly seemed like a painting.

Though she recalled the incident from a few days ago, she didn’t attach any special meaning to it.

While Chloe was well-versed in unrequited love, she was a novice in the process of becoming lovers who exchange love with someone. So she couldn’t accurately judge whether his approach was normal or not. Moreover, according to what she heard that day……

He meant he had feelings for me before. But when exactly?

She couldn’t even guess when that might have been. While Chloe was lost in thought, Tickelon suddenly poked his head in.

“Did something happen?”

“……!”

Startled by the sudden appearance, she stepped back as Tickelon sat down in a chair as if nothing had happened.

It was Tickelon who had suddenly left saying he would visit the studio while checking the progress of the work. The unpredictable person handed her a document as if he hadn’t done anything.

“I chose one of the commission works I mentioned before.”

“Ah, yes.”

The choice was made much quicker than anticipated. Chloe checked the contents with slightly surprised eyes.

The 200th anniversary statue for the Royal Library. It was work that could be recorded as a lifetime achievement for an artist. Chloe unconsciously nodded toward Tickelon who had made a wise choice.

“You chose well. I’ll check the work schedule with the client. Please let me know if you have any preferred dates.”

After finishing her response, she quickly wrote down the tasks to be done in her notebook. First, there were many matters to check since Tickelon would need to relocate until the statue was completed.

“Good. I’m fine with any time since I don’t have any particular work in progress now.”

Tickelon, having made his decision, showed an unusually straightforward attitude.

After returning to the office and underlining the priority tasks, Chloe picked up her notebook. However, he stopped her as she was about to hurriedly stand up.

“There’s one more thing I’d like to request.”

“Yes. What is it?”

He was someone who would usually enter the studio before others could leave. Seeing his unusual behavior, Chloe put down her bag.

After appearing lost in thought for a moment, Tickelon took something out of his pocket.

What is it? Chloe quickly examined the object placed on the table. The thin paper was a pamphlet about the size of an adult’s palm.

“The Hussler Cultural Foundation proposed an exhibition to me. So I’m thinking of doing it.”

“……You mean you’ll participate in the planned exhibition?”

“Yes.”

Surprised by the unexpected statement, Chloe confirmed his intention once more. Above all, he had shown no interest in exhibitions until now. Yet his mind changed in an instant.

Did Aaron’s persuasion finally work?

Knowing the efforts the Hussler Cultural Foundation had been making, Chloe nodded slightly. It wasn’t a bad choice for Tickelon either. Above all, showcasing works to many people through exhibitions was something she had been recommending as well.

“I’ll first convey your intention to the Hussler Cultural Foundation. We can discuss the details gradually afterward.”

Chloe wrote down one more additional item in her notebook.

For the association, it was certainly a welcome development. One of the most notable artists in Artion holding their first planned exhibition.

“But there’s a condition.”

Condition? Chloe looked at Tickelon with puzzled eyes.

Due to the series of unexpected situations today, she couldn’t naturally anticipate his next words. Of course, he was unpredictable by nature anyway. As if by intuition, he made an unexpected request.

“I want you to take full charge of my exhibition and the work regarding the Royal Library statue.”

“……”

Chloe carefully chose her words to avoid any misstatement.

Supporting the artists she managed was part of her duties. But what Tickelon was talking about now went beyond that scope. If that weren’t the case, he wouldn’t have added the word ‘condition’ in the first place.

“Could you explain exactly what range of support you’re requesting?”

At her careful question, Tickelon shook his head as if it was troublesome. He clearly had a face that showed everything was bothersome. The man, who had seemed unusually focused on the conversation, now appeared to be losing concentration.

“It’s exactly as I said. I want to communicate all processes, including exhibition coordination, only through you. I absolutely hate having complicated conversations while meeting various people.”

Chloe was momentarily speechless at his very characteristic answer. While she fully understood what he meant, it was realistically impossible.

Above all, he would have to stay in the capital until the statue was completed. This meant she would also need to go to the capital to coordinate everything immediately.

“I fully understand what you mean. But that’s difficult. Of course, I plan to coordinate well with the Hussler Foundation regarding the exhibition. Also, the Royal Library will assign someone to assist you for your convenience.”

“No. I’ve clearly stated my condition. Of course, since you can’t decide, please convey this to the association as is.”