Now, Go Ahead and Stamp It - Chapter 39

“By internal investigation, do you mean…?”

When Gillian asked, Hedges let out a deep sigh before speaking.

“The matter I initially questioned you about, despite already knowing, was regarding the various establishments you manage.”

Establishments…!

Gillian struggled to conceal his agitation.

He thought it was strange that information had leaked.

Had he been found out?

“You’ve stirred things up quite thoroughly here. While it wasn’t entirely without offense, every noble family discreetly commits some illegal acts to gather slush funds. I have that much flexibility.”

Gillian looked at the Emperor with newfound eyes.

‘…I thought he was unaware because he was quiet.’

In truth, he knew about his schemes.

‘But even so, he wants to keep me close…’

Gillian perfectly understood what the Emperor was implying.

“However, Crient would not agree. Especially if Lady Krembell is aware of your family’s internal affairs to some extent.”

Gillian bowed his head.

He couldn’t deny that part.

Ellen Krembell hadn’t been informed of such things yet.

However, she knew how the funds received from Crient were being used.

No matter what, there would be noisy stories emerging.

“…I do not wish for unpleasant events to occur within my power. So find a suitable compromise. Get divorced.”

But to hear such words…

‘Divorce.’

Only one word echoed in Gillian’s mind.

‘Divorce? Me?’

Why.

No, the reasons had just been laid out by the Emperor, so he wasn’t unaware.

Certainly, divorce wasn’t an idea that originated from the Emperor’s mind but was likely a compromise suggested by Crient.

The Emperor chose a strategy of yielding some flesh rather than cutting bones, that is, accommodating Crient’s request while ensuring Krembell’s dignity wasn’t too offended.

It was surprising how significant Crient’s meaning was to the Emperor.

But thanks to that, he could also confirm that the Emperor valued him highly.

With the Emperor valuing him highly now, he should agree to the deal.

Gaining his trust was the right choice.

However—

‘Why must I give up what is mine?’

She was his.

For Gillian Krembell…

‘They came to me on their own in the first place. And now?’

They wanted something from him, which was the honor and the power that came with the name Krembell.

He had been faithful to that contract.

‘…Then they should also be faithful. And now they want to back out? Run away from me?’

“If that happens, I will be the one who loses too much by unilaterally giving up. Your Majesty knows what marriage between nobles signifies. I cannot give up on the Crient family.”

“Cannot give up, you say.”

The Emperor repeated his words and asked.

“Is it Crient that is important, or is it something you can receive from them?”

Gillian pondered for a moment.

Must he view them separately like that?

One thing was certain, money was something he could never give up.

“…The latter.”

“Understood. I will take responsibility for that part.”

“I am grateful, Your Majesty, but when you say responsibility…”

“I have bonds in Magnolia that I own as private property. I prepared them in case something like this happened. Since they are from another country, the source of funds will not be easily traced. Only you and I need to know about this. Let’s settle it with that for now.”

The Emperor promised Gillian substantial support.

But he couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling.

“Your Majesty, there is no need for you to go that far. Just turning a blind eye would…”

“Duke. Do you think I wouldn’t mind losing the slush funds I created? But more than that, I value Crient and you highly. If I side with you here, there’s a high chance Crient will turn their back on me. I believe I have suggested the best possible compromise.”

Hedges’ tone was firm.

Whatever his uneasy feeling was, the Emperor was not open to negotiation, and he had no effective card to overturn the situation.

Gillian sensed that this was where he should retreat.

“…Yes. I was short-sighted.”

When he apologized, the Emperor offered him some consolation, looking somewhat apologetic.

“Don’t be too hasty. Although Crient is like that now, eventually they will come back to you.”

“They will?”

“Do you not think so?”

“……”

“Crient now believes they have secured a place in the center, but whether it was possible because they formed ties with Krembell or achieved it on their own remains to be seen.”

The Emperor nodded slightly toward Gillian.

“Think of it as making them owe you a debt through this commotion. Let’s wait for them to return on their own.”

“Yes, I understand, Your Majesty.”

“Then, as the saying goes, strike while the iron is hot, contact the Crient family. Hey there!”

The Emperor called out loudly to the attendant waiting outside.

He received a paper from the attendant, quickly scribbled something on it, sealed it with the ring he was wearing, and said.

“Come with me as you are. The sooner we handle this, the better.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The funds the Emperor was aware of, as well as the funds that Crient knew about but the Emperor did not.

The latter was much better, but he couldn’t assert that fact in front of the Emperor.

‘Not good. It’s not good, but…’

However, as the Emperor said, this was the best for now.

But what on earth was this feeling?

Beyond uneasiness, this feeling was that unpleasant.

Gillian’s face hardened with unresolved worries.

* * *

“Miss, a letter has arrived for you from the Crient residence.”

Christie handed over a letter she received while gathering daily necessities.

“Thank you.”

Ellen accepted the letter with a light greeting.

The envelope felt quite thick in her hand.

‘It doesn’t seem to be just one sheet.’

When she opened the seal, two separately folded sheets of letter paper and a thick bundle came out.

<Ellen, everything you asked for has been handled well.

One was checked directly, so you know it well, and the other I’ve only now sorted out the list and sent it to you in this letter.

I enclose the profiles of Peter Alberson, Paul Valentin, and Rachel Eden. Make the final decision yourself.

PS. Elsier sent me your letter. I am sending it back to you enclosed.>

It was about the physician she had previously requested from her father.

To treat Lady Sorbon’s severe injuries quietly without anyone knowing. She thought someone like that would be necessary and had given a hint.

‘Peter Alberson. I don’t particularly remember him. He must be someone with neither great problems nor great achievements. Paul Valentin, I heard this guy has a tendency to abuse narcotic painkillers rather than properly treating symptoms. Not good. I vaguely remember he performed surgery on a noble family’s member, and it didn’t end well as the patient eventually died…’

Even for her, it was impossible to perfectly remember rumors she hadn’t paid attention to.

At that time, she was also incredibly busy, so she only remembered thinking, ‘A noble faction guy, serves him right.’

‘Rachel Eden. I remember this woman.’

She learned well under her physician father, but no one entrusted work to a female physician, so she was treated as mediocre.

So she discreetly treated patients who were poor and hopelessly urgent, and the Countess of Garnet was among those ‘hopeless patients,’ which became her turning point.

‘We can provide the environment. Appoint Eden as the physician, and meet the facility requirements as much as possible. Both the mansion and the lord’s castle.’

Ellen wrote a reply to her father’s letter and then opened the remaining sheet, likely from Elsier.

<Sister, how is your health?

I hope to hear some news from you, but since the world is quiet, I am living by reflecting on the saying that no news is good news these days.

Sister, I have somehow become friends with Lady Sorbon. Her name is May. She’s a better friend than I thought.

I’ve also become acquainted with her friend named Marina, who is May Sorbon’s roommate. Both of them said they would cooperate if there’s anything they can do regarding Periwinkle.

But sister, I think the problem is more serious than I thought.

If it weren’t for you, I would have dismissed these things as Periwinkle’s pathetic antics and wouldn’t have paid attention. I am truly grateful for that. You are indeed my sister.

Anyway, I plan to make my own efforts. I’m even a bit excited thinking about making that child from Periwinkle suffer every day.

Oh, I hope our family takes responsibility for this friend named Marina in case of an emergency. I don’t think our territory is in a position to reject the opportunity to acquire highly educated personnel for free.

Then, I hope you recover soon, sister.>

“…Ah, this kid.”

When Ellen sighed lightly, Maria, who was watching her from the side, spoke.

“It must be your younger sibling. Younger siblings do tend to cause trouble.”

Hearing her gentle words with a smile, Ellen nodded in agreement.

“This reckless child is often ignorant of the ways of the world and causes trouble… I’m worried.”

Her health should be the priority.

‘I hope he doesn’t forget even such things.’

With such murmurs, Ellen wrote a reply to send to Elsier.

<You’ve worked hard. I feel reassured with you around.

But Elsier, hearing your judgment that the problem seems serious, I leave this word out of concern.

Your health and safety are the top priorities. Everything should be within the bounds of you not getting hurt. Do you understand?

I trust you, as you’ve never disobeyed your sister. Please don’t act rashly.>

Ellen asked for the letters to be sent to the family and the academy.

‘Now the groundwork with Marquis Avalanche is laid. All that remains is to wait for an incident.’

According to the Crown Prince’s message, the Emperor also agreed to dismiss Krembell.

‘The expulsion will occur after Marquis Avalanche is fully recruited, but at least in the upcoming divorce court, he will side with me.’

Ellen leaned back completely against the hard, reality-reminding backrest of the wheelchair rather than the sofa and closed her eyes.

Goodbye, Gillian.

Finally, the abyss before you begins to show.

I want to show you this scenery soon.

Your Majesty Gillian Krembell, you despicable usurper.