“Heh, even after a successful investment, she didn’t make a proper profit due to insufficient funds! How can such a thing happen…”

He placed his palm on the desk and then clenched his fist.

Even if Shailyn wasn’t a direct descendant of Diart, it was a blow to his pride for her to be distressed over money issues while staying at the Duke’s residence.

On the other hand, he had this thought:

‘She’s very much like Diane, who secretly made her first investment with her saved allowance…’

Of course, Diane’s initial investment was a million gold, which couldn’t be compared to Shailyn’s.

But her drive to immediately pursue what she wanted was the same.

‘Diane’s daughter is indeed her daughter.’

He chuckled unconsciously and then paced the room with his hands behind his back, turning serious.

Having made up his mind, Bartholomew solemnly ordered.

“Bring Shailyn here immediately.”

Shailyn entered Bartholomew’s study, puzzled.

She hadn’t been told the reason for the sudden summons, so she straightened her back with tension.

Her grandfather, standing by the window with his hands behind his back, exuded an aura of authority.

His graying hair was tinged red by the twilight.

“You called for me?”

“Yes, Shailyn.”

Bartholomew spoke gravely.

“I heard you have an interest in investing.”

“What? Oh, yes.”

“Do you know what’s important in investment?”

“Um… information.”

“Of course, that’s important. But more crucial is money.”

As the saying goes, money begets money. You need money to make more money.

Bartholomew continued solemnly.

“No matter how good your information is, you can’t invest without money. Even if you fail, you can only seize the next opportunity if you have money.”

“Oh… you’re right.”

Shailyn agreed, feeling downcast.

That’s why she hadn’t been able to earn a satisfactory amount, despite her successful investment.

Noticing her expression, Bartholomew cleared his throat and spoke again.

“You seem only interested in stocks, but I also like investing in people.”

In his younger days, he found satisfaction in watching his wealth grow.

But as he aged, he became more interested in people than money.

Especially those with potential and talent.

“So, how about it? I’ll support you once more, so would you like to pursue your interests again?”

“……!”

Shailyn’s eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected proposal.

“Why, why me…?”

“As I said, I’m interested in talent, and more importantly, I don’t like seeing those under me in despair.”

Bartholomew faintly furrowed his brow. Having spent most of his life as the head of the family, he pursued perfection in managing people.

He naturally helped any servant whose family was struggling or sick.

Let alone a granddaughter with shared blood…

“In any case, as long as you’re staying at Diart, you’re under my protection, so I can offer this much help.”

Even if their bond wasn’t as strong as with his servants, he couldn’t easily turn away.

“Of course, if you don’t want to—”

“Oh, no! I’ll do it!”

Shailyn quickly raised her hand, her eyes shining.

Bartholomew’s lips curled slightly at her spirited response.

It was far better than seeing her dejected and dispirited.

“Good, then I’ll support you with a million gold. Invest as you wish.”

“Gasp!”

The amount was larger than she expected, and Shailyn covered her mouth.

Ah, having a wealthy grandfather is really nice.

He’s generous even to a granddaughter he’s not particularly fond of.

Although it felt a bit burdensome, she tried to lower the amount, but Bartholomew was firm.

He said if he couldn’t give this much, he might as well abandon the Diart estate.

‘Great, let’s do this. I’m going to conquer this world’s stock market.’

Shailyn left Bartholomew’s study with determination.

On her way back, she coincidentally ran into Dain.

“Ha ha, hello, Shailyn!”

He greeted her warmly with a smile.

Since their duel, she had become quite comfortable with Dain.

They were now on informal terms with each other.

“What have you been up to lately? If you have nothing to do, come visit the training grounds.”

“Sorry, I’ve been a bit busy…”

“It’s fine. I just mentioned it because someone was curious about how you’re doing.”

Dain shrugged lightly. Shailyn tilted her head slightly.

“Who’s curious about me?”

“Um… just someone who saw the duel?”

Recalling the knights present at the time, Shailyn replied.

“Oh, tell them I’ve already forgotten about that duel and I’m doing well.”

“What? Ha ha ha!”

Dain burst into hearty laughter. He seemed ready to clutch his stomach and roll around.

He could imagine how his friend’s reaction would be upon hearing that.

“Whew, alright. I’ll pass it on.”

He left with a face still carrying traces of laughter.

* * *

Shailyn diligently studied stocks and looked for new investment targets.

After some time, she narrowed it down to two candidates.

Gurten Magical Railroad Company and Gracia’s Boutique.

On her second visit to the stock exchange…

Investing with someone else’s money made her nervous and anxious, so she asked Carl.

“I’m planning to buy Gurten and Gracia stocks today. Is that okay?”

“Why those two?”

Carl asked indifferently.

“Well, Gracia’s Boutique recently opened its first overseas branch, which is positive news, and Gurten Magical Railroad Company shows signs of rebounding after a recent unexplained decline.”

“Hmm.”

He nodded with a face showing little interest.

Oh, if only he knew that his master’s success meant a hefty salary for him too.

As they entered the exchange, Carl spoke up.

“Buy more shares of Gurten Magical Railroad Company.”

“Why?”

“I saw in the newspaper that it looked better.”

“Really?”

Usually, buying stocks based on such advice is a surefire way to fail.

But for some reason, Carl’s words carried undeniable weight.

After some thought, she incorporated his opinion and invested 400,000 in Gracia’s Boutique and 600,000 in Gurten Magical Railroad Company.

As she received her stock certificate and was about to leave, she accidentally bumped into someone.

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

The person in a long black robe nodded at my apology.

A glimpse of a bandaged hand was visible between the sleeves.

Were they injured?

“Master, this way.”

Carl led me in the opposite direction.

The black-robed figure stood still for a moment, seemingly looking our way, then quickly left.

Feeling uneasy, I glanced at the rapidly disappearing figure.

“Why?”

“Oh, nothing…”

“Stop paying attention to unnecessary things and let’s go.”

“Okay.”

I obediently followed Carl’s urging.

The presence of the black robe soon faded from my mind.

* * *

And a few days later.

My stocks…

<Gracia’s Boutique sees stock rise after branch opening!>

<Exclusive: Gurten Magical Railroad Company stock soars daily! Viscount Dawson becomes the biggest beneficiary>

Fortunately, both were successful.

Gracia’s Boutique achieved a 50% return, and Gurten Magical Railroad Company an impressive 200% return.

‘Wow, Carl was right.’

I was glad I listened to my bondservant and invested more in Gurten.

Out of the 2.25 million gold earned from selling the stocks, I gave 1.25 million to Lord Diart.

“Stop. Isn’t this the money I gave you for investment?”

Lord Diart was flustered and refused, but I insisted.

“That’s why I’m giving it to you. You should benefit from the investment to make it successful.”

“If you insist, just return the principal and take back 250,000 gold. It feels like I’m taking candy from a baby.”

“No, then I’d be an unprofitable investment. There should be a profit beyond recovering the principal.”

“Not all value is determined by money. I’m satisfied with just the principal.”

After a long back-and-forth, I offered a good suggestion.

“Then, please accept it as pocket money.”

“Pocket money?”

“Yes! I’m still your granddaughter… I can give you pocket money.”

While he hesitated, I forced an envelope into his hand.

Receiving it in a daze, he muttered with a peculiar expression.

“Heh, well. I’ve lived to see the day I receive pocket money…”

“Is this your first time receiving it?”

“From my grandchildren, yes. Dain is a knight, so he doesn’t earn much personally, and Deborah just became an adult.”

That meant I was the first granddaughter to give him pocket money.

Realizing this, I felt strangely emotional.

In my original world, when I received my first paycheck, I had no one to celebrate with, so I bought myself a piece of cake.

I stuck a candle in it and congratulated and encouraged myself for a month’s hard work.

‘If I had a family, I would have given them pocket money long ago.’

With money I earned through hard work, not stocks.

‘Sigh, what’s the use of such thoughts? I need to find the male lead quickly.’

I shook off the sentimental thoughts that were creeping in.

Lord Diart, who had been watching me silently, spoke in a low voice.