Chapter 23

“You’re doing it again—again! You always wrap things up so sloppily, and that’s why the numbers never add up!”

“When have I ever caused trouble in trade matters?”

“That’s only because Deborah was cleaning up your mess behind the scenes. Barely kept the numbers in balance!”

Twice a month, on the day of Mergen’s regular business reports, voices often rose throughout the hall.

It might have seemed like they were scrutinizing one another diligently, but in truth, it was just a petty game—shifting attention to someone else’s mistakes to cover their own faults.

I had seen these obvious tactics play out in front of me too many times to count.

“Peace be upon you all.”

I greeted the snake-like retainers with a calm, polite smile.

“Why are you here again?”

“Seems like anyone can just walk in these days.”

“Who even called that girl?”

“Now even stray cats and dogs are trying to claim a seat.”

The retainers, having spotted me, looked around with visible irritation, muttering among themselves.

“I’m here because Grandfather entrusted me with certain responsibilities. So naturally, I need to attend the regular reports as well.”

I replied to them with a warm, courteous smile.

When I was Deborah, this same smile used to make at least a few of them break into nervous sweat. But now, with this new face, I must have seemed easier to brush off.

Their gazes ranged from cold to condescending as they looked me over.

“Well, then I’ll find myself a seat somewhere suitable… But if you plan to ask him the same question you just asked me—” I tilted my head toward the doorway—“then please lower your voices.”

I walked toward a vacant seat on one side of the large round table.

As I moved out of the way of the entrance, Chloe and Abel stepped into the meeting hall.

“You’ve arrived!”

“Please, have a seat.”

The retainers’ reaction shifted instantly—the coldness they had shown me was replaced by enthusiastic greetings and warm smiles for Chloe and Abel.

Watching them fawn over Chloe and grin at Abel made my stomach twist. My posture shifted slightly as the irritation crept in.

They used to act that way toward me, once.

So much for loyalty in a noble household.

These men, who prided themselves on being aristocratic, had no backbone to speak of.

“You’ve brought fresh blood into the council chamber,” Chloe said to me, her tone light but her eyes glinting with intent.

No doubt, she hoped that “fresh blood” would flow fast and strong—straight into her own son’s veins.

“The Lord has arrived.”

No need to spar with Chloe today. Grandfather entered just in time.

The retainers quickly rose to greet him.

He scanned the room with his usual quiet authority as he walked in.

When his eyes met mine, the moment lingered—longer than usual—before they moved on.

“Be seated, everyone.”

As he sat, the others followed.

“Both Irene and Abel are present today because they are now officially involved in Mergen’s affairs. Let there be no more fuss about it from this point forward.”

At his words, the retainers exchanged glances and subtle signals.

“Abel, begin with the border report from Hecla.”

“Yes, sir.”

These meetings weren’t just for giving reports—they were a battlefield.
A place where everyone was watched, judged, and measured.

As Abel took the floor, the retainers perked up, ears sharply tuned in.

“To resolve internal unrest, I restructured the private military. We’ve reorganized the ranks in more detail and revised the salary system. I also introduced a rewards program to improve motivation.”

“There must have been pushback.”

“I implemented a policy that prioritizes knighthood appointments. There were a few grumbles, but we significantly increased the pay calculations for long-serving members, so overall discontent was minimal. The reward system also benefits those with long service.”

“What about your own men?”

“I selected those who wished to stay and had them settle there.”

“Hm.”

Grandfather fell silent for a moment, deep in thought.

Though Abel’s report sounded solid, what Grandfather really wanted was likely the complete absorption of Abel’s knights and soldiers into the Mergen structure. So, he wasn’t fully satisfied.

“The number of private soldiers there is already substantial. If we draw more attention, it could give the empire a reason to bring them under state control.”

I was slightly surprised by Abel’s follow-up.

He’d already considered that?

“Now isn’t the right time. The empire is still recovering from the recent war and is trying to replenish its forces.”

Abel spoke as if he had fully adopted Mergen’s interests as his own.

Since when did he prioritize Mergen over the Empire or his knighthood?

This wasn’t a good sign.

“You’re right. That’s a valid point,” Grandfather replied. “But even His Majesty the Emperor cannot easily lay claim to Mergen’s private army. Since the founding of this nation, Mergen has been the only one able to defend the Hecla border. That’s why they’ve left us alone—unspoken understanding.”

“But when things quiet down outside, they always start tightening things inside,” Abel replied.

“Indeed. Your logic stands.”

So, you’ve learned quite a bit out there on the battlefield, Abel.

For a moment, I felt a brief, unexpected pride at his growth.

“Then I’ll leave this matter to you for the time being.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“As expected of Lord Abel! By the way, there’s a rumor that His Majesty plans to grant you a special title for your service in the war. Is it true?”

“Looks like Mergen is gaining a new noble title!”

With the mood lifted, the retainers eagerly poured out their flattery and praise like a flood they could no longer hold back.

So, Abel is being granted a title.

A war hero—it’s only natural, I suppose.

Mergen was officially a marquessate. Titles like count, viscount, and baron were plentiful. But in truth, few among Mergen’s bloodline ever accepted new titles for themselves. Instead, they preferred to stay within the bounds of the Mergen name, even if that meant giving up an individual title.

After all, the name Mergen held more power than any title could.

Still, I turned to Abel and spoke with genuine sincerity.

“Congratulations.”

I offered him my congratulations.

For Abel, this title would mean something more than prestige.

To someone who belonged to Mergen yet was never truly accepted into it, this title might be the only nameplate that officially defined him.

…Well, unless he ends up becoming head of the family someday. Then things would be different.

“This is exactly why every household needs a knight, don’t you think?”

“A knight? Please, he’s practically a grand general!”

The retainers were getting carried away now, some likely eyeing even higher positions for him.

They didn’t stop to think what they would do if their precious rope to power were suddenly cut off on the battlefield.

I nearly scoffed at the sight.

“Let’s move on,” Grandfather cut through the noise, quieting the room in an instant.

“Irene, how is the Berondo mine being managed?”

All eyes turned to me.

The moment I’d been waiting for had arrived.

I stood, as if I’d merely been waiting for my cue.

“First of all, I regret to report that several problems have been found in the mine’s operations.”

At my words, the room began to stir with quiet murmurs.

“In particular, after my sister’s death, a suspicious amount of untraceable funds went missing in a very short period of time.”

“Have you identified who was behind it?”

“There are far too many people involved in the mine’s business. It’ll take time to determine who embezzled what and how much.”

At that, I noticed Uncle Milles—seated across from me—turn ghostly pale.

His eyes flicked rapidly from side to side, clearly racing through possible explanations in his mind.

“Even if it takes time, money leaves a trail. It can be tracked.”

“Can you take full responsibility for finding it?”

“Leave it to me. But in return, I’d like full authority over all operations related to the mine.”

At that, the retainers erupted in protest.

“What are you saying! That entire business—how could one person manage it all?”

“There’s already a system in place. It’s not possible!”

“This is nothing more than a scheme to drive us out. My lord, please!”

Naturally, I expected such a reaction.

In fact, the more agitated they became, the better it worked in my favor.

“Once those involved in the embezzlement are dismissed, we’ll need someone to take over anyway, won’t we? Besides, the mine’s management is far too fragmented for its scale. The way responsibilities are divided makes it nearly impossible to track the flow of funds.”

“It was only like that because we had to act quickly when it was newly assigned!”

“Well, I think it’s time we change the structure.”

I turned to Grandfather with a calm, pleasant smile.

Of course, I was the only one smiling now.

Everyone else wore increasingly grim expressions.

“You’re becoming quite proactive,” said Chloe with a sharp, thin smile.

“I’m finding it… quite enjoyable. Seems to suit me well.”

It was something I had done as naturally as breathing—but now that everyone saw me as an enemy, it almost felt easier.

I had nothing to protect, nothing to hesitate over. And that felt surprisingly freeing.

“I’ll collect today’s ledgers and deliver a finalized report by tomorrow.”

I put particular emphasis on the word today.

A few of those sitting across from me began to sweat.

Things were going exactly as I wanted.

“Irene, you’re really putting in the effort,” Chloe said at last.

Her cold gaze pierced straight through me.

“Looks like your health has improved quite a bit.”

“There are still some lingering issues, but nothing I can’t endure.”

“How strange…”

So, this is where she was going. Let’s see what kind of provocation she has in mind.

“When Deborah was alive, you were sick as if you had one foot in the grave. And the moment she died… it’s like you came back to life.”