Chapter 3 : A Soul Worth Ten Thousand
Chapter Three
Within the hall, the soft rustle of turning pages was the only sound that lingered for a while.
It was Count Raven who finally shattered that silence. He approached hastily, making his way to the creditor, Klein.
“The gloves you left behind—are these the ones? Here they are.”
“Yes.”
Klein took the gloves, but instead of leaving, he continued flipping through the notebook. Count Raven, who didn’t dare snatch it from his hands, couldn’t attract his attention and thus resorted to a theatrical tone:
“Ah, that’s a drawing by my daughter. It’s nothing worth noticing, really.”
“I wasn’t aware the young lady was inclined toward the arts.”
“Yes, well… it’s just a frivolous pastime. Nothing of significance.”
“……”
Count Raven waited for Klein to leave, but the man continued to gaze at the drawing without uttering a word.
‘Damn it, why won’t he just leave and stop wasting time!’
Though his expression remained composed, the Count cursed internally. What could he possibly see in those worthless sketches? Perhaps it was simply a pretense—to linger long enough until the debt was repaid.
That was Count Raven’s conclusion. Rubbing his hands together with a forced politeness, he said:
“The money—I’ll have it ready by tomorrow, without fail. Certainly! So, before it gets too late—”
“No need for that.”
“…What?”
The man, who had been silently studying the drawing for quite some time, turned his eyes toward Brittany with exacting clarity.
“I won’t be taking the money. I’ll take your daughter instead.”
“…What?”
Count Raven stood frozen, unable to process what he had just heard. Did he truly mean to exchange the debt for his daughter? Ten thousand pounds?
Even to a man like Raven—reckless and ungrateful with money—the notion was absurd.
“So… you refuse?”
Klein’s question was laced with nonchalance, as though the matter didn’t concern him in the slightest.
Before the Count could blurt out something foolish like “If you’re unwilling…”, he quickly came to his senses and bowed deeply:
“Refuse? Of course not! How could I possibly refuse Your Grace’s words?”
Then, turning toward Brittany, he bellowed:
“Brittany! Hurry up and get ready!”
He had no reason to decline Klein’s offer.
There were no unfavorable terms. In fact, it was a profitable arrangement.
Count Raven felt nothing for his daughter. She would inherit neither title nor fortune. To him, she was merely a tool to be married off to a wealthy man if the need arose.
‘What an incredible stroke of luck!’
He rejoiced inwardly.
Ten thousand pounds—an amount that could only be repaid by selling the entire estate. And here was a man willing to pay that much… for a woman?
But upon further reflection, perhaps it wasn’t so strange.
‘Well, she is undeniably beautiful.’
He looked over at Brittany, who had risen hesitantly. Despite her bruised cheek, she was a girl any man would covet.
Even her plain brown hair appeared luminous against her porcelain skin.
Ten thousand pounds was a tremendous sum—but for a man of Klein’s wealth, perhaps not so much.
To the Count, it was clear: she was being taken as a mistress.
He tried to suppress the corners of his lips from lifting, afraid that showing too much delight might make Klein change his mind. But the joy in his eyes was impossible to hide.
Klein, seeing that the Count remained motionless, moved past him and approached the hesitant girl.
“Pack your belongings.”
“…?”
“Didn’t you hear? You’ve just been sold to me—for ten thousand pounds. If you have nothing to bring with you, then come as you are.”
“I… I mean…”
Faced with a decision made without her will, Brittany faltered and looked down. The shadows of her trembling lashes cast delicate patterns across her cheek.
“Just so you know, I’m not a patient man.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Count Raven rushed over, grabbed Brittany by the arm, and yanked her to her feet. The sudden motion sent her world spinning.
“Move quickly! You— I mean, Brittany, get upstairs at once!”
He gave her no time to breathe, leaning in to hiss in her ear:
“Can’t you move faster before he changes his mind? You’ve been useless all your life, and now—finally—you’ll be of use. Go on, up you go!”
He shoved her toward the staircase, then clasped his hands together and turned back to Klein with an oily smile.
“So… would you mind writing a receipt confirming the debt is paid? Of course, I’m not questioning Your Grace’s word, but for the sake of clarity…”
“You’re worrying over nothing. Fine—I’ll send someone tomorrow.”
As ordered, Brittany began gathering her things, swaying as she ascended the stairs. The men’s voices faded with each step. Fighting the nausea, she entered her room to prepare.
There wasn’t much to take. A few worn dresses, unbefitting a noble girl, and the art supplies she had painstakingly collected over time. Though overwhelmed by the abruptness of it all, her hands moved swiftly—fear of further punishment compelling her.
Once ready, she stepped out of her room. Her legs trembled so violently that she nearly tripped down the stairs, clutching the railing for balance. As she descended, Count Raven stormed toward her, grabbed her wrist, twisted it, and pulled her roughly.
“What are you dawdling for? Move it! The man’s already outside! Hurry before he changes his mind!”
His desperation made it clear—his only concern was securing the deal. Whether his daughter broke her ankle on the stairs meant nothing to him.
“Your Grace! Here she is!”
Count Raven shouted toward Klein, who was speaking with the coachman.
Brittany was dragged outside almost forcibly. The Count shoved her toward Klein, as though afraid he might leave without her.
Brittany struggled to steady herself as she approached. She lifted her gaze. He was a full head taller than she was—tall enough that she had to tilt her chin to see him properly, even though she herself was not short.
“Is that all you brought?”
He gestured with his eyes toward the small square bag in her hand.
“Yes… yes…”
She answered with trembling lips, avoiding his gaze.
“Then get in.”
She stared blankly at the hand he extended toward her.
“……”
She didn’t understand why he had offered it. Frozen in place, the man frowned.
When she remained motionless, clutching her bag and keeping her lips tightly sealed, Count Raven twisted her arm roughly once more. Brittany gasped and looked at him—his glare alone was a threat.
Only then did she realize Klein had extended his hand to help her up. Her face flushed red with embarrassment at her own ignorance. Lowering her chin and biting her lip, she finally took it. His hand was large and firm.
“Brittany, take care now. Your Grace, I entrust her to you!”
As soon as she climbed into the carriage, Count Raven waved with a broad grin, satisfied. He closed the door behind her.
Brittany sat in a corner, gazing out the window at the house fading into the distance. It felt like a dream. Was she truly leaving that place forever?
The carriage rumbled down the hill, shaking slightly, reminding her that this was real.
‘I thought I’d never escape…’
For twenty-one years, her father had been there. Yet she felt no regret in leaving him behind. Instead, she felt relief—freedom. But now… what would happen?
A wave of anxiety washed over her.
‘Why is this man taking me?’
He sat across from her, one leg crossed over the other, resting his chin on his hand, gazing out the window. He appeared composed, the complete opposite of her emotional turmoil. She couldn’t read him.
Klein de Windsor.
She recalled his name. A corrupt man who would do anything for money—or so her father had claimed. He often spoke of him with disdain, saying it was shameful for someone of noble blood to conduct business like a common merchant.
Klein had amassed his wealth at a young age through wool manufacturing and trade. A few years ago, he had established a bank and entered the lending business.
Though his fortune came from commerce, there was nothing to be criticized—his lineage was noble, his business acumen unmatched, and even his appearance was… impeccable.
But still—
‘Why would someone like him buy someone like me?’
