THHAAWMF

Chapter 72

"I don't know how many times I have to hear that already. The investigation isn't over yet. The Lavirins took a big hit because of the documents Gerald brought."

"But..."

"He was even expelled from Lavirins because of it. If he's really a spy, what is there to gain while going through all that? If it were you, would you want to be stripped of the surname of Essit and join the Lavirins' prison?"

"... No, but-"

"Stop. Unless you have evidence, stop."

The Count cut off the complaint, which was about to continue for a long time, once and for all.

Gerald, who had been eavesdropping on the rich man's conversation, laughed to himself. He felt he could tell what kind of expression Duval had on his face without looking.

For the first time in a long time, Duval said the right thing, but when it came time for the Count to believe him, it was extremely funny.

At that moment, the door to his office suddenly flung open.

Duval, frowning grimly, was holding the doorknob, and the expressionless Count Essit was sitting at the desk behind him.

The Count opened his mouth curtly.

"Welcome. Do you know anything about Ciella Lavirins' life-or-death investment business?"

"And the father, too. She can rely on the rich Luminous, so why would Ciella want to bet her life or death? I'm sure he speaks without listening carefully somewhere."

Duval, who disliked Gerald, became gruff. Gerald spoke quietly, not looking at Duval as he did so.

"Although she was lucky enough to become a minor marquis, it was only through the dirty tricks of the trade. She must have been anxious because she did not receive the recognition of her vassals."

"I hear that Count Lindel, who is the most vocal of the vassals, is in favor of Ciella?"

"The Count's character is such that he would not support her without a reason. Ciella's character is weak and easily manipulated, and he is simply trying to seize power behind her back."

"Her character is weak?"

Duval, who had been properly beaten by Ciella, said something else.

Gerald would have agreed with that, but he didn't have the heart to show it. In any case, the public rumor was right about the softness.

Count Essit, who was not interested in whether Ciella was weak or not, asked the main question.

"What is Ciella trying to do?"

"It's a mining business."

Gerald quickly replied.

"You already know that Raven, known as an impurity in the mines, was the core material of the scrolls.

"Hmmm."

"Ciella took advantage of the merchant group Luminous and bought up all the Raven at a low price. In the process, she acquired one of the abandoned mines, where a gemstone was discovered."

"What is it?"

"It doesn't have a name yet. Ciella was the first to discover it."

Count Essit's eyes narrowed at the mention of a jewel that had never existed before.

Gerald calmly continued his explanation.

"After checking, the same gemstone was found in another abandoned mine nearby. They say it is similar in color to a ruby but more flamboyant and stronger, and that it glows on its own when placed in a dark place."