The office of Duke Giovanni Madeleine.
Midday sunlight slanted through the round glass window. Sir Huxley sighed as the golden light crept steadily across the desk and quickly drew the curtains closed.
Fortunately, the Duke said nothing.
The scratching of pen against paper filled the office—a rhythm no different from any other day.
And yet Sir George Huxley, who had served as the Duke's aide for several years, knew instinctively that his master's current composure was merely the calm before a storm.
In such situations, Lord Huxley understood precisely what was required of him.
He departed the office in silence.
The moment the door clicked shut, Giovanni Madeleine released a heavy breath.
---
Late that evening, in the drawing room of the Duke of Madeleine's residence.
Conrad sighed.
Just as the butler had warned—the matter was urgent. Even a cursory glance revealed that the figures and payments recorded in the ledger did not align. The momentary stiffening of Ethella's expression before him told Conrad she had already noticed.
"I'm sorry, Brother. I should have checked more carefully."
Conrad shook his head at his youngest sister's crestfallen face and offered her a gentle smile.
"It would have been difficult to catch immediately—these are quarterly payment records."
"What Young Master Conrad says is true, Lady Ethella. At your age, it's no small feat to identify such discrepancies at all. You've done admirably."
The butler spoke encouragingly, attempting to lift Ethella's spirits. When her sullen expression persisted, he added:
"In truth, it must have been quite challenging for Lady Ethella to manage all the responsibilities that Master Jade ought to have handled."
But...
Conrad swallowed the thought that surfaced unbidden and offered Ethella another reassurance.
"It's all right—this is your first time. You did well. I'll take care of this, so continue your studies as you have been."
Ethella nodded reluctantly at the warmth in his voice and departed the drawing room.
Only then did Conrad press his fingers to the bridge of his nose.
Exhaustion washed over him in an instant.
The agreement with the Kingdom of Heferti was drawing near, and his duties as aide to the Minister of Foreign Affairs had piled high as mountains. And now, on top of everything, he had to attend to household affairs as well.
The mansion was supposed to be where I rested. Instead, I've inherited yet more work.
Conrad exhaled softly and reviewed the ledger. Beyond the quarterly payment records, there were budget details to examine, estate reports to assess—
He gritted his teeth, thinking of Jade.
Then he shrugged, as though surrendering.
Rumors are circulating through the palace that Sir Madeleine, vice-captain of the Third Knights, has been throwing himself into sparring like a man possessed.
It likely had something to do with what had occurred a few days ago—when Jade had appeared in Conrad's office with a face as gray as ash.
But Conrad had no desire to summon Jade for another conversation.
If driving his body to exhaustion helps ease whatever troubles him, then so be it.
Conrad picked up his pen once more and turned to the final payment records.
Unlike the ledger before him—with its patchy, inconsistent entries—the previous volume was immaculate. Even at a glance, the organization was crystal clear.
If only I could simply sign off on a ledger this well-maintained...
As Conrad's eyes moved across the transactions—Essela's Boutique, various merchant accounts, food ingredient suppliers—
He froze.
---