Done By Sid/Alina
Chapter 15
Aira began compiling the family’s wealth report with meticulous care. By afternoon, she would have to deal with the newly arrived gifts in the warehouse.
“Aside from the three most important treasures, the rest…”
Seeing the list filled with valuables that didn’t align, Aira clicked her tongue disapprovingly. She had already noticed the misplaced family treasures given away to Julienne without permission, and the amount Luna had embezzled from the ledgers was significant.
“Completely unreliable.”
It was no surprise, then, that aside from the gifts her father gave, Luna’s personal items were of the highest quality. As she furrowed her brow further to inspect the treasures, Gemma entered from outside.
Covered in dust and wearing worn black clothing from cleaning a neglected corner, she approached.
“Miss, how is the work coming along?”
“Luna’s management was full of gaps. I can’t accept such negligence…”
Aira spoke with a chilly voice, placing a hand on her temple.
“My mother’s heirlooms were practically embezzled too.”
Aira’s mother, the Countess, was from a wealthy noble family, and upon her marriage to Count Marcelline, she brought many dowries into the family. While she lived, the family’s wealth was carefully managed by her, and her authority was such that even Count Marcelline had to tread lightly around her.
Upon her passing, the responsibility of managing the family assets fell to Count Marcelline, but in recent years, he entrusted it to Luna. And yet, Luna had proven unable to handle the responsibility.
“Like a cat in front of fish.”
And no one knew that the embezzled treasures amounted to a staggering 200,000 Berks—a sum equivalent to half the annual budget of the Count’s household, which was around 400,000 Berks.
“Was it Laphias Julli? That social gathering Luna attends?”
Unlike Aira, who occasionally attended noble parties and kept a low profile, Luna seemed to thrive in such gatherings. Despite not being of noble blood or even born into the family, she managed to insert herself into high-society events.
“It’s a gathering of rising young noblewomen, and I heard they are hosting a charity ball this time.”
“But with the current situation, it would be difficult for Luna to attend.”
“She’ll have to keep a close eye on Father’s gaze.”
Hearing Gemma’s words, a subtle smile played on Aira’s lips. It had become clear to her that since Luna began attending Laphias Julli’s social gatherings, the cold stares of the other noblewomen directed at her had increased.
Stretching her arms, Aira placed the ledger aside and rose from her seat.
“What will you do with the ledger?”
“I’ll report to Father about the discrepancies. But Luna will certainly have excuses ready.”
“Excuses?”
“Managing the family treasures is only a few years old for Luna. Before she took over, the reports had been neglected for years after Mother’s death. In that time, items simply disappeared, and if Luna claims it’s not her fault, Father will have little choice but to accept it.”
“Ah…”
Gemma nodded slowly, understanding why it was easier to ignore Luna’s actions.
Aira walked away, leaving the report behind, her voice trailing behind her to Gemma.
“Of course, this doesn’t mean I’ll let it slide. I’ll present undeniable evidence.”
Simple and elegant, Aira’s dress appeared modest, but Gemma found it far more beautiful than Luna’s extravagant outfits layered with rich fabrics. Aira radiated confidence, her presence shining.
“It’s time to clear up misunderstandings.”
Missteps from a past life, left unaddressed.
**
Lying in her room, Luna bit her nails anxiously. Henrik, the Baron, was just a casual acquaintance.
It was bad enough that Aira had mentioned it to Xavier, but to have it revealed to her father as well was unbearable.
When Count Marceline confirmed the engraving on the emerald necklace, Aira felt as if her world was darkening before her eyes.
“…Moreover, how could Aira have taken my authority?”
What made things even worse was that Count Marceline had entrusted Luna’s once-privileged authority to Aira. Aira, who held responsibilities that were more about appearances than actual gain, had control over insignificant but beneficial tasks, whereas Luna managed duties that held personal advantages despite their lack of importance.
Through these privileges, Luna, despite being illegitimate, carved out a place for herself not only within the family but also in high society. Initially dismissed by noble daughters, she eventually became friends with them, earning their support. And now, with the favor of Empress Julienne, Luna’s illegitimate status would almost cease to exist.
If she were to win Xavier’s heart…
“…”
Luna’s clenched fist trembled slightly. To reach her goal, she still needed many more treasures.
Nothing could buy favor like material wealth, yet Aira had seized control of the family vault.
“…I’ll find a way to get it back from Aira.”
The only way to reclaim her own was through force.
At that moment, the knock on the door echoed, and Amy’s voice followed.
“Miss!”
With her usual bright expression, Amy asked, “Are you starting to prepare for the charity party today? What dress would you like to wear?”
“Luna.”
Her discomfort was evident as she looked at Amy, causing the maid to flinch slightly.
Letting out a soft sigh, Luna shook her head.
“You’re really clueless.”
“In times like this, if you’re caught going to a party, Father might fly into a rage. His dwindling favor could be shattered completely.”
“…I’m sorry.”
Amy gently pulled back the pins she had brought to style Luna’s hair.
For a moment, Luna’s gaze shifted, flickering with determination. She then gave a sharp command to Amy.
“But if I don’t show up, the other noble daughters will worry, so it’s best if I make a brief appearance at the end of the event.”
“Then…?”
“But if I don’t show my face at all, my popularity will decline. I need to make an impression by presenting something valuable at the charity party.”
Bending over the side table, Luna opened a deep box and retrieved a ring—a precious piece made from jade and moonstone.
“This should suffice.”
With this, merely appearing at the event would uphold her dignity.
—
As Aira entered the venue, whispers and murmurs followed her.
Despite her plain silver dress with no elaborate decorations, her beauty stood out from afar. Her luscious golden hair, sharp nose, and striking ruby-like red eyes were unmistakably stunning—worthy of Empress Julienne’s admiration.
“…She’s practically no different from an illegitimate child.”
“Poor Luna. She has to call such a woman her sister.”
“Did you hear? Even Emperor Xavier once had feelings for Luna.”
From a distance, Gemma followed behind Aira, her anger boiling over as she whispered harshly.
“Clearly, Luna must have been spreading false rumors. I should confront her immediately…”
“Stay here. I’m going inside to enjoy the evening.”
“But Miss…”
Despite the vivid insults directed at her, Aira displayed no sign of disturbance. Instead, a subtle, confident smile played on her lips.
“Oh, I almost forgot to bring the item for donation at the charity event.”
She took the item from Gemma and walked into the venue. Outside, the sunset cast a warm glow, hinting at an evening full of intrigue and excitement.
“I can’t forget it now.”
