That afternoon.
I had a private meeting with Dad.
I confessed everything in detail, taking full responsibility, and spent about two hours being scolded.
I thought that would be the end of it, but then Dad said something that shattered my world.
“Berryberry, there’ll be no allowance for you this year.”
“What?! For what reason?!”
“First, you went out at night without telling me. Second, you involved Anne in your lie. Third, you directly put yourself in danger. Fourth….”
Dad began folding his fingers one by one until all ten were folded.
“Any objections?”
“None….”
Just as Jeffrey had said, Dad was incredibly angry, and as a result, he completely cut off my allowance.
My main source of income—ten thousand Kona a month—was gone.
Sure, you might say I already have gold coins, so what’s the big deal? But a seven-year-old spending gold coins would just raise suspicions about their origin.
I needed pocket money for small purchases.
‘I need snacks…. How am I supposed to buy snacks now…?’
The harsh reality brought tears to my eyes.
The life of a seven-year-old was unbearably tough.
***
The morning after the wild dog tribe became Reytan’s subordinates.
In the reception room of Viscount Roslin’s estate.
“My lord Marquess, how kind of you to make such a long journey….”
Viscount Roslin rubbed his hands together as he welcomed Marquess Ash.
The large gemstone rings on his fingers sparkled. Just a month ago, he had been a plain-looking rural noble, but he was growing more flamboyant by the day.
“I had some business nearby and decided to drop by to check on you, Viscount. Anything unusual happening in your territory lately?”
The money given to him by Marquess Ash as compensation for the inconvenience of land development, combined with the recently increased taxes from the local residents, was the source of his newfound wealth.
The residents sighed at the steep taxes but paid them without much complaint.
They were hopeful that the land development would eventually increase their own incomes.
“There are minor issues, but nothing worth troubling you, my lord. Just some beggars outside the territory claiming they don’t pay taxes and demanding military protection.”
Viscount Roslin scoffed, thinking of the small villages outside his domain.
Baron Voltman.
Despite holding the title of Baron, the man had nowhere to go. Out of pity, Viscount Roslin had allowed him to live within his jurisdiction. And yet, now he was being a nuisance, incapable of dealing with something as simple as the wild dog tribe.
“So, it’s about the wild dog tribe.”
“Do you know about them?”
“Of course. Aren’t they the ones who settled on my family’s land without permission? Beastfolk, they call themselves. Talking wild animals, really. Do they expect to be treated like humans?”
Marquess Ash leaned back on the sofa as he spoke.
“Why don’t we take this opportunity to get rid of both? You’ve always seen those villages as a thorn in your side, haven’t you?”
“It would be ideal. Why not extend the land development to that area? I’ll grant you the necessary permissions.”
“Not a bad idea.”
Greed was written all over the faces of the two conspiring nobles.
During their conversation, Marquess Ash’s eyes landed on a newspaper folded neatly in half on the table. There were no signs it had been opened.
“Let’s see what’s in today’s news.”
Acting as if he owned the place, Marquess Ash picked up the newspaper. The smile on his face froze almost instantly.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••
<Exclusive Report> A Violation of Imperial Decree?!
The Black Deal Between Marquess Ash and Viscount Roslin
A recent scandal has shaken the noble society of the Empire. Allegations have surfaced that Marquess Ash and Viscount Roslin violated an imperial decree by illegally developing land inhabited by the wild dog tribe. … (details omitted) …
The heart of the issue lies in Viscount Roslin granting development rights to Marquess Ash. Suspicion has also been raised regarding the authenticity of the land documents owned by the Ash family….
•••••••••••••••••••••••••
Boom!
The sound of a fist slamming down echoed.
Tiny letters filled the page.
The exclusive article occupied the entire front page of the newspaper.
The main points were that the land documents from the Ash family were likely forged, that the local lord had colluded with the Marquess, and that the land was designated by imperial decree as protected territory for the beastfolk.
“What is this nonsense?!”
Marquess Ash’s mustache quivered in anger. He quickly checked the name of the newspaper at the top of the page.
Daily Sunrise.
It was the most influential newspaper in the Hayshal Empire, with the largest number of branches.
The paper received numerous awards every year, produced renowned journalists, and boasted a long history and reputation as the top publication in the industry.
“How dare such a credible newspaper publish this kind of baseless article!”
“Y-yes, my lord. But Marquess, is it true that the land documents are forged? We processed the development rights solely based on your assurances….”
Their alliance, forged by money, was weak. Sensing danger, Viscount Roslin began to distance himself from Marquess Ash.
Marquess Ash jumped up in a fit of rage.
“Forged?! How dare you suggest such a thing! And after all the money you took from me, you have the nerve to say that?!”
“That was for processing the development rights, as you said, my lord….”
“Hah, you rural noble, so ignorant of the ways of the world. Viscount, I’d advise you to think carefully. Don’t forget that you signed as the guarantor for the appraisal of the land documents.”
“M-my lord!”
Panic set in for Marquess Ash.
The word ‘imperial decree’ in the article’s title was what unsettled him most.
Emperor Frederick Carl Ixellona.
Marquess Ash was well aware of what kind of ruler the emperor was.
Ever since ascending the throne, Emperor Frederick had struggled with his inability to produce an heir. To compensate, he had become hypersensitive to public opinion, doing everything in his power to maintain his image.
“This is no time to be idle. Viscount, I’ll be retreating to rest for a while. Don’t contact me or try to find me.”
“Wh-what am I supposed to do?!”
The Emperor took responsibility for anything that could tarnish the reputation of the Ixellona Imperial family. There was no way he would let something like this slide.
Perhaps he already—
“Wait! The Viscount is currently entertaining a guest!”
At the moment Marquess Ash decided to retreat, the voice of the butler trying to stop someone echoed through the room. A man entered the reception area.
“Wh-why are you here—?”
The man had dark navy formal attire, chestnut hair swept back and neatly secured, and sharp, steely eyes. His composed and flawless appearance left no room for error.
He was famous throughout the Hayshal Empire.
Those with a guilty conscience often referred to him by this name:
The Merciless Chief Investigator, Damian Knox.
A commoner who had been chosen by the Earth’s Holy Sword and had risen to the rank of Grand Master. Despite earning an honor equivalent to high nobility, he continued his career as an investigator—a true eccentric.
“It seems Marquess Ash is here as well. That saves me some work.”
Damian pulled a silver badge from his jacket pocket, showing it to both the Marquess and the Viscount. With a weary expression, he addressed the two of them.
“You’ll need to accompany me to the Bureau of Investigation. It’s an imperial decree.”
***
Dad had never been able to defy Grandma Marshall’s words, as she was someone who had once saved his life.
“Let me come with you.”
“No.”
When Dad insisted on joining Grandma Marshall and me for our outing, she flatly rejected him. Reluctantly, Dad decided to stay in Leaf Village.
Thus, Grandma Marshall and I boarded a carriage together. After a 20-minute ride, we arrived in a bustling town.
The streets were paved, and rows of four- and five-story buildings lined the area. The sight of such a vibrant town made my heart race.
“Your dad made such a fuss about making sure you eat well. Let’s have lunch first. What does the little chick want to eat?”
“Anything, as long as it’s not bitter or spicy!”
“That place should do.”
It was a restaurant with private rooms.
Guided by a waiter, Grandma Marshall and I walked through the hallway and entered one of the rooms. After placing our orders, the waiter served water and then left.
Sitting across from Grandma Marshall, I beamed at her.
“Show me the newspaper! Grandma!”
“Straight to the point, huh? Here you go. I found it right by the restaurant’s entrance.”
Grandma Marshall handed me the newspaper she had brought along.
It was the Daily Sunrise, published today by the newspaper company in which Grandma Marshall was a major shareholder.
As I quickly unfolded the paper, the article she had promised me immediately caught my eye.
“Ezra must have been fuming, filling the front page with rural gossip like this. Well, considering I financed the paper in its early days, this is just something I have to deal with.”
“Hehe. But Mr. Editor-in-Chief Ezra seemed excited! Look at the headline he chose—it’s all about the imperial decree!”
“That man cares too much about money.”
“Today’s paper must be selling like crazy! It’s about racial rights, after all. It’s a topic that interests everyone, regardless of race or status~.”
“…Don’t say things like that in front of your dad. If Reytan finds out that his daughter is not just smart but a genius little chick, he won’t be able to sleep. That man already worries about you enough as it is.”
“Okay.”
I nodded obediently.
