Chapter 69
“Brilloxen has set up a lot of measures over the centuries to deal with internal issues like embezzlement and tax evasion. It’s not something you can just figure out easily with a little brainpower. Just like a rookie with a sword can’t defeat a squad leader, the same goes for Brilloxen’s defenses.”
But those defenses had been breached, and Rippleton was pointed out as the culprit for the embezzlement.
That was an undeniable fact.
Putting the truth aside, if this issue blew up, Rippleton would be obligated to compensate Brilloxen.
“The amount is precise, the culprit is clear, the evidence is solid, and even the timing is perfect. Isn’t that impressive? Usually, in cases of embezzlement, things don’t match up. With so many people involved, the amounts tend to vary a bit. But this case is suspiciously consistent. And that timing, too.”
Sierra realized something was off the moment she received the report from Dayton.
“Typically, criminals don’t leave traces. The harder it is to break through, the more they try to avoid getting caught. So, it doesn’t make sense that someone would leave careless traces all over the place. So they’re a genius when it comes to getting past security but a fool when trying to escape?”
Sierra wasn’t naive enough to believe that.
Aden quietly listened as Sierra continued speaking.
There were parts he didn’t fully understand, but one thing was clear: Sierra didn’t suspect Rippleton.
“Someone set Rippleton up.”
“That’s what I think too. So, I’m planning to catch the culprit quickly. At least…”
Sierra trailed off, stopping to look back.
Aden, who had been following her, also halted and met her gaze.
As they exchanged silent looks, Sierra’s smile faded a little.
“At least before the engagement ceremony that Bozbourne mentioned starts.”
* * *
“It’s been a while, Marquise Vladia.”
Belietta smiled sweetly as she looked at Layton, who was sitting in front of her.
Unlike Belietta, who elegantly lifted her tea to enjoy the aroma, Layton didn’t even glance at his teacup.
Belietta savored the scent as if inviting him to drink, then took a sip and slowly examined the pale red tea before speaking.
“It’s young, you know?”
Belietta calmly placed the teacup down with her delicate hands, adjusting her posture.
“Rooibos tea has very few side effects compared to its aroma and flavor. Because of that, it’s often the first tea young nobles try. Even aside from that, a lot of older folks looking to avoid side effects tend to drink it.”
“Lady Belietta.”
“It’s easy to find, and since anyone can drink it, it’s affordable, so many people enjoy it. However, the rooibos leaves don’t actually grow on this continent. They’re imported from the other continent, where the weather is hot and humid year-round. I’ve heard that in the past, a cup of this tea was quite expensive. Isn’t that interesting?”
As Belietta chuckled softly and caressed her teacup, Layton exhaled and leaned forward.
“Lady Belietta, you know I didn’t come here to drink tea, right?”
“Did you? I thought you asked me to make some time for tea.”
Layton straightened up again, staring at Belietta’s innocent smile.
His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at her.
‘I can’t understand. Didn’t she have some interest in me?’
Layton recalled how Belietta had acted toward him before.
She always mingled at every gathering, and their first dance was always his.
She’d laughed at his jokes, and her sparkling eyes were always directed at him.
Layton had thought she surely liked him.
But how had Belietta been acting recently?
Not even showing any interest, let alone affection.
The letters he used to receive from her had stopped long ago, and even when they were at gatherings, she rarely engaged with him.
“So, what do you want to say?”
Belietta’s soft, melodic voice snapped Layton out of his thoughts.
He looked up to see Belietta clinking her teacup, prompting him to speak.
Layton leaned back in his chair, easing his forward posture.
As he met Belietta’s rising smile, he opened his lips.
“I heard the news. You have an engagement ceremony planned.”
“Things have turned out that way. It’s nice to finally be able to speak about what’s been rumored for a while now.”
“It’s quite impressive. Bozbourne and Rippleton, the one they call a monster. It’s a strange mix that fits yet doesn’t fit.”
Layton tilted his teacup.
The tea had cooled down to lukewarm, but he sipped it as if it were still hot.
Belietta tilted her head slightly as she watched him.
“People seem to have vague thoughts about it. Some wonder if there’s a connection between the sudden news of your engagement and the fall of Marquise Mormond. There are even those who say that the strong Bozbourne is trying to reduce competitors to gain stronger control. Nonsense, really… haha.”
“That’s a thought that isn’t worth considering. But why is the Marquise Vladia bringing this up?”
“Why would I have a motive? I just came here because I heard stories that you had a secret conversation with Marquise Mormond before his fall.”
“A secret conversation…”
As Layton spoke in a subtle tone, Belietta narrowed her eyes.
Seeing Layton leisurely tilting his teacup brought a smile to Belietta’s lips.
She chuckled softly and nodded.
“I see now. You’re quite an interesting person. I think I understand why many young ladies can’t forget about Marquise Vladia.”
“Is that so? Then…”
“But you really lack awareness.”
“Excuse me?”
With her gentle smile still on her face, Belietta leaned back comfortably.
Looking at Layton, who blinked in confusion, she gracefully crossed her legs and stroked her chin with her fingertips as she spoke calmly.
“I think I understand why Sierra lost interest in Marquise Vladia.”
“What do you mean all of a sudden…?”
“I’ll give you a piece of advice, so listen up, Marquise Vladia. I don’t repeat myself.”
Facing Layton, who looked taken aback, Belietta wiggled her finger.
Like a butterfly caught in a spider’s web, Layton slowly leaned in, drawn to her finger as she whispered into his ear.
“There’s nothing more disgraceful than trying to reach for a tree you can’t climb. Who do you think took down Marquise Mormond? Rippleton? Or maybe Pallieva? Or the weakened imperial family?”
“…”
“You have to know your limits when testing the waters. Do you really think I, who pulled Mormond down from his position, would be scared of you, Marquise Vladia? I guess you don’t realize Bozbourne doesn’t compromise.”
Her voice was calm and gentle, but the content was chilling.
Layton felt cold sweat trickle down his back and straightened up in a hurry.
Belietta smiled at the distant Layton and pushed her remaining teacup away.
“Don’t take it too harshly. I think if you just toned down your greed a bit, you’d be quite charming. I hope this helps, so please don’t feel upset. Well then, I’ll be on my way.”
Belietta gracefully bowed to the frozen Layton before turning to leave.
As she exited through the door opened by the knights, she glanced back at the unmoving Layton and continued on.
Fiorette, who had been waiting outside, quickly followed Belietta.
Belietta tossed the white gloves she had been wearing to Fiorette and spoke slowly.
“Did you get any intel?”
“It seems Brilloxen and Rippleton are starting to catch on. But they don’t seem to have accurate information yet.”
Belietta nodded, looking pleased at Fiorette’s report.
As they walked through the hallway, Belietta paused for a moment and glanced out the window.
Layton’s carriage was still parked at the main gate.
Watching Belietta stare out the window, Fiorette tilted her head.
“Why is it that everyone else can take a break but Sierra can’t, Fiorette?”
“Excuse me?”
Belietta glanced at the gloves in Fiorette’s hand before turning her “body.
Send someone to keep an eye on Layton. He’s a greedy man, so he’ll probably try something.”
“Got it.”
“And…”
Belietta trailed off, softening her previously stiff expression into a warm smile.
“Get rid of that eyesore you’re holding.”
* * *
Even though there wasn’t a ball or party, Rippleton’s grand banquet hall was crowded with people.
On top of that, piles of documents and contracts were scattered everywhere.
Under Rippleton’s approval, the department in charge of Brilloxen’s accounting and finance had all moved here to review the materials.
“Impressive. To gather so many people here in just two days. Wasn’t Rippleton afraid of stepping into a dangerous place?”
“Nothing scares them more than the thought of losing money.”
He met Aden’s gaze as it slowly rolled toward him, his head cocked in confusion.
“Money.”
“Money?”
“If we can’t resolve the embezzlement issue, all those funds will have to compensate the thirty-two related parties involved in the embezzlement. Once the compensation order is issued, those thirty-two will go bankrupt. Then they’ll be out on the street as unemployed in the blink of an eye. That’s what they’re really afraid of.”
Aden frowned, clearly uncomfortable with what he was hearing.
Rippleton was included in that responsibility for compensation.
That’s why he opened the banquet hall, which he usually kept closed, to try to resolve the problem.
It had been two busy days since the embezzlement was uncovered, and they had been working hard to deal with the situation.
In that time, they’d been trying to identify the culprit, but there was no solid evidence pointing to anyone.
Of course, while there wasn’t any physical proof, there was a strong suspicion.
“Is the engagement preparation going well?”
As he turned to leave the banquet hall, he casually tossed a question at Aden, who was walking alongside him.
Aden seemed displeased with this line of conversation, brushing his hair back irritably.
He didn’t need to say anything; his body language said it all, and Layton couldn’t help but smile wryly at it.
