If it’s a mine owned by Countess Clemang… it was a mine that many interested parties coveted.
“I dare say, I don’t have as much money as to compare with Duke Valtazar. I’m considering pledging half of the mining amount for a year along with the mine as collateral. What do you think?”

Claude’s eyes, which had instantly turned into the calculating gaze of a negotiator, calculated the rational profit and loss.

Offering the mine as collateral in exchange for supporting the construction of a school was quite an enticing proposal. Moreover, promising half the mining amount for a year meant gaining an amount equivalent to one-fifth of the empire’s circulated iron ore.

The woman, who sensed Claude’s extremely frosty state, approached him with a leisurely smile.

As he organized his thoughts with an indifferent expression, the woman, who had come close enough to press against his chest, suddenly breathed hot air on his chest while playing with his wrist near his chest.

“Of course, I am willing to consider other investments as well. This seems to depend on the Duke’s willingness…”

Without realizing it, as the woman provocatively clung to him, about to touch his chest, a knock interrupted.

“Duke, it’s Antonio.”

Upon hearing the knock and a very young man’s voice, the Duke suddenly grabbed the woman’s wrist, who had been groping his chest, and forcibly pulled her away.

Countess Clemang, experiencing such harsh treatment for the first time in her life, looked up at Claude with bewildered eyes.

However, Claude only looked down at her with an extremely cold face.

What is this man doing? Is he even a man?

As the frozen woman stood still, Claude, who warned her with a cold gaze, opened his mouth towards the door.

“Wait for a moment.”

Having said that, Claude casually approached the study chair, sat down, and leisurely picked up his pipe.

“Countess Clemang, let’s consider the proposal of investing in a school with the mine you suggested as collateral.”

Claude’s tone was extremely businesslike and cold, leaving Countess Clemang speechless, frozen, and unable to say anything.

Looking at the dumbfounded woman, Claude did not forget to drive the point home.

“If there’s nothing more to discuss, please leave.”

Eventually, Countess Clemang, whose face turned pale, clenched her lips and turned her body, opening the office door and leaving.

As she rudely opened the study door and left, the sight of a male servant in a humble outfit with a chubby expression caught her eye.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be the servant who was Roselia’s brother.

What, is she kicking me out because of this servant?

Feeling displeased, she glared at the awkward Roselia and left the room with a hasty pace.

While Roselia, who was standing still, threw an unexpectedly lively gaze, the low voice of Claude, who was trying to shake her, echoed.

“Come in.”
It seemed like something had angered Klaus, who was unbuttoning a few buttons on his shirt. For a moment, she looked at him with confusion, and Klaus, staring intently into her eyes, spoke.

“Why is Count Bernas meeting with the D’Nardo family?”

Instantly, Rozelia’s brow furrowed.

“Did you tail someone?”

“Answer my question first.”

Right now, it was unclear who should be angry; the situation was like a standoff with no clear winner. Klaus, appearing as if questioning while confidently trailing someone, left no room for Rozelia’s words to come out gracefully.

“I don’t think there’s an obligation to answer honestly to someone who tails people.”

Realizing too late that he had rushed into the conversation too eagerly, Klaus sighed deeply in response to Rozelia’s sharp retort.

It seemed that he had become brusque due to the irritating Clémentine, the woman he had encountered a while ago.

“Well… I just followed someone because I was worried.”

“…”

The word “worry” he had been mentioning since last time had something unsettling for Rozelia.

The slightly improved mood, not only for Rozelia but also for her, the maid, who had no connection to the worry, soured again due to his inquisitive words.

“Where is Rozelia, exactly?”

“Is Rozelia someone you can’t find even if you tail her?”

“Don’t mock me, Antonio.”

Exhaling at her cold expression, Klaus, his cool demeanor slightly softened, spoke soothingly.

“Rozelia is surprisingly untraceable. Where on earth is she?”

“…”

“Antonio, unless you want to see a person go crazy, please, if possible.”

In Klaus’s expression as he spoke, fatigue and even anxiety were evident.

“We won’t forcibly keep her in the mansion. I just wish I could meet her for a while. Just for a moment… is that impossible?”

Always composed and indifferent, Klaus’s unfamiliar appearance brought a hint of hesitation to Rozelia’s expression.

“Why are you so desperate to find Rozelia?”

To the tense voice of Rozelia, Klaus lowered his head with a sigh.

“I might regret it if I don’t see her right away.”

Looking at him, leaning his forehead on both hands, Rozelia’s eyes widened in disbelief.