Deborah felt bewildered.
‘Why is he so surprised? Is he displeased that a subordinate is setting conditions?’
Given Zen’s character, it was plausible.
However, contrary to Deborah’s expectation, Zen was fine with her setting conditions for him. In fact, he found it intriguing to watch her boldly doing so.
The reason Zen’s heart skipped a beat was her mention of leaving, of leaving his side.
“Mr. Baker?”
Deborah called his name cautiously amid the prolonged silence.
At her voice, Zen’s wide eyes contorted.
He knew. She was casually talking about leaving him without thinking much of it. She couldn’t have anticipated that her words would hurt him.
‘Was it like this back then too?’
Back when she disappeared without a word. The memories of being miserable, despicable, a wretched outcast, tightened around his throat.
‘Damn it.’
The scent of cigars had long vanished, replaced by a relentlessly cold breeze. Despite it, Zen’s pale face was covered in cold sweat. Puzzled by this, Deborah called his name again.
“Mr. Baker?”
Her voice was more like a gentle hand reaching out to someone lost, rather than a prod.
“Fine. I’ll agree to all your conditions.”
Zen, still pale, replied sharply, like a wild animal baring its teeth.
It was indeed what Deborah had hoped for. Yet, she had to hide her surprise.
She had expected Zen to list various excuses, like new interview expenses or his precious time, and subtly threaten her.
‘So docile?’
Deborah asked with a slight smile.
“You can read the documents and reply later if you wish.”
“Ha. No need. What could be so significant in your conditions? They’re probably just within what you can imagine.”
Zen said so and then suddenly looked cautious, as if realizing his words might have been too harsh. Normally, he wouldn’t blink an eye at saying something even more severe, but the situation was different now.
“Thank you for accepting my request.”
Deborah replied with a sunny smile.
“I’m sorry for taking up your precious time. Please call me when you need me.”
Deborah bowed and turned around. The floor was still strewn with papers, but it was easier to navigate her way out than when she came in.
“…….”
Zen watched her retreating figure intently until she disappeared. Then he closed his eyes in frustration.
“……Damn it.”
A hot sigh mixed with exasperation warmed the chilly office.
In the Grosian population, pure nobles, excluding the bourgeoisie, accounted for about 5%, and among the nobility, only less than 1% managed their assets stably.
The Verin Ducal House was a noble among nobles, boasting of traditional lineage.
They had a lineage older than the current dynasty, were the only ducal family in the empire, and the only family without foreign blood. They were the very identity of Grosia.
Most people thought the Verin Ducal House had no weaknesses. They appeared quite wealthy, with their grand mansion in the capital, regularly hosting lavish parties, lands owned throughout Grosia… But if asked whether the Verin Ducal House belonged to the stable 1% of the nobility, the answer would be no.
“…….”
Duke Verin frowned as he read the report tracking the recent forced liquidation by Zen Baker in Zellaman. He had read it over and over, but nothing special stood out.
Born in Astria. The inheritance from his land-rich grandfather wasn’t immense, but his investment in the wine business years ago had miraculously amassed a considerable fortune.
‘A recent investor in Grosia, with one parent being Grosian.’
Like many bourgeoisie, this guy with a predictable background interfered with the Verin Ducal House’s business.
Of course, this bourgeoisie couldn’t possibly imagine that he was obstructing Duke Verin’s path. The Duke had involved himself in the Zellaman business through a third party, after all.
“Zen Baker…….”
He had never seen Zen Baker’s face. Why would the only duke of this nation meet someone like Zen Baker, who could barely show his face at mediocre parties for the bourgeoisie?
Unless he acquired a title, but a foreign-born bourgeoisie acquiring a title in Grosia?
Perhaps in Geman, but in proud Grosia, it was nearly impossible. What mad person would give their only daughter to a commoner with nothing but money?
“Huh…….”
Duke Verin let out a short sigh and tossed the report aside as if it were trash. Although this insignificant fellow had interfered this time, there wouldn’t be such incidents in the future.
‘As if that could happen.’
The Duke reached for his cigar case, intending to rid himself of the sticky discomfort with a cigar.
But then, someone knocked on the door. His hand froze.
“Father, are you, are you busy?”
The Duke’s frown, spurred by the thought of his time being interrupted, quickly softened.
“No, my child. What is it?”
As soon as Deborah returned to her room, a maid came to offer her breakfast.
“I’m sorry, I’ll pass on breakfast.”
“Oh dear, you’re skipping a meal? Are you feeling unwell…?”
My Step-brother Is Obsessed With Me (Female-dominant)
A gentle female protagonist vs pitiful in the early stage, and a sick male protagonist in the later stage
Cheng Songer transmigrated into the body of a vicious cannon fodder female supporting character with the same name as her in a female-dominant novel.
In the original story, the cannon fodder female supporting character was inhumane, committing domestic violence, gambling excessively, being lustful, and even wanting to sell her stepbrother to a brothel for money.
As luck would have it, she just happened to transmigrate at this time.
Seeing Cheng Qingzhi biting his lip, enduring the tears in his eyes, looking pitiful, her heart softened.
She stuffed the money back into the Madam’s hand and reached out to him.
“Brother, come home with me.”
