Rumors began to circulate that the Odoi family’s business rights were about to be sold.

The person who stepped up to buy was Barwin Rockin, known as a business genius.

Given that almost none of his ventures had failed, it was clear that others would normally have been drooling and hovering around.

But this time was different.

“Everyone is questioning whether the Viscount is finally going to fall.”

“I’d think the same if I were them. It’s about acquiring the business rights of none other than the Odoi family.”

It had been a business that hadn’t been going well for years already.

Due to the stigma of being a money-eating hippo, few thought Grit’s business ventures would succeed.

The only people around him were either local nobles who knew nothing about the capital’s situation, or families that had been on good terms with the Odoi family since the previous generation.

Even for someone like Barwin, people simply couldn’t believe he was trying to acquire such a business.

If the rumors were true, people speculated that only the path of ruin lay ahead for the Rockin viscounty.

In fact, even for Barwin, it was a business he wouldn’t have given a second glance if Clea hadn’t recommended it.

‘It’s full of businesses where we don’t know how much more money will be poured in.’

From mine development to port construction, there were various kinds of businesses.

At first, they seemed promising as they were promoted by the Grand Duke’s family, but the fact that the capital invested was no small amount couldn’t be ignored.

Wasn’t even the once-prestigious Odoi family actually facing financial difficulties?

“Viscount, do you really intend to buy the business rights?”

Even his vassals were looking at him with concern.

Barwin, who trusted their loyalty as he had completely weeded out any spies remaining in the family, knew they were sincerely worried.

They preferred to focus on other things rather than risky businesses.

“I’ve already made my decision. If you have any complaints, you’re free to leave.”

Barwin had no intention of changing his mind. It was because Clea had vouched for the business.

But from the vassals’ perspective, this was a gamble on the family’s future.

Honestly, how much could they trust the guarantee of a mere lady?

Even if it was to gain favor with the future Crown Princess and Empress, this was a choice that went too far.

Barwin knew their concerns well, but he didn’t back down at all.

‘Among the things she has chosen, there has never been a wrong one.’

Of course, staying in that house for a long time wasn’t a very good choice.

Still, her position had been skyrocketing since she left.

From an abandoned princess to the Empire’s Crown Princess.

Barwin, who had fully protected his family thanks to her, chose.

Let’s bet everything on her, things he would have lost anyway if it weren’t for Clea.

Although absurd things could happen, he had no hesitation in his choice.

As Barwin, who used to be extremely cautious even with certain information, showed confidence without any guarantee, his vassals had no choice but to choose.

“Still, we will follow you, Viscount.”

They decided to trust Barwin and move forward. They thought there must be a good reason, even if it couldn’t be spoken.

“Then, speed up the remaining acquisition work. The Duke might change his mind and withdraw the sale of business rights even now.”

Barwin, filled with thoughts of quickly acquiring the business rights and presenting them to her, wanted to hurry.

“Viscount, a letter has arrived from the Hersher ducal family.”

“From the Hersher family?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

He stared intently at the letter said to be from the Hersher family.

There was only one person who could use the Hersher family name to send a letter directly to him.

As soon as he opened the letter, there was indeed a familiar name written inside.

After reading the contents, he sighed and dropped the letter to the floor.

“What does it say?”

His vassals asked, seeing his reaction.

“It tells me to come to the Duke’s mansion.”

“The Hersher family has been calling for you frequently lately.”

“It’s just pointless talk, so don’t expect too much.”

Some might be happy, seeing it as an opportunity to make connections with the Hersher family, but Barwin didn’t want to get involved.

He still hadn’t forgotten how they nearly ruined his family.

Not only did he almost lose all the wealth he had accumulated, but all the people who had been loyal to the family were also about to end up on the streets.

He still shuddered when he recalled that day.

Barwin wanted to return the favor someday for what he had experienced.

That’s why he needed to deceive them now.

‘If the dog you thought was loyal turned out to be Cerberus.’

Barwin smiled as he looked forward to meeting Aria.

He was already excited to see what expression the Duke of Hersher would make when he saw his family being ruined by what he cherished most.

“Investigate Aria Hersher’s activities, private or not, without missing a single thing.”

* * *

“My lady, Viscount Rockin has arrived.”

“Bring him in quickly. Hurry!”

Since returning to the Duke’s mansion, Aria had become irritable.

Two days had already passed since that incident.

To avoid receiving Lloyd’s help, she had no choice but to write a promissory note that day.

But it was impossible for Aria to raise that much money.

She thought about asking her father, the Duke of Hersher, once, but if she did, he would surely make Aria choose.

To give up on Admund and marry Lloyd Percy, that is.

But Aria didn’t want to marry Lloyd even if she died.

‘Even the money mother gave me is not enough.’

The money the Duchess gave was not a small amount either.

She had given Aria all of her dowry that she had brought when she married.

That money alone was enough for an ordinary family to survive for half a year without any income.

Aria thought about going to the Duchess again and asking for more money, but this time she would surely ask where it would be used, so she chose another method.

“I greet you, Princess.”

“You must be tired from coming all the way here, please sit down. It’s been a while since we met like this, hasn’t it?”

Aria called him directly into her room, not even the reception room.

Aria, who rarely let anyone into her private space, was different now.

She was smiling as much as possible and showing kindness while paying attention to Barwin’s mood.

Seeing this, Barwin inwardly laughed.

‘I left her alone for a while, and she’s been up to something great.’

Barwin felt like applauding Aria’s brazen behavior.

He had thought she would go directly to the Odoi family and look for the item she said she needed.

But who would have known she would go so far as to brandish a knife at Clea right there?

According to what he found out, her maid supposedly did it, but Barwin didn’t believe that.

‘It’s not something a mere maid would dare to do. Especially inside the Odoi mansion.’

His gaze was burning hot.

If someone saw Barwin’s gaze, they might have called it rude, but Aria, preoccupied with other thoughts, had no time to properly observe his gaze.

Barwin soon veiled his eyes.

He didn’t want to give Aria time to suspect him here.

There had been efforts built up until now.

Barwin hoped to keep building trust with her and then collapse it all at once like dominos at the end.

She personally poured tea into the cup for Barwin who sat down.

Barwin looked at the teacup she poured and asked.

“I don’t think you called me here simply to have a cup of tea. What is the reason you sought me, Princess?”

Arrogance was evident in Barwin’s voice.

It was a question that clearly revealed who had the initiative in this meeting.

Meanwhile, Aria remained quiet without saying anything.

A few minutes of silence passed like that.

Aria was at a loss for words and couldn’t readily say anything.

Although she had requested the meeting first, when she actually faced him, she was reluctant to speak of her crime and ended up tongue-tied.

In the end, it was Barwin who spoke first.

“Are you perhaps in some difficulty?”

Aria bit her lip and nodded instead of answering.

Barwin enjoyed the sight of Aria like this.

“May I ask what kind of situation you’re in?”

Honestly, Aria didn’t want to tell others.

Even if the other person didn’t know what she had done, it could raise enough suspicion.

Reading Aria’s psychology, Barwin approached her.

As the distance closed, Aria wanted to move away a little.

Because of Lloyd, she had come to dislike others approaching her more than necessary.

Barwin calmly said to her.

“I want to be of help to you, Princess.”

At Barwin’s polite appearance, she bit her lip.

Soon her lips parted painfully, but no words came out.

Seeing Aria like this, Barwin’s smile deepened.

Seeing her reluctance to speak, Barwin whispered.

“I am your person, Princess. To help you, I need to know everything. So please trust me and tell me.”

The two weren’t such close friends. They had only met a few times at most.

But Aria had seen scenes like this many times.

While attending the academy, countless people, not just those she had met a few times but even those she met for the first time, came to her saying they would help her.

It wasn’t strange to think that Barwin was also one of them.

“I need money. A lot of it.”

Soon, the words that painfully came out of her mouth were that she needed money.