“Ah, but, but isn’t it too presumptuous to say that I arranged a marriage for the maid instead. She’s of imperial descent…”

Arthur laughed and threw a comment.

“If you had thought about it nine years ago, that would have been great.”

At the sudden blunt statement, the Marquis’s complexion became bewildered.

This guy, pretending not to be angry, is he actually upset about losing that woman?

“Ah, man. Sorry, I apologize! I said I’d repay this debt for a lifetime, didn’t I!”

The Marquis was sweating profusely.

“But now, revealing it seems like it could be too significant of a crime. Right now, Julius is at a crucial moment. Don’t you think?”
Arthur clenched his fists silently.

“Is there any way, even a little, to avoid it becoming a big crime, to make it less conspicuous…?”

“…….”

Arthur stared at the Marquis without saying a word.

The Marquis felt uneasy.

“Ah, how can a person live without telling a lie even once!”

Arthur smiled wryly.

“Well, that’s true.”

The Marquis sent a strong message to Arthur.

‘I said it was okay to bring that girl into the government.’

‘Hmm? Think about it carefully…!’

“Then, one solution comes to mind.”

“W-What is it?”

Without blinking an eye, Arthur spoke.

“How about justifying that woman as the Marquis’s illegitimate child? It seems like that kind of talk is circulating among the maids.”

“!!”

Arthur grinned.

“After all, if she’s considered the Marquis’s daughter, it wouldn’t be such a big violation of the contract or deception. Lord Rembrandt might be displeased, but he’ll likely understand relatively easily.”

The Marquis opened his mouth wide.

Claim her as… my illegitimate child?

Then it wouldn’t be a fraudulent marriage…?

“Uh, no, you see… Even if I’m a Marquis, doesn’t a high level of morality apply to a posthumous child? But how can I tell such an immoral lie…”

“Ah, immoral?”

Arthur’s smiling expression turned cold.

“Lord Marquis occasionally forgets who’s illegitimate child I am.”

The Marquis was taken aback and closed his mouth.

The originator of the idea, Brody, wiped away tears with his sleeves and strained his eyes.

Is Reyna safe?

He heard the maids who came to report.

It seemed that no one noticed Reyna’s abduction.

Then, I’m the only one who knows about Reyna’s abduction.

Will Lady Marquis try to get rid of me?

Brody went to Kei, seeking protection and stammered his request for personal safety.

However, Kei drew a clear line.

“Why are you telling me such a story? Aren’t you Lady Marquis’s person?”

Brody was bewildered.

“M-Me? Of course, I receive a salary from the Marquis’s family, but…”

“After Lady was kidnapped, you went to Lady Marquis, not me. Do I have to protect you?”

“…….”

Brody looked at Kei blankly, then, choked with sorrow, said:

“I’m sorry. But I’m like that too. I… I’m also suspicious of Madam. I met Kei and couldn’t even say that Reyna was going out and was kidnapped. I’m afraid of Madam. But am I Lady Marquis’s person?”

Brody sobbed.

Hmm…

Kei thought that Brody would have told everything to Lady Marquis.

If Lady Marquis tries to doubt us based on Brody’s report, he planned to create a division between the Marquis and Lady Marquis by escalating the fight.
But you didn’t report.

Since I’ve already got what I wanted, it’s not a big deal on this end, but…

Brody almost choked on his words.

“I didn’t even say that I knew Reyna was trying to go out. I couldn’t even say that I was trying to bring luggage to Reyna. So, I lied to Madam that we just happened to run into each other…”

“…….”

“I didn’t say anything unfavorable to Kei. Kei doesn’t believe me. Even if I’m found out now, it’s a big deal for me, but Kei, being a Lady Marquis’s person, doesn’t care whether I live or die! Madam might scold me! Ugh!!”

“…….”

Brody sobbed.

“If I die, will Kei take responsibility? Ugh! If I die here, I’ll become a ghost and follow Kei! Ughh!!”

Kei sighed quietly while looking at her.

“Wait a moment.”

“I understand the situation. First of all, Marquis won’t do anything to you. Julius is a posthumous child, and there are many people coming and going here right now. Reporters are outside the mansion, and Lord Rembrandt is inside. With just the kidnapping case, it’s already a burden, and suddenly a suspicious murder case can’t happen.”

Brody looked at Kei with teary eyes, listening to her.

“But they might try to force you or interrogate you by catching your weak points. Do you have a family? Or any weaknesses Marquis can use to threaten you? For example, things that might be risky for you to protect. Do you have any such vulnerabilities?”

Brody bluishly disclosed everything that might become his weaknesses.

After quickly getting Brody’s weaknesses in hand, Kei said.

“I understand. Go to Lord Rembrandt. If you’re by his side, you’ll be protected from Marquis’s influence.”

“!”

Brody’s eyes widened.

Brody quickly nodded, saying that he would do that.

If you need safety but are hesitant to trust, and it seems like you need protection from Marquis’s hands, there’s only one answer.

And then, Christina Julius came to find Arthur.